Costa Rica: Activities

Costa Rica is a world-class destination for teen adventure travel. Bold Earth offers a 21-day trip and a 14-day trip in Costa Rica, each with a unique itinerary. From whitewater rafting to meaningful community service, from Spanish classes to snorkeling, we’ll do every fun activity in Costa Rica you can think of!

Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica

The Rio Pacuare in Costa Rica’s Limon province is rated one of the top rivers to raft in the world. Exciting class III rapids will keep us on our toes, while waterfalls and pristine, lush rainforest provide scenic views. It’s not unusual to see river otters, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths while we’re whitewater rafting! Some rivers are cold and silty, but not the Pacuare—warm, turquoise waters invite countless splash wars.

Surfing in Costa Rica

You can’t visit the Golden Coast without learning to surf in Tamarindo. We will spend three days with professional surf instructors on beautiful white-sand beaches. The waves here are perfect both for beginners and for those who want improve existing surfing skills. We’ll start by learning proper techniques on our boards on land before moving to calm, shallow waters. We’ll take breaks each afternoon to explore the village and snorkel in water so clear you can see straight to the bottom!

Ziplining in Costa Rica

The best way to get a unique perspective of your tropical surroundings is to zipline in Costa Rica! We’ll take a two-mile-long canopy tour through Monteverde Cloud Forest, with a view of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon. Monteverde itself is protected forest, hosting 4 percent of the world’s biodiversity and home to 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. We’ll literally fly through the clouds; keep your eyes open for the elusive jaguar and ocelot, howler and capuchin monkeys, and colorful birds like the resplendent quetzal.