Explore Costa Rica’s myriad natural wonders with your crew on this stylish family adventure that takes you to a magical rainforest hideaway, Central America’s most exclusive tented camp and a fabulous beachfront villa in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone.
While the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is best between November and April, the rainy season offers lower rates and can be a great option for those who are active in the mornings and don’t mind the usual afternoon downpour. Book at least nine months ahead for travel over Christmas and New Year.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on a family of four travelling for 12 nights and does not include international flights.
1 night in San Jose, 4 nights in Golfo Dulce, 3 nights in Arenal, 4 nights in Nosara
What makes your Costa Rica family holiday special?
- Explore the incredible rainforest and marine biodiversity of Golfo Dulce from a magical jungle hideaway
- Search for dolphin super-pods of more than 1,000 individuals
- Visit the Children’s Rainforest, looking for multi-coloured frogs, traversing hanging bridges and feeling tiny beneath giant jungle trees in Arenal
- Learn to surf with pros on some of the world’s most reliable waves
- Time your visit around a full moon and watch giant sea turtles clamber up Pacific beaches to lay their eggs
Your Costa Rica private family holiday itinerary
Deep forest
Golfo Dulce
After a night on arrival in San Jose, fly down to Golfito where a boat will be waiting to whisk you across the water to the fabulous Playa Cativo Lodge. Hidden away where Central America’s richest rainforest ecosystem meets the remarkable marine biodiversity of Golfo Dulce, it’s a fabulous place for inquisitive families to explore Costa Rica’s wildlife.
Inland there are spider monkeys, tapir (and the odd big cat) along with countless colourful butterflies and birds, while the seas burst with sea turtles, humpback whales and up to 3,000-strong-pods of spinner dolphin. At night, go looking for cute tree frogs, or watch in wonder as the waves sparkle green and blue from bioluminescent plankton.
Under the volcano
La Fortuna
With a front-row seat on Arenal volcano at the exquisite Nayara Tented Camp, you’ll have three days to enjoy this amazing natural adventure playground. With your young Tarzans and Janes, you can swing from zip-lines, rappel down jungle waterfalls, peer at the residents of the rainforest canopy from hanging bridges, search for sloths, go paddle-boarding and kayaking, raft raging rivers and gallop across open pastures. Or take it a little easier and enjoy cookery classes, bean-to-bar chocolate making and relaxing with a gourmet picnic that we’ll set up for you by the river.
Beach bliss in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone
Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula
We’ll fly you by private charter to Nosara, saving many hours of overland travel, where the Pacific waves crash into the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. With a gorgeous private villa as your base, immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle of the locals. Being in one of the world’s few Blue Zones, there’s a strong emphasis on living healthily.
Wellness therapies of all kinds abound, the food is organic and often pulled straight from the trees or earth, and there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy from horseback rides along the beach to surfing lessons in one of the most reliable spots on the planet. Come around a full moon, and you’ll have the chance to see thousands of turtles haul themselves up the beaches of Ostional to lay eggs, or see hatchlings clamber down to the ocean.
Where you'll stay on your Costa Rica family adventure
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
Hotel Grano de Oro
A perfect place to relax before or after a long flight, the Grano de Oro is a charming Victorian mansion in San José that offers a blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. Each of its 40 individually designed rooms feature antique touches, plush comforts, and peaceful garden views, and there are plenty of corners to relax including hot tubs on the rooftop terrace. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves gourmet Costa Rican cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Committed to sustainability and community support, Grano de Oro offers an elegant, authentic experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s capital.
Playa Cativo
Hidden among Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and pristine rainforest and marine ecosystems, sustainably operated Playa Cativo is a special place to reconnect with nature and create amazing memories. Boat is the only way to get here, but the warmth of your welcome when you arrive in this remote place is simply wonderful. Its casitas, spread out across the property, are made from reclaimed wood and are stylish and very private. When you’re not out searching for primates and dolphin super-pods, or swimming beneath jungle waterfalls, you’ll enjoy vibrant farm-to-table organic cuisine that showcases the region’s fabulous produce.
Nayara Tented Camp
Set on a hillside with dreamy views across to Arenal volcano, Nayara Tented Camp is a superb example of how luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Each of its spacious safari-style tents offer four-poster beds, plunge pools fed by natural hot springs, and open-air showers. Wake to the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds before embarking on guided nature walks, spotting sloths, toucans, and colourful frogs along the way. After a day of exploration, unwind in the infinity pool, indulge in a signature volcanic mud spa treatment and enjoy gourmet farm-to-table cooking at the restaurant.
Sendero Hotel & Villas
Discreetly set amongst forest, just steps from Playa Guiones in super-chilled Nosara on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Sendero Hotel & Villas is a place of deep relaxation and restorative energy. Its light-filled rooms and villas are cool contemporary cocoons in neutral tones with the odd pop of colour from art pieces, plants and rugs. The food–especially the variety of tropical fruits–is every bit as heavenly! While here, tap into Nosara’s wellness vibe with some private yoga or Pilates classes, take surf lessons, or head a few miles down the coast to watch turtles haul themselves up on to Playa Ostional to lay their eggs.
Customise your luxury Costa Rica family holiday
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Opportunities to visit some truly inspiring conservation projects working to safeguard hammerhead sharks, primates and tapirs
Families with teenage children can enjoy one of the Americas’ great rafting adventures en route to Pacuare Lodge
Charter a luxury yacht and explore the remote coves, islands and snorkelling spots of Guanacaste
For larger families looking for a multi-generational retreat or somewhere special to celebrate a major milestone, speak to us about our extraordinary off-book private villa rentals
Combine Costa Rica with Panama and stay at world-class Islas Secas Resort
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Costa Rica specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Latin America team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
