Here you’ll find the ultimate:
Tours to book
Fun things to do
Food Tips
We’d like to share the best of this area of Costa Rica and to tell you about all of the fun things to do with friends and family.
This area is dramatically beautiful, with so much wildlife and nature. It is the only place in Central America where steep mountains thousands of feet high meet the ocean. The landscape is full of incredible long distance ocean views of the rugged southern coastline and exotic beaches.
It is green year round here, with a lush and biodiverse jungle that is full of life. There are endless reasons to love this area.
Here is our running list of fun things to do in this part of Costa Rica. There are so many options, and it would be hard to experience all of them in just one trip, let alone a lifetime!
Feel invited to contact us!
Our concierge will be happy to organize the tours in advance for you
Combo Whales watching tour by boat
The boats will cruise around within 2 miles of shore looking for marine-wildlife: you’ll try to get close to whales that are jumping out of the water. Sometimes there are mothers and calves swimming together. You might see dolphins or sea turtles swimming next to the boat.
The area you’ll cruise is beautiful, it includes amazing views of the coastline, mountains and exotic beaches, you’ll tour around islands, see pirate caves inside of rocky sections of coastline. Sometimes the guides add snorkeling at whale’s rock island to the tour, depending on the experiences of the day.
Price: $75 p.p.
Isla del Caño National Park by boat
You’ll go by boat to explore, snorkel or dive. This beautiful island located off of the tip of the Osa Peninsula is a national park with pristine nature. Caño Island is an amazing marine biological reserve located 53 km from the shore with virgin blue waters making it the perfect tropical paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Definitely a unique experience!
Price: snorkel $158/ dive $215 p.p.
Tour the Corcovado National Park by boat
A Corcovado one day trip. This is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, it’s holding 3% of the planet’s biodiversity. From dolphins and whales…to tapirs. Occasionally people even spot Jaguars or Puma’s.
You will start the tour by boat, then hike with a professional guide through the wildest national park of the country and visit the natural beauty and wildlife. It will have you in awe and you’ll come home amazed!
Price: $160 p.p.
Luxury BRISA Elegante Cruises
The unique 100 ́ft wooden sail ship in Quepos offers cruises in a calm and exclusive environment.
They offer half day to full day trips departing from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos.
You will enjoy the ocean and it’s wonderful breeze, amazing coastline views over Manuel Antonio National Park, ocean wildlife, water sport activities (kayak, snorkeling, SUP,…) in Playa Tulemar followed by a freshly prepared lunch or dinner with different meal options.
You can enjoy this experience sharing with other people or making your trip totally private.
Make your reservations here!
Price: starting at $120 p.p.
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park with guide.
It’s an aprox. 30 minute drive from Costa Ballena to Manuel Antonio National Park. This is a great place to search for wildlife, including 3 types of monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, frogs, etc. There’s an exotic white sand beach along the hike. Here you can stop and hang out, and snorkel if you want.
The walk is easy, and family friendly. Getting a professional wildlife guide is advised, as you will see a lot more wildlife during your trip. Early am is the best time to go.
Booking in advance is required as tickets are sold out soon.
Price: depending on availability and number of people.
Visit the Whale’s Tail Beach and enjoy snorkeling or diving.
The whale’s tail beach is a unique natural phenomenon that has been created over millennia by ocean currents from the North and south bouncing on each other. By doing so they shape the sediments into the wonderful whale’s tail formation. There is lots of aquatic fauna, sea shells, sand dollars, and other cool stuff washed up on the shores. Recommended to visit when low tide comes in/ mid-low tide.
Diving and snorkeling Tours available
Prices: snorkel $100 / dive $125 p.p.
Sport fishing trip
The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is a very special place in the world for fishing. The waters off of the Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica are rich in nutrients and therefore a great variety of fish can be found. Our local captains know the hottest areas for fishing at the best times of year.
Some of the different species that can be caught are: mackerel, wahoo, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, black tuna and snapper.
Along the trip you may spot Dolphins and other marine wildlife and enjoy the beautiful landscape of our wonderful coast.
Our fishing trips are designed for full-or half days: individuals, couples, groups of friends or families looking to have a wonderful time are welcomed. There are different options, from local and authentic fishing trip to an exclusive trip.
Price: starting at $650 (depending upon the number of people, boat and location).
Costa Rica Premier Off-road Tour. Spectacular scenery, big thrills and first-rated guides.
