A Costa Rica cruisetour offers an unforgettable blend of tropical landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture.
Upon arrival, cruise travelers can explore San José, the country’s bustling capital, known for its museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant markets. From there, many tours venture into the heart of Costa Rica's famous natural beauty, with visits to the Arenal Volcano, lush rainforests, and hot springs. The country’s national parks, like Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero, offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, while the Pacific coastline provides stunning beaches and adventure activities like surfing and zip-lining.
Beyond its natural wonders, Costa Rica’s indigenous culture and eco-tourism initiatives add an enriching layer to the experience. Visitors can explore charming coastal towns such as Puerto Limón and Quepos, where they can sample local cuisine, shop for handmade crafts, or take part in conservation efforts.
A Costa Rica cruisetour is a perfect way to experience the country’s diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to beaches, while enjoying a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
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Things to Do on a Cruise to Costa Rica
Many of the most popular excursion activities on Costa Rica cruises revolve around exploring the environment and ecosystem. Most give you a chance to experience sites and sounds—including animals—that you might never encounter back home.
Highlighted below are a few of the best ways to spend your time while cruising to Costa Rica:
- Tackle some rapids with a white water rafting adventure near Limon, Costa Rica. You’ll have relaxing scenic stretches of calm waters intertwined with wild rapids that are sure to get your adrenaline rushing.
- Hike through pristine protected rainforests and lush jungles as you take in all the mesmerizing wildlife, including several species of monkeys, frogs, birds, snakes and more. Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise, so don’t be afraid to step off the path and take it all in!
- Enjoy an excursion that celebrates one of Costa Rica’s most appreciated exports – coffee! Tour a coffee plantation near Puerto Caldera and discover how the beans are carefully grown, harvested and roasted to create the perfect cup of Costa Rican coffee.
- Visit Poas Volcano National Park where you’ll be able to see the massive main crater, as well as the many steam vents letting sulfur escape from the Earth. Keep in mind that the availability of select volcano tours can depend on recent (or anticipated) volcanic activity.
- Explore Costa Rica from horseback on a tour around Drake Bay. Keep your hands on the reigns and your eyes peeled for wildlife as you trot along rivers, streams and beaches. Some excursions focus on the rugged Costa Rican highlands while others keep to the more tropical regions.
- Learn to surf at a number of Costa Rica's most picturesque beaches. The water and waves off the shoreline of Manuel Antonio Beach are especially suited for beginners with their seemingly never-ending supply of small-barrel waves.
Map of Costa Rica: