The 3 Best Half-Day Tours in Costa Rica

1.Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 112 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80Our pick

Start at 3:00 pm with hotel pickup, then see San Jose by guided bus and on foot. Visit the National Theatre lobby, Costa Rican Art Museum, Central Market, and Plaza de la Libertad Electoral before dinner. Guides such as Hector, Sergio, David, and Maria have led this tour. Expect a useful city overview, but confirm timing and theatre access.

“Maria was our guide and she was an absolute delight! We was so enthusiastic about showing off the city she was proud of. She was informative, knew the history of the city and hustled along from place to place. She was very impressive! The not so great parts were the tour did not match the description of what would be offered. We spent more time sitting in traffic than actually seeing the sights. We only went into one museum and were rushed out. Were supposed to receive an alcoholic beverage with the tour and didn't.”

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2.Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 108 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $95

Start at 6:40 am at the Tamarindo center, test your mask and fins, then ride to Catalina’s Archipelago for two guided snorkeling sessions. Guides such as Lily and Clara help beginners, point out fish and rays, and keep the group together. Expect snacks, water, possible whales, and a boat ride that can be rough in windy weather.

“There are a lot of booze cruises that say you go snorkeling, but it’s an add on and not the point of their trip. This trip is about snorkeling! With great guides and an actual snorkel location our entire family had a blast. With kids 9,11,13 and 14, all of them loved it so much.”

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3.Half-Day Tour with Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · from $173Top rated

Spend about six hours with a small group of up to eight, walking Arenal’s hanging bridges, spotting wildlife with guides such as Oscar, Jason, or Francisco, swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall, and eating a Costa Rican lunch. Hotel pickup is offered in La Fortuna and Arenal.

“Julio was an amazing guide, so nice & knowledgeable! We met a family of 4 from California who were so wonderful to explore with. We loved the hanging bridges and the waterfall so much! I had hurt my knee & my daughter had a swollen ankle, but we had no problem with the hike or 500 steps up & down; we just took it slow. 🥰 Lunch was sooo delicious. Julio took videos of the spider monkey & toucans from his telescope for us, & Johan stopped on the way back bc he saw a sloth in a low tree. We saw a mama & a baby having a snack!!…”

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