Family holiday ideas & recommendations

Incredible wildlife, giant volcanoes, stunning beaches… we can’t think of many better places for a family holiday than Costa Rica. If you’re still deciding whether it’s the right for your family, or if you’re simply looking for ideas on what to do when you get there, we’ve put together this handy family travel guide to help you along.

As one of the world’s most biodiverse and protected countries, you’re more or less guaranteed some wildlife encounters, even if you haven’t planned them! There are certain places where the wildlife spotting is extra special though, so we recommend including at least one of these in your family itinerary.

Tortuguero – a protected area of jungle and waterways on the northern Caribbean coast, home to sloths, monkeys, caimans, a world of birdlife, and turtles nesting and hatching at various times through the year. Children love spending a few days in a jungle lodge, setting off on wildlife boat tours then cooling off in the pool.

Boca Tapada – lesser-known and away from the usual tourist trail, this idyllic location near the Nicaraguan border is great for families. Explore the jungle on foot or by canoe, spotting toucans, monkeys, sloths and more, plus an incredible array of birds. For something extra special, we can even arrange a night or two sleeping in a treehouse!

Costa Rica is well set up for adventurous families, with plenty of activities to keep the kids engaged and get the adrenaline pumping. Health and safety standards are generally very good here, and we always make sure we work with established operators, so you can enjoy the thrills without the worries.

Monteverde – The heart of Costa Rica’s cloudforest isn’t just incredibly beautiful and a wildlife destination in its own right, it’s also a great place for adventure activities. The town itself may be peaceful and laid-back, but during your time there you can walk high-altitude canopy bridges, ride the sky gondola and even go ziplining through the forest.

Turrialba – This seemingly laid-back mountain town by the Turrialba Volcano is famed for its coffee, but it has another side too. The fast-flowing Pacuare river is one of Costa Rica’s best spots for white water rafting, and your kids can also try their hands at canyoning, ziplining and canopy walking.

Wildlife – tick. Adventure – tick. Now for some beachside relaxation! Costa Rica has plenty of options ranging from busy holiday towns to laid-back beach villages. We certainly prefer the latter of those options – away from the big tourist hotspots but with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Here’s a couple of our favourites.

Samara – One of our favourite Costa Rican beach towns, Samara is on the Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula and is blessed with some of the country’s best weather. It’s got a lovely, relaxing atmosphere, relatively quiet beaches and good places to eat and drink. It’s good for kids too, providing a safe place to play in the sea and ideal beginner-level waves where they can try their hand at surfing.

Cahuita – With a beautifully long beach and a distinctly Caribbean feel, Cahuita is our favourite spot on Costa Rica’s east coast. There’s a good selection of restaurants in the village and plenty of space to relax and enjoy. Kids will love snorkelling in the warm sea, and visiting the nearby Cahuita National Park to spot some of the local wildlife.

For something a bit different, how about a night away from it all on an undeveloped island in the Gulf of Nicoya?

Isla Venado – Hosted by the local community, this overnight camping experience is a huge hit with children, even without precious Wifi! Get back to basics, eating fresh fish by the campfire waking to the peaceful sounds of nature. It’s a wonderful way to spice up your Costa Rica holiday!