Each coastal town brings its own flavor to the Pacific experience.

Manuel Antonio Beach is one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the country. Its turquoise waters are calm and perfect for swimming or snorkeling, and the nearby national park adds a tropical backdrop where monkeys and sloths are part of the scenery.

Jacó Beach is all about energy and excitement. It’s a surfer’s paradise with plenty of oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, and surf schools for beginners and pros alike. When the sun goes down, Jacó comes alive with music and nightlife. If you’re staying in Jacó, Tucanes Tours can pick you up for a full-day adventure to Manuel Antonio National Park, Carara National Park, or even the famous Crocodile Tour along the Tarcoles River, making it easy to experience the best of the Central Pacific without changing hotels.

Quepos is the heart of Costa Rica’s sportfishing scene and the jumping-off point for many Tucanes adventures. You can wander through its local markets, enjoy fresh seafood, or head to Marina Pez Vela for our catamaran cruise or a deep-sea fishing charter.

The Central Pacific is one of the best places in Costa Rica to get close to nature.

Join our guided Manuel Antonio National Park Tour to walk through lush rainforest trails filled with monkeys, sloths, toucans, and butterflies. Our naturalist guides use high-powered scopes so you can see every detail, from tiny tree frogs to nesting birds. For travelers staying in Jacó, you can also make it a day trip. Read our blog Manuel Antonio Park: A Day Trip from Jacó to see how easy it is to experience this incredible park from the coast.

For a quieter escape, paddle through the Isla Damas | Damas Island Mangrove by boat or kayak. You’ll glide through canals formed by the mangrove roots while watching for herons, crabs, and white-faced monkeys. If you’re in Jacó, you might have heartd this referred to as the “monkey tour”.

If you love waterfalls and jungle treks, Tucanes offeres private tours the nearby Rainmaker Park which offers hanging bridges, waterfalls, refreshing pools, and breathtaking rainforest views and of course an abundance of wildlife. You can also visit Carara National Park, which birders love, known for its scarlet macaws and wildlife-rich trails near the Tarcoles River.

Whale watching is one of the most magical experiences on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Between July and October and again from December through March, humpback whales migrate through these warm waters, breaching and playing near the coastline. Visitors can often spot them during catamaran cruises or ocean excursions, making this an unforgettable highlight of any adventure.

The rivers of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific are among the cleanest and most beautiful in the country, providing crystal-clear water that flows from pristine mountain sources. They are home to abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery that make every rafting trip unforgettable. To learn more about these incredible natural wonders, check out our detailed blog Natural Beauty of the Savegre and Naranjo Rivers in Costa Rica.

Thrill seekers will find no shortage of heart-pumping adventures along the Central Pacific.

• Whitewater Rafting: Ride the waves of the Naranjo, Savegre, or El Chorro rivers. Whether you want a family-friendly float or a Class IV challenge, Tucanes guides keep it safe and unforgettable.
• Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling: Paddle along the Pacific coastline filled with tropical jungle and rocky cliffs pausing for some snorkeling to get upclose and personal with reefs teeming with tropical fish and diverse marine life.
• Catamaran Cruises: Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whales while enjoying a scenic sail along the coast.
• Ziplining and Canopy Tours: Fly above the jungle with panoramic ocean views. These tours are family-friendly and suitable for various ages, led by safety-trained guides who ensure everyone can enjoy the experience together. Younger travelers and parents alike can share the excitement as they glide through the treetops. Tucanes Tours also offers family-oriented adventures such as Catamaran Cruises and Mangrove Kayaking around Isla Damas, making it easy for families to explore the wonders of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific in a fun and safe way.
• Surf Lessons: Learn to ride the Pacific waves in Jacó or Manuel Antonio with friendly local instructors.

Every adventure is a chance to experience Costa Rica’s wild beauty in a new way.

Explore Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast and mangroves from a new perspective. Tucanes Tours offers both ocean kayaking and mangrove kayaking experiences designed for all skill levels.

• Ocean Kayaking: Glide along the Pacific shoreline near Manuel Antonio, where cliffs and coves reveal secluded beaches and vibrant marine life. Stop for a refreshing swim or snorkel among tropical fish in calm, clear waters.
• Mangrove Kayaking: Navigate the peaceful canals of Damas Island, surrounded by mangrove forests alive with monkeys, birds, and crabs. This eco-adventure offers a quiet connection with nature that’s both relaxing and fascinating. Learn more about this fascinating ecosystem in our blog Exploring the Enchanting Isla Damas Mangrove: A Nature Lover’s Paradise.

Whether you prefer open ocean paddling or a calm mangrove journey, both tours highlight the incredible biodiversity that makes Costa Rica so unique.

For explorers who love discovering what lies beyond the main attractions, the Central Pacific has countless hidden gems. The region is also a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a chance to spot colorful species like scarlet macaws, toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds. Whether you're an avid birder or simply appreciate the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the diversity of birds in this area is remarkable.

For explorers who love discovering what lies beyond the main attractions, the Central Pacific has countless hidden gems.

Hike the lush rainforest trails of Rainmaker Park or Carara National Park to experience the sounds and sights of untouched nature. Or step into the night with our Jungle Night Walk at Sukia Park, where you can encounter frogs, snakes, and insects that only emerge after sunset. The forest transforms completely once darkness falls, revealing a side of Costa Rica few visitors ever see.

Costa Rica’s culinary traditions are an essential part of the travel experience, and Tucanes Tours offers authentic ways to explore them. Visitors can join our immersive Local Flavor Cooking Classes which are Cooking Lessons led by local chefs who share their favorite recipes and family techniques. These hands-on culinary experiences highlight fresh, local ingredients and traditional dishes such as gallo pinto, ceviche, and empanadas.

Costa Rica’s culture is best experienced through its people, traditions, and cuisine.

At the Boruca Indigenous Village, you can learn about centuries-old art forms and see hand-carved, vividly painted masks that tell stories of history and nature of Costa Rica's indigenous peoples. Join our Coffee, Chocolate, Vanilla and Spice Tour to discover how local farmers grow and process these tropical ingredients. If you love sweet and aromatic adventures, read more about it in our recent article Bean to Bar: The Best Chocolate, Vanilla and Coffee Tour in Manuel Antonio, Quepos. Or roll up your sleeves in a Costa Rican Cooking Class to prepare classic dishes like gallo pinto, patacones, and fresh ceviche. For a taste of Costa Rican culture, check out some of the recipes you'll be creating in this article titled Local Flavor: Traditional Costa Rican Recipes from Our Cooking Experience Tour. Sharing food and stories with locals is one of the most rewarding parts of any trip.

Can’t choose just one experience? Try our Combo Tours! These are curated adventures that blend Costa Rica’s best highlights, from rafting and horseback riding to cooking classes and wildlife walks. Explore our popular Combo Tours like:

• Saddle & Paddle: Horseback riding and whitewater rafting
• Cultural Cultivation: Local Flavor Cooking & Chocolate Tour
• Combo: Manuel Antonio Park and Chocolate, Coffee & Vanilla Tour

These thoughtfully crafted tours let you experience multiple aspects of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific in one unforgettable day.

From the beaches of Manuel Antonio and Jacó to the rainforest trails around Quepos, Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is a destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you want to relax under the palms, explore hidden waterfalls, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, Tucanes Tours is here to make it happen.

Ready to explore? Contact Tucanes Tours today to start planning your next adventure on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.