Costa Rica · PRIVATE

The 15 Best Private Tours in Costa Rica

51 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 private tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Private Transfer Liberia Airport - The airport pickup process
Costa Rica Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer Liberia Airport

1.Private Transfer Liberia Airport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews Our pick

Travel privately between Liberia Airport and your Tamarindo-area hotel with On The Road Costa Rica. Your driver meets you with a name sign, provides a clean, air-conditioned vehicle, and may have cold water, sodas, or beer ready. Drivers including Harnan, Rafael, Bianco, and Anthony are praised for friendly service and local advice.

“The communication and attention to detail was wonderful. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend this service to anyone. In addition to transportation, they also offer tours, excursions and can even help you find accommodations. We goRead more”

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SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José - Meeting your driver outside SJO
Costa Rica Tours, Private, Private Shuttles and Transfers, San Jose Tours, Tour Reviews

SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José

2.SJO Airport Private Shuttle to San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 121 reviews · 20 to 35 minutes (approx.)

Book a private ride from Juan Santamaría International Airport to a San José hotel for up to three people. Your driver tracks your flight number, sends arrival instructions, and provides a roughly 20 to 35 minute transfer with WiFi, taxes, and hotel drop-off included. Confirm the meeting point carefully before you fly.

“Driver never showed up or answered had to take a taxi at 11pm to my destination after waiting and calling for 45 minutes outside”

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Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service - Tárcoles Bridge and the crocodile stop
Costa Rica Tours, Jaco Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service

3.Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $73

Ride privately from San José International Airport to Jaco Beach or Los Sueños, or return to SJO, in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and refreshments. Your English-speaking driver meets you with a name sign, handles luggage, and stops at Tárcoles Bridge to view crocodiles when daylight and weather allow. Drivers may include Gio, Randall, Moises, Jimmy, or Javier.

“Randall was prompt and very very accommodating! He made us feel safe and secure on the 1hr and a half drive from Los Suenos to SJO! He was so awesome! Highly recommend him to anyone!!”

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Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers - Why a private minivan can be worth the price
Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers

4.Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

RideCR’s private transfer takes your group of up to six from a La Fortuna hotel to Liberia Airport in about three to four hours. An air-conditioned minivan, hotel pickup, airport drop-off, local taxes, and a driver-guide are included. Give your airline, flight number, departure time, and hotel details when booking.

“Harold was a wonderful driver and even though we had a communication gap (he spoke Spanish and we spoke little Spanish), he did his best to make sure we had a comfortable trip”

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Private tours and transfer Costa Rica - A six-hour morning with an early start
Costa Rica Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews

Private tours and transfer Costa Rica

5.Private tours and transfer Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 1 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $150

Start at Tamarindo Beach for a private, roughly six-hour trip to the Tempisque River. Expect about 90 minutes by boat to look for birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and other local species, followed by a meal prepared by a Costa Rican family and a pottery demonstration by local artisans. The tour returns to Tamarindo.

“I tried to contact the tour operator for a week. The first time 6 days before, then 5 days before, and finally the day before and said if I didn’t hear back by noon I would have to cancel because he could not confirm details of the trip, or pick up and drop off. He never responded. When I reached out to Viator for help they couldn’t get a hold of him either. The operator never confirmed details of trip, pick up or drop off. And his phone number was out of service. Viator denied my refund request. I was told I would get a refund unless this operator could…”

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Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience - Starting at Embarcadero 1 on Lake Arenal
Arenal Volcano Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

6.Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $70Best value

Join Jose for a private 2.5-hour stand-up paddleboard outing on Lake Arenal near La Fortuna. You’ll receive a safety lesson, paddle in sheltered areas, look for birds, turtles, fish, and otters, and enjoy fruit, photos, and video. The pace is friendly and adaptable, with assistance available for participants with disabilities.

“Jose was a very friendly and professional guide. He taught the basics of supping very patiently and made us feel confident on the paddle board”

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PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch - Horseback riding: scenic, but brief
Costa Rica Tours, Horseback Riding Tours, Hot Springs Tours, Lunch Experiences, Private, Spa & Hot Springs, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Zipline and Canopy Tours

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

7.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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Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour - Reaching the snorkeling site before the busiest boats
Catamaran and Sunset Cruises, Costa Rica Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Jaco Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour

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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OneWay Private Transfer - Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location - The 35-minute stop can save your first afternoon
Airport Transfers, Costa Rica Tours, Liberia Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Tour Reviews

OneWay Private Transfer – Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location

9.OneWay Private Transfer – Liberia Airport To Your Selected Location

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.)

Book a private Liberia Airport transfer for up to four people, with hotel drop-off, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a 35-minute courtesy stop for food, groceries, or restrooms. Drivers such as Johnny, Bianco, Jose, Eduardo, and Ariel have helped passengers reach Tamarindo and other destinations with local tips along the way.

“Friendly service, on time, excellent experience, great price. Clean van. Would definately use it again and recommend to friends or family.”

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Private Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru TICKET NOT included - A 7:30 a.m. start and a calm forest search
Costa Rica Tours, Guided, Private, Quepos Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Private Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru TICKET NOT included

10.Private Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru TICKET NOT included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $88

Walk Hacienda Barú near Quepos with a private bilingual guide such as Freddy or Pedro. Over two to three hours, you may spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, peccaries, coatis, and forest birds. Your guide carries an HD telescope that attaches to your phone, making distant wildlife easier to photograph. Park admission costs $17 extra.

