Top 8 Full-Day Tours in Costa Rica

1.Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 589 reviews · 12 to 18 hours (approx.) · from $115Our pick

Leave San José before dawn for Puntarenas, then take a scenic boat to Tortuga Island. You’ll look for dolphins, snorkel for about 45 minutes, enjoy lunch, and have five hours on the beach. Guides such as Memo, Percy, and Roy are praised for friendly help, though the long day, early pickup, and choppy return boat ride require preparation.

“Tortunga Island – Beautiful Experience with a Few Surprises My visit to Tortunga Island was overall pretty good—the views were beautiful and the vibe was relaxing. However, there were a few things that didn’t quite match the pictures or expectations. First, the water didn’t look like the photos advertised, which was disappointing. They also charge $1 every time you use the bathroom, which felt unnecessary and a bit inconvenient. On top of that, the $4 Wi-Fi really wasn’t worth it since the connection was weak. Another unexpected moment was transportation. They mentioned dropping me off somewhere different from where they picked me up, which was confusing. Thankfully, they did end…”

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2.Mineral Hot Springs Full Day Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 135 reviews · 1 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $47Best value

Spend up to five hours at Paradise Hot Springs near La Fortuna, moving between naturally heated pools, hot tubs, hydromassage features, and cooler pools surrounded by tropical plants. Towels, lockers, changing rooms, and showers are available. Add lunch or dinner if desired, and plan your own transportation to the springs.

“We were pleasantly surprised by both the size and beauty of Paradise Hot Springs. Although there were a number of guests there, there was plenty of room for everyone to spread out in different areas. The loungers in the hot springs were so relaxing as were the loungers around the area. And we loved the swim up bar! Towels are provided if you leave a down payment, which is returned when you return the towels. We had such an incredibly fun and relaxing afternoon!”

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3.Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 108 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

Spend a long day aboard Bay Island Cruises, traveling from Jaco to Puntarenas and onward to Tortuga Island. Expect breakfast, lunch, drinks, rum punch, snorkeling gear, island time, live music, and a lively catamaran atmosphere. Guides such as Rau, Mary, Antonio, and DJ Chapo have been praised for keeping the day moving, though pickup details need careful checking.

“Fantastic tour and team of professionals. Every detail was great. Rau, main guide was kind and funny. The team took drone videos which they shared with us of the whales we saw breaching and the banana boat ride. Edwardo was an excellent captain spotting the water wildlife, DJ Chapo was excellent, and his sax performance during lunch was extraordinary. All the supporting staff were friendly and helpful. Great day, even when the weather wasn’t perfect.”

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4.Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 92 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $128

Start early from San José and travel to Puntarenas for a catamaran ride across the Gulf of Nicoya to Tortuga Island. Expect views of Islas Negritos and Isla San Lucas, meals, drinks, music, beach time, and optional snorkeling. Guides such as Jordan and Eric are known for keeping the day organized and upbeat.

“Had a great time, staff were super friendly. They were super clean and had everything prepared for us. I can tell they always have a 100% customer service.”

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5.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210Top rated

Start near La Fortuna with a calm safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, where guides such as Tony, Pepe, or Isaac may point out sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and toucans. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, eat a home-cooked Costa Rican lunch at a family ranch, then walk old lava trails near Arenal Volcano. Hotel transport, park fees, snacks, and lunch are included.

“Learned how to howl at the monkeys ! Had a nature loving guide who showed us the habitat of many local animals.”

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6.6 in 1 Full Day Pass: Aerial Tram & Zipline-Braulio Carrillo Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $104

Spend about five hours at Rain Forest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic beside Braulio Carrillo National Park. Your pass includes the aerial tram, 10 zipline cables, 14 platforms, nature trails, butterfly and orchid gardens, plus frog and snake exhibits. Guides such as Marvin and Marcos help explain the forest and keep the zipline safe. Transfers and meals are optional.

“The tour guide was very familiar with all species of wildlife. The zipline facilitators were extremely careful & trustworthy, making sure all guests got excellent pics & were safe at all times.”

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7.Arenal Best 4 Attractions Full Day Combo Incl. Lunch and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 77 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $273

Start at 7:30 am with a guided walk across Arenal’s hanging bridges, then descend to La Fortuna Waterfall for swimming. After lunch, explore trails at the volcano base before ending at Paradise Hot Springs with dinner. Expect about 9 to 10 hours, plenty of stairs, a small group, and guides such as Tony, Michael, Allen, or Anderson when available.

“Our family went on this tour. The hanging bridges and waterfall were nice, but you could do this on your own for a much lower price. The value-add of doing the tour is to have a guide who can spot wildlife. Unfortunately, our guide was not as skilled in this. The only wildlife we saw was as a result of other guides spotting them and us 'glomming on'. We also missed a number of species that other groups saw, perhaps because our guide was on his cell phone for part of the time. He didn't really seem to want to be there. The lunch at the coffee plantation afterward was…”

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8.Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $203

Leave Jaco early for a private speedboat trip to Tortuga Island with Captain Robert, Eric, or Jordan. Expect snorkeling, a Subwing ride, possible spider monkeys, fruit, drinks, beach chairs, SUP boards, and a fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch. The Pacific crossing can be rough, but the private boat lets your group set the pace.

“Robert is an excellent communicator and does a great job of making guests feel welcome right away. This tour is a great choice for groups with a mix of experienced snorkelers/divers and older kids/first timers. Great job finding spots that balanced the current, visibility, and things to see. Robert went out of his way to stay close to the kids added safety when the current pushed their limits. Great way to experience Tortuga Island for lunch as well. Robert and his crew have the whole process dialed in. There were only 4 of us but paying for the 5 person minimum was well worth it for amenities that were organized…”

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