Costa Rica for Teens
Known as the ‘rich coast’ thanks to its wealth of natural wonders, Costa Rica is an exciting destination to travel to with your teens, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Costa Rica is one of our favourite holiday destinations for families with teenagers in tow, offering a near-endless amount of things to do and places to visit.
Thrill-seeking teens can test their limits with adrenaline-fuelled activities such as whitewater rafting along the Pacuare River, or zip-lining through a forest canopy in Arenal National Park, while taking in the country’s eco-focused culture and learning about the astoundingly biodiverse natural surroundings.
Or, for sun-seekers, a trip to the palm-lined Caribbean Coast provides plenty of time for relaxation, alongside outdoor activities like watersports or hiking.
Whichever itinerary your family chooses, a trip to Costa Rica with your teenagers is sure to be an experience you will all cherish forever.
Is Costa Rica a Good Destination for Teens?
Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica with adventurous tweens or want to plan a holiday that older children will love, this exhilarating country is a great location for travellers of all ages.
Home to an incredible mix of stunning landscapes and destinations just waiting for you to explore, Costa Rica truly has something for everyone to enjoy. Imagine walking through the Monteverde cloud forest and catching a glimpse of exotic animals in the trees, or visiting the spectacular, rainforest-ringed Arenal volcano, with its thermal springs and towering waterfalls.
From the remote and ruggedly beautiful Osa Peninsula in the south to wild beaches surrounded by mountains in the northwest, there’s no shortage of travel hotspots and experiences to discover.
In fact, there are so many things to do in Costa Rica with teenagers, that the hardest part will be deciding what to do first. Our travel specialists can sort and curate itineraries for you so that your teens can get the best mix of fun, adventure, and culture. Here are our recommendations for things to do on trips to Costa Rica with teens:
Get to know Costa Rica’s wildlife
The wildlife viewing in Costa Rica is some of the best in the world, making this the perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages. Head to the Osa Peninsula’s Corcovado National Park or the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park, where your family can trek through lush jungles for the chance to see some of the country’s native species including iguanas, monkeys, caimans, and a huge number of birds. You might even be lucky enough to spot a famous three-toed sloth! In these stunning national parks, you can take in the vast views from the ground, or, if you’re feeling particularly daring (and you’re not afraid of heights), by zipline or suspension bridge for a bird’s-eye view.
Immerse yourself in nature
Exploring the astonishingly diverse nature of this country is both an exhilarating and educational experience for your teens. A trip to Costa Rica is eco-tourism at its finest, and a family holiday will help young adults soak up and appreciate the environmental awareness that is such a priority here.
One of our favourite ways to experience this eco-friendly outlook is by visiting one of the wildlife reserves and getting up close and personal with endangered species, or witnessing the incredible experience of mother sea turtles hauling themselves on one of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches to lay eggs. These are the kind of special moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Find a sense of adventure
If your teens have had enough of learning about the nature around them and are keen to experience it, there are plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to keep them entertained. The possibilities are endless: from white water rafting and horseback riding, to quad-bike roaming, waterfall hikes, and volcano tours.
After action-packed days spent surfing, snorkelling, and kayaking in unbelievably scenic locations, you and your teenagers can relax on the untouched beaches that line the Pacific coast.
At Scott Dunn, we’ll make sure even the most hard-to-please family members will have a great time every step of the way.
Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica with Teens
Some of the best places in Costa Rica for young adults and teens to visit are, not surprisingly, also the most popular with visitors from around the world. Don’t miss a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to howler monkeys and crowd-pleasing sloths. Follow a trail through wild, birdlife-rich rainforest to the Arenal volcano, where they’ll see unique lava rock formations, or have a chance to spot more birds and animals such as armadillos on a guided tour of Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
The Osa Peninsula is another top location we recommend for any tailor-made family trip to Costa Rica. We love its vast expanse of wildlife-filled rainforests, unspoiled beaches backed by postcard-worthy palms, and wide array of adventure sports.
Can’t decide where to visit? Why not choose a multi-destination Costa Rica tour that’s perfect for teens? From wildlife tours that help you take in the spectacular surroundings to tours that have you soaking up the beach, our travel specialists have created the very best itineraries for a truly unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica with Teenagers
Once you’ve chosen a destination or two, the next step is finding that perfect place to stay. At Scott Dunn, we have access to truly unforgettable accommodation for your family in a variety of high-end hotels and eco-lodges scattered across this incredible country.
Imagine taking in views of the spectacular Arenal volcano from your private casita, or making your way via a raft to a secluded jungle lodge. For an extra-exclusive feel, head to the rugged Papagayo Peninsula, where luxurious and family-friendly hotels offer serene infinity pools and balconies overlooking a peaceful bay.
Arenal Volcano Walk
Arenal, Costa Rica
The best way to get as close as possible to the spectacular Arenal Volcano is to walk the reserve’s easy series of trails, which will take you through secondary rainforest and former lava fields. The park is known for its diverse wildlife.
