Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Tours & Trips
Ever wanted to experience Costa Rica's pura vida lifestyle fully? Relax on idyllic beaches, explore lush cloud forests, venture into dramatic volcanic landscapes, and surf at some world's most popular destinations. See incredible wildlife, pristine coastlines, and that laid-back Caribbean vibe that makes Costa Rica absolutely stunning.
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- Choose from 17 Costa Rica Caribbean Coast tours
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Jane • traveled in April
Communication was great and my concerns were addressed quickly and efficiently. Would definitely do business with them again.
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders - J
Jane • traveled in March
We enjoyed our brief trip to Costa Rica, though we were disapppointed by hte number of people on the tour since the website had said "No more than 16 travelers" and we had at least 26, if not more, for most activities. That was a particular problem when it came to guided nature walks on single-file paths, where the people at the end of the line had almost no chance of hearing the guide--who was extremely knowledgeable. That said, we were especially impressed with the Toruguero National Park and the amazing array of flora and fauna we saw there. We also really liked the Pachira Lodge where we stayed for 2 nights near the park. We felt we were well taken care of in terms of transportation and transfers, and all of our drivers were excellent and courteous. Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit!
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure - JH
Jill • traveled in July
Jorge was very knowledgeable and wonderful!
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
The best Costa Rica Caribbean Coast tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCosta Rica Caribbean Coast travel expert at TourRadar
- Tortuguero Jungle Expedition, Short Break
- Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
- Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
- The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
- Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
- Cycle Costa Rica
- Tortuguero Trails & Pacuare Rapids 4D/3N
- Tortuguero National Park Adventure 3D/2N
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- Tortuguero: A natural paradise in Costa Rica
Tortuguero Jungle Expedition, Short Break
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All worked with interesting excursions and experiences. The hotel and its facilities were good too.”
Jacqueline, traveled in November
The waterways of Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast come alive from Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero. Watch diverse wildlife, stroll through car-free village life, and join guided nature walks. Perfect base for the region's rich biodiversity and culture.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,001
10% Off- NZ$901You save $100
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
84 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The organization of the tours, the customer service, the accommodations, were all outstanding.”
Gail, traveled in November
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast unfolds through Tortuguero's canal network, mangrove forests, and pristine beaches. Two-night stay at Pachira Lodge includes guided boat tours, wildlife viewing, and optional night excursions.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, La Guaria (La Fortuna), Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Jaco Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wingbuddy From
10% Off- NZ$3,306
Tortuguero National Park Tour – 4-Day Independent Adventure
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodge was great- good variety of food, beautiful pool, clean rooms. I would do this tour again!”
Allyson, traveled in May
Cruise along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast from Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero. Daily guided boat tours showcase diverse wildlife including howler monkeys and caiman. Includes 8 meals, comfortable accommodation, and optional activities like kayaking ($35).
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,249
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent. Connections were on time and everyone in the loop knew exactly what was happening on each step of the tour.”
Allan, traveled in October
The canals of Tortuguero lead to Puerto Viejo's pristine beaches. Stay at Mawamba Lodge, spot nesting sea turtles (July-October), and hike Cahuita National Park's coastal trails. Includes expert guides rated 4.8/5.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$2,528
Puerto Viejo Beach, Short Break
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was lovely. I've had a great trip.”
Kristina, traveled in March
Pristine beaches await at Le Caméleón or Villas del Caribe in Puerto Viejo. Trek through Cahuita National Park's coastal trail, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy the region's unique Afro-Caribbean culture and untouched shores.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,443
10% Off- NZ$1,299You save $144
Cycle Costa Rica
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fab cycling, brilliant wildlife, a great selection of hotels - all very different.”
Alice, traveled in February
Lush rainforests of Tortuguero welcome you with diverse waterways and unique wildlife. The route winds through banana plantations and tropical landscapes before heading inland toward the Pacific shores.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Canas, Volcan Miravalles, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
10% Off- NZ$8,140
Tortuguero Trails & Pacuare Rapids 4D/3N
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent experience, very good value for money.”
Desmond, traveled in March
Waterways teem with wildlife in Tortuguero National Park and Rio Pacuare's pristine waters. Stay at eco-lodges, spot exotic species, and experience world-class rafting while immersed in coastal rainforest.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Pacuare River Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,330
Tortuguero National Park Adventure 3D/2N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was constantly amazed at how diverse and numbers of animals that live in such a small area.”
SIMON, traveled in November
Tortuguero National Park reveals pristine beaches and lush rainforest along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Hidden waterways showcase sea turtle nesting sites and diverse wildlife while staying at comfortable eco-lodges.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,108
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,259
Tortuguero: A natural paradise in Costa Rica
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very well put together.”
Kysea, traveled in September
Your path from San Jose leads to Tortuguero National Park's waterways. Navigate through jungle canals on safari boats, spot wildlife with naturalist guides, and immerse in local culture at Tortuguero Village. Includes 2 nights at a rainforest lodge with full-board dining and expert-guided excursions.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,279
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast follows different weather patterns than the rest of Costa Rica. The best times to visit are March to April and September to October when rainfall is minimal. During these months visitors can fully enjoy activities like hiking in Cahuita National Park or exploring Tortuguero's canals. A TourRadar traveler who stayed at Tortuguero Beach Lodge noted "we had fantastic weather in March with clear skies perfect for wildlife viewing." For those interested in sea turtles July to October marks the peak nesting season at Tortuguero National Park.
What are the must-see highlights along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The centerpiece of the Caribbean Coast is Tortuguero National Park with its network of canals and rich wildlife. Visitors can explore Cahuita National Park's beaches and coral reefs or experience the Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Tortuguero boat tours were incredible - we saw sloths monkeys toucans and even baby caimans. Juan Miguel our guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and plants." Accommodation options include places like Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero and Le Caméléon in Puerto Viejo.
What is the accommodation like on the Caribbean Coast?
The coast offers a range of places to stay from basic eco-lodges to upscale hotels. Tortuguero features properties like Mawamba Lodge and Laguna Lodge which provide rooms with views of the jungle. In Puerto Viejo travelers can choose between upscale options like Le Caméléon and more budget-friendly choices such as Villas del Caribe. A TourRadar traveler described "The Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero was perfectly located in the rainforest with 55 rooms all tastefully furnished with private bathrooms and ceiling fans plus a swimming pool and restaurant."
How accessible is the Caribbean Coast from San José?
Getting to the Caribbean Coast from San José is straightforward. Tortuguero requires a combined bus and boat journey taking 3-4 hours while Puerto Viejo is reachable by bus or shuttle in 4-5 hours. According to a TourRadar traveler "The journey from San José to Tortuguero with Laguna Lodge was well-organized including a breakfast stop and scenic boat ride through the canals." Most organized tours handle all transportation logistics from San José.
What wildlife can I expect to see on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
The Caribbean Coast's ecosystems support an extensive variety of wildlife. Tortuguero National Park houses three monkey species 123 types of tropical fish and various sea turtles. Visitors to Cahuita National Park often encounter sloths white-nosed barbets and howler monkeys. A TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide's knowledge of the plants animals history and agriculture of Costa Rica was very impressive and significantly added to the enjoyment of the vacation." The region's waters are home to manatees caimans and more than 400 bird species.
What's the best length of time to explore Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast?
While 3-4 days allows for seeing the main attractions a 7-10 day visit provides time to fully experience the region. A TourRadar traveler suggested "Make the tour a couple of days longer. There was lots more to do in each location." A typical itinerary might include 3 nights at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero for wildlife viewing followed by 2-3 nights in either Cahuita or Puerto Viejo for beach time and cultural experiences.