Corcovado Hiking and Sea Kayaking Adventure
Paddle Golfo Dulce Tropical Fjord and Hike in the Tropical Rainforests of Corcovado National Park
AVAILABLE:
ACTIVITY:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
GROUP SIZE:
November-May
Beginner- Intermediate Kayaking & Intermediate Hiking
Comfortable Hotels,
Ecolodges, Glampings
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 12
AVAILABLE:
November-May
ACTIVITY:
Beginner- Intermediate
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Comfortable Hotels,
Ecolodges, Glampings
GROUP SIZE:
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 12
Join one of our scheduled departures and enjoy Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, one of the world’s best sea kayaking, hiking, and wildlife-watching destinations. Our Sea Kayaking & Hiking Trip combines sea kayaking in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica’s Tropical Fjord with multi-day rainforest hiking in Corcovado National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s National Park System. On your sea kayak, you’ll explore water trails through ancient mangrove forests, paddle calm waters next to rainforest-covered shores, and spot marine and shore wildlife. After 2 days of sea kayaking, you will continue with 3 days of guided hiking led by expert naturalist guides, so you can take full advantage of one of the highest concentrations of flora & fauna Costa Rica has to offer.
Highlights
- Off-the-beaten-path nature destinations, teeming with wildlife & breathtaking scenery.
- Protected ocean waters, perfect for sea kayaking and offering a myriad of marine and shore wildlife-watching opportunities
- Deserted isles and beaches, only accessible by kayak, and idyllic for swimming and relaxing.
- Hiking within Corcovado Park, labeled as “the most biologically intense place in the world” by National Geographic
- Trips are led by highly experienced, knowledgeable, friendly English-speaking guides
- All-inclusive 8-day hybrid, taking care of you from when you arrive in Costa Rica to when you depart.
- Start & End Location: San Jose International Airport (SJO)
Kayaking route for the 8 Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip. Click here to view full screen map. The Corcovado Hiking and Sea Kayaking Adventure only includes the kayaking section between Rincon and Palma.
Itinerary
DAY 1. A SEA KAYAKING COSTA RICA REP. WILL MEET YOU AT SJO AIRPORT
Today has been designated as your arrival day! You may arrive at any time on this day. A Sea Kayaking Costa Rica representative will meet you at San Jose International Airport (SJO) and take you to a conveniently located hotel, only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Here you’ll have the chance to relax and unwind from your international travels.
Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites by RadissonNo meals included today
DAY 2. MORNING TRAVEL TO OSA & AFTERNOON SEA KAYAKING ORIENTATION PADDLE
The day begins with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast including fresh fruit, rice and beans, and wonderful local coffee. Your guide-driver will meet you this morning and sweep you away on a beautiful drive from the Central Valley highlands down to the Osa Peninsula, along the Pacific coastline and the country’s best and newest road. We will be driving by villages, rainforests, stunning coastlines, and traditional plantations. After a morning of travel, we will reach El Chontal Ecolodge, located right on the banks of the Golfo Dulce. After you settle down into your own wooden jungle cabin, we will serve you a delicious lunch. Following lunch and brief rest, we’ll meet for the kayak orientation & gear fitting, followed by our first paddle of the trip, exploring the nearby mangrove forest and coast. Dinner’s served after sunset, in the lodge’s family’s house.
Accommodation: El Chontal EcolodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3. MORNING COASTAL PADDLE AND AFTERNOON VISIT TO A SUSTAINABLE COCOA FARM
Before breakfast meet your guide and fellow paddlers for freshly made coffee (or tea) in El Chontal’s Rancho, an ample wooden deck covered by a high ceiling This is a wonderful area to rest, relax in the hammocks and read, observe nature, stretch, do yoga or simply socialize with your fellow kayakers over coffee. After breakfast at our host´s home, we will paddle out of Rincon Bay, following the coast south around Punta Palmas, and reach the village of Playa Blanca. This is a 12 Km (7-mile) paddle that will take us by the Mangroves Forest of the Rincon River. Along our route, we will stop on deserted beaches for a rest, snack, or swim. This water trail is perfect for observing sea turtles and avian wildlife, in particular, vast colonies of beach-dwelling scarlet macaws. At Playa Blanca, we’ll stay at Lapamar Ecolodge, a family-owned and operated property, offering spacious wooden cabins, each with a private bathroom. Our host will be serving our meals at the centrally located open rancho, starting with a freshly prepared lunch. After lunch, we will you'll be visiting a local organic farm where you will learn about their sustainable practices and sustainable crops. The visit however will focus on the farm´s organic cacao crop (a.k.a. chocolate), where you will learn about the stages of the traditional production of delicious pure chocolate. The best part of the tour is tasting the organic fruit and chocolate fondue!
Accomodation: Lapamar LodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4. DRIVE AND HIKE TO CARATE BEACH, AFTERNOON AT LEISURE AT A BEACHFRONT ECO-LODGE
This morning, after breakfast at Lapamar your driver will take you to your next destination: Carate. On the way, you will stop in the town of Puerto Jimenez where you will do some shopping for lunch for the next day* and to drop off your excess luggage. Your destination is the incredible La Leona Eco Lodge only accessible within 45 minutes (either via beach walk or via forest trail). At La Leona you will be welcomed with a refreshing tropical drink, then a delicious lunch. Dinner is served after sunset. Tonight you will be sleeping in luxury tents on elevated platforms, with a private deck and sitting area offering splendid views. This property will serve as the staging area for the next portion of our expedition.
Accommodation: La Leona EcolodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5. HIKE IN CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK REACHING SIRENA RANGER STATION
This morning you will meet your Corcovado hiking guide who, after breakfast, will take you on your 3-day hike through 'the most biologically intense place on Earth'. From the Eco Lodge, we’re just minutes (300 meters) away from 'La Leona' ranger station- the entrance to the park of parks. Depending on our pace and the tides, our final destination for today will be reached in 7 to 9 hours of hiking. As night falls over the jungle canopy, we gather for a welcoming dinner followed by a relatively early light-out for an interesting night's sleep. The station’s sleeping area has individual bunk beds set on a wooden platform with a roof and open walls. This concept of open-air accommodations intensifies the experience of sleeping outdoors, including the inevitable nocturnal jungle sounds.
Accommodation: Sirena Ranger Station
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
6. DAY HIKE FROM SIRENA RANGER STATION
Once at the Sirena Ranger Station, your guide will take you on one of the 6 wildlife trails that surround Sirena Station. Your naturalist guide will help you spot as much flora & fauna as possible while explaining about the animals, plants, and trees you see. At noon we’ll be back at the station for delicious lunch and rest on the beautiful wooden deck looking over grassy fields, the jungle, and the ocean in the background. For the afternoon, you will be continuing the guided hiking, exploring the other trails for more natural encounters.
Accommodation: Sirena Ranger StationMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7. MORNING HIKE FROM SIRENA RANGER STATION & AFTERNOON FLIGHT BACK TO SAN JOSE
Waking up at dawn to the sounds of howling Monkeys, and tropical bird songs, you’ll find yourself amid the most biologically intense place on Planet Earth. To take full advantage, your guide will encourage you to strap on your hiking shoes for a walk to the Sirena River at sunrise. A pretty magical experience before breakfast! After a hearty breakfast at the station, you will discover & learn even more about Corcovado as you explore the remaining trails. Late morning we will head over to Sirena Beach to board our boat and ride back to Puerto Jimenez flight to San Jose and back to the Country Inn and Suites
DAY 8. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE DAY OR EXTEND YOUR STAY IN COSTA RICA
We have arranged for your transportation to the airport in time for your flight home or continue to enjoy more of Costa Rica with one of our trip extensions.
Meals: BreakfastDates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have, and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- April 27th – May 4th
- May 11th – May 18th
- May 25th – June 1st
- November 30th- December 7th
- December 14th – 21st
*Trips run Saturday – Saturday unless otherwise stated. Start/End dates may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have, and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- January 2nd- 9th
- January 11th- 18th
- February 22 – March 1st
- March 22 – March 29
- April 5th – April 12th
- April 19th – April 26th
- May 3rd – May 10th
- May 17th – May 24th
- November 29th- December 6th
- December 13th – 20th
Trips run Saturday – Saturday unless otherwise stated. Start/End dates may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Our Corcovado Hiking and Sea Kayaking Adventure is priced at USD $2685, based on double occupancy. This price includes all taxes and fees, including the mandatory 13% value-added tax stipulated by the Costa Rican government.
Single supplement is US$300.
INCLUSIONS:
- All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- Additional regional guides and local experts if applicable
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Meals as detailed in the itinerary
- All ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose
- All National Park fees
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- International flights to and from Costa Rica
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guides
A down payment is required at the time of reservation. We charge a down payment of $500 per person and the balance 30 days before your arrival date. We accept all major Credit Cards, International Bank Wire Transfers, and PayPal payments. Once a participant is ready to submit their payment, they can book online or contact us directly so we can send them a secure payment link. Please note that this payment is not refundable, as it is destined to cover national park fees, and in turn, they do not refund or change dates or names. We offer a 5% discount for bank wire payments. If so, we will send you our bank details by email.
Activity Level
No previous experience is necessary but is preferred. If the guest has no experience, they are expected to be is good physical condition.
| DAY 2 | 1.5 hours/ 5 km (3 miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 3 | 3.5 hours/ 12km (7.5 miles) of sea kayaking |
| DAY 4 | 45 Minutes of hiking on level terrain / 4 km (2.5 miles) |
| DAY 5 | 5-7 hours/ 20 km (12.4 miles) of hiking, 90% on level terrain |
| DAY 6 | Optional 1-4 hours to be determined by guide and guests |
| DAY 7 | Optional 1-4 hours to be determined by guide and guests |
Accommodations
For your arrival day, and the day prior to departure, this trip features a 4-star hotel near the International Airport in San Jose. The remainder of the nights are in comfortable ecolodges, or luxury glamping tents. Two of the nights are at no-frills dormitory style accommodation at Sirena Ranger Station. All properties make the most of their rainforest locations featuring beautiful views and/or lush settings.
