Active Pursuits in Costa Rica

Active and adventure travelers will have their hands full and hearts pumping in Costa Rica. From scuba diving with whitetip sharks and manta rays off Isla de Caño to kiteboarding over the whitecaps of Lake Arenal, opportunities abound. And Costa Rica is not just for thrill seekers. You can spot a rare green macaw in a Caribbean rainforest, or spend some time with a local family learning Spanish.

This section lays out your options, from tour operators who run multi-activity package tours that often include stays at ecolodges, to the best places in Costa Rica to pursue active endeavors. Educational and volunteer travel options are also listed for those who desire to actively contribute to the country’s social welfare, or assist Costa Rica in the maintenance and preservation of its natural wonders.

Each listing in this section describes the best places to practice a particular sport or activity and lists tour operators and outfitters.

Adventure activities, by their very nature, carry certain risks. Over the years, there have been several deaths and dozens of injuries in activities ranging from mountain biking to whitewater rafting to canopy tours, and drowning in the ocean is also sadly common.

Book with safe, reputable companies, but also know your limits and don’t try to exceed them.