Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

Family-friendly activities

Embark on an exclusive adventure along the pristine beaches and rugged landscapes near Tamarindo with our ATV or Buggy Tour. This tour begins with a convenient pickup from Tamarindo (if selected), followed by a comprehensive orientation. Here, you'll receive detailed instructions and take a test ride to ensure you're comfortable with your vehicle and the terrain. Once you're ready, the real adventure begins. You'll navigate your ATV or buggy through a mix of beachscapes and mountainous areas, heading towards the beautiful Playa Zapotillal. This tour is tailored to your preferences, allowing for stops at two different beaches where you can choose to swim or simply capture the moment with photographs.

Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure from Tamarindo to the stunning Catalina Islands. Begin your journey at our diving center at 6:50 am, where you'll be fitted with snorkeling equipment and briefed on basic snorkeling and safety procedures. A short boat ride will transfer you to a larger vessel for a 45-minute navigation to the Catalina Archipelago, or Cabo Velas if the weather is windy. Once at the snorkeling site, dive into crystal-clear waters for two guided snorkeling sessions. Marvel at the vibrant marine life, including dolphins, puffer fish, large schools of snappers, and sea turtles. Between sessions, relax onboard and savor tropical fruits while soaking in the breathtaking ocean views. Your professional guide will be with you throughout the experience, ensuring your safety and enhancing your underwater exploration. The tour concludes around midday, with a return trip to Tamarindo, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day.

Join me on the best ATV trails in the Tamarindo area to discover secret beaches and create memories you cannot forget! During this trip, we will drive through rivers and mountains. We will visit secret beaches near Tamarindo. Before you go out on your tour you will have the opportunity to use the bathroom or showers on site. Have a small test drive to learn how to operate the ATV correctly. Once the test drive is over you will start your tour. Follow the guide through secondary roads avoiding paved roads with heavy traffic. You will drive through villages, rivers, forests, and mountains on the way to amazing beaches like Playa Piratas, Playa Minas, and Playa Puerto Viejo (south end of Conchal). During this trip, you will have the opportunity to see some wildlife such as monkeys, birds, iguanas, and more! After visiting all these amazing places on our tour we will return to our office to be greeted with cold water. Here we can use the bathroom and showers after the tour.

The tour is composed of seven cables, a “Tarzan” swing, two hanging bridges, a free fall jump device and other surprises to make the experience even better for you. The weight limits are less than 20 kg and more than 120 kg. At the end of the activity we offer pineapple and cold water for you to enjoy. We start with children aged 3yo, little ones are more than welcomed as this is a family friendly zilpine, for the nervous/ scared ones, tandem (child-parent) are available to do together ! Must have: sunscreen, bug spray and sneakers!

Drift into Punta Uva’s hidden jungle canal for a recreational kayaking experience meant to be savored, not rushed. This adventure invites you to unplug, paddle at your own pace, and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Ideal for beginners and nature lovers, this is not a race—it’s a chance to slow down, observe, and enjoy. WHY 2 HOURS? Tucked beyond a dirt road, Playa Grande is your launch point. Glide through calm waters where locals swim (no known crocodiles!) and let the jungle unfold around you. Depending on water levels, the journey can take 20 minutes one way (40 minutes total) or up to an hour one way (2 hours total). We encourage you to take your time, linger, and soak it all in. ✅ Solo or tandem kayaks available (minimum 2 people) ✅ Lifejackets provided for safety ✅ Optional binocular rentals for $2 WILDLIFE THAT WOWS Move slowly, and you may spot macaws, toucans, monkeys, and tiny fish shimmering beneath your kayak. Occasionally, wild horses gallop along the canal—a breathtaking moment for lucky paddlers. This is a mostly secluded escape, though you may see locals along the banks of the canal fishing. WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR: ✔️ Nature lovers who want to unwind and observe wildlife ✔️ Beginners looking for a scenic, accessible kayak experience ✔️ Travelers craving a slow-paced, peaceful escape Not ideal for: ✖️ Those wanting a fast, intense kayaking workout ✖️ Those require a guide ✖️ Travelers who prefer a quick-paced adventure WHAT’S INCLUDED? - A 2-hour kayaking adventure (exact duration depends on water levels) - Solo or tandem kayaks (your choice!) - Lifejackets for safety and comfort - Incredible wildlife sighting opportunity (monkeys, macaws, toucans & more) - Optional binocular rentals for $2 OPTIONAL BEACH TIME After your paddle, unwind on the nearby beach. Swim in the Caribbean or just relax and let the experience linger. Parking is conveniently located in the same area. GROUP SIZE & RATES ✅ Minimum of 2 people (priced per person, not per kayak) ✅ Solo paddlers welcome but must cover the cost for two NEED A RIDE? Tuk Tuk Ride: Please message for rates. A ONE-OF-A-KIND ADVENTURE This is more than a self-guided tour—it’s an immersive nature escape. Water levels shift seasonally, sometimes revealing natural obstacles, but that’s part of the charm. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but this area teems with life, making every trip special. Book now for a slow-paced adventure full of nature, relaxation, and unforgettable memories!

