Things to Do in Costa Rica for Adventure Lovers

Costa Rica is small on the map, but when it comes to adventure, it punches far above its size. With volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, rivers, and two coastlines, this country feels like one giant outdoor playground. If you like your vacations active, muddy, wet, and unforgettable, Costa Rica delivers.

Here are some of the best things to do in Costa Rica for adventure lovers.

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Zip-Lining Through the Rainforest Canopy

If there’s one activity Costa Rica is famous for, it’s zip-lining. Soaring above the treetops gives you a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and a serious adrenaline rush at the same time.

The cloud forests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are especially popular. You’ll glide over thick green canopy, cross hanging bridges, and sometimes even zip through misty clouds. Some courses have lines that stretch over half a mile, with speeds that make your heart race.

It’s not just about speed. It’s about floating above a living jungle, hearing howler monkeys in the distance, and feeling like you’re flying.

Whitewater Rafting on Wild Rivers

Costa Rica has some of the best whitewater rafting in Central America. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rafter, there’s a river for you.

The Pacuare River is often ranked among the top rafting rivers in the world. It runs through deep gorges and untouched rainforest, with waterfalls pouring down the canyon walls. Expect Class III and IV rapids that are thrilling but manageable with a good guide.

For something more intense, advanced rafters can tackle sections of the Reventazón River during the rainy season. Either way, rafting here is more than a sport. It’s a full immersion into wild, raw nature.

Hiking Around Active Volcanoes

Few things feel as dramatic as hiking near a volcano. Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic landscapes are part of the experience.

Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most iconic sights. Though it’s currently in a resting phase, you can hike trails around its base, walk over old lava fields, and soak in nearby hot springs afterward. The contrast of black rock, green forest, and a perfectly shaped cone makes every step worth it.

Another option is Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Here, you’ll find bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and sulfur-smelling trails that remind you the earth is very much alive beneath your feet. Some hikes lead to waterfalls where you can cool off after a long climb.

Surfing on Both Coasts

Costa Rica has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and both offer excellent surfing.

On the Pacific side, Tamarindo is a popular surf town with consistent waves and a laid-back vibe. It’s a great place for beginners to take lessons and for intermediate surfers to improve.

For more powerful breaks, head to Santa Teresa. The waves here can be challenging, especially during peak season. You’ll find fewer crowds in certain spots and a more rugged feel.

On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo offers fast, hollow waves that experienced surfers love. Conditions vary by season, so timing your trip matters.

Even if you’ve never surfed before, Costa Rica is one of the best places to learn. Warm water, sandy bottoms in many areas, and plenty of surf schools make it accessible.

Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling

If hiking isn’t enough, try descending a waterfall.

Canyoning involves rappelling down rock faces and waterfalls with ropes and harnesses. Near La Fortuna, guides lead small groups down waterfalls surrounded by dense rainforest. You’ll scramble over rocks, wade through streams, and then lean back into open air as water rushes past you.

It’s physically demanding and mentally challenging, but that’s the point. By the time you reach the bottom, you’ll feel like you’ve earned the view.

Wildlife Spotting in the Wild

Adventure doesn’t always mean speed. Sometimes it means stepping quietly into the jungle and watching what happens.

Corcovado National Park is often described as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Hiking here feels raw and remote. You might see scarlet macaws, tapirs, spider monkeys, and if you’re very lucky, a jaguar.

Trails can be muddy and humid, and you’ll likely be sweating within minutes. But that’s part of the experience. This is not a manicured park. It’s real rainforest.

Guided tours are strongly recommended, both for safety and for spotting animals you’d otherwise miss.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The waters around Costa Rica are rich with marine life. Adventure lovers who enjoy the ocean should look beyond surfing.

Cocos Island is world-famous for scuba diving, especially for hammerhead sharks. It’s remote and requires a liveaboard trip, but serious divers consider it bucket-list worthy.

Closer to shore, the Catalina Islands and Cano Island offer strong chances of seeing manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. Even snorkeling trips can turn into unforgettable encounters.

ATV Tours Through Jungle Trails

If you prefer engines to paddles, ATV tours are widely available. You’ll ride through muddy jungle trails, cross small rivers, and climb up to scenic viewpoints overlooking the ocean.

Around Jaco and Guanacaste, tours range from beginner-friendly rides to more rugged backcountry adventures. Expect to get dirty. That’s half the fun.

It’s a fast-paced way to cover ground and see parts of the countryside that are harder to reach on foot.

Night Tours in the Rainforest

For a different kind of thrill, head into the jungle after dark.

Night tours in places like La Fortuna or Monteverde reveal a completely different world. Frogs, snakes, tarantulas, and sleeping birds become easier to spot. The sounds shift too. The forest feels louder, closer, and more mysterious.

Walking through a dark rainforest with only a headlamp and a guide sharpens your senses. Every rustle makes you pause. It’s not extreme in a physical sense, but it keeps your adrenaline steady.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

For something adventurous but calmer, kayaking along the coast or through mangroves offers a mix of exercise and exploration.

Paddle through quiet estuaries where crocodiles sun themselves on riverbanks and herons stand still in shallow water. On the coast, you can kayak to hidden beaches or watch the sunset from the water.

It’s active, but peaceful. A good balance if you’ve packed your schedule with higher-intensity activities.

Make It a Multi-Adventure Trip

The beauty of Costa Rica is how easy it is to combine activities. You can zip-line in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and soak in hot springs at night. You can raft one day and surf the next.

Distances between major adventure hubs are manageable, though roads can be rough. Renting a 4x4 often makes sense, especially in the rainy season.

Costa Rica is also known for its focus on conservation and eco-tourism. Many adventure tours operate with sustainability in mind, so you can push your limits while respecting the environment.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica is not the place for a passive vacation. It invites you to move, climb, paddle, dive, and explore. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or simply want to experience nature in its wildest form, you’ll find it here.

For adventure lovers, it’s hard to beat waking up to the sound of monkeys, spending the day in the jungle or ocean, and falling asleep tired in the best possible way. In Costa Rica, adventure isn’t a single activity. It’s the whole experience.