Michele Rushworth’s Custom 10-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip (March 20th–29th, 2026)

An Epic lodge-to-Lodge Adventure Circumnavigating Costa Rica´s Tropical Fjord
Join us on the premier sea kayak adventure in Costa Rica, circumnavigating the northern and eastern regions 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 10-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Sea Kayaking Adventure is all-inclusive and takes care of you from the moment you arrive in Costa Rica to the time when you depart. Start & End Location: San Jose International Airport (SJO)

10 Days From $3700

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Available
March 20th – March29th, 2026

Activity

Intermediate – Advanced

Group Size

Group Size: 4-12 Guests

Accomodation

Comfortable Hotels & Ecolodges
Highlights
  • Off-the-beaten-path nature-destination, teeming with wildlife & breathtaking scenery.
  • Paddle protected ocean waters with dolphins and turtles, explore deserted beaches, isles, ancient mangrove forests
  • The tour features a full-day adventure led by a naturalist guide to the world-famous Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park—hailed by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.”
  • 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 10-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip. Click here to view full screen map.

Itinerary
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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 (S.J.O.) and take you to a conveniently located hotel only a 10-minute from the airport. Here, you'll have the chance to relax and unwind from your international travels.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Country Inn & Suites Hotel in San Jose.

Meals: 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 excellent local coffee. Your guide and 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 drive 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 settling into your wooden jungle cabin, we will serve a delicious lunch. Following lunch and a 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 is served after sunset in the lodge's family's house.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at El Chontal Ecolodge in Rincon de Osa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3. Exploring the Rincon River mangrove and visiting a cocoa farm

This morning, after breakfast, we will hop on our kayaks and explore the channels of the Rincon River. The Rincón River winds its way to the Golfo Dulce region on the Osa Peninsula, carving through dense mangrove forests, offering many avian wildlife viewing opportunities.

We plan to arrive back at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, after a bit of downtime (siesta), we take a short drive to visit an organic farm. There, we will learn about its tropical flowers, trees, and fruits, with a focus on the Cacao plant. We might even taste some chocolate treats at the end of the tour. After the chocolate tour, we will be back at the lodge for a drink accompanied by some appetizers before dinner.

Accommodation: Overnight stay El Chontal Ecolodge in Rincon of Osa.

Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4. Coastal paddling along the rainforest-lined coast to reach a secret beach

We will paddle to ‘Playa Palmita Real,’ about 13 Km (8 miles). There is an interesting little "village" in the rainforest where you will see how the locals enjoy their surroundings. We’ll take a well-deserved break to enjoy lunch on the beach here. After lunch, we’ll ride back to the lodge by motorboat.

Accommodation: Overnight stay El Chontal Ecolodge in Rincon of Osa.

Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5. Paddle to our next lodge, stopping along the way

This morning, after another glorious breakfast at our host's home, we'll pack up to continue on our 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 14 Km (8.7 miles) paddle 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 sea turtles and avian wildlife, mainly vast colonies of beach-dwelling scarlet macaws. On route, we will take a detour and explore the mangrove forest of Barrigones Creek; this is a prime location for spotting wildlife, including coatis, monkeys, squirrels, and sloths.

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 serve our meals at the centrally located open rancho, starting with a freshly prepared lunch. This afternoon, we will walk in the nearby rainforest and village. We will also look for a sloth on trees by the beach, as this is a great place to find them. Dinner is prepared with fresh local ingredients and is served right after sunset.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Lapamar Lodge in Playa Blanca

Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6. Day visit to Corcovado National Park

On this special day, we will take a break from paddling and embark on a unique journey to Corcovado National Park, the crown jewel of the Costa Rican National Park System. After a 20-minute drive to Puerto Jimenez, we will embark on a 25-minute boat ride that will have us exit the Golfo Dulce. Upon entering the open Pacific Ocean, you will travel another excellent hour along the shores of the Osa Peninsula until we reach the heart of Corcovado National Park. Once at the Sirena Ranger Station, your knowledgeable naturalist guide will lead you on one of the six wildlife trails surrounding Sirena Station. . Your guide's expertise will help you spot as much flora & fauna as possible while explaining about the animals, plants, and trees you see. At noon, you'll return to the station for a delicious lunch and rest on the beautiful wooden deck looking over grassy fields, the jungle, and the ocean in the background. After lunch, you will continue the guided hiking, exploring the other trails for more natural encounters.

We will head to Sirena Beach early in the afternoon to board our boat, ride back to Puerto Jimenez, and then drive back to Lapamar Lodge. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy the beach or relax in your private cabin; dinner is served after sunset.

Accommodation: Lapamar Ecolodge in Playa Blanca.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7. Take a scenic flight back to San José

Early this morning, our host, Don Alvaro, will brew fresh coffee for us and prepare a hearty breakfast to fuel our 14 km-long (8.7 miles) stretch to Playa Balina. The glass-like conditions of Golfo Dulce will provide great opportunities to spot both pantropical and bottlenose dolphins! Upon landing on the other side of the Gulf, we'll take a well-deserved break and then continue 4 miles (6 km) to reach Playa San Josecito and Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

After settling into our comfortable room, 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, meet at the communal lounge and dining area). You can pair those with the complimentary fresh fruit juices or order a cold beer or 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 rai rainforest cacophony.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Nicuesa Ecolodge in Piedras Blancas National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8. Layover at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

This is a layover day; after a delicious breakfast, the morning will be at leisure.

