Costa Rica Private Family Adventure Tour
Raft, Kayak, Snorkel & Zipline in Nature's Wonderland
- Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-9 Guests
Min Age: 9
$250 Discount for Children 17 & Under
Highlights
- Zip through the treetops on an innovative course with extra features
- Go whitewater rafting on a stretch of river perfect for beginners
- Enjoy waterfalls, natural thermal springs, and pools of the Miravalles Volcano area
Itinerary
Arrive in San José
Day 1
Meet an MT Sobek representative at San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport, and transfer to your hotel in Heredia. In the evening, meet with the group for an orientation briefing. Tonight, dinner is on your own at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Bougainvillea-Heredia, Costa Rica
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Raft the Sarapiquí River
Day 2
Embark on a fun and easy whitewater rafting tour of the Sarapiquí River. Run a section of river with sections of flat water and small, Class II-III rapids that are safe for rafters with no previous experience (Class II if under age 9). After lunch, continue to the Arenal Volcano area, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge – Costa Rica
Activity: 2 hours rafting Class II-III rapids
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit an Organic Farm & Go Ziplining
Day 3
Help feed the animals at a local wildlife center that works to preserve wildlife populations. Later, take an interactive tour of an organic farm and learn about common Costa Rican crops such as coffee, bananas, plantains, and sugar cane. Enjoy a traditional lunch on the farm with a hands-on demonstration of tortilla making. Then, take a gondola ride up a mountain, followed by an exhilarating ride back down a 3,280' zipline system. Tonight, kids enjoy a night walk around the lodge where they can observe nocturnal wildlife, while adults enjoy a glass of wine, or some alone time.
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge – Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Wildlife Boat Safari
Day 4
Embark on a fascinating boat safari on the Bebedero River bordering Palo Verde National Park, a wildlife refuge with the biggest area of wetlands in Costa Rica. This rich ecosystem combines rivers, marshland, mangroves and forests. Keep an eye out for huge crocodiles resting under the sun, groups of monkeys swinging between the branches, and resident and migratory bird species swooping through the air. Afterwards, continue to your hotel near the Miravalles Volcano with time to enjoy the thermal pools onsite or take a dip in the natural thermal river that flows through the property.
Accommodation: Rio Perdido Lodge Costa Rica
Activity: River safari by boat
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the Geology of Miravalles Volcano
Day 5
Set out to explore the fascinating geological marvels of Miravalles Volcano area at Las Hornillas hot springs. See the bubbling volcanic mud pots, sulfur springs, and steam-spewing vents. Hike on forest trails to beautiful waterfalls and along the way search for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Enjoy the rest of the evening afternoon at your hotel to relax, enjoy the pools, schedule a spa treatment, and swim in the thermal river.
Accommodation: Rio Perdido Lodge Costa Rica
Activity: 2.5 hours hiking and swimming / 1.8 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rio Perdido Canyon Adventure
Day 6
Get your adrenaline going with the innovative zipline course that happens to be located right on the lodge property. Rio Perdido's Canyon Adventure includes 15 platforms, a Tarzan swing, a 90' challenge bridge, and five zip lines with lengths varying from 260 to over 800 feet. After you've zipped your way around the property, transfer to your hotel in Carrillo Beach, stopping along the way for lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, enjoying the pristine beach with palm trees and chalk-colored sand.
Accommodation: Nammbu Hotel
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Snorkel & Kayak to Chora Island
Day 7
After breakfast, climb into a kayak just south of Sámara Beach and take an easy paddle out to Chora Island. Pause for some snorkeling in the beautiful water, enjoying the company of colorful fish, octopus, blowfish, and maybe even sea turtles. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town. Tonight, gather with the group for a farewell dinner at Nammbú Hotel.
Accommodation: Nammbu Hotel
Activity: 3.5 hours kayaking & snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Liberia
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport in Liberia, Costa Rica, and check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight time for homeward-bound flights.
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 to 3 guests from $6,595 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $5,595 per person double occupancy
8 to 10 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Marco Fallas
Marco, nicknamed "Tex," is a bundle of energy and has a contagious sense of humor. With over 20 years of experience with tourism in Costa Rica, he has deep insight and a wide range of experiences to share. Marco actively seeks out more knowledge of Costa Rica and has studied ornithology, ecology, history, and nature photography. To better understand climate ecology, he has traveled widely in Costa Rica and the US. With his fun and caring demeanor, and eagle-eyed attention to detail, Marco is ready to share the wonders of Costa Rica with MT Sobek travelers.
