We will launch our kayaks at Playa Piñuelas

A short 30 minute drive from Dominical in our comfortable van. Along the way we may stop to watch birds, monkeys, sloths, etc.

Aside from exuberant flora and fauna you will also see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. At the put-in, our bilingual guides will tell you all about the park`s history and teach you important safety techniques. We do our best to make sure that you get what you expect from the tour and will provide you the safest equipment available.

An easy 1½ hour paddle brings us to Ballena Island where a lunch of fruit and cold drinks in tropical style will be provided. We will then snorkel around the island, observing the richest marine fauna in the area. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to simply relax on the island and explore the numerous caves. After an adventurous day we’ll paddle back to Playa Piñuelas and return you to your hotel.

Come experience one of Costa Rica's most striking coastlines and National Park by kayak

Whether you are an individual, a group, or an adventurous family , this challenging yet gratifying open ocean paddling adventure is for you.

The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos, and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach, a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay — for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience a small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef nestled close to the shore of Biezans Bay.

After an unforgettable experience at Biezans, continue paddling towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder at the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home year round. Ask your naturalist guide to steer you towards their favorite species’ nesting spots and most popular locations for local aquatic marine life. And finally end your adventure with a relaxing yet rewarding lunch in typical Costa Rican restaurant before you return to your hotel. Overall, this kayaking adventure is fun for just about everyone, and is a terrific way to experience the exotic Costa Rica coastline.

Our tropical jungle is a jewel to share with people and guests from all over the world

If you enjoy Don Gilberto’s Horseback Riding and Waterfall Adventure and Botanical Tour close to the hills of Manuel Antonio, then you are ready for your next horseback riding experience; a trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls. This full-day experience starts with a trip through breathtaking countryside between Manuel Antonio and Dominical, and comes with many perks. Stop first for an authentic Tico style breakfast at a local ranch along the way, and then meander through the majestic forest and stunning vistas of the mountains of San Isidro.

Once on horseback, get close to Costa Rica’s unique nature, flora and fauna as you ride towards an unforgettable experience: the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Dip in the deep pools of crystal clear, pristine mountain waters as a cascading, 120 foot waterfalls dances over your head. What an unforgettable experience for individuals, families and even large groups. Jump into the refreshing pools, and even splash your bilingual guides and naturalists before you and your guests head on back to the local ranch for another gastronomical experience, a Tico style lunch.

Make sure you thank your Costa Rican family hosts before you head on back home to Manuel Antonio.

This island is known for its piercing white sand and crystal clear water

Beginning in the early morning, a ride through the picturesque country side of Costa Rica will bring you to a luxurious yacht for your trip to Tortuga Island.

This island is known for its piercing white sand and crystal clear water. Enjoy this tour while the crew prepares a delicious feast.

A buffet will be served on the beach, and you will have ample time to relax and enjoy the Beach, making for an adventure that should not be missed!

Suggested Equipment: Camera, Binoculars, Swimsuit, Sun block and Towel.

This adventurous, family-friendly, full-day trip is a unique white water river rafting adventure

Of course you can expect that our world-class, internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers will expertly guide and teach you how to navigate through this exciting river experience.

But you and your group of fellow rafters start slowly and build your way up to an unforgettable yet manageable adventure that will either leave you begging for more, or leave you completely satisfied and happy that you experienced one of Costa Rica’s famous rivers, The Savegre.

Starting with a 4×4 ride into the wilds of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre, your journey begins at El Silencio. This is a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast before you paddle down the Savegre.

Make sure you make your reservations for lunch, and don’t forget to meander through the beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding African Palm Plantations before you head off into the winding mountains to start the rafting leg of your journey.

The Savegre River provides Class II, III and IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Our guides stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls if the rafters want a break from paddling, and there is always time to enjoy the abundant variety of wildlife along the river. On most trips, rafters will observe Egrets, Osprey, Toucans, Parrots, Kingfishers, Cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the primary tropical rain forest. After a steady 13 mile trip down the river, we wind our way back to the little village of El Silencio where a gladly awaited hot lunch and local refreshments are waiting. Once fed, happy and well-traveled, our now experienced Savegre River rafters spend a leisurely trip driving back to Manuel Antonio.

