It’s no secret that Costa Rica is a tropical paradise–in fact, you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. This country is beaming with stunning natural landscapes, exotic wildlife. and outdoor adventure around every corner. We spent two months in Tamarindo and were on a mission to uncover the absolute best beaches in the Northern Pacific region of Costa Rica.

This list consists of a variety of beaches for different activities–from the best beaches for watching sunsets to surfing beaches, to our favorite beaches for snorkeling and observing wildlife. Also, if you’re looking to plan an epic family vacation to Costa Rica, make sure to read our Ultimate Adventure Guide to Costa Rica.

Important to note, this list is no particular order, however we did create a map to show where all the different beaches are located.

1. Playa Tamarindo

You can’t come to the Guanacaste peninsula without going to Playa Tamarindo. It’s the epitome of a hip surf town (popular for expats too!)–and for good reason. Besides great surf, it’s a fun beach to hang out and chill. Every night many of the locals gather on the beach to watch the sun go down (some of our favorite Costa Rican sunsets were on this beach). The beach has some good restaurants too and if you really want a memorable experience, make sure to book a sunset sail on catamaran.

Tamarindo is THE beach in Costa Rica to learn to surf. And the waves are perfect for beginners! We suggest taking surf lessons with Kelly’s Surf Shop or Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. Awesome instructors and you’re guaranteed to get up! Another note about Tamarindo–this is a great central location on the Guanacaste peninsula, so if you plan to spend at least a few days in this region, this is the place. If you’re looking for some affordable lodging options, make sure to check out this list.

2. Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo is located just north of Tamarindo on the “Gold Coast” of Costa Rica, near 2 other popular beaches, Brasilito and Conchal. This beach is quite stunning with its white sand and crystal clear waters, and great for surfing and boogie boarding. Playa Flamingo is well known for sport fishing as well scuba diving, since there is abundant marine life found here.

If you visit Playa Flamingo between December and Easter, it can get quite crowded, so our suggestion if you visit during this season is to come mid-week early in the morning or late in the day. The sunsets here are amazing too!

3. Playa Conchal

Probably our favorite beach for snorkeling in the Guanacaste region, but also one of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica is Playa Conchal. Located just south of Playa Flamingo and Brasililto, this beach requires a little bit of effort in getting here since there is no direct access (unless you’re a guest at the 5-star Reserva Conchal), but trust us, the effort is well worth it. To reach this beach, you will want to park at Brasilito beach and walk south across the sand until you see a small hill lined with trees. Follow the hill up and over and you will have arrived to Playa Conchal!

Don’t expect soft sand at this beach, Conchal is made up of tiny white seashells (hence the name ‘conchal’, meaning shell in Spanish). However, that’s what makes this beach so unique and beautiful. The water here is about 5 shades of blue and is super clear on a calm day. This makes for the best snorkeling conditions! If you want to find some marine life, the rocks near the north point of Conchal (right when you enter the beach from Brasilito) is the ideal spot. We saw dozens of different fish, octopus, eels, and even turtles!

4. Playa Ocotal

Playa Ocotal surprised us in all the best ways. Quiet, serene, and clean. It’s also a great beach to watch the sunset. Located only a couple of miles from Playa del Coco, this beach is a hidden gem and great if you want to get away from the crowds. The snorkeling is awesome here too, and if you’re lucky you might see some turtles, manta rays and even sharks! Nearby are the Catalina Islands, which are famous for world-class scuba diving.

There are only a few accommodation options at Playa Ocotal like Ocotal Beach Resort, but if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of some of the coastal towns in Guanacaste, this is a great place to hide away.

5. Playa Avellanas

If you’re a surfer, don’t skip Playa Avellanas, located about a 45 min drive south of Tamarindo. The surf here can pack a powerful punch and deliver waves up to 15 feet high, so if you are an experienced surfer, make sure to spend a day (or two) at Avellanas. And even if you aren’t a surfer, this beach is a great spot to hang out and watch the surfers. There’s plenty of room to sprawl out here too, with a shoreline that is more than a mile long.

