Costa Rica, whose name means “rich coast,” is truly a paradise for nature lovers, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Central America. Despite its compact size, this beautiful country is home to a staggering 6% of the planet’s biodiversity, making every moment spent here feel like stepping into a living, breathing paradise.
It boasts an idyllic climate, breathtaking natural beauty, rich coastlines, and a wealth of incredible wildlife from the vibrant hues of toucans and hummingbirds to the playful antics of spider monkeys.
Costa Rica invites you to slow down, take it all in from land and sea, and appreciate the incredible diversity of life that thrives here. Every step feels like a discovery, bringing you closer to the wild, unspoiled beauty of this remarkable place.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to explore Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast is between January and April. During these months, you’ll enjoy sun-drenched days, warm temperatures, and the least amount of rainfall—though don’t be surprised if you encounter the occasional tropical shower while wandering through the country’s lush rainforests. It only adds to the atmosphere!
Travelling to Costa Rica in April, when Aurora Expeditions visits, really lets you experience Costa Rica at its best. Whether you’re out spotting wildlife, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or unwinding on pristine white-sand beaches, the conditions are just perfect.
Things to do in Costa Rica: Top Activities & Experiences
While we love our purpose-built expedition ships and designed them for your utmost comfort, what excites us even more is getting you off the ship and into the heart of Costa Rica. Our goal is to immerse you fully in this awe-inspiring country, and we do that by offering a wide variety of activities and experiences that connect you with its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Take a look at just a few of the adventures you might experience with us in Costa Rica below:
Wildlife
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to an astonishing 500,000 species of animals and insects, with many of them found nowhere else in the world.
It’s a wildlife lover’s dream, offering everything from tree frogs, iguanas and snakes, to playful monkeys, sloths, and even elusive wild cats- not to mention incredible bird-life. Costa Rica boasts a depth of flora unlike anywhere else on the planet.
As you explore, you’ll be captivated by the kaleidoscope of vibrant butterflies fluttering by—some of the most well-known insects in the region. But that’s just the beginning. Costa Rica is also home to fascinating insect life such as leaf-cutter ants, the mighty Hercules beetle, and tiny sweat bees. These small wonders play just as vital a role in the ecosystem as the larger, more iconic species.
For a chance to see some of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary wildlife up close, visit Rio Claro Wildlife Refuge, one of the last refuges for pumas, ocelot, jaguarundis, tapirs, white-lipped peccaries and a host of other rainforest animals. In Curú National Wildlife Refuge keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, armadillos, and sunbathing iguanas. Curu is also a haven for monkeys—spot the playful capuchins, nimble spider monkeys, and boisterous howlers as you explore.
Then there’s Manuel Antonio National Park, where hiking feels like a real-life treasure hunt for Costa Rica’s star attractions: two- and three-toed sloths! As you meander through the lush forest, you might also encounter white-faced monkeys swinging between trees, vibrant toucans, and the occasional armadillo or agouti. Each trail offers something new, and every step is an invitation to discover more of Costa Rica’s awe-inspiring wildlife.
Bird Watching
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird watchers, offering an unparalleled opportunity to spot hundreds of rare and unique species across its beaches, hills, and rainforests. For birding enthusiasts, the country is like a pilgrimage site, where every turn could reveal a new, breathtaking species.
Avid birders might be lucky enough to spot the elusive Marbled Wood Quail, vibrant hummingbirds, or one of Costa Rica’s iconic toucan species. Keep your eyes peeled and ears tuned for the regal Scarlet Macaws as they soar through the trees, or catch a glimpse of the stunning Resplendent Quetzal, Motmots, and colourful Tanagers that bring the forests to life.
One must-visit destination is the Punta Leona reserve, which not only functions as a center for bird and mammal research but also serves as a haven for over 330 species of migratory and native birds. This protected area is a sanctuary for the rare and endangered Scarlet Macaw, along with many indigenous species found nowhere else but in Costa Rica.
Hiking
Get ready to explore some of the most biodiverse rainforests on the planet with unforgettable hikes through Costa Rica’s wild, untamed landscapes.
One of the most biologically intense places on Earth, Costa Rica offers hiking trails that weave through lush and towering tropical rainforests, where you should keep your eyes peeled for the country’s incredible wildlife.
As you hike through the towering high plateau forests, with trees reaching up to 43 meters (140 feet), you’ll discover a fascinating world of lush vegetation. Hundreds of species of ferns, bromeliads, and orchids thrive here, creating unique biological corridors that link palm swamps, mangroves, and everything in between.
