Top Santa Cruz Day Trips

Explore a jungle river that flows alongside Palo Verde National park with a 5-hour wildlife tour and riverboat cruise from Tamarindo. Watch for crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys and dozens of birds as you navigate the slow-moving Tempisque River, spend two hours on the water spotting animals in their natural habitats, then come to shore for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Learn the history of this once-bustling river that’s among the region’s most important bird sanctuaries, and finish your day with a return transfer to Tamarindo.

Swap the glittering Pacific waters of Playa Flamingo for the wild waters of the Tempisque River on this half-day tour of the Palo Verde National Park. Hop on-board a riverboat for a 2-hour cruise through the scenic wetlands and sprawling dry forests of Palo Verde. Along the way, keep a lookout for native wildlife, from crocodiles and iguanas lazing on the riverbanks, to monkeys and colorful birds flitting through the treetops.

Walk into an enveloping cool mist covering mossy trails on this guided private tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Hike along a series of hanging bridges and go birding, spotting the rare Resplendent Quetzal. At the butterfly garden, observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds, and complete a ziplining tour of the forest and enjoy a unique vantage point.

Follow a professional team of captains and first mates into the open water where you'll have a chance to fly fish on this catch and release sport fishing tour. Make your way to Flamingo Beach, one of the area's top fishing attractions, then venture further afield, where water depths increase from 360 to 2000 feet. Fish for pacific sailfish, striped marlin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna on this fun-filled half-day on the water. 

We will take a boat tour into to the most important river at the North West part of Costa Rica giving you really great opportunity to see a lot of wildlife (always according with the Mother Nature control) close and with safe distance. We will also get authentic lunch costarican style by a local restaurant. This is a great option if you would like to enjoy all afternoon at the beach! HALF DAY TOUR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • Departure: 7:00 am to 2:00pm • Tour duration: 1.5 hour drive approx • Bilingual guide • Drinks • Costa Rican style lunch Recommendation to bring for the tour: • Change of clothes • Bathing suit • Insect repellent • Sunscreen • Camera • Tennis shoes

Hike alongside the alluring blue waters of Rio Celeste on a full-day trip. After driving through the Costa Rican countryside, follow rain forest trails that wind past waterfalls and lookout points over the river known for its remarkable color. Reward your efforts with a soak in mineral-rich hot springs that flow from nearby Arenal Volcano. Hike through the jungle to the bright blue Celeste River Relax with a soak in a natural volcanic hot springs. Experience the beauty of Costa Rica's natural landscapes Follow a local guide through stunning rugged terrain with your Round-trip hotel transport and lunch included