You can’t miss eating at Lola’s, a beachside restaurant that offers delicious food and drinks. And watch out for ‘Lola’, the resident 800 lb pig who strolls the beach!

6. Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones, made famous for its surf and also close proximity to Nosara, the yoga-surf lovin’ beach town, two hours south of Tamarindo. We fell in love with Nosara and this beach and spent hours surfing here. There’s a laid-back vibe here, which makes it hard to leave. Good restaurants, prime surfing and wildlife watching make Nosara a destination worth visiting.

You can also take surf lessons here, and there are tons of other outdoor activities offered in this region from horseback riding, to zip lining, to riding ATV’s.

7. Playa Ostional

If you visit Costa Rica between June-November (the wet season), you might be fortunate enough to witness a mass turtle nesting or hatching, otherwise known as an “arribada”. If you time it just right and happen to be in Ostional during an arribada, you could observe hundreds of thousands of Oliver Ridley sea turtles nesting on this beach. It is truly a sight to behold.

These arribadas occur on a dark night about a week before the new moon each month, with September to December being the peak months. You can’t visit this beach during turtle nesting season without a guide, but guides are easy to find in the area. Also, if you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity, Tortu Guiones is a community and volunteer-based organization that is working on turtle conservation in the area.

8. Playa Nacascolo

A little longer to get to, Playa Nacascalo is well worth spending a day. Tucked in a cove on the inside of the Gulf de Papagayo, this beach is close to the Four Seasons Resort. The beach is really only known by locals and hardly visited. You have to come during low tide though, otherwise there isn’t much “beach”. Keep a close eye on your valuables as there are monkeys and coatis that will steal your things. The wildlife is amazing here, as well as the marine life.

One tip to get to Nacascalo: You can’t park right at the beach, but there is a free shuttle at the entrance of the Four Seasons. Once they drop you off at the beach, it’s a short walk on a boardwalk down to the water.

9. Playa Juanillo

Another local favorite, Playa Juanillo is certainly one of the most stunning beaches along Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast. There are tide pools to explore during low tide on one side of the beach and on the other side, a nice stretch of sand. We would suggest hiking out to the front of the peninsula as you can see some incredible views of the rocky shoreline.

10. Playa Langosta

Just south of Tamarindo beach (in fact, you can walk from here!) lies Playa Langosta. This beach is one of our favorites to watch the sunset and stroll down the beach. It’s also good for surfing too, if you are experienced. There isn’t much shade here though, so if you come in the heat of the day, bring a beach umbrella if you can. Also, there are a few restaurants at Playa Langosta, but mostly what you will find rental homes and BnB’s.

11. Playa Samara

Samara, much like Nosara and Tamarindo, is famous for surf and its family-friendly vibe. This beach town is about an hour south of Nosara. We loved the palm-lined beach, the quaint restaurants and surf shops and of course, the surf. It’s a great place to spend a few days and explore some of the other nearby beaches like Carrillo. Definitely not to be missed if you’re in Northern Costa Rica!

12. Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa lives up to its name, ‘beautiful beach’ and is the perfect beach for some R & R. With plenty of shade and a wide expansive beach, you won’t ever feel crowded at Hermosa. There is plenty to do at this beach too besides relax in the sun–from kayaking to diving, to jet skiing, Playa Hermosa has something for everyone here. It’s also only an hour away from Rincon de La Vieja National Park. So if you are looking for some serious adventure like whitewater tubing, zip lining, horseback riding or even hiking, this is good base location.

13. Playa Grande

One of our favorite beaches in Costa Rica was Playa Grande, located just north of Tamarindo. In fact, if you’re wanting to get here by foot from Tamarindo, you have to cross the estuary on a boat taxi because of the crocodile-infested waters. This beach is a wildlife and surfers paradise with perfect waves all year long (especially for more advanced surfers) and an ideal turtle nesting ground. Between May and October, you can often find leatherback turtles nesting. Marino Las Baulas National Park is right next to Playa Grande too, which is great to explore for wildlife.

