Family Costa Rica Highlights

9 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Discover Costa Rica's abundant beauty on this nine-day family adventure. With a quarter of the country designated as protected land (and home to 5% of the world's biodiversity), Costa Rica is an animal lover's paradise. From whitewater rafting to exploring the cloud forests and looking into the crater of an active volcano, our family tour balances wildlife sp...
$3,223
From$2,780
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • An active nine day trip to Costa Rica including whitewater rafting in La Fortuna
    • Cruise the backwaters through mangrove forests spotting crocodile
    • Travel by boat into the heart of the Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities

What's this trip about?

    Discover Costa Rica's abundant beauty on this nine-day family adventure. With a quarter of the country designated as protected land (and home to 5% of the world's biodiversity), Costa Rica is an animal lover's paradise. From whitewater rafting to exploring the cloud forests and looking into the crater of an active volcano, our family tour balances wildlife spotting with even wilder thrills. Monteverde - Explore the cloud forests of this lush haven, spotting Costa Rica's abundant wildlife. Osa Peninsular - Take a boat trip into the heart of Corcovado National Park for even more wildlife spotting. Non-stop adventure - Get a family thrill whitewater rafting on the Balsa River, plus have the options of zip wiring and kayaking.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CitySan Jose
End CityPlaya Dominical

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Corcovado National Park
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Pacific Coast
  • Pacific Ocean

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city. ...

Day 2 Visit the active Poas Volcano, drive to Arenal

This morning, we'll head to Poas Volcano National Park (a one-hour drive away), where you can spot the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rising majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter and 314 metres deep, the main crat...

Day 3 Whitewater rafting in La Fortuna

After breakfast this morning, we'll drive from our lodge to the Balsa River. On arrival at our rafting base meet our river guides, get kitted out with equipment and have a full safety briefing, before heading out onto the river. No previous experience is necessary and...

Day 4 Take in the views of Lake Arenal; local lunch; drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Today after a leisurely start, we'll travel around Arenal Lake into the cloud forest region of Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. Lunch today is an interactive affair. Stopping on the shore of Lake Arenal we visit El Estab...

Day 5 Nature walk in the cloud forest in search of exotic birds, sloth and other wildlife

This morning, we'll have a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns, and ducking underneath the lichen and moss that hangs from the giant trees. The jungle floor is littered with blossoms that fal...

Day 6 Head to the Pacific Ocean, boat trip on the Guacalillo backwaters, and continue to Dominical

Leaving the cloud forest behind us this morning, we'll descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, cross the Rio Tarcoles Bridge from which huge crocodiles are regularly seen. We stop at the Guacalil...

Day 7 Full-day trip to explore the wildlife haven of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

This morning we'll travel into the heart of the Osa Peninsular, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Travelling a short distance to Punta Uvita we board a boat for a thrilling ninety-minute crossing to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado National...

Day 8 Free day in Dominical

Today, we have a full day to explore the area or relax on the fine beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Our hotel is located a 20-minute walk from the beach at Dominical. The beach itself is well known for its surf and hosts several restaurants serving both local and interna...

Day 9 Trip ends in Dominical

Departing Dominical Beach this morning, we'll drive 190 kilometres back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), where we'll arrive at about 11am. This is where our trip ends and the earliest your flight can depart is 1pm. For those on early morni...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,780
Price per day$309
Last Updated: 4/13/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room
Availability
09 Aug 2025
17 Aug 2025
$2,780

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,290
Great
3,299
Average
517
Disappointing
158
Terrible
82
B

Becks

Jan 2025

Written on

Family Costa Rica Highlights

Costa Rica is a real adventure that our two teenage boys relished. A great mix of wildlife, adrenaline and travel that took us off the beaten track and gave us a tas...

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Other Explore! Reviews

H

Hilary

Apr 2025

Written on

Helpful and knowledgeable

Very efficient and re assuring as a single traveller

S

Susan

Apr 2025

Written on

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful.

S

Sophia

Apr 2025

Written on

Customer service team was really helpful.

I can't remember who specifically helped me but they were all good.

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Tour Operator

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s), Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 8
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-FCB

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