Beaches, adventures & day trips from La Cruz
Best Things to Do Near JW Marriott Costa Elena: Tours, Beaches & Day Trips
Staying at JW Marriott Costa Elena in Playa El Jobo puts you close to northern Guanacaste beaches, private ocean experiences, ATV and horseback riding, with protected areas, waterfalls, volcanoes and rainforest day trips available when you are willing to drive farther. This guide separates what is close by from what is worth a longer day away from the resort.
- Now open · JW Marriott Costa Elena
- Playa El Jobo · La Cruz
- Local beaches & ocean activities
- Regional waterfalls & volcanoes
- Private LIR transportation
Playa El Jobo at 5 p.m., near JW Marriott Costa Elena.
At a glance
What are the best things to do near JW Marriott Costa Elena?
Begin with Playa El Jobo and the La Cruz coast: beaches, snorkeling or private boating, sport fishing, ATV or horseback riding and nearby coastal nature. If you want a larger inland day, Santa Rosa National Park, Rincón de la Vieja, La Leona Waterfall and Llanos del Cortés are strong regional choices. Río Celeste, rainforest wildlife, rafting and Palo Verde are better treated as longer-drive excursions rather than “nearby” attractions.
Choose between a coastal afternoon, a regional adventure or a longer day away. Guanacaste National Park adds scenic interest to the views around La Cruz, although it is not open to general public tourism. Activities marked Coming soon are included for planning and are not currently offered by BestToursCR.
Stay local first
Things to do closest to JW Marriott Costa Elena
Start with coastal outings centered on Playa El Jobo and La Cruz. Choose an ocean experience or a countryside adventure when you want to keep your day focused on the surrounding area.
Local · Ocean
Private snorkeling & coastal boating
Leave from the Playa El Jobo area for a private ocean outing. Snorkeling locations, visibility and the exact route depend on wind, sea conditions and the captain’s assessment on the day.
An underwater view of a snorkeling outing near JW Marriott Costa Elena.
Explore Snorkeling
Local · Ocean
Private sport fishing
A private fishing outing is a locally focused way to enjoy the waters around Playa El Jobo. Target species, sea conditions and catches vary and cannot be guaranteed.
A mahi-mahi catch during a sport-fishing outing near Costa Elena.
Explore Fishing Charters
Local · Adventure
ATV or UTV experiences
Explore the La Cruz countryside on a guided ATV or UTV outing. Confirm the route, vehicle type, pickup location, age requirements and weather policy before booking.
A UTV outside the lobby of JW Marriott Costa Elena.
Explore UTV Options
Local · Countryside
Horseback riding
A countryside horseback ride can fit a locally focused day around La Cruz. Confirm the operator, route, riding experience required and participation rules before arranging an outing.
Horseback riding beneath yellow-flowering Tabebuia trees.
Local · Nature
Bahía Junquillal Wildlife Refuge
Near Cuajiniquil in La Cruz, this SINAC-managed refuge combines a tranquil beach, seven coastal ecosystems, short trails, wildlife observation, picnic areas and kayak rentals.
Illustrative coastal photograph from northern Guanacaste.
Northern Guanacaste coast
Beaches to explore around La Cruz
A Costa Elena stay does not have to mean leaving the coast every day. Northern Guanacaste has several beaches and coastal landscapes that can fit a slower afternoon or a locally focused day.
Local beach
Playa El Jobo
The resort’s beach setting is a natural starting point for a relaxed afternoon by the water. At 5 p.m., anchored boats and wooded headlands frame the bay in warm late-afternoon light.
Playa El Jobo at 5 p.m., near JW Marriott Costa Elena.
Local beach
Playa Rajada
Playa Rajada’s distinctive offshore rock can be seen from different points along the beach. The rocky northern point offers the closest shoreline view, while the sandy stretch reveals the landmark from a different angle.
The iconic offshore rock, viewed from Playa Rajada’s northern point.
Local beach
Playa Copal
The same official regional guide highlights Playa Copal for its wind conditions and association with kitesurfing and other wind-driven water sports.
Illustrative coastal photograph from northern Guanacaste.
Local beach
Puerto Soley
Puerto Soley sits on Bahía de Salinas, La Cruz. The 5:47 p.m. photograph captures swimmers beneath pink and orange clouds, with the evening colors reflected across the bay.
Sunset at Puerto Soley, photographed at 5:47 p.m.
View Puerto Soley on Google Maps →Location map
Nature & history
Protected areas that make northern Guanacaste different
For travelers who want more than a resort-and-beach vacation, the protected landscapes around La Cruz are one of the strongest reasons to stay in this part of Guanacaste.
Regional day trip
Santa Rosa National Park
History and tropical dry forest meet at Santa Rosa. La Casona National Historic Monument is a highlight for travelers interested in Costa Rican heritage, alongside the park’s protected landscapes. Check current opening hours and visitor access before traveling.
La Casona National Historic Monument in Santa Rosa National Park.Sky and lighting enhanced.
Explore Santa Rosa
Landscape · Restricted access
Guanacaste National Park
Guanacaste National Park is not open to general public tourism, but its protected landscapes remain part of the scenery around La Cruz. From viewpoints in the area, look toward Cerro El Hacha and the Orosí and Cacao volcanoes when visibility allows.
Rincón de la Vieja can also be appreciated in the wider regional skyline; it is a separate national park. Enjoy these views from accessible places around La Cruz.
Illustrative countryside photograph from northern Guanacaste.
Regional full-day choices
Waterfalls, volcanoes & adventure worth leaving the resort for
Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and active outings give you reasons to head inland. Set aside a full day for transportation and the experience itself, and check the availability label on each card.
Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall is in Curubandé, Liberia, Guanacaste. Its turquoise pool and narrow rocky canyon make it an active inland outing. Allow for travel from Playa El Jobo and confirm the guide, swimming requirements and current river conditions with an operating provider.
La Leona Waterfall in Curubandé, Liberia, Guanacaste.AI illustration featuring Joy, our fictional character.
Volcano & thermals
Rincón de la Vieja
A strong choice for volcanic landscapes, hot springs and adventure combinations. The specific experience can range from national-park hiking to horseback riding, ziplining and thermal-water packages.
Explore Rincón de la Vieja
Waterfall
Llanos del Cortés
Marriott lists Llanos del Cortés as a regional attraction. Its broad waterfall setting also works well as a standalone stop or as part of a larger BestToursCR combination.
Explore Llanos del CortésWorth the longer drive
Core activities, rainforest & longer day trips
These are the core activities to compare when you are ready to spend more time on the road. Arenal and Nicaragua remain information-only reference destinations rather than current BestToursCR core activities.
Core activity
White-Water Rafting
A full-day river adventure for travelers who want an active outing, guided rapids and a change of scenery from the coast.
White-water rafting in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Explore White-Water Rafting
Core activity
Sloth Tour
A wildlife-focused outing with a chance to look for sloths and other rainforest species with a local guide.
A sloth-tour wildlife encounter in Costa Rica.
Explore Sloth Tours
Core activity
Safari River Float
A slower-paced river experience that combines gentle floating with wildlife observation along the riverbanks.
A guided safari river float in Guanacaste.
Explore Safari River Float
Core activity
Heliconias Hanging Bridges
Walk above the forest canopy on suspension bridges surrounded by tropical vegetation and mountain rainforest.
Rainforest hanging bridges in Costa Rica.
Explore Heliconias
Core activity
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall
A classic Guanacaste waterfall stop with a broad cascade, swimming area and tropical surroundings.
Llanos del Cortés Waterfall in Guanacaste.
Explore Llanos del Cortés
Core activity
Río Celeste Hike
A rainforest hike to the vivid blue Río Celeste, best planned as a full-day inland excursion from Costa Elena.
Río Celeste in the Tenorio Volcano region.
Explore Río Celeste
Core activity
Palo Verde Boat Safari
A low-impact wetland outing by boat, with opportunities to observe birds and wildlife along the Bebedero River.
A wildlife boat safari on the Bebedero River near Palo Verde.
Explore Palo Verde Boat Safari
Core activity
Rincón de la Vieja & Hot Springs
Combine volcanic landscapes, rainforest adventure and relaxing hot springs on a longer regional day trip.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste.
Explore Rincón de la Vieja
Core activity
Snorkeling & Ocean Experiences
Explore the Pacific by boat with snorkeling and other ocean experiences planned around sea conditions and visibility.
Snorkeling and ocean experiences near JW Marriott Costa Elena.
Explore Snorkeling
Information only
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna offer a very different rainforest-and-volcano landscape from the La Cruz coast. Treat this as a reference destination and a very long travel day.
Information only
Nicaragua: Granada & Colonial Heritage
Granada’s historic architecture is a compelling reference point, but a Nicaragua outing from Costa Elena is a long international travel day requiring border and document planning.
Compare before you commit
Which experience fits your Costa Elena stay?
| Experience | How to think about it | Best for | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa El Jobo, Rajada & Puerto Soley | Closest / easiest | Relaxed days, couples, families | Good when you do not want a long road day |
| Snorkeling / fishing | Local ocean experience | Private groups, families, couples | Request 7+ days ahead for best confirmation likelihood |
| ATV / horseback | Local adventure | Shorter active outings | Check age, safety and weather rules |
| Santa Rosa | Regional nature & history | History, conservation, dry forest | Check open sectors and access |
| Guanacaste National Park scenery | Views from around La Cruz | Landscape photography | No general public tourist access to the park |
| La Leona / Rincón / Llanos | Regional day trips | Waterfalls, volcanoes, adventure | Plan a full day; La Leona is coming soon with BestToursCR |
| Río Celeste / rainforest wildlife | Longer drive | Rainforest-focused travelers | Best when the destination is a priority |
| Palo Verde / Bebedero | Longer wildlife day | Birding, wildlife, easier pace | Boat-based wildlife; sightings not guaranteed |
| Arenal / Nicaragua | Very long travel days | Volcano scenery / Granada architecture | Arenal: information only. Nicaragua: information only |
Arrival & local transportation
Liberia Airport and Costa Elena transportation
BestToursCR can arrange private airport transfers, group transportation and local transportation for exploring beaches and regional activities around Costa Elena. Arrange arrival and return transportation before travel.
Group transportation
Scania group transportation from LIR
A larger vehicle can simplify airport arrival for families, wedding groups and other parties traveling together. Confirm vehicle capacity, luggage needs and pickup details in advance.
Scania group bus at Liberia Guanacaste Airport.
View Costa Elena Transfer Options
Premium SUV
Premium SUV airport transfer
Travel comfortably from Liberia Airport in a premium SUV suited to couples or small parties. Vehicle assignment depends on availability and confirmed passenger and luggage needs.
Black Ford Expedition at Liberia Guanacaste Airport.
View Costa Elena Transfer Options
Private transfer
Private transfers from Liberia Airport
Reserve a private vehicle from LIR and travel directly toward JW Marriott Costa Elena without unrelated passenger pickups or a shared-shuttle schedule.
Private transportation at Liberia Guanacaste Airport.
View Costa Elena Transfer Options
JW Costa Elena
Direct transfer to JW Marriott Costa Elena
Arrange a door-to-door transfer from Liberia Guanacaste Airport to JW Marriott Costa Elena, with the vehicle matched to your party and luggage requirements.
Private airport transfer from Liberia Airport to JW Marriott Costa Elena.
View Costa Elena Transfer OptionsBestToursCR planning approach
Choose the right outing for your stay
Start with the kind of day you want: a relaxed beach afternoon, an active inland outing or a longer rainforest trip. Then compare the itinerary, travel time and current availability.
Decide whether beaches, ocean activities, ATV, horseback riding or nearby coastal nature are enough for the experience you want.
If you want a larger nature or adventure day, compare Santa Rosa, Rincón de la Vieja, La Leona and Llanos del Cortés.
Choose Río Celeste, rainforest wildlife, rafting or Palo Verde only when that experience matters enough to justify the additional travel time.
Once you know the experience you want, compare the actual BestToursCR itinerary, service level, inclusions, booking deadline and product-specific terms.
Frequently asked questions
Planning a stay at JW Marriott Costa Elena
Concise answers to the practical questions travelers are likely to ask before choosing activities or transportation.
What are the best things to do near JW Marriott Costa Elena?
Start with local experiences around Playa El Jobo and La Cruz: beaches, private ocean outings, snorkeling, fishing, ATV or horseback riding, and nearby protected coastal areas. For a larger day trip, consider Santa Rosa National Park, Rincón de la Vieja, La Leona Waterfall or Llanos del Cortés. Río Celeste, rainforest wildlife, rafting and Palo Verde are rewarding options when you are comfortable with a longer drive.
What can I do close to JW Marriott Costa Elena without spending most of the day driving?
Playa El Jobo and the La Cruz coast are the strongest starting points. Ocean activities, local beaches, ATV or horseback riding and nearby coastal nature are better fits when you want to stay close to the resort.
Can I snorkel or go fishing near JW Marriott Costa Elena?
