Wild Costa Rica Family Tours | Jungle, Wildlife & Culture
Select Page

Wild Costa Rica: Family Jungle, Volcano & Beach Expedition

San José, Tortuguero, Arenal & Manuel Antonio – 9 Days

Join an unforgettable Costa Rica family tours through nature, wildlife, and connection.

This 9-day journey is one of the most complete for families, combining rainforest adventure, ocean fun, and hands-on wildlife experiences.

Start in San José, then travel to Tortuguero, where life follows the rhythm of the jungle. Cruise its canals to spot monkeys, toucans, caimans, and—if you’re lucky—sea turtles.

Next, head to Arenal, home to waterfalls and hanging bridges. Visit the ASIS Wildlife Rescue Center, where your family connects with rescued animals and learns about conservation.

Finally, move to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast. Explore the famous national park, filled with sloths, monkeys, and tropical beaches. End your trip with a Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling Tour, watching dolphins and soaking in a stunning sunset.

Ready to Experience the Best Costa Rica Family Tours?

Trip Code: FMCR8-2440 

Per person from
$2260
CR4K Adult discount
$ 0
Per child from
$700
CR4K Child discount
$ 0

• Based on Double occupancy.
• Single Supplement and Family Pricing Available.
Travel Window: 01/May/2026 to 31/May/2026, 01/Sep/2026 to 31/Oct/2026.
* Children rate from 4-11 years old.

Rates may vary according to the travel season, please contact us to check availability and provide the correct price according to your travel dates.

 

9 Days/ 8 Nights
Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

Pre-Departure InformationTo visit our country there are some requirements See details

Included services

  • Visit Tortuguero Village & Turtle Museum.
  • Guided Boat Tour of Tortuguero Canals.
  • ASIS Wildlife Rescue: Wildlife Tour & Volunteer Experience.
  • Guided Manuel Antonio National Park walk.
  • Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling on the Pacific Ocean
  • All transportation services are included.
  • Overnight San José | 1 Night | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Tortuguero | 3 Nights | All meals Included.
  • Overnight Arenal | 2 Nights | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Arenal | 3 Nights | Breakfast Included.

Expert opinions

Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

Trip Highlights

  • Discover Arenal’s must-see experiences.
  • Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
  • the “Amazon” of Costa Rica’s waterways
  • Trekking through Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica’s most visited National Park
  • Walk on golden-sand beaches

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Arrival in San José Costa Rica

  • Arrival to San José, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
  • Private Ground Transfer to your San José Hotel.
  • Free time for sightseeing

DAY 2:

Travel to Tortuguero Costa Rica

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Early morning departure from the hotel.
  • Boat ride into "The Amazon of Costa Rica" - Tortuguero
  • Check in at your ecolodge located on the waterway canals
  • Visit the quaint village of Tortuguero, a picturesque community accessible only by boat
  • Free time to explore the beautiful Atlantic beach, enjoy some time in the hammock or by the pool
  • Enjoying a delicious dinner
  • Schedules may be reversed or modified, depending upon your day of arrival

DAY 3:

Jungle Boat Tour | Explore Tortuguero National Park by Water

  • Breakfast at the ecolodge
  • Explore the canals of Tortuguero in search of wildlife
  • This afternoon you will be free to hike, explore, rent a kayak or get out the binoculars for some great wildlife viewing on the property.
  • Optional activity: Turtle Nesting Tour (July-October) or Guided Hike
  • Enjoy a special dinner on the Tortuguero Canal Floating Restaurant

DAY 4:

Transfer to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Leave Tortuguero's jungle waterways and head to Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)
  • Relax in thermal waters

DAY 5:

Asis Rescue Center Tour

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • ASIS Wildlife Rescue: Tour & Volunteer Experience
  • During the evening you will have some time to explore the town

DAY 6:

Transfer to Manuel Antonio

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Today you will leave the rainforest and Arenal Volcano behind and be on your way to the stunning Central Pacific Coast
  • Time to relax around the pool

DAY 7:

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Hike
  • Time to relax at the pool this afternoon or the golden-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio

DAY 8:

Catamaran & Snorkeling Adventure

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Afternoon Catamaran Sunset Cruise

DAY 9:

Departure Day | Say Goodbye to Wild Costa Rica

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Head back to Juan Santa Maria (SJO) International Airport in San José
  • Now you truly know the meaning of Pura Vida!

DAY 1:

Arrival in San José Costa Rica | Wild Costa Rica Expedition Begins

Arrival in San José. After clearing customs at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy free time to explore the capital—stroll through Plaza de la Cultura, sip Costa Rican coffee along Avenida Central, or admire the National Theater, a replica of the Paris Opera House. Meals on your own.

