Costa Rica is such an amazing place to adventure off to! You will get to explore some of the most incredible rainforests, relax on the beautiful beaches, and swim in some pretty unbelievable swimming holes. Costa Rica also offers extreme activities to try, so if you are a thrill seeker, you are in luck. But what about bungee jumping specifically? Are there any bungee jumps in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has only two operating bungee jumping locations, as two older bungee jumps are no longer open. The most popular bungee jump in Costa Rica is in Monteverde Extremo because it is the highest bungee jump in Central America.
In this article, we will talk about the available bungee jumps and activities so that you can choose the best bungee jump for you. If you don’t want to bungee, no worries; I list other activities at the end!
Is it Safe to Bungee Jump in Costa Rica?
As long as you are bungee jumping with a legitimate company in Costa Rica, it is as safe as it possibly could be. The North American Bungee Association has certified all the popular bungee jumping locations. However, I say that it’s always best to proceed with caution when participating in any adventure sport.
Believe it or not, the most significant danger of bungee jumping is one’s own health. When bungee jumping, your body is subject to a pretty intense increase in pressure throughout the upper body. This strains your heart, blood vessels, and arteries.
Therefore, anyone looking to go bungee jumping in any location should double-check that their body can handle the pressure increase. If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before going on any adrenaline-inducing adventures.
The Best Places for Bungee Jumping in Costa Rica
Believe it or not, Costa Rica has its fair share of jump companies and some of the best spots to do it! Below are a few areas you could book a bungee tour in.
1. Monteverde- Extremo Bungee
Location: Monteverde Extremo Park, Provincia de Guanacaste, Abangares, Costa Rica
Bungee Height: 469 feet (143 meters)
Bungee Type: Headfirst
Book the Highest Bungee Jump in Central America Here!
Montverde is home to the highest bungee jump in Costa Rica, actually, it is the highest bungee jump in Central America! You will take a wild cable tram to the platform 469 feet above the ground. Once you’re up on the platform, you’ll get one of the best views of the jungle, so take a minute to look around.
What’s unique about this location is that the adrenaline rush comes in two parts. Your first little rush will be the ride in the cable cart as it moves along the cables. All you can think is “what have I gotten myself into”. You’re suspended high above the ground as you move across the valley.
The second part, of course, is the jump itself. Right before your jump, the guide will help talk you through the process so you’re sure to face your fear without backing down. Extreme Bungee, the company that jumps from this location, is one of the safest, as they pride themselves on their strict security checks to ensure the equipment is safe each day before the tours start.
Also, don’t opt out of the $15 videos and photos for this tour, this is one you will want to show friends and family!
2. Costa Rica Eco Bungee
Location: Los Ángeles Norte, 200 mts Norte del Río Cataratita, carretera a Bajo Rodríguez-La Fortuna, Provincia de Alajuela, San Ramón, 20208, Costa Rica
Bungee Height: 213 feet
Bungee Type: Body Harness or Ankle Harness, Platform Jump
Book the Costa Rica Eco Bungee Here!
The Costa Rica Eco Bungee is another option for bungee jumping enthusiasts to take the leap. It is located in 1 hour and 41 minutes from San José; you just need to drive Northwest.
This unique bungee location offers your standard bungee jumping off a large platform, which is a huge suspension bridge! You can also choose the extreme swing option instead, known as the Sky Swing, where you are let go and do a huge swing instead of a straight fall. Also, you can choose to do the zipline tour with 10 lines as well!
The best part about this is the jungle view you get to see from the Sky Bridge, you see all the jungle trees, and the bungee is right over a small river known as Cataratita River. This bungee jump is located in a cloud forest, which is when the mountains and the tropical forest meet, you get moisture, moss, and lots of clouds. Saying you bungee jumped in a cloud forest is a pretty cool story if you ask me.
3. Old Colorado River Bridge- Tropical Bungee
Location: Old Colorado River Bridge, San Jose, Costa Rica
Bungee Height: 265 feet
Bungee Type: Headfirst
The Old Colorado River Bridge is another excellent place to Bungee in Costa Rica. This Bungee sits 265 feet over the river gorge and is located in Naranjo, Alajuela.
The bridge is part of a popular route that people take to hit the Pacific Coast, so you can stop through on your way to or back if that’s one of your destinations. However, there is no traffic on the bridge, and jumpers won’t have to deal with the additional stress of traffic or crazy drivers before they leap.
According to TripAdvisor, the Tropical Bungee is closed.
4. Peñas Blancas Bridge (Closed)
- Location: Penas Blancas
- Bungee Type: Self-guided
- Bungee Height: 108 feet
The Penas Blancas Bridge was another bridge available to jump from with a tour company called Pacific Bungee. However, the tour company moved to Jaco to establish their bungee jumping facility but it is permanently closed.
However, the bridge is still there and intact. People can and do Bungee off of this bridge on their own accord. So, if that’s something you are interested in, you could check it out! However, the bridge is only 108 feet high and is the best fit for those who love to jump feet first.