The Aerial Tram is one of the most unique Costa Rica excursions at Rainforest Adventures

Featuring 18 gondolas that give rides to a maximum for 9 passengers each including one bilingual (English/Spanish) naturalist guide and take the passengers a tour to the canopy and the rich ecosystem of Costa Rican rain forests, one of the many beautiful destinations in Central America. Upon advance request we can provide guide assistance in other languages.

The tour show all the different layers of the rainforest, from the floor to the treetops. The Costa Rica canopy is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna; eager to find light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops, turning them into small, independently functioning ecosystems.

This unforgettable natural adventure is for those looking to enjoy life to its fullest

Discover Manuel Antonio’s coastline the way Christopher Columbus traveled , and climb aboard one of Costa Rica’s most unique sailing experiences: our Dolphin Watch Tour.

Glide through crystal clear waters, marvel at unspoiled beaches by Manuel Antonio, and explore mysterious islands that lie just offshore. Where jagged rock formations and towering cliffs host numerous varieties of nesting marine birds and their young, watch spotted dolphins native to these warm coastal waters frolic and jump in your boat’s wake as you pass giant sea turtles and observe migrating humpback whales.

After feasting your senses and enjoying the tranquility of sailing these pristine waters, your boat glides into a beautiful, protected bay so you can swim under the cover of our tropical jungle. Snorkel along the coral reefs near the coastline, and let your bilingual guides and naturalists help you discover our fascinating underwater domain, or rather, our underwater Costa Rican playground of tropical fish and exotic marine life. But don’t worry; this adventure has its perks too. As you frolic and enjoy the secluded bay and romantic scenery, your crew will prepare local savory appetizers and snacks made of fresh local produce and tropical fruits, and as always, they will have a terrific selection of refreshments available as well.

For those lucky enough to experience our afternoon charter, you and your fellow guests will witness one of our unforgettable Costa Rican sunsets in offshore tropical serenity as you sit back, relax and enjoy another close to a beautiful day in our tropical paradise.

For the adventurous traveler, family or large group (private charters available)

The Kuna are one of only a few indigenous peoples in the world to have successfully preserve their traditional, centuries old, of these interesting culture

This is reflected in a virtually autonomous form of government of the tribes and in formal observances and ancient rituals.The leaders of their local communities,sahilas, also compose regional assemblies and the Congreso General.

They establish community rules and have the responsibility to see they are observed. In socialistic style, both men and women are obliged to perform duties of a communal nature or pay a fine. Achutupu’s airport was built in this way, as was the recent dock extension. Women brush and clean the earthen streets.

There are number of public celebrations throughout the year. Among the most prominent are the elaborate rituals which mark the rites of passage for females, from birth to puberty. All of the community takes part, the fiestas last for several days and much chicha fuerte, a fermented corn brew, is consumed. These are the only times that liquor can be consumed. It is forbidden to bring in alcohol from the outside.

Kuna religious beliefs are based on the teachings of their ancient prophet, Ibeorgum who stressed the need for each individual to contribute to the wellbeing of the whole. The chapman, medicine man, is another revered authority in Kuna society. His power is unquestioned by those who seek his potions to cure sickness, to banish the cause of their fears or to ensure a happy marriage. In Kuna belief, natural objects are endowed with spirits, good or evil; they avoid certain places in the rainforest said to be inhabited by marauding ghosts.

If you are in need of a place to relax, free of pressure from the outside world, then our resorts have the answer

What better than to lie in a hammock among the palms , reading a favourite book or taking time off to savour a cooling drink in the shade of the thatch-roofed bohio.

At sunset take your steps to the shoreline to admire the sky’s brilliantly coloured panorama. After dinner, look up from an inviting hammock and star gaze, there is no ‘light pollution’ here and under a clear night sky the shining fermanent can be seen in all its glory.

The artistic women on the island of Achutupu are well known for the exceptional quality of their world renowned molas

The people visit this community usually on their first morning to witness the inhabitants’ traditional daily life and to see how the molas are made. The womens’ talents are not limited to the mola, additionally their creativity finds expression in the originality of bird and fish-bone necklaces and bracelets.

It is also obvious in the colourful daily dress which distinguishes the Kuna woman featuring the mola blouse, red and and gold head.

Scarves and in the patterns of intricately – beaded winies, leg and arm bracelets.

Both men and women in Achutupu display their prowess in the weaving of “hats” palm-straw and baskets.

Author name: Oldemar Guzman