Costa Rica Tours and Activities

Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in Central America for travelers looking for nature, adventure, tropical rainforest, wildlife and outdoor activities. If you are planning a Costa Rica trip and want to explore beyond its beaches, Howlanders offers tours in Costa Rica focused on some of the country’s most remarkable natural areas.

Our selection of Costa Rica activities includes experiences in Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano and Paquera Bay. You can hike through the rainforest, join snorkeling tours in Costa Rica, discover the marine life around Caño Island, visit waterfalls, explore volcanic landscapes or experience bioluminescence in Costa Rica.

If you are wondering what to do in Costa Rica, this page brings together activities for different types of travelers, including wildlife tours, Costa Rica nature tours and outdoor adventures. This makes it easier to choose the tour that best suits your itinerary, the time you have available and the kind of experience you are looking for.

🌿 Nature and wildlife: Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. In places such as Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay and La Fortuna, you may see wild animals during the tours, depending on the season, weather and their natural behavior.

📍 Main areas: Our Costa Rica tours are mainly located in Drake Bay, La Fortuna and Paquera Bay. Drake Bay, Costa Rica, is one of the best bases for joining Corcovado National Park tours and visiting Caño Island. La Fortuna is ideal for exploring Arenal Volcano, waterfalls and rainforest landscapes, while Paquera Bay is known for its nighttime bioluminescence tours.

🥾 Physical level: Not all tours require the same level of fitness. A Corcovado National Park tour may involve hiking on humid, uneven rainforest trails, while activities around Caño Island depend more heavily on sea conditions. Before booking, always check the tour duration, recommended fitness level and specific requirements.

🤿 Sea and water activities: Caño Island is one of the best-known places for snorkeling in Costa Rica and Costa Rica scuba diving. Visibility, waves and general sea conditions may vary throughout the year, so it is important to read the tour information carefully and understand that the itinerary may be adjusted for safety.

🌦️ Season and weather: Costa Rica has a tropical climate with a dry season and a rainy season. However, rain is possible at any time of year, particularly in rainforest areas. For tours in Corcovado, La Fortuna or Caño Island, bring lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket and a waterproof bag for your personal belongings.

💸 Currency: The official currency is the Costa Rican colón, although US dollars are also accepted in many tourist areas. We recommend carrying some cash for small expenses, tips, meals that are not included or payments in places where cards may not be accepted.

If you want to explore the tropical rainforest and the country’s biodiversity, Drake Bay is one of the best places to start. From here, you can join Corcovado National Park tours and choose between a one-day experience or a more complete multi-day adventure. Corcovado is considered one of Costa Rica’s most remarkable natural areas and is especially recommended for wildlife and nature lovers.

If marine activities are your priority, Caño Island is one of the best options. The area is ideal for snorkeling tours in Costa Rica and scuba diving trips that allow you to discover the marine life of the South Pacific. It is a good choice for travelers who want to combine nature, ocean activities and adventure during their trip.

If you are visiting La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you can discover one of the country’s best-known landscapes: Arenal Volcano. The area is also famous for waterfalls, rainforest trails and adventure activities. Among the best things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, are tours that combine Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and tropical nature in a single experience.

For a different nighttime activity, bioluminescent kayaking in Costa Rica is a particularly memorable option. Night kayak tours in Paquera Bay allow you to watch the water light up as it moves, although the intensity of the bioluminescence always depends on the natural conditions at the time of the tour.

To choose the right tour, first consider the area you will be visiting, how much time you have and the type of experience you want to prioritize: rainforest, ocean, volcanoes or a nighttime activity. You can then choose between Corcovado, Caño Island, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano or bioluminescent kayaking based on your Costa Rica itinerary.