Arenal Volcano, Rainforests, Hot Springs, Pacific Coast Surfing, Sailing & Snorkeling
If you want to experience the best of Costa Rica but minimize travel, our Costa Rica Rainforest-to-Beach Family Vacation Itinerary is the trip for you. This itinerary is ideal for families with younger children who want to spend less time on the road and more time enjoying everything Costa Rica has to offer, from the rainforests to beaches, hitting volcanos, rivers, and zip-lining along the way. The itinerary can be customized for families with children of all ages.
Your family will explore rivers, jungles, rainforests and beaches on our Rainforest to Beach Family Vacation ItineraryThis Costa Rica family itinerary begins in the highlands, where the Arenal Volcano towers over the region’s jungles, rainforests, rivers, and hot springs. Explore the best adventure activities in the country, like hanging bridge tours, guided volcano hikes, wildlife safari river floats, canyoning, and white water rafting. After adventuring in the mountains, you’ll head to the Pacific for some sun and surf. While at the beach, enjoy surf lessons, go on a privately guided hike of one of Costa Rica’s famous beachfront national parks, and cap your trip with a sunset Catamaran sailing and snorkel tour.
The Rainforest to Beach Family Vacation Highlights:
- Adventures & Hot Springs in Arenal – Your kids will never forget this action-packed day of thrilling experiences at Costa Rica’s private adventure center. With unlimited use of the natural hot springs, the choice of 1 river adventure, and one land adventure, there is something for every family member.
- Surfing, Catamaran sailing & Snorkeling on the Pacific Coast – The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is a tropical paradise ripe with adventure. From sailing, snorkeling, surfing, and simply relaxing on the shore, you’ll never tire of Costa Rica’s pristine beaches.
Typical 9-Day Costa Rica Rainforest-to-Beach Family Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival Day & Private Transfer to Arenal Volcano
Arrive at the SJO (San Jose) or the LIR (Liberia) airport and set out for Arenal in private, modern transport. After a few hours of travel, you’ll arrive at your boutique hotel accommodations.
Day #2: Multi-Adventure Day
Wake up to the sights and sounds of the rainforest, where tropical birds and howler monkeys dominate the mornings. Start your day with a delicious breakfast of tropical fruits and Gallo Pinto to fuel up for a day of adventure. Adventures on hand include river kayaking, river tubing, horseback tours, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking trails, nature tours, hot springs, and a wildlife preserve for rescued animals. Take a break from the action and relax in the hot spring-fed pools just steps away from the scenic Arenal River, or take a dip in a natural river pool, where hot water percolates from the sand beneath your feet—Trek around the pools below on one of the many trails that loop around the forest floor. Wildlife lovers can take a day trip to the nearby Ring of Cats and Monkey Rescue Center to tour the wildlife sanctuary.
The jungles and rainforest rivers are simply breathtaking and will “wow” your entire familyDay #3: Costa Rica Rainforest Canopy Tour
Explore the rainforest from above with a guided tour through a rainforest reserve and hanging bridges. Walk through the enchanting hanging bridges high in the canopy while a naturalist guide teaches you about your surroundings. As you trek through the jungle, your guide will help you spot exotic wildlife, like tropical birds, monkeys, and sloths. After your early morning hike, gear up for an adrenaline-filled afternoon of ziplining. Fly through the canopy on a circuit of interconnected platforms. End your day reflecting on your favorite adventures while soaking in geothermal hot springs.
Day #4: Adventure Transfer to Pacific Ocean
Start your day in the rainforest and end it with your toes in the sand on the beach. En route to the beach, take on the rapids in a guided white water rafting adventure. There will also be an opportunity to stop for a dip in the tranquil river pools in an isolated rainforest river canyon! After your river excursion, lunch will be provided, and your driver will transport you to the Pacific Coast in time for sunset from your beachside boutique hotel.
Day #5: Costa Rica Surf Lessons & Day at the Beach
Start your day with a decadent Costa Rican breakfast while you enjoy the sounds and sights of the coast. Next, head out into the surf with an expert surf instructor to take on the mighty Pacific. Costa Rica is home to some of the best waves in the world and has some of the best learning beaches in all of Central America. If you’d rather spend your time in the sand than the surf, take in the view with a drink in your hand.
