We talk a lot about kayaking in Costa Rica, because we love it and it’s what brought us there the very first time. But, even if you don’t kayak, you will find more activities than you can handle in this beautiful country. Below are some of our favorites that we’re sure you’ll enjoy as well.
Best Activities for Thrill-seekers
If you’re looking for something more than the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica to take your breath away and get your heart pumping, there are plenty of activities to do that. Imagine soaring through the jungle canopy at 40mph, surfing on the world’s best waves, and more adrenaline pumping activities. Some of our favorites follow:
Jungle Canopy Ziplines and Tarzan Swings
Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful tropical birds in the world. Take a ride on zipline to soar through the jungle canopy just like a macaw or toucan. Ziplines allow you speed through the treetops at up to 40mph, getting a view of the jungle unlike any other. The breakneck speed will give you the adrenaline rush you’re looking for.
If you want to combine speed with a freefall, be sure to book a ride on a tarzan swing. You’ll speed through the canopy like a zipline, but the ride starts with a freefall before your swing catches and gives you an incredible view of the rainforest. Swing heights vary at location, and we can help you choose the perfect one for you. This is not for the faint-of-heart, but is perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Surfing Lessons
We’ve highlighted Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches and world-class surfing before. You can experience it first-hand. Feel the thrill of paddling out from picturesque beaches to ride crashing waves unrivaled anywhere in the world. We’ll set you up with an experienced surfing instructor to give you any lessons you might need and ensure you have a safe time on the water.
Plus, when you need a break, or if you have non-surfers with you, the soft sand and warm blue waters are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Best Activities for Kids
Got some little ones traveling with you? Don’t worry about them getting bored or not having plenty of to do. Activities abound from finding shells and chasing hermit crabs on the beach, to wildlife spotting, horseback riding, and wildlife experiences, Costa Rica has plenty for kids.
Family Focused Hotels
There are dozens and dozens of family friendly hotels with activities for travelers of all ages and we’re happy to recommend our favorites. We find that kids love it when a hotel as a good pool and opportunity to see lots of animals, but whatever criteria you have, we’ll find you a hotel everyone will love and will meet your budget.
Manuel Antonio National Park
We’ve said plenty about Manuel Antonio National Park before, and we’ll keep praising it for its incredible opportunities to spot Costa Rica’s native wildlife and end the tour at a stunning beach. We recommend you hire a private guide to help you spot monkeys, sloths, frogs, toucans, and more. After a walk through the park that is very doable for kids and strollers, you’ll end up on a shaded, sandy beach with warm blue water to rest and play in. This is a must-see for first time visitors to Costa Rica.
Best Activities for Seniors
One of the best things about Costa Rica is the variety of activities for travelers of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re young, have young kids, or are young at heart, you’ll find plenty to do and see that meets your ability level.
Arenal Hanging Bridges
We have found one of the top activities for seniors and active retirees visiting Costa Rica is the hanging bridges in Arenal. This is an easy walk through the rainforest at ground level and among the canopy. You’ll experience Costa Rica’s plant and animal life on the ground, seeing caterpillars, butterflies, spiders, orchids, and more. Then, as the trail takes you onto the hanging bridges in the canopy, you’ll have a birds eye view of the jungle, with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, lizards, and much more in its natural habitat. If you worry about the walk being too strenuous, there are several turnbacks along the way that shorten the trip for those that need it.
Catamaran Rides and Ocean Life Spotting
Head out onto the ocean on a catamaran or ocean wildlife spotting trip. You’ll have the opportunity to cruise around the Caribbean or Pacific (depending on the side of the country your on), with stops to swim and play from your boat. You can relax on deck chairs and take in the sun. On a wildlife spotting trip, you’re going to be taken to areas where you can see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and much more.
Best Activities for Relaxing
After a day on the river sometimes you need to just unwind. Or, maybe while your out paddling the best rapids, your travel partners want to have a spa day. We’ll make it happen for you. Some of the most popular relaxation activities of our guests are below.
Spas and Massages
One of the favorite activities for spouses of kayakers is a spa day or massage. While you’re experience the best rapids in the world, your wife can be getting pampered in a full spa day or get a massage at any of the world-class resorts and spas in the country. We can recommend our favorites depending on your itinerary and locations.
Beaches and Beach Resorts
Costa Rica is home to 800 miles of coastline and 300 beaches. Any of these are perfect for spreading out on the sand, taking a dip in the warm water, and just letting your cares slip away in a beautiful tropical setting. Costa Rica is also home to several beach resorts where you can have drinks and meals brought to you while you rest and relax.
Best Activities for Animal Lovers
Sloth Sanctuary
If your going to be on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, the Sloth Sanctuary is a must visit for children and wildlife lovers of all ages. Here you will get up close with rescue sloths, get more info on how the sanctuary helps rehabilitate sloths, and have a canoe tour of sloth habitat. This is a perfect opportunity to see the amazing creatures and learn more about them. Visitors always leave with a greater respect for sloths and othe Costa Rican wildlife.
Other great options for getting close with wildlife are the Jaguar Rescue Center and the Toucan Rescue Ranch.
Book Your Vacation Today
Don’t wait. Now is the perfect time to book your Costa Rica vacation. We are happy to provide a FREE, no obligation itinerary plan to ensure that everyone on your trip, kayakers or not, will have the vacation of a lifetime. Contact one of our trip planning experts today for a FREE itinerary building consultation or calling (801) 389-7324.
