Adventure

Costa Rica is of course known for its surfing and there are no surprises why. With long golden sand beaches on both of its coasts there is inexhaustible potential for surfers. The country's best year-round surfing is on the Pacific side and if you want to spend a good few days 'riding waves' it is worth the longer journey over to the Nicoya Peninsula where there are a number of seaside villages where the day's agenda revolves around the surf schedule. If you just want to slip it into your holiday there are plenty of places we can suggest or organise lessons for all abilities.

There are many rivers to choose from for White Water Rafting in Costa Rica which is great especially for those adrenaline junkies. You could cover a far few river miles if you wanted to try a few or just pick one for a once in a lifetime experience. Our favourites are Sarapiqui or the incredible Pacuare River which has rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. The combination of the excitement as you head over the rapids, with the stretches of smooth water so you can relax and take in the luscious jungle scenery, make this one of our favourite activities to include on your holiday.

You can enjoy horse-back riding trips in many destinations around the country which vary from short trips along the beach to full day trips into remote parts of National Parks. Whilst a lot of companies do look after their horses very well, some do not so it is worth booking ahead with us or doing a bit of research if you are booking a ride when you are out there.

The most exciting and vibrant life in the rainforest takes place at canopy level, but with trees 30m - 60m's tall you need a bit of help to see up there. For this, Costa Rica has created a huge network of canopy trails that can be found in nearly all destinations. These range in heights and lengths but all offer a different vantage point to see a variety of animals, fauna and flora as long as you are happy with heights!

Costa Rica has warm waters with an abundance of marine life, however visibility can be low due to silt, plankton and soft corals. However to see large schools of fish, as well as large marine animals such as turtles, sharks, dolphins and whales you are in the right place! The Caribbean is better for novice divers and snorkelers while the Pacific great for those with some experience. Isla del Coco, the remote floating island in the Pacific is said to be some of the best spots on the planet but you will need to visit on a live aboard and have good experience for here!

Opportunities for hiking and trekking are found all over Costa Rica. With mountains, jungles, canyons, coastlines and two coastlines it is a fantastic and varied hiking destination. More visited destinations, such as Arenal and Monteverde, have a variety of hikes including well marked easy options perfect for children and those who don't want anything too challenging. A lot can be done on your own but a guide is always a fantastic addition for wildlife spotting! If you are a confident walker there are plenty of more arduous treks - the most popular being through the dense jungle or Corcovado. A guide is mandatory for these hikes.

As Costa Rica has so many waterways there are plenty of opportunities to head out kayaking or canoeing. Sarapiqui river is one of our favourites for its gentle waterways, perfect for learning. The canals of Tortuguero are also ideal for all travellers as an opportunity to see wildlife up close and personal. A lot of properties on the coast will also have kayaks and canoes you can take out - these can be great for better snorkelling spots! In the Golfo Dulce lucky kayakers will be paddling out with dolphins exploring magical sea caves!

Whilst cycling is certainly on the rise in Costa Rica we wouldn't recommend long distance rides unless you are very experienced. The winding pot - holed roads make for quite a challenge. Instead enjoy the numerous trails in National Parks all around the country which offer a fun and different way to see the area. Our favourites are in Arenal and Corcovado and in the Central Mountains.

Zip Lining can be find throughout Costa Rica and it is a fun filled day getting to fly through the tree canopies. Great for all family this is an experience we would highly recommend and we can include it throughout your trip! A few hotels have their own private zip lining experiences which are great for a more personal and quiet experience but tend to be slightly shorter cables. For the most exhilarating Arenal and Monteverde have the longest, highest and fastest cables. It is especially beautiful flying through the misty cloud-forests at speed!

Sport-fishing in Costa Rica is an incredible experience and known as some of the best you can find, however it is a very pricey experience and so do expect trips to become very expensive if you want this included. If you head out in the Golfo Dulce you are likely to find a variety of very large fish, from Quepos you may find marlin and sail fish. Cano Negro is a more relaxed affair with a population of tarpon and the trout fishing in San Gerardo de Dota is excellent!