Coastal Kayaking & Snorkelling Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Experience one of Costa Rica’s most striking coastlines by open-seat ocean kayak. Paddle to Biezans Bay for a refreshing swim and snorkel or just relax and enjoy the tranquillity of a private white sand beach.
Golfo Dulce Dolphin Tour
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Take a boat out into Golfo Dulce to look for dolphins. On occasion, super-pods of 300+ dolphins can be seen cavorting in the sparkling waters. The trip ends with an opportunity to snorkel over a coral reef, and a beach picnic.
Rafting the Pacuare River
San Jose and Central Valley, Costa Rica
The Pacuare River offers some of the finest white water in Latin America, winding through rugged canyons deep inside one of Costa Rica's impressive rainforests. As no roads lead to Pacuare Lodge, rafting in and out is the perfect way to arrive in style!
Rio Celeste & Volcano Hike
Arenal, Costa Rica
Witness the unearthly blue colour of the Rio Celeste as you take a rainforest hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Geological oddities and the Rio Celeste waterfalls are additional fascinations.
Arenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek
Arenal, Costa Rica
Soar through the rainforest canopy on this thrilling zip wiring adventure in the Arenal reserve. Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view, admiring the wildlife and spectacular scenery from above. Minimum age 8 years old.
Catamaran Sail with Snorkelling
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Silently glide in a catamaran along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast past exotic bays, golden beaches and tropical jungles, spotting dolphins, sea turtles and whales before dropping anchor in a quiet bay to go snorkelling or kayaking in the pristine warm waters.
Natural History Walk in Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal, Costa Rica
Enjoy a fantastic natural history walk through primary tropical forest, crossing 1800 metres of canopy walkway, in the company of an expert naturalist guide. See a wonderful array of flora and fauna on the way including sloths, monkeys and exotic birds.
Arenas del Mar
Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio & Uvita, Costa Rica
The secluded beachfront eco resort of Arenas del Mar is located close to Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park, home to wild, tropical beaches, unusual flora and fauna and rocky outcrops backed by lush forest.
Pacuare Lodge
Turrialba and Pacuare, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge is a luxurious nature and adventure lover’s paradise hidden away in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine jungle. Best accessed by white water raft, it combines thrilling adventure activities and an abundance of wildlife.
Nayara Gardens
Arenal, Costa Rica
A stylish hotel surrounded by lush tropical forest with unbeatable views of one of the world's most picturesque volcanoes, Arenal. Nayara Gardens provides the perfect base from which to explore the central region of Costa Rica.
Playa Cativo Lodge
Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Playa Cativo Eco Lodge is a beachfront boutique hotel on the Golfo Dulce offering an unparalleled experience set in 1,000 acres of private rainforest, surrounded by the Piedras Blancas National Park, a former extension of the Corcovado National Park.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Four Seasons Resort Papagayo offers luxurious resort-style accommodation, exemplary service and superb facilities in a beautiful setting on Costa Rica's northern Papagayo peninsula south of Liberia. A great option for families and has its own kids club.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is a fantastic beach resort set on the beautiful Papagayo Peninsula in northern Costa Rica with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding tropical forest. The Andaz is a great choice for both couples and families.
El Mangroove
Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
El Mangroove is a stylish yet casual beach hotel located in the lovely Papagayo bay. The hotel's 85 suites are styled with recycled wood, local artwork and contemporary stone finishes. Facilities at the hotel include 2 restaurants, a pool, spa and beach.
Wild Costa Rica
Central Valley, Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula & Manuel Antonio
Travel from coast to coast and explore Costa Rica’s rich natural highlights on this luxury tour. Stay at charming hotels in spectacular surroundings and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, like going off the beaten track to spot local wildlife. Finish off by unwinding at a boutique hillside retreat that shares a beach with iguanas and monkeys
SGD $9,400 pp
Costa Rica with Kids
Central Valley, Tortuguero, Arenal & Papagayo
Share an adventure with family on a luxury Costa Rica tour. Wander through diverse landscapes and take in wonderful wildlife, majestic volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Enjoy adventurous activities suitable for everyone, from lagoon boat trips to canopy walks, before finishing up with a splash of relaxation on the sun-kissed Pacific coast.
SGD $7,400 pp
Family Fun in Costa Rica
San Jose, Pacuare, Osa Peninsula, Arenal & Papagayo
Explore the stunning natural diversity of Costa Rica. Sample the very best activities on this action-packed and fun-filled family adventure with an escorted tour across the jewel of Central America. Stay in jungle lodges inspired by Robinson Crusoe and go kayaking with dolphins, or try your hand at rafting, tubing and paddleboarding.
SGD $12,600 pp
Active Costa Rica
San Jose, Turrialba District, Arenal and Santa Teresa
A fantastic introduction to Costa Rica that begins with an off-the-beaten-track adventure at the wonderful Pacuare Lodge. Hike, bike or kayak onwards to immerse yourself in the beauty of the province of Alajuela and stay near the iconic Arenal Volcano, then finish up with a few days of laid-back luxury in charming Santa Teresa.
SGD $9,700 pp