Glamping at Isla Chiquita with Young Kids: Our 10/10 Family Adventure in Costa Rica

Traveling with young kids means looking for a place that has real adventure, safety, raw nature, and actual comfort, all at once. That's a tall order. We recently stayed at Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel, located on Isla Jesusita in Costa Rica's Gulf of Nicoya, and it turned out to be one of the most authentic and memorable trips we've ever taken as a family.

If you're planning a family trip to Costa Rica with young children or looking for a kid-friendly glamping experience that's truly different, here's what made our stay so special and why my kids gave it a unanimous 10 out of 10.

The Adventure Started Before We Even Arrived

Getting to Isla Chiquita is half the fun for little ones and is nothing like a typical resort drive in Costa Rica.

It began with their very first ferry ride from Puntarenas to Paquera, a huge milestone for them. Then, at the boat terminal, we found out that the only way to reach the hotel was by boat. The moment we stepped into the shuttle, my kids felt like real explorers heading to a secret island. You simply don't get that sense of discovery at a standard hotel.

Luxury Glamping and Waking Up to Nature

When we walked into our Premium tented room, the kids were wide-eyed. Calling it a "room" doesn't do it justice. This is luxury glamping at its best.

Here's what made it so comfortable for a family:

• Kid independence: The kids each had their own sofa bed next to the window. They loved the sense of independence, and we loved having them close.
• Restful nights: The night air was pleasantly cool, and the beds were incredibly comfortable, so everyone slept deeply.
• Pristine morning views: The first thing we saw each morning was the vibrant green canopy around us, with a partial view of the calm ocean.
• Our private plunge pool: Our Premium room came with a small plunge pool on the deck (available in Premium rooms and above), and it was an absolute hit. Every time we came back to the tent, the kids jumped into their private mini pool before doing anything else.

A Safe Haven with Calm Seas and Fun Activities

As parents, peace of mind matters. Isla Chiquita struck a great balance between exploring nature and feeling safe.

• Gentle waters: The sea around the island is calm, with no big waves, so it felt very safe for young kids to swim and play freely.
• Kayaking together: Kayaking is a complimentary activity included in the rate, so we took the kayaks out and explored the calm waters as a family. It was a highlight for the little ones.
• Play and refreshment: The kids spent hours at the playground and in the main pool. We also treated them to a classic Costa Rican Churchill (a traditional shaved-ice dessert), which quickly became their favorite sweet treat of the trip.

Nourishing Gourmet Tico Cuisine

Food can be tricky when traveling with children, but the hotel's restaurant blew us away. The gourmet, healthy Costa Rican dishes were both delicious and wholesome. The portions were generous, and the quality was so high that the kids didn't ask for snacks between meals, which is a rare victory on a family vacation.

Final Verdict: Why We Can't Wait to Go Back

Our trip to Isla Chiquita gave us real moments of reconnection, away from everyday distractions. It felt safe, peaceful, and completely unique.

When we asked the kids to rate the trip from 1 to 10, they didn't hesitate: a solid 10 out of 10. We're already counting down the days until we can return.

Quick Guide for Parents & Travelers