White Water Rafting
There are many rivers in Costa Rica offering excellent opportunities for white water rafting adventures ranging from Class I to Class V.
The stunning Sarapiqui river has rapids of class II and III and is a good option for beginners. Head to the Pacuare River in the Central Valley for world class rafting. Daytrips can be done from Arenal or Sarapiqui areas, or there are specialist lodges for multi day adventures on the Pacuare River.
Kayaking and SUP
There are many hotels, lodges and local operators that offer kayaks or stand up paddleboards for independent hire. There are also some amazing guided tours available so that you can get up close to wildlife in some diverse landscapes. Guided kayaking trips include Lake Arenal, the Tortuguero canals, from lodges on the Osa Peninsula and on the Golfo Dulce and through the mangroves on the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo.
Surfing
Costa Rica has a wealth of surfing beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. There are beaches that are more suitable for beginners and others suitable for expert surfers. Tamarindo beach in the northern Pacific region of Guanacaste is a popular surfing town for beginners and experts. Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula is popular for both surfing (expert) and yoga. Dominical on the Southern Pacific region has lots of surf instructors to choose from. On the Caribbean coast the town of Puerto Viejo is a popular surfing town.
Ziplining
Ziplining is a popular adventure in Costa Rica and there are numerous zipline centres throughout the country, each with exceptional scenery, including canopy ziplines at Arenal and Monteverde.
Snorkelling
There are several areas on the Pacific and Caribbean coast where snorkelling can take place. Snorkelling on the Pacific occurs on the Golfo de Papagaya, Tortuga island and Cano Island. On the Caribbean coast snorkelling is possible at Cahuita National Park and from some of the beaches at Puerto de Viejo de Talamanca. The best months on the Caribbean coast are the dry season in September and October.
Diving
There is excellent diving at Cano Island, chances to dive with reef sharks, turtles, schools of fish and manta rays. Diving can also be arranged in the Papagaya Gulf to the Catalina Islands, Bat Islands and at Tortuga Island.
Hiking
There are many beautiful and well marked hiking trails in Costa Rica. Guided hikes and self guided trails are available at lodges around the country and in the many National Parks such as Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, Cahuita and Manuel Antonio. Hike combining hanging bridges throughout the country provide an excellent opportunity to get level with the birds in the rainforest canopy.
