City: Costa Rica
Top Things to do in Costa Rica
Top Hotels in Costa Rica
- 1. Shana By The Beach Manuel Antonio
- 2. Tulemar Resort
- 3. Nayara Gardens
- 4. Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs
- 5. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
- 6. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
- 7. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- 8. The Springs Resort and Spa
- 9. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- 10. Hotel Lomas del Volcan
Things to do in Costa Rica, Costa Rica: The Best Bodies of Water
Coordinates: 10°N 84°W / 10°N 84°W / 10; -84
Restaurants in Costa Rica
1. Pacuare River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
This beautiful river runs from the Caribbean Coast inland almost to Cartago.
Reviewed By 881vitaliyk - New York City, United States
Gorgeous scenery, experienced and professional guides, super fun, highly recommend, went with a 12 yo
2. Savegre River
3. Finca Cantaros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
*It is always advised to call ahead in case Finca Cántaros must close unexpectedly for special circumstances* Finca Cantaros is a 17.3-acre private nature reserve about 2 km south of the town of San Vito. Enjoy grand vistas of the surrounding Coto Brus countryside & Talamanca Mountains; walk the trails through gardens and secondary forests; relax in one of several ranchos/shelters; bird watch; view several archaeological objects on the grounds close to Laguna Zoncho, a natural wetland with aquatic birds. Entry fees. Foreign visitors: $6.50/adult, $3.25/adolescent (12-17), under 12 free. Residents: ¢2000/adult, ¢1250/adolescent (12-17), under 12 free. The owners also maintain a store of selected crafts and other artisanal products of Costa Rica as well as crafts from Central and South America. Proceeds of store purchases as well as entrance fees help defray the expenses of maintaining the nature reserve.
4. Kokopelli
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By PhotoHobo
We have been to the Sierpe River with Kokopelli twice. Each time we saw an amazing array of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Their guides and boats are superb. The Sierpe River is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica for wildlife photography and each time was incredible. I plan on returning again and again. These guys are great. Don't miss!
5. Bioluminescent Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
There are only a few places in the world where bioluminescence can be seen every day of the year. And luckily for travelers to the Nicoya Peninsula there is one such place here. Let's back up a minute and talk about the bioluminescence. What is it really? Bioluminescence is a light created by living organisms through a chemical reaction, biological light. You might have seen it in some form on land as fireflies or glow worms. In the gulf it is the algae that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light. Since there are millions of them it looks like sparkles. One of the best ways to see it is to get a look from above, and kayaking is a great way to see it well. The algae stick to your paddle, your hand or floating debris glowing for many seconds if you encounter a strong patch. When you kayak over shallow areas, fish will be scared up and it looks like fireworks under water as they take off, leaving a trail of “fairy dust" in their wake.
6. Reventazon River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
This river is a favorite for white-water rafting.
Reviewed By MikeB82781 - New York City, United States
This was a great excursion. Exploradores Outdoors was the tour provider - via Princess Cruises shore excursions. Tour guides were excellent - very friendly and knowledgeable. The river was fun! Decent rapids but nothing crazy, don’t worry. Saw a couple sloths along the way... we were actually able to pull over to get out of the raft for a closer look. Buffet lunch afterwards was a nice touch. Highly recommend. Thanks guys!
7. Sarapiqui River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
This narrow river offers white-water rafting that's enjoyable at every level.
Reviewed By lovetowander_co_uk - Birmingham, United Kingdom
We took a white water rafting trip with Pozo Azul Adventures on Class II/II rapids - rough enough to be quite a thrilling ride. You don't just get a bit wet on this ride, you get completely soaked. This was only my second time white water rafting and I was quite glad it wasn't my first attempt. The trip was great fun and health and safety was taken very seriously. It felt exciting - and thrilling - but not really dangerous. Checkout my travel blog (no ads. - just an honest view from someone who has actually been there!) for our full itinerary and practical insider tips. View my trip report for my top ten "must dos" for a luxury trip to Costa Rica - this is definitely one of them!
8. Lake Arenal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,892 reviews
Reviewed By keithc989 - Lake Orion, United States
My wife and I recently visited La Fortuna and Arenal to see the volcano and beautiful waterfall. After our stay, we took the ferry across Lake Arenal on our way to Monteverde. The boat ride across the lake was quite tranquil and the Arenal Volcano provided the most scenic of backdrops!! Beautiful views surrounded us from each of 360 degrees. The countryside was lush and the rolling hills were breathtaking! Quite the bonus on our transfer between locations!
9. Tortuguero Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By Nush525 - Utrecht, The Netherlands
Get a boat ride with Desmon Garth - he's super skilled at maneuvering the canal, would spot all sorts of animals and stop so you get to see them. ????
10. Rio Celeste
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,643 reviews
Reviewed By X2445CHjennas
Amazing way to hike an see the Catarata Waterfall, Laguna Azul (blue lagoon), Borbollones (hot spring) and Tenideros (where two rivers meet)! Absolutely breathtaking!! Where the two rivers meet is the coolest part! The rivers are two different colors and they do not combine. This was a 3.7 mile hike that took our group of 4 people (27 yo) about 3.5 hours to do! We also walked across a couple hanging bridges which were cool too! After our hike we ate empanadas and drank mango smoothies... so delicious!! This national park was only $12 to enter. I would absolutely recommend this to be a part of your trip to Costa Rica, a must see!!