14. Playa Zapotillal (Minas)

Zapotillal, otherwise known as Playa Minas is quiet and off-the-beaten path. It’s also a popular beach where the locals like to hang out at on the weekends. We rode ATV’s to Minas from Tamarindo, which was a blast! The road to get here is dirt and often muddy, so it’s best to have a 4-wheel drive if you come in the wet season. We loved that we had the beach practically to ourselves too! If you prefer a quiet, beautiful beach to have a picnic and enjoy the day at, Minas is hard to beat.

15. Playa Carrillo

A local told us about Playa Carrillo and let’s just say, it did not disappoint! This beach is located about 15 minutes south of Playa Samara. We loved all the palms that line the beach, making it perfect for hanging a hammock and taking a nap! It’s a good beach for boogie boarding and depending on the day, surfing too. We even camped here one night!

If you are searching for other fun activities to do in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica, make sure to read our post Best Outdoor Adventures near Tamarindo. And if you want to escape the heat and beaches for a few days, we would highly recommend heading to La Fortuna, a short 3-4 hour drive from the Guanacaste peninsula. Don’t miss 10 Outdoor Activities in La Fortuna.

If you haven’t heard of Bocas del Toro yet, well then, you’re missing out! Still relatively undiscovered compared to many of the worlds’ more well-known islands, Bocas del Toro will surprise you in all the best ways. This island archipelago dots the beautiful turquoise waters off the Northern Caribbean coast of Panama. The waters and the coral reef surrounding it offer an amazing array of sea life, making it a prime destination for scuba diving. But even if diving isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered with 12 amazing family adventures in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

How to Get to Bocas del Toro

If you’re flying into Panama City, then the fastest way to get to Bocas del Toro is to take a puddle jumper flight from Panama City to Isla Colon (about a 45 min flight). One thing to note is that they only offer two daily flight times. Flights can be relatively affordable, however not as inexpensive as taking a shuttle bus there.

The best option to get to Bocas del Toro if you’re looking to save a little money, is to hop on a night bus through Panama Bus Tickets. Tickets cost less than $30 and the drive takes about 10-11 hours from Panama City to Almirante. By driving at night, you sleep on the bus (which is actually quite comfortable), which in turn saves you money on staying in a hotel. Once you arrive to Almirante, you will need to get on the boat taxi from the port to Isla Colon (about a 30 min away). Easy peasy!

Where to Stay

There are 9 main islands and over 50 cays that make up Bocas del Toro, however we will focus on two of the most popular and recommended islands to stay on: Colon (the main island) and Bastimentos. We like both for different reasons, and if you have at least a week in Bocas, we would suggest staying on BOTH.

Colon is the busiest of the islands and also the only island where you can drive (however you don’t need a car here), but it also has the most options for lodging and restaurants and shops. Whether you’re looking for more “action” or nightlife, or whether you want a quiet getaway, Colon has the best of both worlds.

There are plenty of accommodations on the island of Colon–from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, might we suggest something in the middle of the road? Our top pick (and we did a LOT of research) is Bluff Beach Retreat. Located on the east side of Colon along the famous surf beach, Bluff Beach, this beautiful and peaceful retreat is truly an slice of paradise.

At Bluff Beach Retreat, they have options from single rooms to an entire house or villa. They are all decorated tastefully with modern touches and a “beach vibe”. If you rent a house, they even have a full kitchen, so you can stay in and cook if you don’t want to go out. The gardens and walkways around Bluff Beach Retreat are lush and lined with tropical plants and fruit trees. There is lots of wildlife to be seen here, from sloths (one that shows up regularly!), to birds, to monkeys.

We also loved spending a couple of hours at the pool when we wanted a quiet afternoon back at the hotel. Another bonus? They even provide free bikes to ride! One of our favorite things about Bluff Beach Retreat was the staff. The caretakers are so wonderful and make you feel like family from the moment you arrive. Each morning they make a delicious breakfast and everyone eats together on the patio. It was the best way to start the day!