Other Thrill Seeker Activities in Costa Rica:
As you can see, there are few selections for bungee jumps in Costa Rica. You may be better off checking out one of the activities below that can produce the same adrenaline rush. That way, you leave your vacation feeling satisfied!
Ziplining in Costa Rica
If you have ever gone to Costa Rica you know that zipline canopy tours are extremely popular in Costa Rica. No matter where you are in the country there is a zipline nearby, which is pretty amazing. You can choose extreme ziplines where you reach chilling speeds, or choose a more relaxing tree to tree zipline.
I recommend you read my full guide on the 34 best ziplines in Costa Rica to learn everything you need to about ziplining in Costa Rica.
Waterfall Rappelling (Canyoning)
Canyoning is a fun sport only when done in the right place, and Costa Rica is one of the best places to do it. It gives you a nice rush of adrenaline while enjoying some of the most spectacular views you could get of the area. But have you ever gone waterfall rappelling? If not, take the time to go in Costa Rica!
There are several different choices for companies and packages you can choose from:
Arenal Canyoning & Waterfall Rappel: You can rappel down five rock faces, 4 of which include waterfalls. These waterfalls range between 65 feet and 165 feet. You can pair your adventure with ziplining or whitewater rafting.
El Silencio Adventure Rappel Course: This one is in Bajos del Toro. You’ll get an aerial view of the forest canopy as you embark on their waterfall rappel. You can also choose to do their zipline course if you wish.
Rio Perdido Canyoning Adventure: Over in the Guanacaste province is a selection of canyoning excursions that merge aerial adventures with traditional canyoning. There are 15 platforms with ziplines, a Tarzan swing, a suspension bridge, via ferratas, and rappelling. This is an excellent selection if you’re bringing the family.
Tandem Paragliding
Costa Rica has a great company, Tandem Paraglide Costa Rica, that hosts tandem paraglides so you can enjoy the sport even if you have never paraglided before. There are various launch sites, such as Dominical, Alex’s Launch, Nemaclys, and Turrialba.
The Dominical launch is gorgeous, and it’s located above the beaches. You’ll land at the Taquila Flats restaurant, where you can grab a cold drink after your wild flying adventure. The other site, Alex’s Launch, was established in 2017 for more advanced flyers, so you most likely won’t have this option on your first flight. However, if you’re an avid flyer, you can choose this one!
Plus, you have a variety of other launch sites. All launch sites offer solo or tandem gliding! You can either head to the sites or go through the tour company if you prefer a tandem guide. Either way, paragliding in Costa Rica is something you want to take advantage of to see the sky views like no other.
Whitewater Rafting
Due to the warm weather year-round and the beauty factor of Costa Rica, there are great places to enjoy world-class rafting trips. 14 rivers flow through various major water bodies, making it ideal for this type of adventure.
You can choose from day trips to multiday trips even! For example, a day trip would be great for those looking to enjoy just a day to float or conquer some of the world’s most challenging rapids; it all depends on your mood.
There is everything from class I to class IV rapids. If you’re bringing kiddos or older people, perhaps class I or class II would be ideal. But you’ll want a class III trip for those looking for more of a challenge. It should be noted that class IV rapids should only be booked for those with experience.
Additionally, for the most diehard whitewater rafting fans, you can book a multiday trip. These are typically class III rapids, and the trip lasts about three days. You’ll stop for snacks, meals, hikes, sleep, and relaxation in a lodge. It all depends on what you prefer.
Surfing
Costa Rica is also home to some of the best surfing in the world. There are three primary provinces where you can find surfing: Puntarenas, Limon, and Guanacaste.
Some of the best beaches for surfing include Playa Naranjo, Playa Grande, Playa Negra, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Santa Teresa, Boca Barranca, and Mal Pais. What you choose will highly depend on what you’re looking for.
For example, you wouldn’t want to go to Playa Grande if you’re a beginner looking to learn how to surf, as this beach is known for its world-class waves. It’s best to research the best surfing beach to visit according to your skill level.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking can produce as much adrenaline as bungee jumping, if not more, when riding your bike on the edge of cliffs and through rugged terrain. So, don’t forgo this activity if you’re interested in it, as it’s an extreme sport too.
Here are several excellent mountain biking places in Costa Rica:
Miro Mountain: This trail is 1.7 miles and well maintained with lots of shade. It’s also suitable for hiking, but you’ll still need your water as the humidity is thick and causes you to lose more water than you would think.
Las Catalinas Circuito corto: For something more challenging, this uphill route is 9.1 miles with lots of tiny loose rocks and dust. It’s not a good idea for those with small children or respiratory conditions.
Punta Guachipelines: This trail is 5.1 miles but provides some fantastic views. Don’t be fooled; just because the route is shorter doesn’t mean it’s not challenging!
Are There Any New Bungee Jumps Coming to Costa Rica?
As of now, there are no new bungee jumping locations in the works in Costa Rica. However, that’s not to say there never will be. If you know of something, please let us know in the comments so all of us adventure seekers can check it out.
If I happened to miss a location, also let me know via email or comment below the details. Thanks for checking in and I hope you found the information you were looking for.
Enjoy your next adventure in Costa Rica!
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.