Things to do in Santa Cruz
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most popular experiences in Santa Cruz
Tours & day trips
See all 146 activities
Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs on Rincon de la Vieja
Activity duration is 6 hours
6h+
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
9.6/10
53 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour
Activity duration is 11 hours and 30 minutes
11h 30m+
8.8 out of 10 with 69 reviews
8.8/10
69 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Guachipelin Volcano Adventure Combo Zipline Tubing Horseback Hot Springs
Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
7h 30m+
9.8 out of 10 with 130 reviews
9.8/10
130 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Nicaragua One Day Tour from Costa Rica
Activity duration is 15 hours
15h+
9.4 out of 10 with 12 reviews
9.4/10
12 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per traveler
ATV Beach and Mountain Tour
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.8 out of 10 with 50 reviews
9.8/10
50 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Palo Verde National Park Boat Safari on Tempisque River
Activity duration is 7 hours
7h
9.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
9/10
13 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per traveler*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or Riu Hotels
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.8 out of 10 with 273 reviews
9.8/10
273 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
4h 30m
9.0 out of 10 with 175 reviews
9/10
175 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
La Leona Adventure Hike – Most Popular Family Tour
Activity duration is 6 hours
6h
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
10/10
2 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Guanacaste Zipline, Horseback & Hot Springs Tour – All Inclusive
Activity duration is 10 hours
10h
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
10/10
3 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Private & custom tours
See all 57 activitiesATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or Riu Hotels
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.8 out of 10 with 273 reviews
9.8/10
273 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Guanacaste Zipline, Horseback & Hot Springs Tour – All Inclusive
Activity duration is 10 hours
10h
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
10/10
3 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Rio Celeste Hiking , Sloth Farm Tour & Waterfall
Activity duration is 10 hours
10h
10.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
10/10
11 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Rio Celeste Falls+Rain Forest+Tubing+Slothful Shrine
Activity duration is 11 hours
11h
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
10/10
1 verified review
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Private Full Day Local Waterfalls Experience in Curubande
Activity duration is 10 hours
10h
10.0 out of 10 with 38 reviews
10/10
38 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Blue Waterfall, Sloth Sanctuary and Coffee TourDay Trip
Activity duration is 11 hours
11h
10.0 out of 10 with 28 reviews
10/10
28 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Tamarindo Mangrove Forest National Park kayaking
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
2h 30m
10.0 out of 10 with 18 reviews
10/10
18 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Palo Verde Wildlife Safari : Boat Tour & Traditional Lunch
Activity duration is 7 hours
7h
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
9/10
2 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
ATV Tamarindo to Puerto Viejo
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
9.6/10
4 Viator reviews
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Rain forest, Wild life, Waterfall and Chocolate Private Tour
Activity duration is 5 hours
5h
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
10/10
6 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Water activities
See all 55 activities
Marlin Del Rey Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo & Playas del Coco
Activity duration is 4 hours and 15 minutes
4h 15m
9.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
9/10
16 verified reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
From Timarouba: Sailing & Snorkeling w/Lunch & Drinks Ticket
Activity duration is 4 hours
4h
9.2 out of 10 with 27 reviews
9.2/10
27 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Tamarindo : Public Sunset Tour by Pacific Lounge Catamaran
Activity duration is 5 hours
5h
10.0 out of 10 with 6 reviews
10/10
6 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Playa Flamingo: Catamaran Tour and Snorkel With Meal
Activity duration is 4 hours
4h
10.0 out of 10 with 27 reviews
10/10
27 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Tamarindo: Guided Snorkeling Tour with Marine Life Spotting
Activity duration is 5 hours
5h
8.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
8/10
8 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Tamarindo Mangrove Forest National Park kayaking
Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
2h 30m
10.0 out of 10 with 18 reviews
10/10
18 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
ATV and Snorkel from Playa Flamingo
Activity duration is 3 hours
3h
9.8 out of 10 with 16 reviews
9.8/10
16 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Kayak to the Heart of the National Park
Activity duration is 3 hours
3h
8.6 out of 10 with 30 reviews
8.6/10
30 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Tamarindo Estuary: Kayak Monkey Tour
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.6 out of 10 with 47 reviews
9.6/10
47 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo
Activity duration is 5 hours
5h
8.6 out of 10 with 36 reviews
8.6/10
36 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Classes & workshops
See all 26 activitiesFrom Timarouba: Sailing & Snorkeling w/Lunch & Drinks Ticket
Activity duration is 4 hours
4h
9.2 out of 10 with 27 reviews
9.2/10
27 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Tamarindo : Traditional Cooking Class
Activity duration is 3 hours
3h
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
9.6/10
4 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Nosara: Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
9.6 out of 10 with 17 reviews
9.6/10
17 GetYourGuide reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Private Tamarindo Costa Rica Surfing Class
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
10/10
1 verified review
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
10.0 out of 10 with 15 reviews
10/10
15 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega
Activity duration is 3 hours and 10 minutes
3h 10m
9.8 out of 10 with 40 reviews
9.8/10
40 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
10.0 out of 10 with 22 reviews
10/10
22 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Culinary Blue Zone Experience
Activity duration is 3 hours
3h
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Coffe Tour and Cultural Experience on the Blue zone of Nicoya
Activity duration is 6 hours
6h
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
1h 30m
9.8 out of 10 with 84 reviews
9.8/10
84 Viator reviews
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Spa & wellness
See all 5 activities
Thai Fusion Massage Experience in Tamarindo
Activity duration is 1 hour
1h
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
10/10
3 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Combo tour: Tubing, Canopy and Hot Spring from Playa Flamingo
Activity duration is 7 hours
7h
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
9.8/10
6 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Buena Vista Vandara Hot Spring Combo Tour from Tamarindo Beach
Activity duration is 8 hours
8h
9.6 out of 10 with 12 reviews
9.6/10
12 Viator reviews
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Tamarindo: Costa Crawl - Legendary Bar Hop Ride
Activity duration is 2 hours
2h
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult
Sloth Discovery and Hot Springs Tour in Costa Rica
Activity duration is 8 hours
8h
Free cancellation available
includes taxes & fees
per adult*
*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
What to do in Santa Cruz
Popular places to visit
Parque Bernabela Ramos
Explore the great outdoors at Parque Bernabela Ramos, a lovely green space in Santa Cruz. Wander the beaches in this relaxing area.
Areas of Santa Cruz
Barrio Buenos Aires
Parque Bernabela Ramos is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Barrio Buenos Aires and the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz offers a unique mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or local culinary flavors, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Parque Bernabela Ramos, spend the rest of your day exploring the food and retail options in Santa Cruz.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Parque Bernabela Ramos, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
If you only want to tick off the most popular sights, three days will be more than enough time for a getaway in Santa Cruz. Book for a week or longer for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore off the beaten path.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
With major attractions like Parque Bernabela Ramos nearby, Santa Cruz is every bit a place to explore on foot. Want to visit some vibrant neighborhoods a walkable distance from the city center? Barrio Buenos Aires is just 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.
- Blue Dolphin - Public Catamaran Tour - Tamarindo
- Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour
- ATV or Buggy Guided Tour from Tamarindo, Conchal or Riu Hotels
- Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs on Rincon de la Vieja
- Guachipelin Volcano Adventure Combo Zipline Tubing Horseback Hot Springs
What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Santa Cruz. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz, Parque Bernabela Ramos is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Santa Cruz.
