Costa Rica Family Holidays | Luxury Family Holidays

Costa Rica is a pioneer of eco-tourism, and a quarter of the country is made up of protected reserves and national parks. This makes it the perfect adventure playground for children and parents alike. Begin your explorations by heading for the Caribbean coast, taking in waterfalls and the world’s largest butterfly collection en route, and travel by boat into the Tortuguero National Park to discover the rich jungle and marine life of this coastal rainforest. Between July and October, sights include the rare green turtle, which comes ashore to nest on the beaches.

This small Central American country is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, crammed with a greater variety of plants and animals than you can shake a stick at - although we don't advise that. Anyone, whatever age, who has a keen interest in the natural world, will be as happy as a squirrel in a nut shop in Costa Rica.

In the north of Costa Rica, the majestic Arenal volcano is one of the highlights of the country. The eruptions, though frequent, are moderate and you can often view them from safe distances, allowing your family to see a spectacular sight, especially at night when the glow from the crater stands out in the darkness. River safaris, white-water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking, wallowing in natural hot springs or windsurfing on Lake Arenal are some of the huge range of activities available in this region. The Arenal Hanging Bridges is a hugely memorable experience, allowing the kids to get to grips with the fascinating and colourful world of the rainforest canopy.

Adrenaline seekers should head the cloudforest of the central highlands, where you can swoop through the treetops on zip wires, or if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground take part in a nocturnal nature walk. Costa Rica has a combination of dramatic scenery and wildlife, such as squirrel monkeys, tree frogs, mud turtles and the rare quetzal bird. However no trip to Costa Rica is complete with out spending a few days relaxing on the sandy beaches of the pacific coast.

Itinerary Ideas

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families and Solo Travellers

Pura Vida: Best of Costa Rica

Costa Rica stakes its reputation on the concept of Pura Vida (or 'pure life'), protecting the natural environment and prioritising ecotourism....

Best for: Families

A Family Friendly Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's varied and beautiful landscapes and wildlife are sure to delight on this family adventure. Plentiful wildlife spotting and dramatic...

Family Fun with Original Travel

Planning a successful family holiday takes a similar amount of organisation and fortitude as a small scale military operation. But fear not, our team of specialists (many of whom are parents themselves) are here to take the stress out of the planning process so those toddler tantrums and teenage meltdowns are kept to a minimum.

From our carefully curated Sharky & George fun packs, which keep children entertained on those long journeys, to knowing the most family-friendly hotels and holding client focus groups, we pride ourselves on making sure that you have the best family holiday imaginable because there's no more important time together.

Where to Go

Central America > Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a picture perfect and pocket-sized country with two beautiful coastlines separated by a spine of extremely active volcanoes.

Central America > Costa Rica > Central Valley

Central Valley

Costa Rica's geographical heart is home to San José, coffee plantations, volcanoes, and rapids ideal for rafting.

Central America > Costa Rica > Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park

Tropical rainforest - one of the biggest swathes in Central America - wildlife and excellent lodges with naturalist guides.

Central America > Costa Rica > Volcanoes and Cloud Forests

Volcanoes and Cloud Forests

One big National Park, Costa Rica is filled with natural beauty, wildlife and this region is heaven for outdoorsy types.

Central America > Costa Rica > Manuel Antonio & the Central Pacific Coast

Manuel Antonio & the Central Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast between the Osa and Nicoya Peninsulas has attractions aplenty in its own right.

Central America > Costa Rica > Peninsula Papagayo

Peninsula Papagayo

This Pacific coast peninsula makes for an ideal family-friendly pitstop on any longer Costa Rica trip, or as a one-stop shop fly and flop destination.