Luxury Family Holidays to Costa Rica

For family adventure holidays, Costa Rica delivers just that and more with ziplining through the rainforest, white water rafting and wildlife excursions wrapped up in an enriching escape.

Custom-designed itineraries that inspire every generation
Exclusive Costa Rica family holidays with vetted private guides & experiences
All travel planning and transfers handled by our experts with 24/7 support
Hand-selected family-friendly hotels, lodges and boutique resorts

Costa Rica is the kind of place you go with kids for a family adventure, to feel a million miles from home in a remote jungle and study the natural world. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, it was also one of the first to champion eco-tourism, resulting in an astounding 30 national parks. Protected, untouched landscapes, cloud forests and steaming volcanoes give way to miles of tropical Caribbean coastline, all filled to the brim with colourful flora and fauna.

Safe and well set up for tourists, it’s an excellent introduction to Latin America, meaning you can focus on having an unbelievable holiday with your family. Read on to discover the best places to go, things to do, and hotels to stay at in Costa Rica with kids.

Is Costa Rica good for family holidays?

Yes, Costa Rica is perfect for family holidays and jam-packed with outdoor excursions, family-friendly activities, and even educational opportunities that work for children of all ages. Younger children will be thrilled by the curious wildlife you’ll see, while teens return home full of stories of jungle ziplines and waterfalls to tell their friends. Costa Ricans are famous for their welcoming nature, and their hotels reflect this. From the Robinson Crusoe-style tree houses to beachside lodges with surfing, there is something very special about the accommodation in Costa Rica.

To help with the logistics of travelling, that's where we at Scott Dunn come in. The biggest challenge for families can be navigating transfers between light aircraft flights or long car rides. We make your family-friendly Costa Rica experience smoother by managing these transfers and flights for you, alleviating the stress and letting you focus on the adventure ahead.

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Ria Santamaria

Latin America & Europe specialist Specialist

I have experienced iconic travel adventures, such as going on safari in Botswana, marvelling at the aurora borealis in Iceland, celebrating the Carnevale in Venice, walking the Camino de Santiago route from Portugal to Spain, trekking the Inca trail to reach Machu Picchu and marvelling at the stars from Salar de Uyuni while camping out of an Airstream. As of late, most of my holidays have involved the outdoors and nature and I have an ongoing love affair with Patagonia. Choosing to work at Scott Dunn was borne from an epiphany that since travel has done so much to enrich my life, I am most passionate about endorsing these experiences to others.

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Where to go in Costa Rica on a Family Holiday

With a dry and rainy season, as well as a range of activities based on the region, from surfing on the Pacific Coast to sea turtles on the Caribbean, where you go in Costa Rica with kids will depend on their age and the time of year that you travel.

Central Valley & San Jose

With the international airport being in San Jose, the Central Valley is a natural place to start, especially if you are interested in learning about the culture of local communities. The capital city has lots of galleries, independent shops, restaurants and a fun market to explore. From here, you’re in a good spot to take day trips to cloud forests and coffee plantations.
Arenal

Further north is Arenal, Costa Rica’s adventure hub, brimming with waterfalls, hot springs, nature trails, and an active volcano. Canopy walks will bring you up close and personal with friendly sloths, but there’s also quad biking, horse riding, zip-lines and white-water rafting to get the heart rates up. This is an ideal area for tweens and teens.
Nicoya Peninsula

On the Nicoya Peninsula, you’ll find some of the brightest blue waters and the wildest beaches. It’s a secluded, stunning gem. The Pacific Coast is home to fantastic marine life, including schools of dolphins and great surf – even for beginners. A lot of surf schools will cater to families and young children, so everyone can be included. From September to November, this peninsula hosts an extraordinary sea turtle nesting season, providing a unique, educational, and memorable experience for families vacationing in Costa Rica with kids.
Tortuguero

Families with little children will also love the Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean side of the country. Aside from white sand and turquoise sea, the main attraction are the turtle nesting sites where little ones can learn all about the history and lifestyles of sea turtles while witnessing this unique event.

Central Valley & San Jose
Arenal
Nicoya Peninsula
Tortuguero

Where to go on your Wildlife Holiday

Africa Safari Holidays
Antarctica
Latin America
Asia
Jungle
FAQs

African Safari Wildlife Holidays

Whether your dream is to see the wildebeest migration into Kenya's Maasai Mara or to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, an African wildlife holiday promises a life-enhancing experience.

We offer wildlife tours across Africa, including malaria-free safaris. Aside from getting up close on foot, you can experience our safaris by canoe, on horseback or from a plane. See bathing hippos from the water, spot elephants from your saddle or witness huge herds of migratory zebra from a vintage biplane.

For accommodation, you can choose from luxury safari lodges in the middle of iconic reserves, as well as stylish boutique hotels with brilliant viewing points. Many are beside lakes and watering holes, making them ideal for spotting wildlife as you sip your morning coffee!

We offer family-friendly safari experiences, so you can go on wildlife holidays with little ones too. These trips are topped off with child-friendly accommodation and local guides experienced in tailoring the experience for children.

Wildlife Holidays in Antarctica

Discover vast, untouched parts of the world with a wildlife holiday in Antarctica. Very few people reach 66°33’ S and cross the Antarctic Circle, so you'll truly be embarking on the trip of a lifetime.

You have the option to fly across the wild seas of Drake Passage – the foaming body of water between Antarctica and the southern tip of South America – relieving you of the journey by boat. This way, you can spend more time in this surreal part of the world among scientists and a select few travellers. During our Antarctica wildlife tours, you can stay in cutting-edge ships fitted with pools, wellness centres and more, so you'll be more than comfortable and catered for at all times.

Expect to see an array of penguin species, including chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie varieties, as well as majestic marine life. You can spot mighty humpback and minke whales, plus picture-perfect Weddel seals. As you sail down the frozen western coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll have opportunities to leave the boat and soak up the surrounding peaks and glaciers on land.

Wildlife Holidays in Latin America

Latin America offers a variety of luxury wildlife holidays. Explore the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest in one epic wildlife tour for enviable animal encounters.

The former will involve an eco-friendly sailing expedition and give you the chance to spot giant tortoises and snorkel with penguins and rays. Meanwhile, the latter will spoil you with colourful tropical birds, frogs, snakes and the elusive jaguar – not forgetting the iconic sloths hanging out in the trees. These wildlife tours offer a great opportunity to embrace your adventurous spirit, with the option to go hiking or canoeing to add an extra layer of adventure to your trip.

A wildlife holiday in Costa Rica promises an equally exclusive trip. In the Tortuguero National Park, you can see sloths, monkeys and key egg-laying sites for green turtles. Your trip will be topped off with boutique hillside retreats and the option to take part in plenty of outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting and kayaking.

Wildlife Holidays in Asia

Asia offers an incredible array of wildlife tour possibilities. Catch a glimpse of orangutans near the Kinabatangan River in Borneo or take your trip to India to the next level and spot snow leopards in the Trans-Himalayan Region.

In Sri Lanka, you can visit three national parks in one trip, including the Yala National Park, where you have a high chance of spotting leopards. The experience will, of course, be enhanced by your stays at luxury hotels and charming lodges that provide home comforts during your wildlife tour.

Over in Thailand, a stay at the tented jungle camp of Elephant Hills is a must for getting up close to the majestic Indian elephant. Complete your wildlife holiday by snorkelling or diving with marine life living in the coral reefs at Koh Lanta – keep an eye out for angelfish and parrotfish!

Wildlife Holidays in the Jungle

Keen to experience a jungle holiday amid a stunning array of wildlife? There are several ways to experience this with us, each guaranteeing incredible memories.

Sail through the Amazon aboard the 174-foot Aria Amazon in Peru, complete with first-class service and a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Floor-to-ceiling windows will maximise your chances of spotting wildlife as you float by. This is your chance to see endangered pink Amazon dolphins, as well as the giant river otter and black alligator.

Another immersive wildlife tour awaits in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, where almost half of the world's population of mountain gorillas resides. Spend the day spotting these magnificent creatures before retreating to your jungle lodge with views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Elsewhere in Costa Rica, you can stay in a spectacular lodge up in the trees with views over the Pacuare River – one of the best places for white-water rafting. In between adventure activities, you can see hundreds of species of tropical birds, as well as sloths, howler monkeys and even ocelots.

How long are your wildlife holidays?

Our wildlife holidays last between nine and 26 nights.

The length of time will depend on the location chosen. For example, Antarctica takes a little longer to reach, with overnight stays in Chile to break up your journey. If you have any requests, please don't hesitate to speak with one of our experts upon booking.
What kind of accommodation will I be staying in during my wildlife holiday?

Something that makes our luxury wildlife holidays stand out is being able to spot animals from the comfort of your accommodation. Experience amazing animal encounters from your balcony or looking out from your living room. Our handpicked accommodation allows you to experience your surroundings to their fullest.

During our Africa wildlife holidays, you can stay in lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows that are ideal for game-viewing, as well as luxury tents with views of nearby watering holes. You can stay in jungle holiday lodges with panoramic views in the Peruvian Amazon or luxurious hotel resorts with infinity pools in Costa Rica, where you can unwind while spotting sloths and tropical birds.
When should I go on a wildlife holiday?