Accommodation: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in Piedras Blancas National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9. Paddle along the eastern shore of the gulf, reaching Golfito, & fly back to San Jose

After a delicious coffee and breakfast, we will say 'hasta la vista' to our hosts at Nicuesa and set off for Golfito. We will follow the gentle curve of the coastline, with lush green hills and mangrove-lined edges in view. As we near Golfito, the scenery subtly shifts. The dense jungle remains, but small docks, fishing boats, and colorful homes begin to dot the shoreline. We will land at the public at a quiet beach near the southern end of town. cGolfito feels like a sleepy, tropical port town hidden from time. After your paddle, we will change and have lunch. After lunch, we will head for the airstrip in Golfito, 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 can relax and take advantage of the hotel's amenities and nearby restaurants.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Country Inn & Suites Hotel in San Jose.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10. Departure day or extend your stay in Costa Rica

We have arranged for your transportation to the airport in time for your flight home. You can also continue to enjoy more of Costa Rica with one of our trip extensions.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Country Inn & Suites Hotel in San Jose.

Meals: Breakfast

Download Itinerary
Dates & Prices
  • March 20th – 29th, 2026
  • Your international arrival day is March 20th; you may fly into San Jose (Airport code SJO) at any time that day.
  • March 29th is your international departure day. You may depart San Jose (Airport code SJO) at any time that day.
This custom trip is priced at USD 3700, based on double occupancy and a minimum of 4 participants. This price includes all taxes and fees, including the mandatory 13% value-added tax stipulated by the Costa Rican government. Single supplement is US$500 (limited availability)
Included in Trip Cost

  • All activities and equipment as outlined in the itinerary
  • The expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • Additional regional guides and local experts, if applicable
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • 9 nights of accommodation
  • All meals, except on trip day 1 and dinner on Day 9
  • All ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
  • Domestic flight from Golfito to San Jose

Not Included in Your Trip Cost

  • International flights to and from Costa Rica
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Protection Program or Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for Sea Kayaking Costa Rica Trip Leader, regional guides, and local experts (if applicable)
A down payment of $1000 per person is required at the time of reservation, with the balance due 45 days prior to your arrival date. We accept all major Credit Cards, International Bank Wire Transfers, and PayPal payments.

To book your trip, you can click:

If you wish to use PayPal, contact us for details.

For questions and to book your trip, you may contact our office via email at: contact@old.seakayakingcostarica.com or call our US & Canada Line U.S. Line (+1) 719-212-5331 Your booking is secured upon receiving your deposit. You will receive a booking confirmation email, a Costa Rica Useful Travel Tips Document, a Suggested Packing List, and our Survey Form to complete and submit online. The final balance is due 45 days before the trip commencement date.

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 hours/ 12km (7 miles) of sea kayaking

DAY 4

4 hours/ 13 km (8 miles) of sea kayaking

DAY 54 hours/ 14 km (8.7 miles) of sea kayaking

6 hours of instruction

DAY 6

2 hours/ 5 km (3 miles) of mild hiking

DAY 7

5 hours/ 20 km (12.5 miles) of sea kayaking

DAY 8

3 hours/ 12 km (7 miles) of sea kayaking

DAY 9

4 hours/ 18 km (11 miles) of sea kayaking

Total Mileage

92 km (57 miles) of sea kayaking

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

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a tranquil eco-lodge in the heart of Costa Rica's lush rainforest, accessible only by boat. Situated on the pristine shores of the Golfo Dulce near the Piedras Blancas National Park, this retreat offers a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability, providing guests with an immersive natural experience. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and bordered by the turquoise waters of the gulf, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers a range of accommodation options, including charming eco-friendly cabins and spacious guest rooms. Each accommodation is designed to minimize environmental impact while providing modern comforts such as comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and stunning views of the surrounding jungle or ocean. At Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, sustainability is not just a buzzword-it's a way of life. Our operations are a testament to this commitment. Solar panels harness the sun's energy to power the lodge, while our water is sourced from natural springs and purified on-site. Organic waste is diligently composted, and we pride ourselves on using locally sourced ingredients to craft delectable meals served in our open-air dining area. Here, guests can relish in the freshest seafood and tropical fruits while basking in panoramic views of the gulf.
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
(+1) 719-212-5331
FAQ's
(+1) 719-212-5331
1When is the best time to go?
The best time is during the dry season January to April. December & May are also good options with only occasional showers.
2What are the ocean conditions in Golfo Dulce like?
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).
3How much do I have to carry with me in the kayak?
Because we have a motorized support skiff, anytime we are paddling from one lodge to another. We must only carry personal day items such as water, sunscreen, camera, etc.
4Will I have access to potable water on the trip?
Potable water is accessible to you throughout the trip.
5Who goes on these trips?
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.
6Will we see wildlife?
Yes! Lots, both terrestrial and marine. Sea turtles, reef fish, rays and dolphins to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and sloths
7Are insects a problem?
No, insects are generally not a problem if you bring long pants and insect repellant (a thorough packing list is provided).
8What kind of kayaks do you use?
Our fleet consist of 14.5 and 15-foot sit inside sea kayaks and 18-foot double kayaks

10 Days From $3700

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