Surfing on the Pacific Coast is a dream of many, and an activity that you can experience on this trip!Day #6: (Private) Guided Hike of National Park or Charter Fishing
Discover Costa Rica’s most beloved national parks, which offer a mix of rainforests and beaches. On this private guided tour, visit either Manuel Antonio National Park or Santa Rosa National Park to see exotic animals, including various species of monkeys and elusive birds like the macaw. After your tour, relax on the beach and enjoy a secluded paradise. Return to your property for a bit of R&R before a family dinner in town or at the hotel tonight.
Day #7: Morning to Relax – Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Sail
Spend the morning relaxing and recovering from your previous adventures. After lunch, board a catamaran sailboat to head to sea on a snorkeling and sailing excursion. Your guides will take you to a secluded beach where you can snorkel and swim to your heart’s desire. Enjoy a late lunch and take in an unbelievable sunset from the boat before you return to your hotel for the evening.
Day #8: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
Spend the day as you wish. After a full week of expeditions and excursions, this day is designed for you to relax or continue the adventure if you desire. There are plenty of half-day tours, and we’re happy to help you choose. If you’d rather have a leisurely day, relax at the pool or visit a hidden beach (we’ll let you in on which one & how best to get there). Spend your evening enjoying one last family dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the area.
Costa Rica’s culture is founded in nature and will leave a lasting impact on your family.Day #9: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
We’ll arrange airport transfers based on your flights to get you home safe and sound.
Things to Know About the Rainforest-to-Beach Family Vacation
- This itinerary can be adapted to use both or a combination of Costa Rica’s two major international airports: SJO & LIR.
- Canopy Tour’s minimum age is 6 years old. Children can ride on cable with a guide.
- White-water Rafting’s minimum age is based on the season & ranges from 8-13.
- If you go to Guanacaste on Day #4, a relaxed wildlife safari float can be substituted for the river rafting.
- Multi-Adventure Activity’s minimum ages are Kayaking – 8, Tubing – 8, horseback – 6, climbing wall – 8. In some cases, underage children can be accompanied by a guide.
Costs for the Costa Rica Rainforest-to-Beach Family Vacation
Prices are per person based on a family/group of at least two people sharing a room. All pricing is based on the High Season: mid-November – mid-April, June – August.
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9-Day Costa Rica Family Rainforest to Beach Itinerary
The following prices are per person and based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a room.
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room.
8-Day Costa Rica Family Rainforest to Beach Itinerary
- Day #1: Arrival Day and Transfer to Arenal
- Day #2: Multi-Adventure Day & Hot Springs
- Day #3: Rainforest Canopy Tour
- Day #4: Adventure Transfer to Pacific Coast
- Day #5: Surf Lessons & Day at the Beach
- Day #6: Private Guided Hike in National Park or Charter Fishing
- Day #7: Morning to Relax & Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Sail
- Day #8: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #9: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
The following prices are per person, and based on minimum of 2 people sharing a room.
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room.
11-Day Costa Rica Family Rainforest to Beach Itinerary
- Day #1: Arrival Day and Transfer to Arenal
- Day #2: Multi-Adventure Day & Hot Springs
- Day #3: Rainforest Canopy Tour
- Day #4: Adventure Transfer to Pacific Coast
- Day #5: Surf Lessons & Day at the Beach
- Day #6: Private Guided Hike in National Park or Charter Fishing
- Day #7: Morning to Relax & Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Sail
- Day #8: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #9: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
- Day #10: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #11: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
The following prices are per person, and based on minimum of 2 people sharing a room.
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room.
What Our Clients Say:
I wanted to take a moment and THANK YOU for the wonderful trip arrangements you helped make for our families’ trip to Costa Rica. It was AMAZING, and we all thought it was a great success. The pace and activities worked very well for our families. We met great people, ate well, and had an adventure/activity every day.
— Scott