PALO VERDE BOAT TOURS© has been a pioneer in Rural Tourism for more than 30 years. Our commitment is to provide unique and unforgettable trip experiences with the true Costarican family essence. Palo Verde National Park is one of the most important wetlands of Central America. You’ll delight in exploring Palo Verde's biodiversity on this half-day tour while a naturalist guide tells you about this unique ecosystem. Following the boat tour, you'll taste traditional Costa Rica cuisine (casado). At the same time, a local artisan performs a pottery show. Your visit, for it helps us to provide working opportunities to women and men within our community, while also allowing us to produce and buy local and organic products, supporting the growth of the local economy. Many of the food products are grown in our very own orchards in a sustainable way, and we also offer courses and certifications on sustainable farming practices. Thank you for supporting Rural Tourism companies led by local families such as ours, PALO VERDE BOAT TOURS©.

Come on board as we cruise in search for dolphins, migratory humpback whales, sea turtles, and manta rays, on our Family Fun Filled Adventure! As we make our way down the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in Guanacaste, you can admire the majestic islands and pristine beaches. Our guides will be ready to answer any questions you may have while giving a brief history of the area. During the tour you can enjoy delicious tropical beverages and fresh fruits After touring the coast, we will anchor in a special area to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving off our second story jump platform, and don’t forget the adrenaline filled ride down the famous Tsunami waterslide in the warm clear Pacific waters. We provide the masks, snorkels, fins, bilingual guides and everything you need to dive and observe the underwater playground for numerous species of colorful tropical fish. You will discover the true meaning of the word Paradise as you relax and enjoy the Pura Vida in this beautiful bay surrounded by the amazing beach landscape and the soothing sounds of the ocean. You can also enjoy a delicious meal, fresh grilled fish, pasta salad, mixed veggies and fresh fruits.

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Playa Minas or a nearby beach that is home to nesting turtles. Playa Minas constitutes one of Costa Rica's most important nesting sites. Between October and April , large numbers of turtles migrate to this region. It remains one of the last untouched beaches in the world, giving it a remote paradise feel. There will be a 700-meter hike in the dark with infrared flashlights provided by your tour guide. Once arriving at the beach, the guide will educate the group on how to respectfully navigate the area. You will see the black turtles, and if you are lucky, the rare leatherback turtles. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest sea turtle in the world, weighing over 1,200 pounds and averaging almost 8 feet in length.

Enjoy an eco-luxury rainforest experience at Sensoria in the Costa Rican rainforest on Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Walk through the exotic jungle, see the fluorescent Aguilar Waterfall and swim in Pilon Thermal Pool, before ending your visit with a delicious lunch of local produce.  On arrival, your guide is waiting to take you on a trek through the beautiful tropical rainforest on the northern slope of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. The 6km trail is alive with a vibrant ecosystem and there is plenty of wildlife and plants to be seen along the way.  Feel the strength of the fresh wind channeled through the canyon at Buenos Aires Waterfall. See continuously running fresh water at Danta Pool and Waterfall, a natural magnet for wildlife which can often be seen drinking and bathing here. Walk to Aguilar Pool and Waterfall, rich in silicon which covers the river stones in a smooth white layer. The sun’s reflection produces a magical fluorescent blue color that is hard to resist.  Explore the magnificent Jicara Pool and Waterfall, named after a very special tree - Jicaro de Danto. This unique tree is endemic to the Guanacaste and Tilaran mountain ranges and its fruit which looks like giant pickles is loved by tapirs and bats. Take a dip in the warm, curative volcanic waters of Pilon Thermal Pool. These waters are widely known for their healing and nourishing properties for the skin and hair. If weather permits, your guide can take you to the canopy of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where on a clear day you can see the Lake of Nicaragua and the majestic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Finish your rainforest experience with lunch. Select from a menu offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivorous options. Enjoy delicious Costa Rican coffee afterward along with locally made sweets.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a scenic setting where the lush greenery meets the ocean’s edge, creating a serene backdrop that instantly relaxes you. The journey begins as you meet your friendly, well-trained horse, chosen specifically to match your skill level and comfort. An experienced guide will introduce you to your horse, helping you build confidence and trust. As you set off, the path leads you through coastal trails where gentle sea breezes fill the air, carrying the soothing sound of waves. Your guide shares interesting facts about the local ecosystem, pointing out unique flora and fauna along the way. Eventually, the trail opens up to panoramic ocean views, and you feel the connection with both nature and your horse deepen. Continuing along the beach, there’s a chance to wade with your horse in the refreshing water. This magical experience creates a sense of unity with the ocean and adds a unique, playful element to the ride. By the end, as you return to your starting point, the beauty and calmness of the journey linger, leaving you with lasting memories of this intimate encounter with nature.