The answer to this depends on the location you're visiting and the types of animals you'd like to see during your wildlife tour.

For example, if you'd love to see the famous wildebeest migration in Kenya, you need to visit between August and October. Similarly, if you have your heart set on seeing the Bengal tiger in India, we recommend visiting between October and March to avoid park closures due to the monsoon season. Timing is everything when you want to witness extraordinary wildlife.

When booking your wildlife holiday, our helpful team will guide you, so you won't miss out.
Do you offer family-friendly wildlife holidays?

We have a wide range of family wildlife vacations.

Our family safari holidays incorporate superb activities, including junior ranger workshops, alongside opportunities to spot the big five from your accommodation. Head to the Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands in one spectacular trip to spot tortoises, monkeys and colourful frogs. The experience is complete with luxury accommodation for your family to recharge in.

Multi-generational holidays are something we're passionate about providing, so we encourage you to specify any needs your family has when booking your wildlife holiday.
How much do luxury wildlife holidays cost?

Our luxury wildlife holidays start from £4,600 per person, although prices will vary depending on how you customise your trip. Our travel specialists will be able to help you plan a trip that meets your requirements and budget.

If you'd like to create an entirely bespoke wildlife holiday, please don't hesitate to share your ambitions with the team when booking.
How do I book a luxury wildlife holiday?

To book a wildlife tour with Scott Dunn, just tell us what you want from the experience and we'll do the rest. You won't need to worry about any of the logistics as we'll sort them for you, arranging transfers and taking any special requirements you might have into consideration.

If you're travelling with the family, we can make arrangements to ensure that everyone has their needs catered to. Meanwhile, if you're planning to go away for your honeymoon, we'll make sure we select the very best hotels for the occasion.

Call us on the number listed below or fill out our online enquiry form to start planning your holiday.

Luxury Family Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica

Ingenious, imaginative and with eco-tourism at their hearts, Costa Rica’s family-friendly hotels offer the best of all worlds. Children will squeal with delight at the prospect of staying in a treehouse, while luxurious beachside resorts ensure you have a holiday too.

With Younger Kids

With interconnecting rooms or family suite options, these hotels ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. They are well placed for activities better suited to younger children, such as days exploring the beach, kayaking, canopy tours and gentle forest walks. Throw into the mix special children’s clubs and menus and they become the perfect place to introduce the youngest members to an exciting family holiday in Costa Rica.

Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal

A collection of safari-style tents deep among nature with toucans and parrots flying overhead and sloths spying from the trees. Sustainable and luxurious, the tents come with private plunge pools and are big enough to fit the whole family in. This is also a fantastic hotel option for children of all ages.

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main pool at arenas del mar in costa rica

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio National Park

This laid-back escape sits where the rainforest meets the ocean among 11 green acres of nature reserve that is heaving with wildlife. Particularly well-suited to kids of all ages, Arenas del Mar has interconnecting bedrooms, super-fun activities, and the beach feels remote and calm – perfect for little ones. What more could you ask for on a family holiday to Costa Rica?

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With Older Kids

As your children get older the long list of requirements for a family holiday starts to get shorter, until all you really need is for them to be entertained. Costa Rica has everything you could want to fire up the energy and enthusiasm levels in your teens. High-flying, adrenaline-fuelled zip lines, jungle treks, surfing, quad-biking, horse riding and competitive waterfall jumping (who will dare the highest?) will keep them away from their phones and grinning from ear to ear. Set deep amongst Costa Rica’s natural landscapes, these hotels offer up all the activities teens could ask for, as well as opportunities to immerse yourselves in local community life.

Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero

The only hotel on Tortuguero with its own private nature reserve, this eco-lodge is right on the river’s edge surrounded by rainforest. Spend your days taking nature walks with naturalist guides, visiting turtle nesting sites, or on boat rides and kayak trips up the Tortuguero River. When staying at Tortuga Lodge, you won’t hear a whisper of ‘I’m bored.’

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A view of a lodge at the Amor Arenal in the rainforest of costa rica

Amor Arenal, Arenal

Children aged 13 and over are welcome at Amor Arenal, creating a grown-up vibe that would suit teens wanting to feel like adults. With a swim-up bar playing reggae and hot springs to kick back in after a day of hikes and waterfalls, Amor Arenal brings the cool factor to your Costa Rica family trip.

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For Multi-generational families

One of the best things about travelling to Costa Rica is that it offers something for every member of the family, at every age. It is the perfect blend of relaxation and high octane, all with the flexibility to do everything at your own pace. If you’re planning a multi-generational family holiday to Costa Rica, check in to one of these properties, which are large enough to comfortably accommodate the entire family and have spaces to escape when you need a bit of solitude.