Snorkelling
Dive into the vibrant underwater world of Costa Rica, where crystal-clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of marine life. Snorkelling here is an unforgettable experience, with coral reefs teeming with brightly coloured tropical fish just waiting to be explored.
All it takes is a mask, a snorkel, and a sense of adventure to discover some of the best snorkelling on the planet. And in Costa Rica, you don’t have to swim far to find incredible diversity—often, the best approach is to float gently above a reef and marvel at the vibrant marine life below. Coral formations might be hidden beneath swarms of shimmering fish, creating a living, moving tapestry of colours. Just keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins or sea turtles gliding by.
At Isla Tortuga, you’ll snorkel through waters alive with a dizzying array of fish, from big, friendly pufferfish to graceful stingrays, and even the occasional white tip reef shark. Turtles and dolphins are frequent visitors too, making this one of the top snorkelling spots in the region.
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just dipping your fins into the water for the first time, all you need is to be a competent swimmer and to have a sense of curiosity and wonder to enjoy this fun activity.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If you’ve ever wanted to try paddling or stand-up paddleboarding, Costa Rica is the perfect place to dive in. On our expeditions, you can paddle in calm, protected bays or glide over vibrant coral reefs in warm, crystal-clear waters.
There’s something truly magical about stand-up paddleboarding in one of the most biologically intense regions on the planet—both above and below the water. You’ll paddle above colourful coral formations, while lush rainforests provide the perfect backdrop to this peaceful adventure.
The warm, aqua-blue waters are teeming with life, so keep your eyes open for manta rays gliding below, dolphins playing in the distance, or sea turtles and whales passing by. Thanks to the shallow draft of our boards, you might even get the chance to access areas that are out of reach for larger vessels like Zodiacs, making this experience even more intimate.
Environmental Considerations & Responsible Travel
Covering only 0.03 per cent of the Earth’s surface, Costa Rica contains approximately 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity – more than Europe or North America. The country has strict environmental conservation policies in place, with roughly a quarter of the country made up of protected jungle, and we are incredibly fortunate to explore the region on land and sea.
With a clear Sustainability in Action blueprint, we do our bit to minimise our footprint. We are 100% carbon neutral our ships have enhanced fuel-efficiency due to their revolutionary X-Bow® technology. We also run a participatory Citizen Science Program. On board, during your shore expeditions, and on Zodiac cruises, you’ll learn from our subject matter experts as they share new discoveries to deepen your connection to Costa Rica and the planet. To learn more about our actions and commitment to responsible tourism, read our Impact Report.
Why explore Costa Rica with Aurora Expeditions?
For over 33 years, we’ve been leading expeditions to some of the most remote corners of the world. Exploring Costa Rica by ship lets you experience the country’s hidden gems—places that are hard to reach by land—while still enjoying absolute comfort.
What drives us today is the same passion for adventure and discovery that fueled our first journey decades ago. We thrive on exploring wild places and sharing these experiences with fellow travellers. We believe in small-group expeditions that allow for a personal, immersive experience, where everyone feels a true sense of exploration. Whether it’s cruising by Zodiac into a secluded cove for a closer look or hiking through one of Costa Rica’s National Parks in search of the Scarlet Macaw, the adventure is yours to embrace. Plus with plenty of activities to choose from, you can customise your journey to suit your interests.
And you won’t be doing it alone. Our expeditions are guided by a team of expert naturalists and remote area specialists—people we believe to be the best in the world. Their deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s landscapes and wildlife will not only enrich your experience but will inspire you to look at these wild places with new eyes. Each day offers the chance to learn something new, explore something unexpected, and make memories you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
Ready to explore Costa Rica?
Browse our Costa Rica expeditions below or download or order our latest brochure to view our full range of itineraries. To book, contact our expert team or request an online quote.
Natural Treasures of Costa Rica
Discovery Expedition
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Natural Treasures of Costa Rica voyage. Costa Rica, meaning ‘rich coast’, is a nature lover’s paradise. While it is a small country, Costa Rica contains approximately 6...
7 Days
From AUD $8,396.25/pp
Costa Rica & Panama Canal
Discovery Expedition
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Costa Rica and the Panama Canal voyage. Immerse yourself in the remarkable coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse regions...
12 Days
From AUD $17,995.50/pp
