Activities
Here's a list of some of the tours available:
DOLPHIN & WHALE RESEARCH TOUR
Adults $95, kids 12 AND UNDER $50 Discover Costa Rica's extraordinary marine world of dolphins and whales on this adventure tour! Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse ocean eco systems in the world. Here shallow, warm waters lie on top of low-oxygen cold water, creating a perfect eco system for a vast variety of marine life. Whales, dolphins, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles, sailfish and more congregate near the our coasts, taking advantage of this year-round dome of ecologically rich waters. The area boasts the longest season of Humpback Whales in the world, as we get migrations from both North and South Americas. In all, over twenty five species of dolphins and whales are either resident or pass through the area on migration. It is possible to see Spotted, Bottlenose, Roughtooth, Common, Spinner and Rissos Dolpins, Humpback Whales, Psuedo Orca, Pilot Whales, Orcas, Brydes and Sei Whales and more ! Help support local marine foundation VidaMarinaFoundation's goal to create a protected marine sanctuary in the waters surrounding Drake Bay. For more information go to www.vidamarina.org
CANO ISLAND SCUBA DIVING
Dive the crystal clear turquoise waters surrounding Cano Island Biological Reserve. Discover the abundance of marine life inhabiting the spectacular coral reefs. This full day dive includes 2 full tanks and equipment, return land and marine transportation, park entrance, hike to precolumbian burial ground, picnic on the island all inclusive Adults only $125 Padi cards required Resort courses and half day dives also available upon request.
CANO ISLAND SNORKELING/HIKING
Enjoy the boat cruise out to Cano Island from Drake Bay where you have a good chance of seeing dolphins, whales, turtles, flying fish, manta rays and a variety of marine birds. Located just a few miles off shore this uninhabited tropical pacific island is rimmed with white sand beaches and fresh water waterfalls. Once an ancient indian ceremonial burial ground it is rich in history, culture and bio diversity. You can still hike to the pre Columbian cemetery to see the remaining indian artifacts and mysterious stone spheres. You can snorkel the crystal clear waters off the beach and discover the abundant marine life in the coral reefs and relax with your picnic lunch in hammocks on the coconut palm lined beachfront. Full day tour $75 per/person adults, $50 kids 12 and under includes all park entrances, return land and marine transportation, guide, snorkeling equipment
SPORT FISHING TOUR UP TO 6 PEOPLE
Enjoy some of the finest sport fishing in the world with our full and half day tours. Drake Bay native, "Captain Carlos", locally esteemed fishing captain will get you results with these affordably priced deep sea and off shore fishing excursions. Fish for snapper, grouper, barracuda, wahoo, tuna, marlin, sailfish, and roosterfish to name a few. You'll have an exciting adventure and a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, and lots of other marine life. FULL DAY $500 HALF DAY $350 OFF SHORE FISHING TOURS Price is all inclusive.
HIKING/SNORKELLING RIO CLARO/SANJOSECITO
Take a coastal marine cruise from Drake Bay south to the pristine beaches of Sanjosecito. Sanjosecito is a marine cove formed by tiny volcanic islands which break the ocean waves. This creates a calm setting for exploration of the coral reefs there. Teaming with marine life these reefs are home to many schools of colourful tropical fish and crustaceans.Then hike down the coast 2 beaches over to Rio Claro. Rio Claro is a fresh spring jungle river flowing from the rainforest and forming a large lagoon on the beach here. Discover the magnificent gigantic forest reserve trails & canoe or kayak up this cristal clear jungle river to the waterfalls for a refreshing view of this awesome river shed eco system. Ideal beach day with lots of adventure! Full day guided tour adults $55, kids 12 and under $45 includes all reserve entrances, return land and marine transportation, snorkeling equipment, canoe or kayak rentals
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK SAN PEDRILLO RANGER STATION
Prided as "the most biologically intense place on earth", according to National Geographic this magnificent 52,000 hectare reserve is home to a wealth of bio diversity. Gorgeous white sand beaches provide nesting sites for the Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Green turtles. Pure spring waters spill from their jungle origins spilling in refreshing waterfalls along the coast. This jungle sanctuary is home to many endangered species huge flocks of colourful scarlet macaws, the huge harpy eagle, crocodiles, tapir, ocelots, jaguars, pumas, jaguarundis, giant anteaters. Sloths, pizotes, howler monkey, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, white face monkeys, wild boar and other jungle inhabitants are abundant. The bird watching is second to none. You will go on a 45 minute marine cruise from Drake Bay south down the coast where you will have a good chance of seeing some of the abundant marine life in these waters. Vidamarine Foundation is working to declare all this area a protected marine reserve. From the San Pedrillo Ranger Station you can hike the jungle trails and swim in pristine jungle rivers and waterfalls sourrounded by the beauty of this spectacular jungle eco system. Adults full day tour $75, kids 12 and under $65 each includes return land and marine transportation, park entrance, and guided tour
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK SIRENA RANGER STATION
Enjoy a 1 1/2 hour marine cruise from Drake Bay south down the coast to Sirena Ranger Station. You can go deeper into Corcovado and explore this magnificent jungle reserve. Here they are doing amazing research on tapirs and many other jungle system elements. Adults full day tour $125 Includes return land and marine transportation, park entrance and guided tour
