Top San Jose On the Water

Navigate 38 Class III-IV rapids on this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for teenagers and adults alike. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are included.

Discover the magic of this wonderful beach, Playa Tortuga, is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Playa Tortuga (called Tolinga by the indigenous people) has an area of ​​120 hectares and is maintained as a protected forest; which has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is given to beaches in our country that have their waters free of contamination. Due to its geographical characteristics, its waters are turquoise and are optimal for swimming.

Explore the Sarapiquí River on a guided white-water adventure from San Jose. After a convenient hotel pickup, embark on your journey to La Virgen de Sarapiquí. Plow through class-II rapids that are ideal for both a beginner and an experienced paddler. Enjoy incredible jungle scenery and wildlife on your 10-mile (16-kilometer) trip downriver. 

The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide. All rafting equipment and round-trip transportation from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is included on this tour.

Explore three of Costa Rica's most incredible national parks in just three days with this tour. You'll spend time hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, traversing the canals and rivers at Tortuguero National Park, and hanging out at the beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park. For added convenience and comfort, all accommodation, transportation, and meals are included.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rain forest from the floor to the canopy on a guided tour tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram, all narrated by a guide with extensive knowledge about the local ecosystem. Optional upgrade includes pickup and drop-off from your lodging in San Jose.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.

Be immersed in the Costa Rican rainforest on this easy tour to the Braulio Carrillo National Park from San Jose. Active travelers can embark on an optional nature walk before joining the open-sided aerial tram for a more leisurely trip through the forest. Spot a variety of orchids and learn to identify birdsong from your naturalist guide. This tour is ideal for families and groups with mixed mobility levels.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's beaches, rivers, and rain forests into one action-packed day. Catch some sun at popular Jaco Beach, one of the closest to the capital, and go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head into the lush jungle for a thrilling zipline canopy tour plus your choice of a horseback ride to tropical waterfalls or an ATV safari.

Escape the city and spend the day surrounded by nature on this private tour from San José. Discover towering waterfalls hidden by lush jungle, walk over hanging bridges for a unique perspective on the local flora and fauna, and relax in a thermal spa with more than 25 pools. This excursion has everything you need to feel rejuvenated, while offering the best views of the Arenal Volcano.

Beginner kayakers are at ease on this Sarapiqui River kayaking tour. Roll over mild class I and II rapids on your way to wildlife watching zones along the river, which runs through a biodiverse section of the jungle. You might see tropical birds, wild orchids, and more as you follow your guide along the course.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

If you’re short on time in Costa Rica but want to see the country’s famous biodiversity beyond the concrete capital, this day trip to the Tortuguero National Park is ideal. Travel through the canals and lagoons on a boat and look out for toucans, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas, and much more. The highlight, though, is seeing the sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches, which give the park its name.

Prepare to get wet and wild as you tackle the class III and IV rapids of the Sarapiqui River on this half- or full-day white-water rafting adventure from La Virgen. Marvel over the dramatic scenery and lush rainforest of the Sarapiqui canyon as you hurtle downstream, then re-fuel with lunch (full-day tour only) or refreshments by the waterfront. Best of all: the rapids are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners, and anyone over 14 can give it a go!

Shoot the rapids on the Pacuare River on this day tour from Turrialba. With a guide providing instruction and ensuring your safety, paddle down 18 miles (29 kilometers) of Class III and Class IV rapids through Costa Rica's lush landscape. Stop for guided hikes up waterfalls located in hidden canyons and at a base camp halfway for lunch. Learn about the surrounding ecosystem, flora, and fauna through your guides' commentary.

Leave behind the urban bustle of San Jose for the clear, aquamarine waters and unspoiled beauty of Tortuga Island on this full-day sailing adventure. Cruise on a yacht or catamaran through the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga and the surrounding archipelago, where protected forests, white-sand beaches, and pollution-free waters house an amazing array of plant and animal species. Enjoy a fresh lunch on board, sip tropical cocktails, and sway to live music as you sail through this picturesque island paradise.

Enjoy two outdoor activities in one day on this 8-hour private combo tour from San Jose. With a naturalist guide, visit the Sarapiqui region of Costa Rica for both adventures — whitewater rafting and horseback riding. Lunch and private transportation are included.

The Sarapiqui River is a popular spot for white water rafting in Costa Rica with Class III and IV rapids. This tour is ideal for adventurers traveling between San Jose and La Fortuna—enjoy door-to-door one-way transfers and take part in an action-packed tour along the way. Admire views of the rainforest as you paddle along the river, tackle thrilling rapids, then enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to your La Fortuna hotel

If you’re traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna/Arenal, get there the fun and adventurous way on a whitewater rafting tour and transfer. After pickup in San Jose, gear up for a thrilling ride down the class II and III rapids of the Sarapiqui River. Recharge over an included Costa Rican lunch before getting dropped off at your La Fortuna lodging to start the next chapter of your trip.

Go river rafting on the Pacuare River on a full-day tour from Turrialba that showcases some of the gorgeous scenery in Costa Rica. Expect to spend about four hours on the river as you raft about 18 miles (29 km) on large and small rapids, with lunch provided during a break along the way. This whitewater river rafting experience is suitable for active people that enjoy an outdoor challenge.

Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Pacuare River with a professional guide to lead the way. You'll travel around 29 kilometers (18 miles), conquering a variety of rapids ranging from class II to class V. At the end of your tour, you'll sit down to dine on a typical Costa Rican lunch.

For those wanting a curated taste of rafting Costa Rica’s wild waters, look no further. With the team behind Hacienda Pozo Azul leading the way, you’ll tackle over eight miles of the Sarapiquí River, an ultra-scenic waterway cutting right through the rainforest. You’ll easily conquer Class II and III rapids with help from your water-loving guide, floating through miles and miles of lush, untouched green.