Main pool at the four seasons hotel in costa rica

Four Seasons Costa Rica, Peninsula Papgayo

Seaview bedrooms, family-sized suites, or casas with space for everyone provide the ideal location to reconvene with the family after days spent snorkelling, surfing, playing golf, paddle boarding or exploring the local area. Then there’s the Explorer’s Club and Tuanis Teen Centre for them, and the Prieta Beach Club, with its cool design and private cabanas for you.

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For Active Families

Costa Rica is an oasis for active families and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The country offers enough explorations for many holidays combined. To be right in the heart of the adventure, check in to one of these hotels which are in the best locations to experience all the fun Costa Rica has to offer. Surrounded by rainforest, beaches and waterfalls, there are no better places to stay to take in the country’s epic sights and sounds.

Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare River

A 20-suite eco-hotel hidden among the pristine wilderness of Costa Rica's Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge embraces its remote location by offering helicopter and white-water rafting transfers to the hotel. It even has a treetop restaurant reached by zipwire. Surrounded by lush forests alongside fast-flowing rivers, cloud forests and volcanoes, you’re perfectly situated to dive right into the area’s exciting activities.

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El Remanso, Osa Peninsula

El Remanso is a place that beckons adventurous souls. With its mix of adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining through the rainforest canopy and jumping down hidden waterfalls, chance encounters with quirky wildlife and pristine Pacific beaches, this is the kind of place you’ll remember forever.

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For Relaxation

There’s plenty of opportunity for rest and relaxation when in Costa Rica with kids. There are 800 miles of coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific for you to laze your days away on and many luxurious hotels featuring world-class spas with rejuvenating therapies like massages, facials, and wraps. Costa Rica also provides the perfect peaceful retreat for yogis – meditate to the sounds of the rainforest in your own private haven. Many of the hotels and resorts also offer childcare should you need some alone time.

Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo

Set in a laid-back surfer’s paradise on the Caribbean coastline, Aquas Claras sits among swaying palm trees and beach shacks. Combining the old-fashioned charm of a plantation-style house with a modern beach club vibe, this is a stylish hotel, which welcomes children over eight and is better for families with tweens and teens. There are two-bedroom bungalows, with small kitchens – but the call of the restaurants is hard to resist for most guests. Complimentary bicycles come with the rooms, or you could head off barefoot in search of juice bars and empty spots on the beach. There’s yoga, surfing, and the Talamanca rainforest nearby.

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Nantipa, Santa Teresa

Beachfront villas and bungalows create a home away from home with hotel services at this eco-lodge with a heart. Nantipa’s roots lie firmly in the community, pioneering social and environmental outreach programmes from its beautiful location. Reconnect as a whole family in this carefree beachside living. Hit the waves, collect fresh coconuts, and watch the sun go down over another beautiful day in paradise.

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When is the best time to visit Costa Rica with children?

The best time to visit Costa Rica with children is during the dry season, which runs from December to April – perfect for a winter sun escape or half-term fun!

However, if seeing sea turtle nesting sites is high on your family's bucket list, the best time to visit is from September to November.
Which parts of Costa Rica are best for families?

Everywhere we sell is suitable for families, like Arenal, Monteverde Forest, Manuel Antonio Park, and the different peninsulas; however, it is worth paying attention to which coast you visit if you plan on staying on the beach.

On the Pacific Coast on the western side of the country, the water is more active, which is perfect for surfers and watersports, but may be intimidating for young children.

On the Caribbean Coast, or the eastern side of the country, the water is much calmer and welcoming for young children. The calm waters are also ideal for snorkelling, diving and the chance to see turtle nesting sites.
What activities can families enjoy in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is truly for outdoor adventure, rather than your typical fly-and-flop beach holiday.

Families can expect hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, surfing, wildlife viewing and endless more activities waiting for them in Costa Rica. And the adventure level can be tailored to your family, whether you want easy walks through the rainforest or flying amongst the trees.
Is Costa Rica suitable for young children or toddlers?

While our holidays can accommodate young children and toddlers, we don’t recommend Costa Rica for children under six. Along with the holidays being outdoor-focused, some properties and experiences also have +6 or even +12 age limits. We believe a Caribbean holiday is better for families with toddlers, where you’ll find more resort-style lodging, calm beaches and kids' clubs.
What makes a Scott Dunn family holiday to Costa Rica special?

What makes a Scott Dunn family holiday to Costa Rica so special is our expertise in creating truly once-in-a-lifetime holidays. We pair your travel wants with our local knowledge, years of planning and personal relationships to create holidays you simply can’t book anywhere else for a tailor-made experience.