Costa Rica Group Adventure: Tortuga Island, Arenal & Manuel Antonio (8 Days)

It was originally built for a group of 11 and the pricing and private transport scale from around 8 to 20 travellers. Smaller groups still work — the per-person cost simply shifts as the vehicle and guide are shared across fewer people. Send us your group size for an exact quote.

Either. The original departure was Spanish-language, but our guides are bilingual and we run the same itinerary in English, or in both for mixed groups. Specify your preference when you request the quote.

A full day: early departure from San Jose, catamaran out of Puntarenas across the Gulf of Nicoya, then a white-sand island stop with snorkelling, a banana-boat ride and lunch on board, followed by the transfer up to La Fortuna. It is the longest day of the trip and the one most groups remember.

Shared arrival airport transfer, private inter-destination transport for the whole group, the shared activities and tours in the itinerary, hotels in standard double rooms with breakfast, some meals depending on the activity, and tour and transport insurance as required by Costa Rican law. Not included: international flights, the day-8 breakfast (departure is before service), optional free-day activities, tips and personal travel insurance.

Moderate and varied. The rafting is Class 2-3, suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness; the hanging bridges and waterfall walks are gentle; there is a free day built in on day 7 for rest. Nothing is technically difficult, and activities can be swapped for anyone who wants to sit one out.

Mid-December to April is driest, with the calmest Gulf of Nicoya crossing for the Tortuga Island day — worth weighting if anyone in the group is prone to seasickness. May to November offers better group rates and greener scenery, with afternoon rain and a livelier sea.