The staff was also so gracious and helpful when it came to booking tours or excursions on the islands (they arranged the best anniversary day trip for us!), calling a taxi, or giving restaurant suggestions. And speaking of restaurants, since Bluff Beach Retreat is not located close to town, there are only a few options to grab lunch or dinner close by (within walking distance!). We tried all 4 restaurants and especially loved the Hummingbird! The key lime pie was our absolute favorite.

On Bastimentos island, you will feel more like you’re “getting away from it all”, as there are no roads on this island and depending on where you stay, no internet access either. It’s a gorgeous island though, brimming with wildlife and amazing landscapes and views. Only a 20 min boat ride from Colon, you will find plenty of lodging options here, however our very favorite is Al Natural Resort, located on the southeast tip of Bastimentos Island National Marine Park.

There are a lot of benefits to staying at Al Natural Resort. For one, you are located on a secluded beach with crystal clear, turquoise water right outside your bungalow. Be forewarned though, this is not a 5 star luxury resort. In fact, it’s rather rustic! But what it lacks in fancy amenities, it makes up for with an authentic “Swiss Family Robinson” style experience. All the bungalows at Al Natural are on stilts, literally right on the beach. Open-air with beds draped with mosquito nets overhead, you will fall asleep with the sound of the ocean right outside your balcony. It truly is a unique place to stay.

Due to the fact that Al Natural is away from any kind of town due to its remote location, this means that when you stay at Al Natural, all your meals are included. And let me just say, the food is amazing! The chef here cooks delicious, gourmet meals–often fresh fish accompanied with local fruits and vegetables. Each night dinner is served by candlelight, since there is no electricity at the resort. All the guests eat together at one long table too, making for an intimate setting where everyone gets to know each other.

If you’re a diver or even if you want to get scuba certified, Al Natural offers the only PADI Dive Center in all of Bocas del Toro. With incredible dive sites located just off the coast of Bastimentos, you have the closest access to some of these prime spots (like Zapatillas Cays) when you stay at Al Natural. They also provide kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. With daily trips out to Zapatilla and other dive/snorkel sites, as well as other excursions around Bastimentos, Al Natural makes it easy to take care of all of your needs and desires while in Bocas del Toro.

12 Amazing Adventures in Bocas del Toro

Now, time for the fun! There’s one thing for certain about Bocas del Toro–you won’t ever get bored! These islands have a little of everything and the laid-back vibe is definitely a plus if you’re really looking to relax and live the island life! Here are 12 amazing family adventures in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

1. Observe dolphins at Dolphin Bay

One of our favorite adventures was hiring a guide (our hosts at Bluff Beach Retreat arranged this for us!) to take us to Dolphin Bay (known as Laguna Bocatorito), where we could observe dolphins. Dolphin Bay is home to about 100 resident bottlenose dolphins and they are so friendly and playful! Because this area is protected, there is no swimming allowed here, but you can witness them up close and personal by boat or even by paddleboard/kayak. If you would prefer the latter, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Dolphin Bay Hideaway.

2. Snorkel or scuba dive

You can’t come to Bocas del Toro without going scuba diving or snorkeling. As mentioned earlier, if you want to get certified while you are here, Al Natural Resort offers diving certification through PADI on Bastimentos Island. But if you’re already certified, there are plenty of guided tours that will take you out to places like Zapatillas Cays, Admiral Bay, Crawl Key or Cayo Coral. Many of the best snorkeling and diving spots are in protected coves or bays too, making them prime for clear water and spotting marine life.

We arranged our snorkeling excursions through the resorts we stayed at, but you can also find great, affordable tours right in the main town of Colon or even this tour with Hello Travel Panama for only $25 per person!

3. Bike to Bluff Beach, La Piscina and Mimitimbi

If you’re planning to spend any time on the main Bocas island, Colon, make sure to add this one to the list! Renting bikes is cheap and easy in Bocas town as there are plenty of options (check your hotel for free rentals too!). FYI–mountain bikes are better than beach cruisers for this adventure.

If you’re starting from town, you will want to head to Bluff Beach first. To get there from town, ride north up 3rd Street until it merges into G Avenue, and then the road will bend towards your right along Playa El Istmito. Eventually you will reach a fork, at which point you will take a right and pass Playa Tortuga Hotel.