From simple to premium ATVs, you will drive around the Costa Ballena area. Drive up mountain roads through the lush jungle to get to awesome views of the southern coastline. You’ll visit incredible waterfalls and taste organic and locally grown coffee.
After a brief course of instruction on the operation of the vehicle, and a fun little test ride, you’ll be on the way to get a great experience .
Price: starting at $150 (depending on the vehicle).
Explore the Jungle Canopy/Zip-lining
All together you’ll zip 7 different cables (ranging from 200 m long to
1.1 km long), you’ll move between 13 platforms, get lowered down 3 rappels, and challenge your balance on 2 hanging bridges.
Touring through pristine primary rainforests will give you a whole
new appreciation for the southern zone of Costa Rica.
You’ll probably get to see a variety of the native wildlife,
that might include monkeys (howlers, white-faced capuchins,
spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys), sloths, a wide variety of birds, native stingless bees, tree-frogs, etc.
Price: $80 p.p.
Rafting the Savegre River
The best rafting company in the area offers 2 different tours depending on the level of adventure you are seeking!
A journey of unsurpassed beauty, jungle vegetation and exploding whitewater.
Along the way, you will be astounded by the awesome canyons, waterfalls and primary rainforest of Costa Rica.
Price: starting at $135 p.p.
Kayak in Terraba Mangrove/ Whale Tail.
Discover the magical experience of exploring the Terraba-Sierpe mangroves by kayak in search of different types of animals. During the tour you might have the possibility to observe a large number of bird species such as ospreys, scarlet macaws, green heron, blue heron, tiger heron.
Our tour offers you an exciting adventure in which you can admire the majesty of nature while paddling in the calm waters of the biggest river in Costa Rica.
Price: $80 p.p.
Surf and Learn How to Surf
Ready to have a great experience in the pacific ocean? Depending on your level of surfing, the professionals will take you to the right spot!
You can do private or group surf lessons, surf clinics, and body surfing lessons to awaken your inner surfer while learning about the environment, engaging with the community, and having lots of fun!
Price: depending on availability and number of people.
Do a Horseback Riding Tour
There is horseback riding on the beach, and in the mountains. In Uvita there is a unique riding experience through the jungle and over the beach. Please check with us for availability.
Price: $80 p.p.
Visit the majestic Nauyaca Waterfalls by horse
These majestic Waterfalls are one of the main attractions in the southern pacific region: There is a 100 Ft waterfall, and another 175 Ft waterfall to be visited in an mind blowing beautiful natural setting. It feels like you are in Jurassic Park or Avatar. You can hike to the waterfalls (1.5 hours one way hike) or by horse. You can buy the tickets at the main entrance for the hike but if you want to take a horseback tour we recommend to book through this website.
Price: $80 p.p.
Diamante Waterfall hike, rappel or overnight.
Diamante waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. On this tour you might see incredible landscapes, waterfalls and see/hear howler monkeys, white face monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds, as well as lot of other wildlife.
There are different options: from a one day hiking tour, rappel tour or even staying 1 night in the cave close to the waterfall.
You’ll get an awesome guide for this adventure and exclusive tour! He is well prepared, certified, local and has many years of experience. Price: starting at $80 p.p.
OCEAN KING AND MAGIC KING Tour
The Ocean King has two jacuzzis, trampolines, slides and nets for 25 people, a spectacular bar and much more that you will enjoy during your 3:30 hour tour along the entire coast of Manuel Antonio National Park.
You’ll go in search of dolphins and whales (during the season), snorkel and dive off of the boat…
Throughout the tour we offer personalized service with an all-inclusive parties (lunch, snacks and drinks) aboard the Biggest, Safest and Most Fun Catamaran in Costa Rica, the Ocean King!
Price: Adults $89.00, Children from 6 to 10 $67.00
The Magic King is a boat used for private activities, any
day of the week, only for your bubble, as business activity or for a group of friends/family. Enjoy the same experience but only for your group!
Minimum rate: $1243 (up to 10 Pax, extra people $90 p.p.).
**Payments by card 4% extra.
IF YOU WANT TO BOOK A TOUR, OR IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A TOUR, PLEASE WRITE AN EMAIL TO:
Fun Things to do on your own:
Explore a Surf Town: Dominical
You can wander around in the town of Dominical and find: little shops, restaurants and even a holistic heath care center (Dualia), cafes, hotels, yoga studios, an organic market, places to get coconut water and chocolate, surf breaks, river views, etc.
There is a daily local market of artisan goods along the beachfront where you can enjoy the ocean waves.
Macaws love to hang out in the trees above the market stands.
Discover Beautiful Beaches
There are numerous beautiful and exotic beaches in Costa Ballena like Dominical Beach, Roca Verde Beach, Dominicalito, Playa Hermosa (Close to Uvita with free access, the North access is great to hang out with kids: there is a swimable small cooling river flowing into the ocean, it’s a perfect place to play).
Playa Ballena, Whale’s Tail Beach, Playa Chaman,(Are National Park access Beaches)
South from Uvita you’ll find Playa Arco, and Playa Ventanas.
Playa Arco is more adventurous and remote. A great an memorable day trip. This beach is so beautiful and empty (hard to access) that it has been the site where a few popular movies have been filmed, including Pirates of The Caribbean.
Visit the Local Farmer’s Markets
You can find the local farmer’s markets in Dominical (Fri), Uvita (We / Sat) or Tinamastes (Tue), San Isidro (We + Thu: biggest in region) to get fresh produce, great food, local goodies, artisan chocolate, healthy teas, coffee, people watch, find arts and crafts, etc. These farmer’s markets/ferias/mercado’s are plentiful and great places to interact with friends. You can buy some of the best freshest and local foods. 8 am – 1 pm.
Your Ultimate Costa Rican Food Experience
Private Chef
Are you looking for a private food experience?
Let us know and we will help you to organize your Private Chef
For one dinner, for a full day, or even for the whole length of your stay.
We know some of the best Private Chefs in the area with international experience and excellent service.
Email:
Enjoy the Area’s Many Amazing Restaurants
Restaurants with wonderful food and ingredients like fresh tropical fruits, vegetables from organic farms in the mountains nearby, fresh seafood, local coffee and cacao, etc. There are a growing number of restaurants in Costa Ballena that focus on healthy, fresh meals.
Dominical: Fuego, Mama Toucan’s Organic Market Deli, Mono Congo Cafe, Pescado Loco Fish Tacos, the Indian restaurant, Moromo and Sol smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Between Dominical & Uvita: La Parcela, Infusian at Villas Alturas, Cuna Del Angel, and Scala.
Uvita: Rancho Cielo Alto (Jazmin’s Place), Sebas, Mosaic, Tribu, Sibu, Uvita Gastro Park, Seguras butcher restaurant, Somos, The Dome, Al Chili Que Si and The French Cafe, Mirador Don Rodger (amazing views over the whale’s tail).
Ojochal: (some of the best international dining in Costa Rica) Ballena Bistro, Heliconia, Citrus, Exotica, Eleven, and Kua Kua at Hotel 360.
Watch the Sunset at La Parcela.
You can watch the sunset over the water at La Parcela Restaurant. You often times see families of white face monkeys there near sunset. This unique location has views of rocky and rugged coastline (and a good point break) to the left, and a beautiful Caribbean style bay to the right. There’s a tree along the path that looks like the “Tree Of Life” in Avatar. They have great fresh seafood. Recommended for sunset.
Unique Costa Rica Treats and Goodies
Our favorite treats in Costa Rica are local artisan dark chocolates and drinking fresh coconut water with a straw in the coconut straight from the tree. A cup of good CostaRica coffee is always tasty. You can find these treats and goodies at places like Mama Toucans Organic Market and local farmer’s markets.
Ceviche with fresh local seafood is amazing here! You can make ceviche yourself with fish you get from the fishing boats when they come in. You can also find ceviche at many local restaurants.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle With The Abundance of Unique Costa Rica Ingredients
You can choose to live a natural and healthy lifestyle while you are in Costa Rica, and there is an abundance of healthy and organic food options. You can get fruits, vegetables, coconuts to drink coconut water, and other goodies. You can shop for some of the best natural and organic foods in the world. Mama Toucans in Dominical has daily shopping of certified organic and all natural foods (more than 5000 items). Sur Organico is a daily vendor of organic produce in Uvita. Emana Zero Waste has organic bulk foods and zero waste products.
IF YOU WANT TO BOOK A TOUR, OR IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AN OTHER SERVICE, PLEASE WRITE AN EMAIL TO:
jeannettetropicalliving@gmail.com
OR Write us a message here:
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Disclaimer: All service providers are completely independent entities. Even though we try to select the best service providers for you Tropical Living CR or the people that work with Tropical Living CR are NOT responsible in any way for the experiences, or events that might occur during the services, provided by the independent service providers.