“The tour guide, Freddy, did an excellent job, explaining the flora and fauna, and spotting several animals. In a two hour hike we were able to see agouti, peccary, coati mundi, white face monkeys, and several birds, among others. Great tour and value, and we avoided the crowds in Manuel Antonio.”

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Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group - Two hours in the water, with room to improve
Costa Rica Tours, Private, Surf Lessons, Tamarindo Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

11.Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Meet Blue Wave Surf & Tours on Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour lesson with instructors such as Andric, Jonathan, Johnny, and Pablo. You’ll get beach practice, equipment, safety guidance, and plenty of time in the water. Private instruction suits families, first-timers, and surfers ready for focused coaching.

“We had a great time! We opted for private lessons so there was an instructor for each of us. They taught us the basics and got us in the water right away. They are so patient and very professional.”

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Private Transfer La Fortuna To Juan Santamaria Airport From 7to10 - The three to four-hour road connection
Costa Rica Tours, La Fortuna Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer La Fortuna To Juan Santamaria Airport From 7to10

12.Private Transfer La Fortuna To Juan Santamaria Airport From 7to10

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Ride privately from your La Fortuna hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport in an air-conditioned minivan. Your driver collects your group at the requested time, shares information about Costa Rica along the way, and takes up to eight people directly to the airport. Plan on about three to four hours, with no attraction stops included.

“Showed up on time. Reliable and comfortable. 👍🏼 Got us from our hotel in La Fortuna to SJO in 3-3.5 hours.”

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San Jose Airport to La Fortuna Private VIP Transfer - Comfort, space, and group size
Airport Transfers, Costa Rica Tours, Private, Private Drivers, San Jose Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

San Jose Airport to La Fortuna Private VIP Transfer

13.San Jose Airport to La Fortuna Private VIP Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Meet your English-speaking driver at San Jose Airport, then ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle toward La Fortuna. Stop near San Ramón for food, restrooms, or a stretch, and get local tips along the way. Drivers such as Alfredo, Richard, Carlos, Yorin, and Adrien have been praised for safe driving and helpful advice.

“Alfredo picked us up from the airport and took such great care of us. Along the way, he accommodated us so well, even stopping halfway for food and some goodies. He shared great suggestions on things to do in the area and even pulled over so we could see a sloth—a rare and unforgettable sight! Alfredo also educated us about a nearby local festival, which made the trip even more special. We truly appreciated his kindness, knowledge, and hospitality.”

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Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip - What the ride is like with a local driver
Costa Rica Tours, Liberia Tours, Private, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Tour Reviews

Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip

14.Liberia Int. Airport, Private Shuttle One Way or Round Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Travel privately between Liberia International Airport and Tamarindo in an air-conditioned minivan for up to five people. Your driver meets arriving passengers with a white board and your name, or collects you from a Tamarindo-area location for the return trip. Water, snacks, and alcoholic drinks are included.

“I highly recommend this transfer, he was very nice and welcoming. We got from the airport to our hotel safely and on time and the rate was fair compared to what the hotel had quoted us. Thank you for a safe transfer!”

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Private Transfer From Manuel Antonio To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers - What the five-hour ride is really like
Costa Rica Tours, Manuel Antonio National Park Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Private Shuttles and Transfers, Quepos Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Transfer From Manuel Antonio To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers

15.Private Transfer From Manuel Antonio To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Ride from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna in a private air-conditioned minivan for up to six people. Your driver-guide collects you at your Manuel Antonio hotel and drops you at your La Fortuna hotel. Hugo has helped with bathroom breaks and sightseeing stops, but this is a one-way transfer, not an attractions tour.

“Hugo was fantastic! He treated our family of 4 with care for the duration of the trip. Our son felt a little carsick for a portion of the drive, and Hugo was very accommodating and helpful. We would highly recommend him!”

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New in Private

★ 4.52-Hour Private or Group Surf Lesson in Tamarindo!From $5046 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfer Tamarindo Beach to/from Liberia Airport51 reviews
★ 4.5PRIVATE Palo Verde Boat Safari: Wildlife + Lunch IncludedFrom $19046 reviews
★ 5.0Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from TamarindoFrom $1,16633 reviews
★ 4.5Private Charter Fishing in Tamarindo29 reviews
★ 5.0Private Surf lessons in Santa Teresa BeachFrom $10048 reviews
★ 5.0Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife RefugeFrom $15042 reviews
★ 5.0Special Private Waterfalls and Jungle Safari TourFrom $12040 reviews
★ 5.0Private Transfer Juan Santamaria Airport To La Fortuna From 7 to 10 passengers50 reviews
★ 5.0Private Shuttle San Jose airport to Los Suenos Marriot Herradura50 reviews
★ 4.5San Jose City Tour. Private Tour with lunchFrom $17540 reviews
★ 5.0Private Luxury Transportation from the Airport to your Hotel22 reviews
★ 5.0Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO)From $11039 reviews
★ 4.5Esquipulas Rainforest – Private Birding – Fully Customizable TourFrom $13533 reviews
★ 5.0Package | Monteverde Cloud Forest + Curi-Cancha Reserve + Night Hike (Private)From $8038 reviews
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Explore Costa Rica

Pick a volcano, a canopy or a coastline.

Volcano country

Arenal VolcanoHot SpringsHanging BridgesPoas & La PazRio Celeste

Wildlife

SlothsNight WalksManuel AntonioCanals & TurtlesBirdwatching

Water and adrenaline

WaterfallsRaftingCanyoningRiver TubingZiplines

Slow days

Coffee & CacaoCatamaran DaysSurf LessonsHorseback RidingCloud Forest