Once you’ve passed the Big Creek neighborhood, the road will go from paved to dirt/sand. Continue until you reach Bluff Beach. Likely you will be one of only a few people on the beach, as this beach isn’t ideal for swimming most of the year (strong swell), however it is probably the most stunning beach on the island! To get to La Piscina, simply continue on the dirt road for about 45-60 minutes. You will cross a river and a few bridges. The path is beautiful, even if it’s a bit rugged and bumpy (from tree roots and rocks).

Most of the road/trail goes along the coastline, however keep an eye out for signs to “La Piscina”, a protected cove that is perfect for swimming. There are lots of howler monkeys in the trees here, so be prepared for some loud howls. To reach Mimitimbi, you will need to continue past La Piscina (about double the distance to Bluff Beach), but trust us, the extra effort is worth it! Mimitimbi is a gorgeous beach, perfect for cooling off in the water and enjoying the place to yourself!

A couple notes: plan on at least 2 hours to reach Mimitimbi from Bocas town which means it is best to leave early in the morning so you can return before dark. Also, bring plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget sunscreen and if you want to stop and get lunch, there are a few restaurant options near Bluff Beach. One more thing, if you prefer not to bike or are short on time, you can also rent ATV’s or go on a guided tour to these places.

4. Witness turtles nesting or hatching

If you are lucky to be in Bocas del Toro during turtle nesting or hatching season, don’t miss this amazing spectacle! Between March and November, you can witness 4 types of sea turtles nest and hatch–the leatherback, the Hawksbill, the loggerhead and the green sea turtle. There are several popular prime nesting/hatching spots in Bocas del Toro–Bluff Beach on Isla Colon, Long Beach on Isla Bastimentos and Zapatillas Cays to name a few.

We were in Bocas in the month of August and were fortunate to witness Hawksbill turtles hatching on Zapatillas! Our hotel, Al Natural Resort, set us up with a guide and took us over to Zapatillas, however you can also schedule a tour with the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

5. Swim with starfish at Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach, located on Isla Colon is a unique beach because here you will find hundreds of starfish. The water here is very clear and calm too, making it easy to spot these beautiful creatures. But please note, you should not touch the starfish as the chemicals from humans can harm and kill them.

To get to Starfish Beach, you can rent bikes and ride there, or take the bus from Bocas town. To catch the bus, look for the ‘Bocas del Drago’ bus in the park found in the center of town. Buses leave every even hour (6, 8, 10 and so on) and return back to town on the odd hour (last bus is at 5PM). You can also take a taxi, which is probably the fastest way to get to Starfish Beach. Also, if you have the time, make sure to visit Bocas del Drago beach, which is just before Starfish Beach.

6. Bird watching at Bird Island

If you are into bird watching, Swan’s Cay, also known as Bird Island is a birders paradise. Here you will find the only known nesting place in the Caribbean of the red-billed tropic bird. A designated bird sanctuary–brown boobies, the brown pelican, the frigate and many types of gulls and terns can be found on Bird Island. There are many companies that offer tours to Bird Island, most often combined with other locations in Bocas del Toro, such as Dolphin Bay, Bocas del Drago and more. We liked going with Panama Trails, whom we also used for a guided hike in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

7. Paddleboard on Bastimentos

There are some really cool places to paddleboard around Bocas del Toro, but we especially loved paddleboaring on Bastimentos Island from Al Natural Resort. The water is relatively calm, but the bonus is being able to access the coral reef on your board to do some snorkeling too! We loved paddling out to where the sea breaks the reef, anchoring our boards to a rock on the ocean floor and being able to snorkel right there! If you’re staying on Bastimentos and your resort doesn’t have paddleboards to rent or take out, you can also rent by the hour with Get My Boat or at Red Frog Beach Resort.