Onik Morrison
Since her early childhood, Onik's travels have taken her around the world to over 40 countries. Her educational background includes a BS in Biology and an MS in Environmental Interpretation from the University of Costa Rica. For more than a decade she has led trips throughout Costa Rica, Peru, Nicaragua and Cuba. She has a contagious passion for the local culture and the wilderness's relationship with the Costa Rican lifestyle. Onik believes time is our most valuable asset, and is eager to share her knowledge, passion, and conscientiousness with MT Sobek travelers.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip is designed for families with children from age 12 and up. No previous experience is necessary for the activities. During rafting, guests actively partake in paddling with the command of your experienced guide. Kayaking at the beach will be on stable, two-person sea kayaks. When hiking, expect dirt trails in forested habitat.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
2 hours rafting Class II-III rapids
Day 4
River safari by boat
Day 5
2.5 hours hiking and swimming / 1.8 miles hiking
Day 7
3.5 hours kayaking & snorkeling
Accommodations
Comfortable ecolodges with a range of trails, manmade pools as well as lovely natural places to swim and enjoy the water, plus other built-in activities.
Hotel Bougainvillea-Heredia, Costa Rica
Hotel Bougainvillea is an oasis located just 10 minutes outside of downtown San José, surrounded by some of Costa Rica's finest tropical gardens. Wander the grounds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, lovely pool, and restaurant with a focus on regional dishes. Rooms are bright and clean, with views of the Central Valley and surrounding mountains or the beautiful gardens.
Arenal Observatory Lodge – Costa Rica
Situated within the Arenal National Park, the Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally a family farm and later a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. Most of the 48 rooms have a private balcony or deck with picturesque views of Arenal Volcano, whose steep conical slopes rise majestically out of vast surrounding rainforests. Enjoy the pool and hot tub, spectacular birding, and more.
Rio Perdido Lodge Costa Rica
Located on a 600-acre private reserve, Rio Perdido has thirty bungalows nestled within the forest and connected by elevated pathways. While the bungalows are designed to minimize environmental impact, they each offer modern amenities, including a comfortable bedroom, contemporary bathroom, and elevated terrace. The property is a destination in its own right, with thermal pools, a natural thermal river, and a zipline tour on property.
Nammbu Hotel
Welcome to Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, a family-friendly hilltop property in an idyllic setting close to Playa Carillo. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the service is excellent. Kids will love splashing in the stunning infinity pool and exploring the natural surroundings. A staircase takes you down to the beautiful beach.
Weather
Tropical, equatorial climate year-round. In San Jose, temperatures from 65-75°F due to high elevation. In other areas, you can expect 78-85°F.
FAQs
When and where should I arrive?
Arrive to San Jose International Airport any time on the first day. An MT Sobek representative will greet you and provide a hotel transfer. Many flights arrive late so dinner is not included.
When and where should I depart?
You can depart from the Liberia International Airport on the last day of your trip.
What makes this trip family friendly?
Our family trips designed for ages 6 and up include plenty of adventure, but with shorter days than our normal MT Sobek trips. Family trip leaders have plenty of experience guiding families, and enjoy adventures with children.
Can we do the trip if we are beginners?
Yes, it's great for beginners. No previous experience required, we supply the technical equipment. Our guides have extensive safety certifications and will train you on what you need to know.
What is the rafting like?
We use paddleboats with 4-6 participants on Class II-III rapids (only class II if under age 9). You will learn to paddle as a team with your guide. Expect to get wet and have lots of fun.
Are insects a problem?
No, insects are generally not a problem. If you are extra sensitive, bring insect repellant. You may see a few mosquitoes around dawn and dusk, but you may see none.
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Guest Reviews
"We had an action packed, adventurous trip with our excellent guide, "Tex" and driver, Jose. The food and hotels were excellent, and the activities were all led by competent, helpful guys who really loved doing what they do. We really saw a wide variety of Costa Rica's wildlife, and countryside."
Brenda T
MT Sobek Guest, Costa Rica Family Adventure
"Our Costa Rica Family Adventure was an excellent trip. We explored many different biomes in the company of our knowledgeable and caring guide Marco. Everything was simply superb!"
Michael Y.
MT Sobek Guest, Costa Rica Family Adventure