With amazing waterfalls, endless lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, and breathtaking beaches, Costa Rica is one of Central America’s hotspots for eco-conscious travelers. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, soaking up the gorgeous sun, or you live for the thrill of riding the perfect wave, Costa Rica offers something for everyone.
If you’re on vacation at our luxury Kalon Surf resort and want to take a breather from surfing, we’ve compiled a bucket list of the best things to do in Costa Rica to help you kick your holiday into high gear.
Best adventure activities in Costa Rica
- Ziplining
Ziplining is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica and a fantastic way to soar over the landscape and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent rainforest canopies and majestic waterfalls. Enjoy the buzz of flying while learning about the local ecosystems and the country’s rich biodiversity.
- Whitewater Rafting
Feel the thrill of rafting as you journey downstream through rugged canyons and tropical forests. Paddle through intense rapids to get your dose of high-octane adventure.
With 27 national parks, the country is a hiker’s utopia. If you’re up for some heart-pumping excitement, consider signing up for a Costa Rican travel adventure tour. You’ll be off rappelling, rock-climbing, cliff-jumping, ATV riding, and hiking through terrain that puts your endurance to the test.
- Mountain Biking
Seasoned mountain bikers can take advantage of the many single-trail tracks with rolling hills and demanding climbs. You can even participate in the Rincón de la Vieja Challenge, a 100-mile mountain bike race held annually in August.
- Scuba Diving
The crystal clear waters of Costa Rica offer visibility up to 100 feet, making it perfect for deep-sea diving. Snorkeling enthusiasts can gently swim through beautiful coral reefs, giving you the perfect opportunity to spot a wide variety of marine life.
Aside from these fun-filled adventure activities, if you are still wondering about what to do in Costa Rica, there are so many other activities you can pick from. The country is a haven for adrenaline junkies. If you’re unsure about where you’d like to start, Kalon Surf can help you book the best Costa Rican travel adventure tours.
The best leisure activities to do in Costa Rica
- Charter A Boat Or Join A Boat Tour
If you’re looking to unwind with some relaxing activities, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica is board a private boat ride. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway with your partner or spending quality time with your family, these private boat rides are a great way to rejuvenate yourself. Sail over iridescent, aquamarine waters, and bask under the golden sun while sipping a piña colada. Depending on your preference, you can opt for crisp morning or intimate sunset cruises.
- Carnival
Costa Ricans love to party, and participating in the local festivities is a fun way to experience the lively culture. Dance into the night, listen to live music and gorge on mouth-watering food. There’s an endless string of festivals to choose from — such as Zapote Fiestas, Festival de la Luz, and Envision Festival. Opulent carnivals celebrating Caribbean culture are bound to leave you in awe of the elaborate display of floats and vibrant costumes.
- Whale Watching
If you’re visiting between July and November (southern hemisphere humpbacks) or December and March (northern hemisphere humpbacks), a whale watching boat tour from Uvita is one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Marino Ballena National Park is named after the whale-tail-shaped sandbar at its center, and humpback whales are regularly spotted just offshore. On a good day, you can sometimes see them from the Kalon resort.
With so much on offer, you’ll always find something that tickles your fancy. For help planning your week, check out our seasonal guide to see what’s best during your visit.
The best places to eat near Dominical
At Kalon Surf, we take pride in our cuisine — gourmet three-course dinners, fresh lunches prepared at the beach, and craft coffee from Dota throughout the day. But if you want to explore the local food scene on your Wednesday day off or after your week with us, Dominical and the surrounding area have some excellent options:
Cafe Mono Congo is the go-to breakfast spot in Dominical — casual vibe, great coffee, and a menu that ranges from local dishes to stuffed bagels and fresh juices. Open early, which is what you want after a week of sunrise surf sessions.
El Pescado Loco is a beloved taco stand on the main street with beer-battered fish tacos and crispy fresh fish and chips. Casual, affordable, and right by the beach — exactly the kind of spot Dominical does well.
Fuego Brew Co. is part brewery, part restaurant, built in a striking Bali-style structure with views over the Barú River. They brew up to 20 different craft beers on site — order the beer flight to find your favorite. The food menu is solid too, with a full coffee shop attached.
Phat Noodle is an open-air Thai restaurant with a kitchen set inside a converted school bus. It’s been a local favorite since 2016 — the Pad Thai and curry bowls are standouts, with plenty of vegan options. Great for dinner after a day in the water.
La Langosta Feliz is a seafood restaurant near the entrance to Matapalo, popular with locals for its fresh lobster and traditional Costa Rican dishes. Unpretentious, generous portions, and a real Tico experience.
Scala is the upscale option — a chef-driven restaurant in Escaleras Village, about 15 minutes south of Dominical. Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor with creative fusion dishes, excellent cocktails, and a jungle-meets-ocean setting. If you want one special dinner out during your trip, this is the one.
Moromo Forneria is a newer addition in central Dominical — stone-baked pizza, fresh pastries, and a relaxed open-air space that’s perfect for a casual lunch or early dinner.
Experience the best of Costa Rica with Kalon Surf
For an all-inclusive luxury resort experience that offers personalized daily surf coaching for surfers of all levels, we invite you to join us at Kalon Surf. From the moment you arrive, we take care of everything — coaching, meals, excursions, equipment, and transfers. All our guests leave feeling relaxed and already planning their next visit.