8. Explore Carenero Island

Carenero is the closest island to Colon, only about a 5 min water taxi ride away. If you’re a surfer, this spot is a MUST, however there are many other reasons to spend a day (or half a day) on this lovely island. There are no roads on this island, but it’s possible to walk around the entire island in an hour. Besides surfing, you can also find nice spots to snorkel, kayak or paddleboard, or simply just relax on the beach. There are also a few great lounges and restaurants on Carenero, such as Casa Acuario and Bibi’s on the Beach.

9. Go surfing

I’ve already mentioned surfing a few times here, but that’s because Bocas del Toro has some legit surfing! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can find a little of everything here on the islands. The best season to surf if you’re experienced is between Dec and March when the swell is 4-12 feet. The smaller wave season is May-July where waves are typically around the 3 foot range.

Some of the best spots for beginners are located on the southeast shore of Isla Carenero called Black Rock. There is also a great beginners beach on the Island called La Feria, where you will see a a lot of kids riding their first waves. There are three surf shops such as Mono Loco in Bocas town that can offer you rentals, lessons and all of your surf necessities.

10. Spend a day at Red Frog Beach

This iconic beach located on Bastimentos is definitely one of the prettiest beaches in all of Bocas del Toro. Located right in front of Red Frog Beach Resort, this large beach is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and playing in the waves. We loved how blue the water was, making it the perfect photogenic beach, but also it accessible to other fun activities close by like zip lining or taking a nature and wildlife hike. Make it a day and combine with one of the two! There are also several restaurants close by to grab some lunch on the beach.

11. Zipline + Cave tour

If you’re an adrenaline seeker and looking for a great family adventure, book a canopy tour at Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos! We missed this activity due to lack of time, but it’s the one thing we heard from several people not to miss. This canopy tour takes you soaring high above the jungle over 7 cables, bridges, a rappel and an optional treetop challenge course! Plus, the minimum age is 5 making this adventure a great option for families with young kids.

12. Camp on Escudo de Veraguas Island

Last but not least, if you have the time and budget and are up for a serious ADVENTURE, spending a couple of days camping and exploring the island of Escudo de Veraguas is a bucketlist experience. Another adventure we didn’t have time to do while in Bocas del Toro, this trip would be first priority if and when we return here. Located about 3 hours south of the main islands of Bocas is this remote and hidden gem, and home to the 3 toed pygme sloth and mangrove forests.

Escudo de Veraguas is truly a tropical island oasis and will leave you breathless with its stunning beauty. From everything we’ve heard and read about coming here, it is recommended to visit this island on a 2 day tour with a guide (costing about $200/day), which is actually cheaper than trying to go by yourself. You can get all the details on a blog post by Journey Era.

Conclusion

Bocas del Toro is one of the most beautiful and unique island archipelagos in the world and if you love tropical islands, add this one to your list. In addition, if you want to combine this trip with another island paradise in Panama, don’t miss our guide to San Blas Island Hopping with Kids!

It’s no secret that we LOVE Costa Rica. After our first trip here back in 2015, we were sold. Costa Rica has everything you want in an ultimate adventure vacation–beautiful and diverse scenery (seriously, there isn’t one ugly area in this country!), wildlife galore, amazing accommodations, delicious food, and enough outdoor activities to keep you busy for months. One of our favorite areas to return to in Costa Rica is the La Fortuna area, otherwise known as “Arenal”. We’ve done quite a few things here now, but narrowed them down to the 10 best outdoor activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

How long should you stay in La Fortuna? Our advice is spend at least 3-4 days, but you could honestly stay a full week here and be plenty content and entertained.

First of all, let’s discuss where to stay in La Fortuna first. We’ve stayed at two different places in La Fortuna now and liked them both, however without a doubt our top pick would be Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. It’s a bit of a splurge, and we aren’t usually ones to spend more on accommodations (we would rather put our budget towards experiences), but trust us, it’s worth every penny.

Tabacon is one of those places that you just have to witness with your own two eyes. With natural hot springs, gently cascading waterfalls, and lush flora and fauna everywhere you look it will remind you of the Garden of Eden. Normally we don’t hang out at resorts much, however this is one place that you will want to stay put, even for just a day. Besides relaxing in the beautiful hot springs, Tabacon also has a pool and slide (perfect for the kids!), an adults-only area (for that quiet, romantic getaway), and a spa area to schedule a massage or other services.

