Outdoor Activities in Costa Rica

Exploring all of the outdoor activities of Costa Rica is a bit like naming the digits of pi. This tiny Central American country, flanked by kilometers of Pacific and Caribbean shoreline, is home to a seemingly endless amount of thrilling activities. Soar through the rainforest on a canopy tour, scuba dive in remote bays or surf some of the most incredible waves on the planet. And thanks its conservationist attitudes, Costa Rica has a superb array of national parks, reserves and protected zones, which boast stunning wildlife. With 5 percent of the earth's biodiversity found in Costa Rica, it is no wonder then that this country has outdoor recreation activities for any and all.

Discover Nature

Besides hiking through the jungles, canopy tours are popular outdoor activities to explore the wildlife. Not for the faint of heart, canopy tours, also known as zip-lining, provide some truly spectacular views of the rainforest and its inhabitants. Did you know Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species of flora and fauna? Meet them on an eco-tour in the national parks, or cruise ravines in an ATV tour. If you are looking for some more excitement, try trekking to the summit of volcanoes like the Rincon de la Vieja or the Irazu. Take a bird watching tour to spot winged wonders such as the quetzal or blue-crowned motmot. For a more relaxing time, visitors enjoy horseback riding along the beach as part of a serene holiday getaway.

Water Activities

For those who prefer to water-based activities, Costa Rica has you covered. A number of coastal towns - from Playa Hermosa to Playa Negra - are hailed as surfing meccas. Not to be outdone, the scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming are also first rate. Check out the Osa Peninsula or the Guanacaste region, where you can strap on a swim suit and explore the underwater world of the 'rich coast'. If you don't like getting wet, try your hand at sport fishing, which is best on the Pacific Coast. Dozens of angling records have been set on these waters. For more heart-pounding adventures, take a white water rafting trip to soak in the scenic beauty of Costa Rica's inland.

Choose Outdoor Activity By Region

Click on the map to select a region.

Click to enlarge map - Costa Rica Map

Golf and Leisure

If the outdoors is synonymous with golfing or laid-back excursion to you, you'll be in good hands in Costa Rica. There are a variety of classy golf resorts springing up all over the country, while butterfly conservatories in the Arenal area are excellent. You can enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside or visit beautiful coffee plantations in the lush Central Valley. For those with cash to spare, take a luxurious lunch or dinner cruise on elegant boats in the Nicoya Gulf on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast.

To narrow down your search for the perfect activity, choose any of the following outdoor recreation links or click on a particular region in our map below to see all the activities one can enjoy in that region.