LOS PLANES RANGER STATION CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK AND BIOLOGICAL CORREDOR SURROUNDING PARK
This ranger station is located just a few kilometers from our jungle eco lodge. The rangers are working closely with the local community to save the magnificent rainforest reserves located here in Los Planes and connecting to Corcovado National Park. Although trails entering the park from here are planned later this year, right now you can hike down the border of the national park in surrounding private, primary rainforest reserves to refreshing waterfalls with pools. Excellent glimpse of the amazing eco system in this biological corredor to Corcovado National Park Adults $65
LOCAL WATERFALL TOUR IN BIOLOGICAL CORREDOR TO CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Hike through local trails to refreshing waterfalls near the lodge. Nearby reserves are home to the Howler monkey, White Face Monkey, Spider Monkey and the Squirrel Monkey, Sloths, Anteaters, Porcupines, Kinkajous, Agoutis, Pacas, Jaguar, Puma, Jaguarundi, Tara, Ocelot and much more as well as a variety of medicinal plants, native trees,butterfies, insects, Harpy Eagles, Scarlet Macaws, Green Parrots, Parrakeets, Toucans and lots of other birds, flora and fauna Adults $55, kids 12 and under $35 To go on horseback Adults $65, kids 12 and under $45
NIGHT TOUR IN BIOLOGICAL CORREDOR TO CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Let our experienced jungle guides take you on this enchanting night tour. Trek around the jungle trails in rubber boots with flash lights and share the mysteries of the nocturnal jungle creatures and their activities. Adults $45, kids 12 and under $35
ADVENTURE KAYAKING
Enjoy a tranquil day of kayaking at your own pace in a lush tropical river setting, or, plunge into the surf of the pacific ocean for a little excitement. A spectacular kayaking exploration, paddling through the crystal clear tropical waters to see the abundant marine life. Price includes guided tour with equipment. Adults full day $65 & half day $45
RIO CLARO JUNGLE REFUGE/SANJOSECITO MARINE REFUGE HORSEBACK RIDING/SNORKELING
Explore gigantic forests teaming with wildlife and lush jungle canopy and then gallop down sandy pacific beaches for a swim in Rio Claro and a waterfall tour in canoe or kayak and then onto Sanjosecito to snorkel the coral reef in their marine cove teeming with marine life then back through the jungle to the eco lodge. FULL DAY Adults $65, kids 12 and under $45
CANOPY TOURS
Let the adrenelaine flow as you soar with the monkeys through the rainforest canopy on this new 18 platform canopy tour located adjacent our 100 acre rainforest reserve. Entrance $65
BIRDWATCHING TOUR IN LOCAL RAINFOREST RESERVES
Explore nearby trails for a few hours with one of our experienced guides and discover the amazing diversity of species of birds native and migratory to the area. Located in an ismus between north and south america the variety of birds is second to none. Lots of butterflies and plants to be enjoyed as well as local wildlife. Adults $45, kids 12 and under $35
OVERNIGHT EXPEDITIONS INTO THE RESERVES
For the real adventure traveller! Spend the night in a make shift camp in private reserves after spending the day exploring this biological corredor to Corcovado National Park Adults only $100
MANGROVE SWAMP TOUR
What is a mangrove swamp? The mangrove swamp is a type of forest located in the coastal zone in tropical areas. They are always affected by the ocean tides and therefore possess certain characteristics which permit them to exist in flooded lands and where the salt water is continually entering. In these areas the fresh water from the rivers mixes with the salt water from the oceans forming agua salobre. This presents flora and fauna particular to this ecosystem. The mangrove have several adaptations worth noting a) tolerance of salt water b) elevated roots c) floating seeds d) pores so the oxygen can enter and the gases exit. In Costa Rica there is a total area of 42,314 hectares of mangrove swamp of which 99% are encountered in the pacific coast. In the pacific coast here you can find 7 species divided into 4 families: Family Specie Common Name Avicenniaceae Avicennia bicolor Salt Mangrove Avicennia germinans Salt Mangrove Combretaceae Conocarpus erectus Botton Mangrove or Black Laguncularia racemosa White Mangrove Pelliceriaceae Pelliciera rhizophorae Pinuela Mangrove Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora mangle Red or Gentleman Mangrove Rhizophora racemosa Red Mangrove Some of the most important functions of the mangrove swamp reserves are a)flooded zones for migratory and resident birds b) zone for the development, reproduction and alimentation for adult and larva species of mollusks, crustaceans and fish c) sedimentary floors within the roots providing protection in the coastal zones against the tides and storms. Join our experienced guides sight seeing in this magnificent eco system. You can see caymans, American crocodile, 40 species of marine birds, turtles, and much more as you tour the maze of canals of the Sierpe River mangrove swamp reserve representing the largest mangrove swamp reserve in Central America measuring 36,000 hectares. Full day tour Adults $80
WE NOW OFFER A SELECTION OF SPA SERVICES RANGING FROM FACIALS TO FULL BODY THERAPUDIC MASSAGES USING LOCAL MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS FROM THE RAINFOREST SPA BOTANICAL GARDENS
OTHER SPECIALIZED TOURS SUCH AS SURFING AND OVERNIGHT EXPEDITIONS ALSO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
For More Information Please See Southern Costa Rica Handbook Your guide to tourist accommodations and activities Read unbiased opinions about our lodge hotels and vacations at TripAdvisor.