The food is incredible with a couple different restaurants (even a buffet option!) and if you don’t plan to stay at Tabacon, you can elect to purchase a day pass here which includes a meal or two. This is great option and also worth the price!

Getting to and from La Fortuna (if you’re flying to either San Jose or Liberia) is best done by a shuttle service like Costa Rica Shuttle and about 3 hours one way. Or if you have the budget (or are short on time), you can take a puddle jumper flight via Sansa Air. As far as getting around La Fortuna, if you plan to do mostly guided excursions, you won’t need a rental car as the tour companies pick you up from your hotel. And if you do need a car on occasion, you can always just get a taxi or rent a car for a day.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: what to do in La Fortuna. First of all, there is NO shortage of recreational fun in this area of Costa Rica. In fact, they even call La Fortuna the adventure capital of Costa Rica. And while that is true, we have compiled a list of the 10 best outdoor activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (in no particular order).

1. Go canyoneering

This activity is definitely a MUST if you’re in La Fortuna. We’ve done it twice now with Pure Trek and LOVED it both times. The reason why we chose Pure Trek over other companies in the area is they allow kids over the age of 6. Most tour operators require a minimum age of at least 10 or even 13! The guides are awesome and fun, they are big on safety, and the entire experience is a blast.

We chose to do the Ultimate Waterfall Rappel which includes 4 rappels off waterfalls (the tallest is around 200 ft!), a “Monkey Drop” into a pool, rock climbing and a relatively easy hike through a gorgeous canyon. This is a great half-day adventure which also includes lunch and transportation. When you’re done, you can call it a day and go back to your resort and relax, OR you can combine it with another adrenaline-pumping adventure like whitewater rafting (which is what we did). Pure Trek has that combination tour too if you chose that option.

2. Paddleboard on Lake Arenal

This is actually the one outdoor activity in La Fortuna that we haven’t tried yet due to weather, but if you love the water and love to paddle, this is a great half day option. Desafio is a reputable company in Costa Rica that offers the Stand Up Paddle on Lake Arenal. Try to go on a sunny day if you can, so you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and of Volcano Arenal!

3. Hike to La Fortuna Falls

You can’t come to Costa Rica without seeing some spectacular waterfalls. La Fortuna has many, but in particular, La Fortuna Falls is not to be missed. You can hire a taxi to take you there and it’s a short, steep hike down to the falls where there is a beautiful pool you can swim in. Downstream there is a river where you can also explore and swim. Be prepared to pay admission, which is around $18 per adult and $5 per child. We would also suggest to go in the morning when it’s less crowded as afternoons tend to get busy.

When you’re done hiking, you can also visit the famous rope swing in La Fortuna (see below) and/or relax at some FREE hot springs near Rio Chollin. A perfect way to end the day!

4. Go zip lining

Zip lining is another must-do if you come to Costa Rica, and La Fortuna has some of the best zip lines in the country! (We also really LOVED Selvatura Park in Monteverde.) This is one activity that the whole family will enjoy and yes, young kids can go too! We have zip lined in La Fortuna with two different companies now, but we especially loved our experience with Arenal Mundo Aventura because you get to zip line over two waterfalls, one of them being La Fortuna Falls!

This particular company offers a canopy tour called Big AMA Ride, which takes you soaring over the rainforest below Volcano Arenal on 12 different cables including the longest cable at nearly 1,000 feet! Kids ages 6 and up are welcome to join and will be accompanied by a guide on some of the longer cables (where they don’t weigh enough to get across!). The tour also includes transportation to/from your hotel in La Fortuna, as well as lunch.

5. Play on a rope swing (plus, it’s FREE!)

The last time we visited Costa Rica, a local told us about a place along the El Salto River in La Fortuna, where there is a great rope swing and rocks to jump off into the swimming hole. We spent a few hours here after hiking to La Fortuna Falls and had so much fun! It is easy to get there too–found on the same road as La Fortuna Falls!

