Tabacón Hot Springs is worth the day pass if you want the most natural-looking hot springs near Arenal: a warm thermal river that runs through landscaped gardens, with waterfalls and pools at the foot of the volcano. It’s also the most expensive option, with day passes typically about $90 to $125 including a meal. Book ahead, arrive when it opens, and stay into the evening. If you’re on a budget, the free stretch of the same river nearby, El Choyín, or a mid-range resort will save you a lot.
This review is for travelers deciding between Tabacón and the other hot springs around La Fortuna. It covers what the day pass gets you, what it costs, how to get there, the best time to go and the alternatives.
| Tabacón | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Where | About 12 km (15–20 minutes) from La Fortuna, on the road to Arenal Volcano |
| Day pass | Typically about $90–$125 per adult with a meal; book ahead |
| Day pass hours | About 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Kids | Under 6 free; under 16 must be with an adult |
| Water | Natural thermal river and pools, roughly 98–104°F (37–40°C) |
| Best for | Couples, special occasions, a natural setting |
| Free alternative | El Choyín, a public stretch of the same river |
What it’s like
What You Get at Tabacón Hot Springs
Tabacón’s main draw is the river itself. Water heated by Arenal Volcano‘s geothermal activity flows through the property in a series of cascades and natural-looking pools, surrounded by mature gardens. There are few tiled edges or visible pipes, which is what sets it apart from most resorts in the area.
- Thermal river and pools: pools of different sizes and temperatures, from shaded spots under waterfalls to quieter corners. Water shoes help on the rocks.
- Swim-up bar: the Agua Ardiente pool bar sits in the springs.
- Meals: day passes are sold with lunch, dinner or both at the resort restaurant.
- Spa: treatments are available to day pass visitors by reservation, at extra cost.
- Night soaking: the gardens are lit in the evening, and the springs stay open late for day pass guests.
One area, the adults-only Shangri-La gardens, is reserved for hotel guests. Hotel guests also get early-morning access before day visitors arrive.
Cost
Tabacón Day Pass: Price and Booking
Day passes usually run about $90 to $125 per adult with a meal, with reduced child rates and free entry for kids under 6. Tabacón sells a limited number of day passes, so book online in advance, especially from December to April and around Christmas, New Year’s and Easter. Prices are listed in US dollars with taxes included and change by season, so check the current rate when you book.
Worth it?
Is the Tabacón Day Pass Worth It?
Worth it if: you want the most natural setting around Arenal, you’re celebrating something, or you plan to spend most of the day and evening there and make use of the meal.
Skip it if: you’re on a tight budget, you want a big volcano view from the pools (The Springs Resort is better for that), or you want slides and play areas for kids (Baldi is a better fit).
Compare every option, including prices, in our Costa Rica hot springs comparison.
Alternatives
Cheaper Alternatives Near Tabacón
- El Choyín (Río Chollín): a free public stretch of the same thermal river, just past the Tabacón entrance. It’s rougher, with a short path down to the water and no facilities; go in daylight and don’t leave valuables in the car.
- Choyín Royal Thermal: a managed, paid section across the road with parking, lockers and food, for around $25.
- Mid-range resorts: several resorts closer to La Fortuna offer day passes for less than Tabacón.
Getting there
How to Get to Tabacón
Tabacón is on Route 142, about 12 km west of La Fortuna toward Arenal Volcano and the lake, a 15- to 20-minute drive. From San José airport, La Fortuna is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car; from Liberia, allow about 3 hours or a bit more. Parking is on site, and many La Fortuna hotels and tour companies offer transport. See our La Fortuna guide and the best hotels in Arenal.
Timing
Best Time to Visit Tabacón
Tabacón is open year-round, and warm water in the rain is part of the appeal. Arenal gets rain in every month, but the drier months, roughly February to April, give the best odds of seeing the volcano clearly. The rainy season, May to November, brings more clouds, lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. On any day, arrive at opening for the quietest pools, and stay for the evening when the gardens are lit. See the best time to visit Costa Rica by region.
Tips
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring water shoes, a change of clothes for dinner and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
- Drink water and take breaks from the hottest pools.
- Combine it with a morning activity, such as the La Fortuna Waterfall, a zipline tour or rafting, and arrive at Tabacón in the afternoon.
- Traveling with kids? See our Costa Rica family itinerary.
FAQ
Tabacón Hot Springs: FAQ
How much is a Tabacón day pass?
Typically about $90 to $125 per adult with a meal, with lower child rates and free entry for kids under 6. Prices change by season, so check when you book.
Do I need to book Tabacón in advance?
Yes. Day passes are limited, and they sell out in the dry season and around holidays.
Can kids go to Tabacón?
Yes. Kids under 6 enter free, and children under 16 must stay with an adult. The adults-only Shangri-La area is for hotel guests only.
Is there a free hot spring near Tabacón?
Yes. El Choyín is a free public stretch of the same thermal river, just past the Tabacón entrance. It has no facilities.
How hot is the water at Tabacón?
Most pools are roughly 98–104°F (37–40°C), with some warmer and cooler spots.
How far is Tabacón from La Fortuna?
About 12 km, or a 15- to 20-minute drive toward Arenal Volcano.
The short version
Tabacón is the most natural and most expensive hot springs near Arenal.
Book the day pass ahead, arrive early and stay into the evening.
On a budget, try El Choyín or a mid-range resort instead.