Yes. Private snorkeling and sport-fishing outings operate from the Playa El Jobo area. Sea conditions, visibility, wildlife and the exact boat are subject to availability and conditions. BestToursCR recommends requesting boat-based snorkeling and fishing at least 7 days in advance for the best likelihood of confirmation.
What beaches are worth exploring around La Cruz?
Playa El Jobo is the resort beach area. Other beach options include Playa Rajada, Playa Copal and Puerto Soley on Bahía de Salinas. Bahía Junquillal Wildlife Refuge combines a protected beach with coastal ecosystems and short trails. Conditions and visitor access should be checked before travel.
Is Santa Rosa National Park a good day trip from Costa Elena?
Yes for travelers interested in tropical dry forest, Costa Rican history and protected landscapes. Santa Rosa includes the La Casona historical area as well as broader natural sectors. Access conditions and open sectors should be checked before travel.
What about Guanacaste National Park?
Guanacaste National Park is not open to general public tourism. It is included here for its scenic value: viewpoints around La Cruz can reveal Cerro El Hacha and the Orosí and Cacao volcanoes when visibility allows. Rincón de la Vieja is also part of the wider regional skyline, but belongs to a separate national park. Enjoy the scenery from accessible viewpoints around La Cruz.
Is La Leona Waterfall near JW Marriott Costa Elena?
La Leona Waterfall is in Curubandé, Liberia, Guanacaste. It is a regional active outing that requires travel from Playa El Jobo and planning for the hike, water and current conditions. It is marked Coming soon because BestToursCR does not currently offer this experience.
Is Rincón de la Vieja worth leaving the resort for?
For travelers interested in volcanic landscapes, hot springs or adventure activities, Rincón de la Vieja is one of the strongest regional day-trip choices. The exact experience can range from national-park hiking to adventure and thermal combinations.
Is Río Celeste worth the longer drive from Costa Elena?
It can be, especially for travelers who want rainforest scenery and a full-day nature experience. Río Celeste is not one of the closest attractions to Playa El Jobo, so it should be planned as a longer excursion rather than marketed as nearby.
Which airport should I use for JW Marriott Costa Elena?
Marriott lists Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, commonly called Guanacaste Airport or LIR, as the closest listed international airport.
Does JW Marriott Costa Elena provide airport shuttle service?
Marriott currently states that the hotel does not provide shuttle service from LIR or SJO. Travelers who do not plan to rent a car should arrange transportation before arrival.
How far in advance should I book tours and transportation?
Booking windows vary by product. BestToursCR uses product-specific terms rather than one universal deadline. For boat-based snorkeling and fishing, requesting at least 7 days in advance gives the best likelihood of confirming the preferred category and departure time. Airport transfers and other tours should follow the terms shown on their individual activity and transportation pages.
Can I book every activity shown in this guide with BestToursCR?
No. Cards with an activity link lead to the relevant BestToursCR information. La Leona Waterfall is marked Coming soon; Arenal and Nicaragua are information-only references and are not presented as current BestToursCR activities. Other cards labeled Information only help you compare destinations without implying an available BestToursCR tour.
Is BestToursCR affiliated with JW Marriott?
No. BestToursCR is an independent Costa Rican tour operator and transportation provider. Marriott and JW Marriott names are used only to identify the destination and guest pickup location.
Sources & verification
Current sources used for this guide
The resort is now open. Check attraction access, operating conditions and activity availability when finalizing your plans. Local photograph captions and scenic-view notes are supplied by BestToursCR.
- Marriott — JW Marriott Costa Elena overview (resort location and property information).
- Marriott — JW Marriott Costa Elena experiences (on-property experiences and listed regional attractions).
- SINAC — Santa Rosa National Park (history, conservation and park attractions).
- Área de Conservación Guanacaste — Cacao Biological Station (Orosí, Cacao and the surrounding protected landscapes).
- Marriott — Plan Your Trip (airport and shuttle information).
- SINAC — Bahía Junquillal Wildlife Refuge (coastal ecosystems, trails, beach and services).
- Visit Costa Rica — Guanacaste attractions (Jobo Beach and other regional beach information).
- BestToursCR — Liberia Airport to JW Marriott Costa Elena transfer (current BestToursCR transportation options).
- BestToursCR — JW Marriott Costa Elena guide (commercial planning hub, tour and service-level links).
Last updated: October 2, 2026. Original destination research: September 20, 2026. Photograph integration, local scenic-view notes and selected source checks: October 2, 2026.