A bucket list sabbatical is the perfect opportunity to tick off some of those big-ticket items and do-before-you-die moments. Where better to enjoy a long and leisurely trip than the small, but perfectly formed, nation of Costa Rica? Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals are the perfect excuse to rediscover your inner child on an all-out adventure in a country known for its wild and varied landscapes, incredible wildlife and faraway eco-lodges. Given its diminutive proportions, you may be surprised to discover just how many bucket list worthy experiences are on offer here. Spend your days tracking wildlife in the rainforests of Arenal, canoeing along winding rivers in Sarapiquí and touring coffee plantations in the Alajuela Province. If you’re looking to unwind, head to a luxury lodge on the Osa Peninsula for serene sailing trips, surf lessons, pampering wellness treatments and daily yoga classes overlooking the ocean. Or if you’re aquatically inclined and feel most at home underwater, head for the desert island depths around Isla del Caño or Cocos Island off the Pacific coast, both renowned for their world-class diving. With ample time to explore during Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals, you can really get under the skin of this stunning destination.

Costa Rica Bucket List Sabbaticals Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Our Costa Rica holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Costa Rica

Costa Rica Bucket List Sabbaticals Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Costa Rica Testimonials

5 reviews
4.8 / 5
"The Lapa Rios Nature Reserve was particularly memorable. I felt like I never wanted to leave. When we finally did I felt then and do now that I left a bit of my heart behind. The Concierge was terrific."
Grayce - Washington DC
Published on 7th February 2025
"Oliver couldn’t have been more helpful - we had a very specific, and not totally simple, brief and timeline. Oliver’s experience in the area was very clear and he created a fantastic itinerary for us. As to the trip itself - it was totally magical. The quality of the concierge and tour guides was top notch - the latter was a big part of the trip (we went on numerous tours) and added hugely to the success of the trip. Activities were spot on for our boys. Best were humpback whale watching for us, zip-lining for the boys! Family rooms and suites were great too, so we could all be together. The modem was a great touch and very useful. The app - and all the information within it - was also great. Victor the Concierge was wonderful - from providing us with local currency so we could use a toll bridge as we left San Jose, to sending us regular route updates and restaurant recommendations. Lounge access is always a fab touch! And the meet and greet takes away all the stress of trying to work out logistics when arriving somewhere new. Both add to the feeling of R&R. All in all, Original Travel were superb!"
Tabitha - London
Published on 9th October 2023
"All agreed best holiday we have ever been on!!! Can't thank you enough. "
Adam - London
Published on 25th January 2019

What can you expect on Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals that you won’t find anywhere else?

The best thing about bucket list sabbaticals (in our humble opinion) is the freedom to travel at a slower pace. Unconstrained by annual leave or school holidays, you can really take your exploration to new depths and discover plenty of lesser-known corners. Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals fit the brief perfectly, as the pura vida nation is jam-packed with hidden treasures, natural wonders and intriguing resident wildlife. Get stuck into some adrenaline-inducing adventure activities in Arenal National Park, before finding your zen with private yoga classes. Kick back on the beaches of the Pacific coast or dive into its fascinating underwater world, with scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing. For anyone wanting to take some time away from frenetic daily life and re-connect with themselves and nature, Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals can include stays at wellness retreats, rejuvenating spa treatments and delicious locally-sourced food.


Special things to do during Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals:

- Spend some time at a relaxing spa retreat, complete with a tranquil swimming pool, luxurious spa and private yoga classes – tailor-made for total relaxation.
- Stay at a secluded eco lodge, tucked away in the rainforest surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Take part in adventure activities, such as zip lining, canopy walks and white-water rafting, which can be balanced out with indulgent volcanic spa treatments.
- Visit the Osa Peninsula – considered to be one of the most biodiverse places on the planet – and spot the jaguars, tapirs and colourful birdlife that inhabit this rugged wilderness. Relax on the stunning beaches that line the coast and, again, go into full relaxation mode with yoga classes and spa treatments.
- Connect with yourself and your surroundings on the Golfo Dulce, where you can snorkel, paddle board, kayak and discover the native flora and fauna.


Best time for Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals:

While Costa Rica does experience distinct wet and dry seasons, there’s really no bad time to visit this ecological Eden. The dry season runs from December to April, with temperatures sometimes topping 35°C – hence, this is usually considered the best time to visit Costa Rica. Yet, if you’re looking to organise Costa Rica bucket list sabbaticals between the months of April and November, you’ll still be able to enjoy the country in all its glory. You may experience rainfall in the afternoon during the country’s wet season, but you’ll likely be met with sunshine in the mornings and evenings. The plant life really comes into its own during this period, too, thanks to the intermittent showers. There are also some regional variations between the wet and dry seasons, so our experts will be able to advise on where to go when and what to pack.

Related Ideas



100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges