Are you looking to add a little adventure to your Costa Rica itinerary? There’s nothing quite like canyoning to get your heart racing! Also known as waterfall rappelling, this adrenaline-pumping activity is the perfect way to explore the rainforest from a whole new perspective, face-to-face with its wild, rushing waterfalls. Whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or just curious about trying something new, canyoning in Costa Rica is an experience you will never forget.
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we’ve safely guided thousands of visitors on our canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about one of the most popular adventure sports in Costa Rica, from what canyoning actually is to what to wear and how to prepare for your first waterfall rappelling tour.
Scroll down to get started! And if you think of any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
What is Canyoning? (And Why You Should Try It in Costa Rica)
Canyoning — sometimes called canyoneering — is an outdoor adventure that involves descending a series of waterfalls, rock faces, and jungle trails using a mix of hiking, scrambling, climbing, swimming, and rappelling. It’s a full-body workout and an exhilarating way to connect with nature.
Costa Rica is one of the world’s top spots for canyoning thanks to its mountainous terrain, lush rainforests, and year-round flowing waterfalls. Combine that with a tropical climate, warm rivers, and expert local guides, and you’ve got one of the best places in the world for beginner canyoning.
Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes offer canyoning for every level, and the good news is that Jaco is one of the easiest and most accessible places to try it. Having some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica definitely helps!
Top Spots for Waterfall Rappelling in Costa Rica (Spoiler: Start in Jaco!)
While you can find canyoning tours in places like La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, Jaco is one of the top destinations for a few key reasons. First, it’s easy to reach. We’re only about 90 minutes from San José and surrounded by natural beauty. From lush rainforest to dramatic ridgelines, the terrain around Jaco is tailor-made for canyoning. And to make things even easier, we offer a San José to Jaco transportation service!
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we provide two guided canyoning experiences just outside of town:
- Canyoning Adventure in Jaco – This tour is ideal for first-timers. On arrival, you will feel the thrill of ziplining through the forest canopy before hiking down to the river. You can hop in for some natural swimming and cliff jumping, if you desire! Then it’s time for the main event… Four solo rappels down the waterfall!
- Extreme Canyoning in Jaco – Looking to level up? This more advanced tour includes rainforest canopy ziplining, natural swimming, cliff jumping, and waterfall rappelling, but the final extreme element pushes it over the edge. The final descent is the longest unassisted rappel in Costa Rica. Not only is it 150ft high, but you also drop into a pool!
Both tours start with a pick-up in Jaco; we provide transportation to and from the site, a journey which takes us to an altitude of over 1,000ft. No experience is needed for our canyoning tours — just a sense of curiosity and a little courage. But, of course, our Canyoning Adventure is more beginner-friendly than the extreme experience!
What to Expect from Beginner-Friendly Canyoning in Costa Rica
If you’re nervous about trying canyoning, you’re not alone. Most first-timers feel a mix of excitement and nerves! But trust us, once you lean back over that first waterfall, you’ll be hooked.
Our beginner canyoning tour starts with a scenic 4×4 ride to a private reserve in the heart of the jungle. Before any adventures, we take all guests through a detailed safety briefing, which includes a demonstration of the safe and proper use of your equipment. This gear is manufactured by Black Diamond in the USA, one of the leading names in the industry.
We’ll help you gear up before getting your heart rate up with two ‘zips’ through the rainforest canopy. After a short hike down to the river, it’s fun in the water all the way! You can splash through rivers, swim in natural pools, jump from cliffs of varying height (if you wish!), and maybe even take a natural jungle shower! Then, of course, comes the waterfall rappelling, an experience that will stay with you forever.
Our beginner-friendly Canyoning Adventure in Jaco lasts for around four hours total (7 am to 11:30 am), and we keep group sizes small for a personal, supportive experience. If you are considering levelling up, our Extreme Canyoning in Jaco lasts for six to seven hours (7 am to 1 or 2 pm).
Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before. Our guides are there every step of the way to coach you through it.
What to Wear and Bring for Your Costa Rica Rappelling Adventure
Comfort is key when it comes to canyoning. You’ll get wet, that’s guaranteed, so quick-dry athletic clothing or swimwear is ideal. Closed-toe water shoes or hiking sandals with good grip are a must. Avoid flip-flops or anything that could come off in the water.
Bring a towel (ideally a quick-drying one) and a dry change of clothes for after the tour. If you want to capture moments to look back on later, a GoPro or waterproof phone case can come in handy (just make sure it’s securely attached).
We provide all the technical gear you’ll need, plus water and a traditional Costa Rican meal. Just show up ready for adventure!
Are you looking for more local insights into Costa Rican cuisine? Don’t miss our blog How to Eat and Drink Like a Local in Costa Rica!
Tips for First-Time Canyoning Tours in Costa Rica
- Trust your guide: We’ve done this thousands of times, and safety is our top priority.
- Relax and enjoy: It’s normal to feel a little nervous. Take a deep breath and embrace the challenge.
- Stay hydrated: Jaco can be hot and humid, so drink water before and during your tour.
- Be honest: Let us know if you’re afraid of heights or need extra support — we’ll help you through it.
- Take it slow: There’s no rush. Soak in the views and enjoy the jungle around you.
If you want even more recommendations for your upcoming trip, but with a broader focus than canyoning, be sure to read our top tips for traveling in Costa Rica when you have finished here.
Why Book Canyoning with Costa Rica Waterfall Tours?
We’ve been running Jaco canyoning tours for years now, so we know these canyons and waterfalls like the back of our hands. Our team of bilingual, certified guides will make sure your Costa Rica canyoning experience is safe, exciting, and unforgettable.
We keep our groups small so you get more time, attention, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for beginner canyoning in Costa Rica or something a bit more extreme, we offer tours that match your comfort level and push you just enough outside of it.
Plus, we’re a locally owned company based right here in Jaco. When you book with us, you’re supporting responsible tourism and getting an authentic experience.
Head over to the About Us page to learn even more about Costa Rica Waterfall Tours and our incredible team.
Let’s Plan Your Canyoning in Costa Rica!
If you’re planning a trip to Jaco and want to try something truly unforgettable, canyoning is the way to go. There’s nothing quite like stepping off the edge of a waterfall and rappelling into the heart of the rainforest.
Browse our range of canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco and discover why this is one of the most thrilling and rewarding adventures you can have in Costa Rica.
Do you have any questions for us? Please just get in touch! We’re here to help however we can.