Country Inn & Suites
This comfortable 4-star boutique hotel is conveniently located only a few minutes away from San Jose International Airport and is an ideal location to unwind from your travels. Relax and recharge by the hotel swimming pool or in your room with air conditioning, in-room coffeemaker & Wi-Fi. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, and just short walk from the hotel is a shopping plaza that offers a wide variety of cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Italian to juices to bar food. There is also a mini-mart grocery store where you can buy drinks, groceries, and ready-to-eat foods. Grab a taxi and explore to purchase souvenirs from the stores at Plaza Real Cariari, or head into downtown to enjoy parks, museums, and entertainment venues.
El Chontal Ecolodge
El Chontal’s cabins are literally carved out from the surrounding mangrove forest, using fallen trees and sustainable wood species. Their rustic and unique architecture is rich in design and ingenuity and favors ventilation. The cabins are spotlessly clean and well kept. Beds are firm and comfortable, bathrooms impeccable. At night, a cool breeze and rich jungle sounds from the surrounding forest enter the room. In addition the cabins, and gardens, the centrally located spacious communal pavilion serves as a meeting place as well as a yoga platform, relaxing area with hammocks and chairs, and presentation area.
Lapamar Ecolodge
Located in the tiny community of Playa Blanca, this beachfront property is family-owned and offers spacious, basic wooden cabins with a private bathroom, and porch. Meals are served only steps away from your cabin in the cozy, quiet rancho. The property is surrounded by several species of fruit trees, attracting all sorts of exotic birds like the Yellow-throated Toucan. The beach right in front of the property is ideal for swimming, and spotting Scarlet Macaws as they feed off the Beach Almond trees scattered along the entire beach. This is Macaw territory!
La Leona Ecolodge
La Leona Eco Lodge is tucked away in Carate Beach, where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean, and just a few steps away from Corcovado National Park, This waterfront property with gardens, and rainforest jungle trails truly is a paradise for any adventure traveler looking for a mix of tranquility and untouched nature. Delicious homemade meals are served in a restaurant overlooking the ocean This rainforest-style ecolodge is remote and only accessible by boat, horsecar, or by foot. You will stay in cozy glamping cabins. ¨Glamping¨ which stands for glamorous camping consists of large sturdy tents on an elevated platform, featuring real beds and comfortable mattresses (with immaculate bedding provided).
Sirena Ranger Station
You will be spending the night at Sirena Ranger Station, a rustic, wooden building with no frills, and lots of history. Sirena Ranger Station is situated in the heart of Corcovado National Park, one of the most remote and biologically diverse regions in the country, renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The station offers shared dormitory-style rooms and provides set meals and set hours. Guests stay in bunk beds which are equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets. Showers & toilets are shared. Power outlets, offering electricity to charge your electrical devices are available. These accommodations are in high demand, so it's advisable to book well in advance if you plan to stay overnight at Sirena.
Weather
For San Jose, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit, with evening lows in the 60°s. While in the Osa Peninsula, daytime temperatures are in the 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit, with evenings anywhere in the 70°s. February and March and consistently the driest months, some rain can be expected during the months of November December, April, May, and June.
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FAQ's
The best time is January to April. May, June, November, and December are also good options, but with occasional showers.
Golfo Dulce is renowned for it is calm paddling conditions, which make for easy for the most part. Paddlers are expected to calm glassy waters and a light breeze of 0.5-3 mph (0.5-3 knots/1-5kph). Water is warm, as on the surface it’s at an average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
Only what you wish to carry, our luggage is transported, in a safe and dry fashion, onboard the support boat which follows us. Upon booking, we provide a detailed packing list.
On trip days 4 & 5, you will hike with a medium size backpack (20-30 liter) with your clothing for 3 days of hiking, snacks, and 2-3 Liters of water, the remaining days of hiking just 2 liters of water, snacks, and what you choose to carry. Upon booking, we provide a detailed packing list and instructions
Potable water is accessible to you throughout the trip.
People from all walks of life and all ages join our tours. We get a mix of couples, singles, families, and friends, usually between 45 and 65 years of age. Though not often buy we also had families with children your young as 12 (minimum age) and we’ve taken many guests well into their 80s. A few have never been sea kayaking before, but most are active kayakers with extensive paddling experience. Without exception, everyone comes to have a good time and the variety of people and interests found on each trip makes it all the more fun.
Yes, lots of wildlife! while on the kayaking portion, there is a very high probability of seeing sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and dolphins. During hiking: macaws, monkeys, toucans, sloths, Curassows, anteater coatis, and maybe even tapirs.
No, insects are generally not a problem if you bring long pants and insect repellant (a thorough packing list is provided).
Our fleet consist of 14.5 and 15-foot sit inside sea kayaks and 18-foot double kayaks
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