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Kayak Guide Justin's 8-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip (March 16-23, 2024)

An Epic lodge-to-Lodge Adventure Circumnavigating Costa Rica´s Tropical Fjord

Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
AVAILABLE:
ACTIVITY:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
GROUP SIZE:

March 16-23, 2024

Beginner- Intermediate

Comfortable Hotels,
Ecolodges, Glampings

4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 12

Join Justin on the premier sea kayak adventure in Costa Rica, circumnavigate the northern region of the Golfo Dulce. Costa Rica´s Golf Dulce is a paddler’s dream-world of dramatic contrasts where emerald green peaks meet turquoise waters in one of the world’s best sea kayaking and wildlife watching destinations. Our 8 Day Lodge-to-Lodge Sea Kayaking Adventure is all inclusive and takes care of you from the moment you arrive to Costa Rica to the time when you depart. Start & End Location: San Jose International Airport (SJO)

Highlights

  • Off-the-beaten-path nature-destination, teeming with wildlife & breathtaking scenery.
  • Paddle protected ocean waters with Dolphins, and Turtles, explore deserted beaches, isles, lush rainforests, ancient mangrove forests and remote snorkeling spots.
  • You’ll stay at 3 unique waterfront, family run ecolodges, each serving tasteful meals made with fresh natural ingredients.
  • Start: San José, Costa Rica  End: San José, Costa Rica

Kayaking route for the 8 Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip. Click here to view full screen map.

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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 Radisson

No meals included today

DAY 2. SEA KAYAKING ORIENTATION AND 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 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 Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3. PADDLE TO OUR NEXT LODGE, STOPPING ALONG THE WAY

This morning after another glorious breakfast at our host´s home, we’ll pack up for our 4-day circumnavigation of the northwest portion of the Sweet Gulf. We will put on the water paddling 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. In the afternoon, depending on the tides, we’ll paddle out again visiting the nearby mangrove of Barrigones Creek. This is a prime location for spotting wildlife, including coatis, monkeys, squirrels, and sloths. If the tide is not right, we will take a walk in the nearby rainforest and village. Dinner is prepared with local fresh ingredients and is served right after sunset.

Accomodation: Lapamar Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4. SUNRISE PADDLE, CROSSING THE CALM GULF

Early this morning, our host, Don Alvaro, will brew fresh coffee for us and prepare a hearty breakfast so we are fueled up for our 14 km-long (8.7 mile) stretch to Saladero. The glass-like conditions of Golfo Dulce will provide great opportunities to spot both the pantropical and bottle-nose dolphins! Upon landing on the other side of the Gulf, we’ll settle in our 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). After settling in, a delicious lunch is served. After our meal, you may relax or join us for a guided walk on the trails leading into the primary rainforest. At 5 o’clock we will enjoy hors d'oeuvres served at the Beach House (the communal lounge and dining area). You can pair those with the complimentary fresh fruit juices or order yourself a cold beer or a glass of wine. Dinner is served after we’ve witnessed a colorful sunset over the Golfo Dulce. After dinner, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved night's rest, immersed in the sound of the rainforest cacophony.

Accommodation: Saladero Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5. LAYOVER AT SALADERO ECOLODGE

This is a layover day, after a delicious breakfast, rest and relax all day or join us in one of the below activities, if not do them all.

  • Exploring the Rio Esquinas Mangrove Estuary – Join your guide on an exploration of many of the small channels leading into the forest of some of the largest red mangroves in the world
  • Snorkeling – only 15 minutes away by kayak there is a coral reef and beautiful beach
  • Swimming – the warm and calm waters in front of the lodge are perfect for swimming
  • Explore the rainforest - walk on the trails leading into the primary rainforest.

  • Accommodation: El Saladero Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    6. SET OFF IN OUR KAYAKS TO REACH THE MOGOS ISLES

    After a delicious coffee and breakfast we will say ‘hasta la vista’ to our hosts at Saladero Ecolodge, and set off for the Mogos Isles, this is one of the prime opportunities to spot dolphins and other marine life. After a well-deserved break at the Isles. we’ll continue crossing the Golfo Dulce, surrounding Punta Rincón, and reaching the familiar El Chontal Ecolodge. After today’s amazing last and longest paddling stretch, we’ll wash up and enjoy the last homemade lunch at El Chontal. After lunch, we will be visiting a local organic farm where we will learn about their sustainable practices and sustainable crops. The visit however will focus on the farm´s organic cacao crop, we will learn about the stages of the traditional production of delicious high-percentage chocolate. The best part of the tour is tasting the organic fruit and chocolate fondue!

    Accommodation: El Chontal Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    DAY 7. TAKE A SCENIC FLIGHT BACK TO SAN JOSE

    This morning after breakfast will head for the airstrip in Puerto Jimenez where your pilot will fly back to the Central Valley on a 50-minute scenic flight along the Pacific Coast. upon landing in San Jose, a Sea Kayaking Costa Rica representative will meet you at the airport and provide transportation to a nearby hotel. The rest of the afternoon is designated for leisure where you are free to relax take advantage of the hotel's amenities and nearby restaurants, or explore downtown San Jose on your own.

    Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 8. 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 out trip extensions.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Dates & Prices

    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. 

    Activity Snapshot

    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 4 hours/ 14 km (8.7 miles) of sea kayaking
    DAY 5 optional 2-4 hours/ 6-12 km (3.7-7.5 miles) of sea kayaking
    DAY 6 5 hours/ 20 km (12.5 miles) of sea kayaking

    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, that make the most of their rainforest locations featuring beautiful views and/or lush settings.

    Sea Kayaking Costa Rica

    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.

    Sea Kayaking Costa Rica

    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.

    Sea Kayaking Costa Rica

    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!

    Sea Kayaking Costa Rica

    Saladero Ecolodge

    Nestled between the brilliant turquoise waters of the Golfo Dulce and the lush green mountains of Piedras Blancas National Park, the Saladero Ecolodge is a place for ocean adventure and relaxation. This vast, waterfront property with green fields, gardens, and rainforest jungle trails truly is a paradise for any sea kayaker looking for a mix of tranquility and untouched nature. Delicious homemade meals are served in the lounge area overlooking the Gulf. This rainforest-style ecolodge is only accessible by boat. 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).

    Weather

    For San Jose, you can expect daytime temperatures in 70°s and 80°s Fahrenheit, with evening lows in the 60°s. While in Golfo Dulce daytime temperatures in 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 December, April, and May.
    Jan Feb March April May
    High Low
    High Low
    High Low
    High Low
    High Low
    San Jose
    77 66
    78 66
    78 68
    77 67
    77 67
    Golfo Dulce
    85 75
    85 75
    95 80
    100 80
    85 75

    FAQ's

    The best time is during the dry season January to April. December & May are also good options with only 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).

    Because we are circumnavigating the Golfo, we must only carry personal dunnage for 3 nights away from the lodge we set out from and return to (without backtracking). 

    We supply dry bags which can be safely stored on the kayaks 

    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, both terrestrial and marine. Sea turtles, reef fish, rays and dolphins to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and sloths

    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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