Basically, once you leave the falls drive down the road for about 1 mile to the La Fortuna bridge. You will probably see some other cars parked there and people hanging out by the river. You will take a short hike under the bridge from the side of the road, and there you will see the rope swing and swimming hole! Or if you’re not coming from La Fortuna Falls, just put “El Salto rope swing” in your Google Maps.

6. Take a wildlife boat safari in Cano Negro

If you are looking for something to do that is a little more “mellow” in La Fortuna, this is a great option. Near to the Nicaragua border (about 1.5 hours away from La Fortuna), you will embark on a safari boat ride on Rio Frio, which is part of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and one of the most important wetlands in the world.

Admire the rich flora and fauna and a variety of native and migratory birds, 3 different species of monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and even caimans. Lunch is included on this tour as well. This is a great option in the La Fortuna area, especially for nature and wildlife lovers!

7. Hike or horseback ride to Volcano Arenal

If you’re lucky, you will get to witness Volcano Arenal on a sunny day while visiting La Fortuna. It’s a majestic sight, as this volcano is a perfect cone-shaped volcano surrounded by lush rainforest. Years ago Arenal used to be super active (the last major eruption was in 1968) and you would regularly see flumes of smoke or even magma spewing out of the top. These days the volcano is a bit more quiet. One of the best ways to experience this volcano is to take a hike in Arenal National Park or even go on a horseback trip.

You can also hike on your own and just pay the park entrance fee ($15 for adults and $5 for children), or you can go on a guided hike. There are several short trails that offer great views of the volcano, as well as the vegetation and wildlife of the area. We suggest trying one or more of these trails: Main Lookout, Los Heliconias, Los Miradores or El Ceibo. All are 2 km or less and easy to moderate.

8. Go whitewater rafting

One of the best outdoor activities in La Fortuna is going whitewater rafting. There are 3 major rivers converging in the area (Balsa, El Toro and Penas Blancas) and depending on the season you visit, you can experience some SERIOUS rapids. Wet season is from June-Nov, so if you want bigger thrills, this is definitely the time of year to visit for whitewater rafting.

I mentioned this earlier, but we did a combination tour of canyoneering and whitewater rafting and it was one of our favorite experiences in Costa Rica. Or if you prefer to just do a half-day or full-day whitewater rafting adventure, Wave Expeditions was seriously phenomenal to go with! They offer several guided trips, but if you have young children, make sure to check the age requirements as some of the more intense rivers have stricter limitations.

9. Explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges

If you are a nature or wildlife lover, you have to make a pit stop at the Mistico Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna. They offer self-guided tours, as well as guided tours that include bird watching or natural history. There are 16 bridges in total, 6 of them hanging bridges as well as tunnel and a waterfall. The length of the entire trail is about 2 miles and takes about 1.5 hours on your own or 2.5 hours with a guide. Here you can admire birds of all kinds, tropical plants, lizards and sloths, snakes, and if you’re lucky, even a sloth.

10. Take a day trip to Rio Celeste

If you really want to see an amazing waterfall, the falls at Rio Celeste are not to be missed if you’re in La Fortuna. The color of the water is the color of gatorade! This amazing shade of blue is due to the sulfur that is emitted by the volcanic activity in the park. Then, the vibrant hue appears when the sulfur mixes with calcium carbon. Pretty nifty!

Rio Celeste is part of Tenorio National Park, located a couple hours from La Fortuna. You can either rent a car to get there or go on a guided tour. Admission to the park if you’re going on your own is $12 per person. There are several trails to explore once you’re inside the park, but we recommend not missing the Rio Celeste trail which takes you to the waterfall.

You can also take the same trail to the creek above the waterfall which is equally as beautiful! Plan on taking at least 3 hours for the whole loop, as you will want to admire the views, as well as the lush rainforest!

In conclusion, La Fortuna is a destination you should definitely put on your agenda, especially if you love adventure! These outdoor activities in La Fortuna are bound to make your vacation unforgettable! If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, make sure to check out our other helpful guides to include Best Outdoor Adventures Near Tamarindo and our epic 10 Day Itinerary on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast.