Direct flights to Costa Rica, now year-round

Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanic landscapes and wildlife-rich coastlines are becoming easier to explore throughout the year. British Airways has announced that its direct service between London Heathrow and San José will continue through summer 2027, giving travellers more flexibility to discover this extraordinary Central American country.

The airline will operate five flights a week during the UK winter season and three a week in summer. A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will replace the Boeing 777-200ER, with the announced configuration offering 204 seats across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Winter departures from Heathrow are scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a wildlife-focused journey or a couples’ escape combining forest lodges and coastal stays, the extended service opens up more possibilities.

When should you visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s peak travel season generally runs from December to April, coinciding with drier conditions across much of the Pacific side. Christmas and Easter are particularly popular, with greater demand and higher prices. For families travelling at Easter, we recommend booking at least six months ahead for the best choice of accommodation.

The green season generally extends from May to November. May to early July can be an appealing time to travel, with lush vegetation and opportunities for wildlife watching between showers. On the Pacific side, rain often arrives in the afternoon or evening, leaving mornings available for exploring, although conditions vary.

September and October are usually the wettest months on the Pacific coast, but the Caribbean coast follows a different pattern and often experiences a relatively dry spell then. Your preferred activities and route matter just as much as the month you choose, and we can help you plan accordingly.

Exploring Costa Rica at your own pace

For many families, self-driving is a flexible and cost-effective way to explore. With a comfortable SUV, carefully planned driving directions and travel support from Odyssey World, you can stop to admire a view, watch surfers along the Pacific coast or enjoy lunch at a traditional soda, a small local restaurant serving Costa Rican dishes.

We’ll recommend a vehicle suited to your itinerary and the season. Road conditions vary, particularly in rural areas and during wetter months, so we plan routes and driving distances with this in mind.

For remote lodges on the Osa Peninsula or visits to Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, we can arrange suitable transfers, boat journeys or domestic flights as part of your trip. Tortuguero itself is reached by boat or air, making the journey through its waterways part of the experience.

What can you see and do?

Around Arenal and La Fortuna, walk forest trails beneath the volcano, cross hanging bridges or soak in naturally heated hot springs. In Monteverde, explore misty cloud forest with a guide, looking for hummingbirds and the resplendent quetzal, or take to the canopy on a zip-line.

The canals of Tortuguero offer opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys and toucans among the riverside vegetation. Between July and October, guided evening excursions can also provide the chance to witness green turtles nesting on the beach.

For birdwatchers, the Osa Peninsula is a rewarding place to look for scarlet macaws. You can also build your journey around white-water rafting, coffee and chocolate tours, or time on the Pacific beaches, combining active days with quieter coastal stays.

Plan your Costa Rica adventure

Odyssey World creates tailor-made Costa Rica tours for families, couples and adventurers, arranging flights, accommodation, car hire, transfers and guided experiences around your interests. From your first rainforest walk to your final evening by the ocean, we’ll take care of the details.

If Costa Rica’s rainforests, extraordinary wildlife and volcanic landscapes have sparked your interest, visit our Costa Rica destination page or contact our specialists to begin planning a bespoke journey. From family adventures to couples’ escapes and wildlife-focused explorations, we’ll create a trip tailored to you – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070.