Overnight at Presidente Hotel.

DAY 2:

Travel to Tortuguero Costa Rica | Stay at Mawamba Lodge Jungle Escape

Early departure from your hotel through Braulio Carrillo National Park and banana plantations. Then board a boat to reach Tortuguero, the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” After check-in and lunch at Mawamba Lodge, visit the village, turtle museum, and beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock or by the pool before dinner. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the jungle.

Overnight at Mawamba Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D.

DAY 3:

Jungle Boat Tour | Explore Tortuguero National Park by Water

Breakfast at the lodge. This morning, explore the canals of Tortuguero with a naturalist guide in search of monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to hike, explore, rent a kayak, or spot wildlife on the property. Refresh with a shower before dinner.
Optional seasonal activity: Turtle Nesting Tour (Jul–Oct) or a guided hike.

Overnight at Mawamba Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D.

DAY 4:

Transfer to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica – Stay at Arenal Springs

After breakfast, depart Tortuguero’s jungle waterways for a tropical rainforest experience near majestic Arenal Volcano. As you travel by boat, your guide will help spot wildlife along the canal banks. After lunch, meet your private driver for the journey to Arenal. In the evening, relax in the beautiful gardens and volcanically heated thermal pools at your hotel.

Overnight at Arenal Springs.
Meals: B, L.

DAY 5:

Wildlife Volunteer Experience | Asis Rescue Center Tour – Arenal Costa Rica

Embark on a guided conservation tour, learning about wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. Engage in preparing animal diets and crafting enrichment toys. Observe feeding processes and depart with enriched knowledge of local wildlife.
Afternoon at leisure – enjoy relaxation and exploration.

Overnight at Arenal Springs.
Meals: B.

DAY 6:

Scenic Drive to Manuel Antonio | Stay at Shana by the Beach

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Early risers can stroll the grounds to spot morning birds. Today you’ll leave the rainforest and Arenal Volcano behind as you journey to the stunning Central Pacific Coast. Midway, pause for a short stop before continuing to Manuel Antonio. Upon arrival, relax by the pool, soak up the sun, or sip a cocktail while watching a breathtaking sunset.

Overnight at Shana By The Beach.
Meals: B.

DAY 7:

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour

Prepare for an exciting hike in Manuel Antonio National Park. A knowledgeable guide will lead you along the trails, highlighting the rich wildlife and sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem. Spot monkeys, colorful birds, sloths, and other exotic creatures as you explore the lush rainforest. After your adventure, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Overnight at Shana By The Beach.
Meals: B.

DAY 8:

Catamaran & Snorkeling Adventure | Pacific Coast – Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Set sail along the stunning coastline of Manuel Antonio in search of dolphins, sea turtles, and more. Cruise past dramatic cliffs and seabird nesting grounds, then anchor in Biesanz Bay for a snorkeling adventure. Swim among tropical fish, then relax on board and enjoy a delicious lunch. With breathtaking scenery and wildlife, this catamaran tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Overnight at Shana By The Beach.
Meals: B, Cold Lunch.

DAY 9:

Departure Day | Say Goodbye to Wild Costa Rica

Your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end as you board private transportation from Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaria Airport. Depart with cherished memories of your journey through the natural wonders of this beautiful country.

Meals: B.

All you need to know about
Costa Rica, before your travel.

General information about Costa Rica.

Why travel with Costa Rica 4 kids?

We create family FUN trips for all family types. Whether you are traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens we are your go-to tour operator for all things KIDS in Costa Rica. With over 20 years of experience, we take ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY, creating your dream itinerary in Costa Rica´s tropical playground. Let our destination experts plan every detail and our guides lead you on a magical journey of PURA VIDA here in COSTA RICA.

Our Team of Experts

Our destination experts are passionate family travelers who have a high level of knowledge of family-friendly tours and accommodations. Their first-hand experiences lead to the creation of all Costa Rica for Kids itineraries. Our experts are here to answer your every question about traveling with kids in Costa Rica.

Everything Kids in Costa Rica

Over 20 years of experience has built a strong foundation for creating trips for every age and stage. We work closely with tour operators to ensure all trips are created through the eyes of children. It is our top priority to ensure the safety of your family while traveling in Costa Rica. The best part? We live here, we are the experts, we are here to create your dream family vacation!

Book with Confidence

Traveling with your family can be stressful. We know there are many important details when traveling with kids. We are here to remind you that with our help, traveling will be a fun, seamless adventure from start to finish. We have relaxed our policies and any of our trips can be booked with just a $100 deposit! Let´s get planning!

Per person from
$2260
Start Planning