When most people picture Costa Rica, they think of zipline tours flying high above the rainforest. And it’s true — those tours are everywhere now. But the country’s adventure scene didn’t start with ziplines. Long before the first canopy cables were strung in Monteverde back in 1997, travelers were coming here for volcano hikes, whitewater rafting, world-class surf breaks, and the growing national park system.
Today, tourism has exploded into a huge variety of experiences. Sure, the classic activities are still here — but if you’re curious enough to look past the obvious, Costa Rica reveals a whole other side. Here are ten options, from adrenaline-packed thrills to experiences designed to reset your mind.
Thrill-Seeker Experiences
1. Explore Underground Caves
Costa Rica isn’t just rainforest and beaches. Beneath the ground lie rivers, bat colonies, and limestone passages waiting to be discovered. The Venado Caves near Arenal are the most famous, with guided tours that lead you crawling, wading, and squeezing through formations carved over millions of years.
2. See Crocodiles Up Close
The Tárcoles River has been home to one of the country’s most unusual attractions: crocodile tours. Guides take you by boat along the riverbanks where dozens of massive reptiles bask in the sun. With bridge construction underway, the tours may shift locations, but the chance to see these prehistoric creatures up close remains unforgettable.
3. Witness Bioluminescence
Some of Costa Rica’s bays light up at night thanks to tiny plankton that glow when disturbed. Paddle a kayak in places like Nicoya Peninsula or the Gulf of Nicoya, and every stroke of your paddle sparks blue streaks across the water. It feels like magic, but it’s pure science.
4. Take the Leap with Bungee Jumping
If ziplining feels too tame, Costa Rica offers full-on bungee jumps. You’ll hurl yourself into open air, heart pounding, with nothing but a thick cord standing between you and the river below. It’s pure adrenaline — and despite the fear factor, operators here maintain spotless safety records.
5. Windsurf at World-Class Spots
Strong winds make both Lake Arenal and Guanacaste’s Salinas Bay magnets for windsurfers. Whether you’re a beginner looking for lessons or an expert ready to ride, Costa Rica has some of the best conditions in Central America.
Mind and Body Reset
6. Cold-Water Plunge
Costa Rica’s rivers and waterfalls aren’t just beautiful — they’re a natural setting for ice water immersion. Jumping into frigid water triggers a powerful rush that leaves you wide awake and buzzing with energy.
7. Ayahuasca Ceremonies
For those seeking spiritual transformation, traditional ayahuasca ceremonies led by experienced guides are available in certain retreats. It’s not for everyone, but many describe the experience as profound.
8. Float Therapy
Step inside a sensory deprivation tank filled with salt water heated to body temperature. As you float in darkness and silence, your mind detaches from the constant noise, creating space for deep relaxation.
9. Reiki Healing
Reiki practitioners in Costa Rica offer energy-healing sessions designed to channel universal life force and restore balance. Whether you believe in it or not, many travelers report leaving calmer and lighter.
10. Seven Days in Darkness
While more common in retreats abroad, Costa Rica is starting to experiment with “darkness therapy.” The idea is simple: spend a week in complete darkness, free from external stimulation. It may sound extreme, but some wellness seekers swear by it.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica’s wild beauty may draw people in, but what keeps travelers coming back are the endless ways to experience it. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline underground, paddling glowing waters, or stepping into a retreat for deep inner work, the country always has something new to offer beyond the usual.