Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Luxury Family Travel

1. Spend the morning on a protected Papagayo beach

Mornings here feel almost unreal. The water is calm and glassy, the light is soft, and kids suddenly become very self-sufficient with sand and shells. It’s the rare parenting moment where nature takes over and you get to simply exist. Go early before the heat and the boats arrive and you’ll understand why people come back to this coastline year after year.

2. Paddleboarding or kayaking while the bay is still quiet

There is a certain kind of peace that only exists on the water at 8 am. Book a guided paddle or kayak session and let the stillness do half the work for you. Even if you’re not athletic, you’ll feel capable. Even if your kids are usually chaos, they’ll focus. It’s an activity that feels gentle but still gives you that I-did-something-today satisfaction.

3. A private boat day along the peninsula

This is Costa Rica at its cinematic best. You’ll slip into coves with clear water, snorkel in warm pockets of ocean, and watch your kids stare into the horizon like they’ve discovered introspection. Dolphins and turtles make surprise cameos. Because distances are short, it never becomes the endurance test that “family boat day” can sometimes be.

4. Jet ski tour around Papagayo

If your kids are old enough (or your inner teenager is alive and well), a jet ski tour is incredibly fun. You’ll zip past cliffs, stop in tiny coves, and get just enough speed to feel alive without regretting your decisions. The guides keep it safe and structured, so you get the thrill without the worry.

5. Zip-lining and the ropes course

Guanacaste does zip-lining beautifully—smooth lines, sweeping views, and guides who know exactly how to read nervous parents. Kids feel fearless and immediately beg to do it again. Add the ropes course for an extra layer of adventure. You’ll cheer each other on, surprise yourselves, and earn a relaxing pool afternoon.

6. Guided nature walk with monkeys and birds

A slow, thoughtful walk with a naturalist is one of the best ways to understand how alive this place is. Your guide will point out monkeys in the trees, birds you’d never notice, and plants with stories you’ll repeat at dinner as if you’ve always known them. It’s educational without feeling like school and surprisingly fun for kids.

7. Rincón de la Vieja National Park

The volcanic energy here is very real with bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and trails that look slightly enchanted in the morning light. It’s an easy adventure that feels bigger than the effort it requires. If your group has the stamina, add horseback riding, river tubing, or a waterfall swim. End at the hot springs and pretend you live there now.

8. Sunset sail or catamaran

Guanacaste sunsets have a way of rearranging your priorities. A sail is simple, slow, and so beautiful you’ll wonder why you don’t live a life where you do this weekly. Bring a light layer for the way back and a camera if you like documenting proof that you were relaxed once.

9. Snorkeling straight from the shore

Not every beach offers it, but the ones that do are surprisingly good. The water is clearest early in the day, and kids love the independence of wading in with fins and feeling like they discovered something all by themselves. It’s low effort, high reward, and a great warmup before a bigger activity.

10. Surf lessons on a beginner-friendly beach

Guanacaste is a fantastic place for first-timers. The breaks are predictable, the water is warm, and the instructors are patient in that uniquely Costa Rican way. Kids usually stand up faster than adults, which becomes dinner conversation for days. Even if you’re terrible, it’s fun. Even if your kids are better, you’ll survive.

1. Brisa—Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (coastal Italian & crudos)

A beautiful indoor–outdoor room with the best sunset light on the peninsula. Easy, polished, and exactly where you want your first or last dinner to be.

• What to order: short rib pappardelle, tiradito, any crudo, the roast chicken

2. Añejo—Four Seasons Costa Rica (sushi & Thai)

Laid back, delicious, and blessedly reservation-free. Great for nights when the family can’t commit to a time.

• What to order: sushi rolls, pad Thai, coconut shrimp, mocktails

3. Niri Beach Club—Nekajui (Iberian grill & seafood)

Down by the beach via funicular. Long, languid lunches here feel like the whole point of Papagayo.

• What to order: grilled prawns, wood-fired fish, citrusy salads

4. Bahia—Four Seasons Costa Rica (Latin American comfort)

Consistently good and easygoing. Ideal after a big activity day.

• What to order: ceviche, grilled catch, yucca fries, anything from the dessert case

5. Nemare—Four Seasons Costa Rica (modern steakhouse)

Stylish without being stuffy. Good for a more grown-up dinner that kids can still sit through.

• What to order: ribeye, Wagyu burger, palm heart salad

6. Rio Bhongo—Andaz Costa Rica (casual Costa Rican & international)

A relaxed, open-air choice for Andaz guests and a great first-night dinner.

• What to order: poke bowls, plantain chips, smoothies

7. Latitud 10° Norte—W Costa Rica (Thai-inspired seafood)

Playful, bold flavors and a fun atmosphere.

• What to order: Thai curry, crispy fish, lemongrass dishes

8. Local sodas—everywhere (traditional Costa Rican)

Simple, comforting, and often the meals families talk about later.

• What to order: casados, arroz con pollo, fresh juices