Pura Vida View
Waterfall Tours
majestic and spectacular waterfalls
There are so many spectacular waterfalls around the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area and many different tours that give you an unforgettable experience.
Our good friend owns and operates Paddle9, it is one of the best tours I've come across. It is a full day of fun and adventure. They visit multiple waterfalls, each with a swimming hole, places to explore, areas to jump and even a natural waterslide. They also end the tour at a beautiful beach.
We had a blast with the kids when we went one summer. Some of us were more adventurous than others, but the guides are so nice, encouraging and don't make you do anything you are not comfortable with.
Below, check out some of the pictures from that amazing day.
If you have your own transportation and want to go explore, we love Eco Chontales Waterfall. My husband took me there on our first trip and we have been taking people there every trip since. The drive is not for the faint of heart, as you will climb some steep narrow roads and cross a couple of bridges that are barely wide enough for a mid-sized car, but it will be worth it when you take in the view of this towering 63-meter waterfall. When you arrive you will pay an $8 admission fee or $40 for horseback riding tour. There are two bathrooms at the entrance. The hike is a little steep but very manageable. There is a place you can jump in and also a place to slide down the rocks, but make sure you have a local guide show you where as the water at times can be very strong. There is also a little restaurant adjacent to the falls where you can eat lunch or have a beverage while listening to the sounds of the fall and the jungle.
This is a great day trip. We often stop for breakfast in Dominical first and then head up for the hike to the waterfall and finish with a delicious meal, drinks, and stunning views at Rancho Los Compayres, which is located just down the mountain from Eco Chontales. This is a family-owned open-air restaurant where everything is fresh and locally sourced. Even if you don't eat there, stop for a drink, the spectacular views and friendly family.
Below are some pictures of our many trips to Eco Chontales
Whitewater rafiting
Kayaking & Canoeing, River Rafting & Tubing
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica or Kayaking along the Manuel Antonio's coast will make your Costa Rica vacation unforgettable! Experience world-class whitewater rafting at just 30 minutes from the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, in Savegre and Naranjo rivers to Ocean Kayaking along the beautiful Quepos coastline or Mangrove Kayaking at the Damas Island estuary, you will enjoy a safe and unique experience and create lasting memories!
There are several tour companies in the area, our favorite is Amigos Del Rio
We have been whitewater rafting multiple times on, the Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in Central America. Your tour will be filled with adventure and adrenaline as you paddle over the rapids and are amazed by the beautiful waterfalls, canyons and rainforest scenery. One of the highlights of the trip is a midway stop at a waterfall hidden in the jungle that you can only get to by the river edge. The guides will serve up some fresh fruit and snacks while you swim under and around the fall. At the end of your tour they serve a delicious lunch and share pictures they captured of you along the way. The guides are all very fun and experienced and they will make you feel comfortable no matter whether you are a beginner or experienced rafter.
Pictures of our adventures on the river are below.
Sportfishing Charters
Offshore or Inshore Action for Anglers
The Quepos / Manuel Antonio area is well known for its great sportfishing, in fact, it boasts 17 IGFA World Records and set even more world records in recent years for the most billfish releases in any World Class Tournament! Considered excellent year-round for all types of fishing, this chart will help you choose between offshore or inshore action
There are many excellent charters available and most include a knowledgeable and friendly captain and first mate, fishing equipment, snacks, beer, water and sodas. Some companies also include transportation to the marina. We have had some great all day fishing excursions, on one recent trip we caught 8 Mahi Mahi and 6 tuna, and would have caught more, but we were all too tired from reeling them in!
We have also seen a huge school of dolphins and even whales!
We always recommend our good friend Merlin Badilla and his crew at Gran Gallo Sportfishing! We have had many fun days cruising around, exploring, watching the sunset and of course fishing. Always a great day!
More Fun....
And after all that fun...time to relax!
The raindrop spa is simply amazing! The first time my husband took me here, I was blown away, we have since been back several times and absolutely love it every time. Imagine enjoying a spa treatment while you relax to the sounds and smells of the jungle.
They offer a variety of spa treatments and packages, we love the harmonic couples massage with the chocolate body scrub!
