Ecotours
# - Boat Eco-Tours have limited
Availability January - April
+ - Half-Day counts as a Full-Day Eco-Tour in
packages
Ecotour 1 - The Osa Rainforest
The tropical lowland rainforest is the most species-rich land-based ecosystem on
Earth. From brilliantly colored birds, like the scarlet macaw and the chestnut-mandibled
toucan, to rare mammals like, sloths, four species of monkeys (Howler,
White-faced, Spider and Squirrel), peccaries, and wild cats, it is a land of
wonder and enchantment. If you do only one, this is the Eco-Tour we recommend to
give you a sense of what the rainforest is all about. Your senses will be
heightened, as you become one with your surroundings! This tour can be
customized to accommodate all levels of physical ability. Closed-toed shoes are
required for hiking.
Half day: $65 Full day: $95 ** 2-person minimum ** 12 hours advance notice
required
Ecotour 2 - Finco Kobo Chocolate Farm
This tour is an excellent compliment to our rainforest tour, offering a close
look at the agricultural practices in the area. Featured is one of our most
important native trees… chocolate! The tour begins with a walk through a
tropical orchard, stopping in a banana grove to learn about its history and
importance. Due to the abundance of fruiting trees, wildlife abounds;
particularly toucans and other colorful frugiverous (fruit-eating) birds, and
sometimes squirrel and white-face monkeys. From here, we visit a traditional
cocoa plantation, in order contrast experimental techniques of cultivation being
developed at the farm. After a brief stroll through flatland rainforest, we come
to our experimental organic cocoa plantation, where we learn about new methods
of cultivation. We stop briefly to visit an area of experimental agriculture,
including a medicinal plant garden. Finally, we conclude the visit with a table
full of fresh fruits produced on the farm, along with pure chocolate sauce for
dipping, glorious baked plantains, and fresh-baked banana. Closed-toed shoes are
required for hiking.
Half day: $75 **2-person minimum ** 12 hours notice
required
Ecotour 3 - Miramar Canopy Zip-line +
Once a realm limited to scientific investigations, canopy exploration has
quickly become on of the fastest growing and most sought after tour frontiers of
the rainforest. We are now proud to offer one of Costa Rica’s finest and safest
canopy tours. The ideal site area, a 17-acre tract of virgin forest, is called
Miramar or “ocean view” referring to its commanding view of the Golfo Dulce and
the surrounding rainforest. The platforms are strung-along nearly a mile of
rainforest canopy reaching heights of 138ft. While truly adventurous,
state-of-the-art equipment is provided for utmost safety. Further, the guides
are highly trained and knowledgeable, of not only the techniques and safety
issues, but also on the natural wonders encountered on this ride through this
ceiling of the natural world. As apposed to waterfall climbing and other types
of high ropes activities, the zip-line is relatively effortless, and therefore
appropriate for adolescents and mature travelers.
Half day: $95, ** 2-person minimum** Closed shoes recommended ** 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 4 - Waterfall Climbing & Rappelling
+
Your guide will lead you up a densely forested and seldom traveled streambed,
arriving at the Rio Clarito Waterfall. Utilizing state of the art climbing
equipment, you will first ascend the vertical 40-foot waterfall. After a rest
and chance to view the scenery from above, your expert guide will prepare you
for your rappel against a torrent of raging waters and the thrill of a lifetime.
Many guests want to do it again immediately, and that’s O.K. with us. Physically
demanding.
AM only: $95 per person with 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 5 - Mangrove Kayak Ecotour
Paddle through the exotic and mysterious landscape of a river mangrove estuary.
The serene passages of the river bring you silently alongside many beautiful
aquatic birds; Roseate Spoonbills, Boat-billed Herons, and White Ibis. Jesus
Christ (Basilisk) lizards dart across the surface of water on webbed hind-feet.
Howler and White-faced monkeys are known to frequent the mangroves. Life vests &
dry bags provided. Single & double (Ocean Kayak brand) kayaks are available.
Half day: $50 * 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 6 - Sunset Ocean Kayak
Take advantage of the tranquility of an afternoon paddle in our beautiful
sheltered bay. A short distance from the shore provides a commanding view of the
sunset. This is also an opportunity to search for local and migrating marine
life such as Spotted and Bottled-nosed Dolphins, Humpback Whales, and several
species of sea turtles, on this light paddle. Life vests and dry bags are
provided. Single and double (Ocean Kayak brand) kayaks are available.
Half day: $50 * 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 7 - Puerto Jimenez Area Biking
Discover a quaint Costa Rican pueblo (small town) by bicycle, the locals’ way to
get around. This guided bicycle tour is the perfect mode for taking in more than
you could by walking, while more intimate with the surroundings than traveling
by car. There are local craftsmen, shops, fishermen, the local church and
school, as well as, natural scenery and wildlife to see. Whatever your interest,
it is a different world that invites your discovery. Due to the heat associated
with the middle of the day, this Eco-Tour is most appropriate in the early
morning and late afternoon. Helmets provided.
Half day: $50 * 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 8 - Cross Country Biking
See the Osa Peninsula countryside close-up and personal on our new Trek Mountain
Bikes. The casual biker will experience the rolling hills and flats as you
meander along country back roads past fruit tree farms, fields, rustic casitas
and rancheros. The adventurous will be guided through steeper terrain leading to
commanding ocean views. Both treks offer numerous opportunities to spot exotic
wildlife; like monkeys, sloths, toucans, & scarlet macaws. Helmets provided.
Half day: $65, Full day: $95 * 2-person minimum *12 hours notice required
Ecotour 9 - Gold Panning
Before becoming Central America’s premier rainforest destination, the Osa
Peninsula was famous for its high grade and
abundant gold deposits. Visit the claim of a local professional gold panner to
learn the tricks of the trade and try your luck at striking it rich. The site
for this tour is the picturesque Tiger River valley, leading into Corcovado
National Park. Find out why Columbus named this country the “Rich Coast.”
Half day: $75 * 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 10 - Free - Crocodile Bay Lodge Butterfly Farm &
Crocodile (Cayman) Lagoon
Costa Rica is home to 10% of the world’s butterfly species. The iridescent Blue
Morpho is one of the largest and most brilliant butterflies in existence, and
just one of the numerous varieties fluttering among the flowers in our own
butterfly exhibit. The butterfly farm enclosure is designed to mimic the
butterfly’s habitat with the exact host plant species needed to perpetuate each
species. There are butterflies in each of their stages of development, from
chrysalis, caterpillar, to adult phase. On the way, we will visit the Crocodile
(Caiman) Lagoon on the property.
Free to Crocodile Bay Resort guests, walk-in guests: $10
Ecotour 11 - Free - Playa Preciosa (“Precious Beach”)
What better way to relax than on a tranquil, tropical beach? It is a short drive
to this semi-secluded, unspoiled beach perfect for bodysurfing, swimming and
kicking back as you enjoy the beautiful views.
Free to Crocodile Bay Resort guests * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 12 – Half Day Horseback Riding
+
Enjoy horseback riding along a deserted stretch of tropical coastline of palm
trees, white sands and clear blue water. This ride departs directly from the
Resort and passes along a pristine sandy beach for miles of gulf views. The
leisurely ride runs back through a picturesque country road past tropical fruit
tree forests and farms. Shoes are required. