15 Lunch Experiences in Costa Rica Worth Booking

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.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55Best value

This three-hour hike at Finca Los Solís takes you through streams, steep jungle paths, rope-assisted rock climbs, and ten waterfalls. Guides such as Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and Coco are known for patient help and local plant knowledge. Lunch, fruit, water, photos, a dry bag, parking, showers, and WiFi are included.

“Extremely fun and pleasant tour guides. They ensured our safety while insisting that we had fun. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to enjoy themselves!”

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3.Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $79

From Tamarindo, you’ll ride to Rincon de la Vieja for a private guided hike along Rio Blanco. Expect rocks, roots, pools, caves, rope sections, and a short swim to La Leona Waterfall. Life jackets, lunch, drinks, admission, and pickup are included. Guides such as Jason, Dylan, Steven, and Noel are often praised for their patience and local insight.

“Hike and waterfall was very good. Guides were very helpful, knowledgeable and fun. The meal provided was decent. Our only complaint was the ride from the tour office to the start of hike. They had to shuttle us in a small vehicle, which took awhile.”

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4.Isla Tortuga from Jacó with Lunch and transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 100 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $115

Leave Jacó at 6:00 a.m. for a full-day trip to Isla Tortuga with round-trip transport, a boat ride, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch. Guides such as Luis, Victor, Guillermo, and Marcela have earned warm praise, but expect a long transfer, variable water clarity, and added charges for chairs, bathrooms, drinks, and activities.

“Relaxing time at this island away from the busy town of Jaco. Bumpy boat ride with beautiful views in both sides. Once in the island you can choose what to do. We just relaxed and played some soccer and American football with the local kids. Lunch needs improvement. I recommend to bring extra snacks. They sale cocktails and other drinks. Fun times for sure.”

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5.Floating Tour in Rio Claro with Lunch from Drake Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $80

Set out from Drake Bay with local guide Carlos for a five-hour adventure through primary forest, a waterfall swim, and a one-hour float down Rio Claro to the coast. Expect a moderate hike, rocky river sections, a quiet beach walk, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Small groups are limited to eight people.

“My niece and I loved this tour with Carlos! We had a blast and learned so much from his wealth of knowledge on the local area and Costa Rica as a whole. He took great care of us and this was definitely a highlight of our vacation!”

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6.Visit Tortuga Island with Lunch from San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 77 reviews · 12 to 15 hours (approx.) · from $115

Leave San José before dawn for Puntarenas, stopping in Orotina for breakfast before boarding a motorboat to Tortuga Island. Look for dolphins, turtles, whales, and other islands along the way. On the island, you get snorkeling, lunch, fruit, and about five hours of beach time. Guides such as Percy, Diana, Gaia, and Hector are known for attentive service.

“The tour leaves VERY early but I think we were the second group to arrive at the island out of many, which was nice to have plenty of chairs to choose from and some time to swim before it got busy. The bus was the nicest bus I’ve ever been in which made the 2 hour ride comfortable. We stopped at a really nice place for breakfast (you pay) that offered many options and a huge souvenir store. When we got closer to Puntarenas our guide told us more about the area including local agriculture. The boat to the island was one of the nicer ones of all the tour…”

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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.Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour with Lunch and Hotsprings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 76 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $75

Walk 3 kilometers across Mistico Park’s hanging bridges with a guide, then enjoy lunch, Arenal views, and a hot river soak. Guides such as Rasta, Christian, Eric, and William are praised for spotting frogs, birds, monkeys, and sloths. Confirm the pickup time and mud facial details before booking.

“A nice fairly short tour which takes in some of the views from the Arenal Observatory and an informative guided walk through the gardens and national park. Our guide William was very knowledgeable and provided an interesting insight into the ecology, flora and fauna of the area. The trip ends in the hot springs which are ok but not great. Unfortunately for us the rain and the low cloud obscured the views of Mnt Arenal itself but it was an interesting trip none the less.”

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9.PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

Spend about nine hours at Buena Vista with a private guide such as Eugenio, Elial, or JB. Ride horses, tackle eight zip lines, try the water slide, sample Costa Rican treats, paint on volcanic mud, soak in hot springs, and finish with lunch. Pickup is available from Tamarindo-area hotels on the guided option.

“Our guide (sorry if I butcher the spelling) Eli was incredible, the staff in general was incredible, and the food was incredible. If you want an amazing experience that is exciting, delicious, and relaxing then there’s no other choice!”

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10.ATV + Zipline + Waterfall + Rainforest Lunch COMBO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $179

From Jaco, you will ride 10 zip lines, including a 2,400-foot cable, then take an ATV through rainforest to Catarata Bijagual. Swim at the waterfall, enjoy lunch at a mountain tilapia farm, and return past Pacific views. Guides including Marco, Emmanuel, Diego, and Alex have earned special praise for safety and personal attention.

“My boyfriend and I loves our experience! We were with Emmanuel for on our ATV tour and it was amazing! We toured all over the mountain and stopped at the waterfall for a quick swim. The water was so refreshing. Emmanuel was so informative throughout the tour and made us feel welcomed and comfortable. 100% would recommend!”

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11.Tubing Rio Celeste: The Longest Adventure With Lunch Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Onca Tours takes you from its Katira meeting point to Rio Celeste for about three hours of active tubing, rainforest scenery, a possible cliff jump, and a typical Costa Rican lunch. Guides such as Anthony keep the group moving and help with river safety. Expect an unpaved access road and a moderate physical workout.

“Wonderful from start to finish. They accommodated our late arrival due to our flight coming in a day late. The guides were exceptional and we all had such a phenomenal time, kid particularly enjoyed jumping into the river off a high side/cliff. Highly recommend. And lunch was great at the end too. So friendly”

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12.Caño Negro by Boat Incl. traditional Costa Rican lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $148

Leave La Fortuna at 7:30 a.m. for Los Chiles and a boat ride through Caño Negro’s wetlands. Watch for caimans, monkeys, sloths, birds, fish, and freshwater sharks, then stop for a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Guide JP is known for sharing excellent wildlife photos. Canoe and kayak options are available by request.

“Great trip down the river and close to Nacaragua border. Great guide and boat operator. We saw a ton of birds, caiman, monkeys etc. We were picked up from our hotel in Fortuna. I would highly recommend this trip.”

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13.La Fortuna white water rafting + Authentic Costa Rican Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $72

Paddle 10 kilometers of Costa Rican river with safety gear, trained guides, tropical fruit, swimming, and a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup is available, and guide Bryan has earned special praise for his patient, helpful approach. The five-hour trip begins at 9:30 am and suits beginners with moderate fitness.

“Amazing experience! The instructor Bryan is amazing and will go and beyond for you. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.”

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14.El Tigre Waterfalls Hiking Tour with Lunch and Nature Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Start at 7 a.m. for a guided 5-kilometer hike through El Tigre’s misty cloud forest. See four main waterfalls, smaller cascades, hanging bridges, birds, and plants, then return by horseback or 4x4 for lunch. Guides such as Jean Carlo, Steven Rojas, and Melvin are known for sharp nature spotting and friendly help.

“This is a light to moderate hiking tour. Our guide, Steven Rojas, was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and easy going. The scenery is beautiful and it was great to have a great lunch waiting for us afterwards. We highly recommend it!”

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15.PRIVATE Palo Verde Boat Safari: Wildlife + Lunch Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $190

From Tamarindo, you’ll spend about six hours exploring Palo Verde National Park with your own group, a local guide, and a two-hour riverboat safari. Guides such as Eugene, Eliel, and Eduardo focus on crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and birds. Lunch at a family-run home or restaurant is included, along with park fees and hotel pickup.

“I would highly recommend this tour! Our guide Eugene was fantastic and so knowledgeable. He made sure we had close up views of monkeys, crocodiles, and many birds. Lunch was also delicious. Thank you Eugene for such a great tour!!!”

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