Nature Tourism
Discerning naturalists come to Costa Rica to enjoy the many well-kept and protected national parks and nature reserves displaying some of the extraordinary varied Costa Rican ecosystems. Some of the last patches of dry tropical forest, for instance, can be found in the Santa Rosa National Park, other parks protect the unique cloud forest and the beaches are deserted and clean. Bird watchers and butterfly lovers have long come to Costa Rica to see the 800 or so species of bird and many varieties of butterfly. Mammals too thrive in these protected areas and it is not rare to see monkeys, sloths, deer, turtles and wild cats.


Diving
Whilst not everywhere on the coast of Costa Rica is great for diving, because of the out flow of rivers into the sea clouding visibility, there are many locations worth seeing. On the Caribbean side you will see wrecks and coral reefs particularly in the south-east towards the Panamanian border and on the Pacific side you can see the larger kinds of fish.


Riversports
The rivers of Costa Rica have proved to be highly popular for canoeing, kayaking, 'floating' and white water rafting. It is not only for the thrill that they are so popular, but also for the wildlife both in and out of the water that you have the chance to see. The five most commonly run rivers are the Pacuare, Corobici, Sarapiqui, El General and the Reventazon.


Horseriding
This is an excellent way to explore the national parks and reserves and save your legs on the way up the many hills and volcanoes. Most horse treks are only for the day as many people will be unaccustomed to longer adventures, however long treks can be organised.


Surfing
Surfing is very popular on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts offering both surf for beginners and the professionals who follow the storm surges.