The Most Beautiful Hot Springs for Nature Lovers: Tabacon Hot Springs

My personal experience

All pictures are my own unless otherwise noted/sourced; do not use without permission.

One of the most famous hot springs in Costa Rica is Tabacon Hot Springs. It is the only natural thermal river that flows from Arenal Volcano, with water heated entirely by underground volcanic activity. The warm river winds through lush tropical gardens, creating a series of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools with temperatures ranging from about 72°F to 100°F (22–38°C).

Tabacon Hot Springs is located adjacent to, and is part of, the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Guests of the resort enjoy unlimited access to the hot springs throughout their stay, along with exclusive entry to Shangri-La Gardens, an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation, privacy, and connection with nature. Resort guests also receive early access to the springs, allowing them to experience the pools before day visitors arrive and the area becomes more crowded.

OUR EXPERIENCE:

Our experience at the Tabacon as resort guests was absolutely unforgettable. We arrived early in the morning and had the hot springs almost completely to ourselves, which made it feel like our own private slice of paradise.

The grounds were unbelievably lush and green, with the sounds of the rainforest echoing all around us: flowing water, birds calling, and rustling leaves. Bright green lizards greeted us along the stone paths as we explored the different pools. That morning it was lightly sprinkling and a gentle fog hung over the gardens, creating a dreamy, almost mystical atmosphere.

While relaxing in the warm thermal pools, we stopped at the swim-up bar and ordered fresh coconut water served in a real coconut and a piña colada in a pineapple shell. It was such a fun, tropical touch that made the whole experience even more special. While we were sipping our drinks, a sudden rain shower rolled in and poured for about ten minutes. We tucked ourselves under the shelter of the swim-up bar, listening to the rain fall over the rainforest around us. It was such a unique and memorable moment.

Overall, soaking in the warm thermal water while surrounded by the rainforest was pure bliss. I truly didn’t want to leave and could have stayed forever. It was one of the most magical experiences of our trip, and I can’t wait to go back.

Visiting with a Day Pass:

A limited number of day passes are available for visitors who want to experience the magic of Arenal’s natural thermal waters surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The pass includes access to the hot springs, as well as a locker, towels, changing rooms and showers, complimentary parking, and Wi-Fi.

You can reserve a day pass HERE.

Cost:

Resort Guests: Free

Day Pass (as of 2026):

Adult: $115

Children (6-11): $55

Infant (0-5): Free

Hours: 10am – 10pm

Tips:

· Bring water shoes for better grip and comfort on the rocky riverbed.

· Enjoy the drinks and food at the swim-up bar while relaxing in the thermal pools.

· Keep an eye out for wildlife - we saw plenty of lizards, birds (including toucans), and raccoons.