Costa Rica Sea Kayaking, Nature Hiking & Whitewater Rafting Trip March 30th – April 12th, 2024
Paddle, hike, raft and much more, through Costa Rica’s most iconic natural locations
AVAILABLE:
ACTIVITY:
ACCOMMODATIONS:
GROUP SIZE:
March 30th – April 12th, 2024
Beginner- Intermediate
Comfortable Hotels,
Ecolodges, Glampings
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 15
AVAILABLE:
December-May
ACTIVITY:
Beginner- Intermediate
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Comfortable Hotels,
Ecolodges, Glampings
GROUP SIZE:
4-10 Guests,
Min Age: 12
Discover the jewel of Central America on our Sea Kayaking, Nature Hiking & Whitewater Rafting Adventure. This multisport Itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase and have you participate in active adventure activities in the most beautiful locations of Costa Rica, including the Golfo Dulce, Corcovado National Park, San Gerardo Cloud Forest, Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Pacuare River, and the Arenal Volcano Region. Along the way marvel at the breathtaking scenery and an astounding array of tropical wildlife such as dolphins, macaws, toucans, turtles, monkeys, morpho butterflies, and much more.
Highlights
- Circumnavigating a tropical fjord by sea kayak
- Hiking the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s National Park system
- Hike & Explore waterfalls
- Discover remote Cloud Forests
- Marble at a bizarre Tropical Alpine Tundra
- Paddle a whitewater raft to a lodge deep inside a pristine rainforest gorge
- Relax in Hot Springs
- Witness a sky-blue colored jungle river
- Zipline above the Forest
- Enjoy unique accommodations and 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.
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. 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 EcolodgeMeals: 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 LodgeMeals: 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 EcolodgeMeals: 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.
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 EcolodgeMeals: 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 RadissonMeals: 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: BreakfastDates & Prices
- March 30th – April 12th, 2024
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.
- March 29th – April 11th, 2025
*Trips run Saturday – Saturday unless otherwise stated. Start/End dates may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Our Costa Rica Sea Kayaking, Nature Hiking & Whitewater Rafting Trip is priced at USD $4485, 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$450.
Included in Trip Cost
- 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
- Most meals, as outlined in the itinerary
- All ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Puerto Jimenez to San Jose
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- International flights to and from Costa Rica
- Alcoholic beverages (Sea Kayaking Costa Rica provides wine at select events)
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for Sea Kayaking Costa Rica guides and guide-drivers
A down payment is required at the time of reservation. We charge a down payment of $500 per person and the balance 30 days prior to 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 contact us directly so we can send them a secure payment link.
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 | 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
This trip features a 4-star hotel near the Airport , for your arrival and departure day, comfortable ecolodge and luxury glamping tents that make the most of their rainforest locations wish beautiful views and 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!
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).
Sirena Ranger Station
Sirena Ranger Station is located deep in the remote Corcovado National Park, and it constitutes the only accommodation or service in an otherwise wild jungle environment for miles and miles in every direction. It's only accessible by motorboat or by hiking for 6-8 hours! It offers free potable water, shared bathrooms with showers, and dormitory facilities with bunk beds equipped with mosquito netting. It’s very minimal to basic comfort, but an oasis in its context. The station is operated by Costa Rican National Park Services and also provides set meals in a cafeteria fashion. The Sirena station has a network of 8 local trails (20 km in total – 12.42 miles in total) and is Costa Rica’s best location for wildlife observation. National Geographic regards Corcovado National Park as the most biologically intense place on earth!
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
Located high in the cloud forest, on the slopes of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the lodge features bungalows constructed at a top of a hill in the middle of this valley full of quetzals. All bungalows offer large windows and a terrace, both with spectacular and immersive views of the cloud forest. Dantica is tastefully designed and decorated with artwork. The lodge’s Le Tapir restaurant offers delicious homemade meals which include fresh herbs from its garden, while Dantica Gallery offers upscaled contemporary and pre-Columbian art from all Latin America. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and quiet with a hint of sophistication.
Rios Lodge
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).
Tilajari Hotel
Strategically located in the heart of northern Costa Rica, the Tilajari Hotel is the ideal location to enjoy the best attractions the San Carlos Region has to offer. Set amongst the banks of a river, tropical forests, and agricultural fields, this property features ample air-conditioned rooms, open-air buildings, large gardens with manicured lush tropical greenery, and copious use of teak and local hardwoods woods, all providing a distinct sense of place. While at Tilajari, it is common to spot colorful birds such as toucans, honeycreepers, and iguanas and sloths, particularly while enjoying a delicious and bountiful buffet breakfast.
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 Golfo Dulce daytime temperatures are in the 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit, with evenings anywhere in the 70°s. For the San Gerardo Cloud Forest Region, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 60°s and 70°s Fahrenheit, with evening lows in the 50°s. On the Pacuare River daytime temperatures are in the 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit, while evening they can vary from the high 70°s low 60°s Fahrenheit. In the Arenal Region, daytime temperatures are in the 80°s and 90°s Fahrenheit, with evenings anywhere in the 70°s.
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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. The is a very high probability of seeing sea turtles, reef fish, rays, dolphins, macaws, tanagers, 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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