Top 13 Things To Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an adventurers dream! The adventure options are truly unlimited. Even though we were there for two weeks and we did a lot, but we still couldn’t do everything we wanted to do. {We also got sick for a few days and had to cancel a lot of excursions, but that’s a story for another post.} If you’re the adventurous sort, you may run into the same problem as us. So much on your adventure wish list, so little time. We highly recommend doing some advance research to figure out the specific options available in your area. Make a list of your MUST DOs and your nice-to-haves. As soon as you get there, meet with an excursion company and book your activities! A lot of activities can be combined into a day tour which will save you time and money. Also, a lot can be done on your own. For example, we preferred to go on our own for most hikes. We wanted to explore at our own pace instead of being limited to the pace of a group or guide. If you’re not sure if an activity is safe to do on your own, ask the excursion company or your hotel. We found everyone we asked to be very honest even it meant they might lose some business!

1. Zipline or canopy

We’ve gone ziplining in many places, but Costa Rica was our favorite- hands down! The views are absolutely incredible! You will truly feel like Tarzan zipping through the lush, green jungle. You might be wondering, what’s the difference between ziplining and canopying? {We did wonder as we had never seen so many canopying tour options!} Zip lining is more for the thrill seeker and canopying is more for someone who wants a relaxing ride. We recommend going for the ziplining! Bassam has an intense fear of heights and he didn’t find it scary at all.

2. Learn to surf 

Costa Rica is a prime location for surfing enthusiasts and newbies alike. There’s a beach {playa} and wave for every skill level. We actually stayed at a surf school our first week in Costa Rica. We absolutely LOVED surfing every day and improving our technique. We stood up on our first day! It was hard work, but SO much fun!

3. White water rafting {even though the water is NOT white!}

This was our FAVORITE Costa Rica activity! It was our first time and we went for a level 3 class. We recommend level 3 if you’d like some thrills, level 2 if you’d like it be calm, and level 4 only if you’ve had experience. It’s such an amazing experience rafting through the water at high speeds! There will also be some calm parts in which you can see a lot of jungle animals!

4. Sunset cruise

We loved the sunset cruise we went on! It was basically a booze cruise {open bar!}, with some activities thrown in the mix. We cruised to a private beach and went snorkeling and paddle boarding. On the way back, we got to view the incredible Costa Rican sunsets. Overall, a very fun and relaxing day.

5. Horseback riding

This is a common activity you can find both on the beaches and in the mountains. It’s a fun way to see the scenery and take a break from walking in the heat! Most tour companies can add this as an add-on to many of their excursions.

6. Hiking

There are SO many hiking options in Costa Rica! Through the jungle, up a volcano, to a waterfall… and the list goes on! It’s truly a dream for a nature and hiking lover. What specific hike you can do will depend on the area you’re in. Tour companies offer hiking guides, however, this was something we preferred doing on our own.

7. Rappelling 

Another one you can usually do as part of an excursion package. You’ll go down the mountain into the heart of jungle, and often to a waterfall! So much fun and definitely for a thrill seeker!

8. Day trip to Nicaragua 

Visiting Nicaragua was one thing we had to miss due to being sick and we were SO bummed! It’s a full day tour that leaves early morning and brings you back at night. Most tour companies take you through the volcanoes, a local market place and Granada. You can do this on your own as well, but keep in mind you’ll encounter some hassle with crossing the border and obtaining a Visa. Also, be very aware of your surroundings, as Nicaragua is known to have a lot of petty theft.

9. Go boating

The ocean in Costa Rica is beautiful and perfect for boating! You can go fishing, beach hopping, just relax, or use it swim out to find a spot to snorkel. There are many options for boating. You can rent a boat and go out on your own or go as part of a tour.

10. Beach yoga

There are lots of yoga studios offering private or public yoga classes on the beach. We highly recommend scheduling your session during sunrise or sunset to get your omm on to a beautiful background. We got rained out of ours, but the 15 minutes we got were so relaxing and beautiful!

11. Tubing

Yet another that you can add on to an excursion package! {We told you that you can get a lot done in a day!} This is like white water rafting, but a bit more relaxing. Each person gets their own tube and goes sliding through the river! So fun!

12. Walk the hanging bridges

You can do this with a guide or own your own. It’s usually part of a hike, although the hike is not crazy intense. Along the hike you’ll find a suspended bridge to walk across. It’s really not super scary, but pretty cool! The big appeal for us were the amazing views all around. We just couldn’t get enough of the lush greenery everywhere! {Hey, we come from California, there’s a drought!}

13. Visit the hot springs

There are many hot springs in Costa Rica, so it just depends where exactly you go. Each one is different. Some are completely natural and others are man-enhanced {not totally man-made, haha}, some places offer swimup bars and more of a touristy vibe, while others are completely surrounded by nature. Any one you choose, it’s sure to be a very relaxing experience!

Are you dreaming of a trip to Costa Rica yet? We are just writing this article!

Have you been to Costa Rica? What were your favorite adventures there?