Private helicopter ride over volcanoes, jungles, and the ocean
GOLDEN FLIGHT
Private helicopter tours over key regions of Costa Rica. Each route offers a distinct destination: volcanoes, tropical forests, coastline, or islands.
From the air, the country is perceived differently: the coastline, volcanic terrain, and dense jungle combine to create a holistic picture.
This is not a standalone excursion, but rather part of a route—an experience that enhances the journey and offers a different level of perception.
The flight is tailored to your itinerary and seamlessly integrates.
Available Routes
Arenal Volcano
Flight over the San Carlos Plains, Arenal Volcano, and Cerro Chato Crater
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
- Helicopters: up to 4 or up to 6 people
- Cost: from $3,150 per helicopter ≈ from $790 per person (based on 4 participants)
Braulio Carrillo + Poás
Flight over the rainforest and crater of Poás Volcano
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Helicopters: up to 4 or up to 6 people
- Cost: from $2,100 per helicopter ≈ from $525 per person (based on 4 participants)
Rio Tarcoles + Carara
Crocodile River, Carara National Park, and the Pacific coast
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Helicopters: up to 3–6 people
- Cost: from $1,600 per helicopter ≈ from $520 per person (based on 3 participants)
Tortuga and Chiquita Islands (with landing)
Flight over white-sand islands with turquoise waters, landing on Isla Chiquita (1 hour of free time).
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Helicopters: up to 4 or up to 6 people
- Cost: from $3,150 per helicopter ≈ from $790 per person (based on 4 participants)
- Meals and drinks are paid separately on the island
Bat Islands
Remote islands with bright turquoise water and volcanic formations
- Duration: 70–80 minutes
- Helicopters: up to 4–6 people
- Cost: from $4,100 per helicopter ≈ from $890 per person (based on 6 participants)
Sunset over the Guanacaste coast
Short flight along the ocean during golden hour
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Helicopters: up to 4–6 people
- Cost: from $1,580 per helicopter ≈ from $340 per person (based on 6 participants)
Format
- Private helicopter (per flight, not per guest)
- Capacity: 3 to 6 people
- Departure: Tobías Bolaños Airport (San José) or as per tour itinerary
- Cost can be split between participants
Important
- The best time for most routes is morning (clear visibility)
- Sunset flights are performed in the afternoon
- Flights are subject to weather conditions
- The route is tailored to your tour itinerary
Encountering whales in their natural habitat
TO THE SHORES OF WHALES
You're drawn to the ocean—and for good reason.
Every year, humpback whales come to the coast of Costa Rica to mate, give birth, and spend the first months of their lives with their calves. During this period, the ocean becomes the site of rare and vibrant encounters.
Format
An ocean cruise on a private boat along the coast with the opportunity to watch whales in their natural habitat.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Start time: 2:00 PM (with sunset)
- Format: Private experience
Details and pricing
Price: from $1,600 per boat
- Coastal cruise
- Open ocean sunset
- Whale watching available during season
Important
Whale sightings occur in the wild—encounters with whales are not guaranteed, but the likelihood is high during the season
This isn't just a trip out into the ocean. This is a rare opportunity to be close to whales as they arrive at the shores of Costa Rica
Behind the journey
My name is Nadzeya Smaliar. I grew up in a small town in Belarus—far from the ocean, far from the jungle, far from volcanoes. But I always knew I wanted to live where nature wasn't just a backdrop, but the main character.
I worked in intensive care for several years. A place where every detail matters. Where inattention is unacceptable. This approach became the foundation of Golden Trails. No accidents, no missed details—just a journey where you don't have to think about anything except the moment itself.
Two years ago, I moved to Costa Rica. Not for vacation. For good. To a country where a monkey reaches out to you from a tree branch. Where hot springs gushes from a volcano. Where the Caribbean coast lives at such a pace that you begin to forget you ever lived any other way.
Golden Trails was born from a simple desire—to share this. Not with the crowds. But with the few who are ready to truly experience Costa Rica.
Each group is no more than five people. Every detail is thought out in advance. And my favorite moment is always the same: the first evening, when strangers sit down at the same table, not yet knowing that ten days later they'll be having a hard time saying goodbye.
Testimonials
James, UK
12 days, Balanced
“Honestly I was skeptical about a small group format. By day three I was glad there were only six of us. You notice more, move slower, actually talk to people. Arenal at night in the thermal springs — I still think about that”
12 days, Balanced
“Honestly I was skeptical about a small group format. By day three I was glad there were only six of us. You notice more, move slower, actually talk to people. Arenal at night in the thermal springs — I still think about that”
Katrin, Germany
14 days, Intensive
“Two weeks felt both long and not enough. Corcovado was unlike anything I’ve ever seen — wild in a way that’s hard to describe. Everything was organised perfectly but never felt forced. I came back a different person”
14 days, Intensive
“Two weeks felt both long and not enough. Corcovado was unlike anything I’ve ever seen — wild in a way that’s hard to describe. Everything was organised perfectly but never felt forced. I came back a different person”
Elena, France
10 days, Balanced
“Solo travel can feel lonely. This didn’t. The group was small, the pace was calm, and by the end we were exchanging numbers and making plans to meet again. Costa Rica did that — but so did the way the trip was designed"
10 days, Balanced
“Solo travel can feel lonely. This didn’t. The group was small, the pace was calm, and by the end we were exchanging numbers and making plans to meet again. Costa Rica did that — but so did the way the trip was designed"
Sofia, Sweden
10 days, Intensive
“I’ve traveled a lot. This was different. Everything just worked — no stress, no decisions, no crowded buses. Just me, the jungle, and the most incredible hot springs I’ve ever been in. The Caribbean coast at the end was the perfect finish”
10 days, Intensive
“I’ve traveled a lot. This was different. Everything just worked — no stress, no decisions, no crowded buses. Just me, the jungle, and the most incredible hot springs I’ve ever been in. The Caribbean coast at the end was the perfect finish”
Marco, Italy
Private Journey
“We wanted something personal, not a package. Every detail was thought through before we even asked. My wife said it was the best trip of her life. That’s enough for me”
Private Journey
“We wanted something personal, not a package. Every detail was thought through before we even asked. My wife said it was the best trip of her life. That’s enough for me”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, with stable infrastructure and welcoming locals
Can I travel alone?
Absolutely. Many guests travel solo and find the small group creates immediate connection
What level of fitness is required?
Moderate fitness is sufficient—trails are well-maintained and pacing is intentional, not rushed
What should I pack?
Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a sense of openness to wherever the journey leads
Food preferences?
Local cuisine features fresh ingredients, and dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice
What is the climate like? What should I bring?
Tropical climate, warm all year round (+25–30°C). I will send a full list of items and provide advice on any issues.
What should I do with the visa?
For most CIS and European countries, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. I will specify the details individually.
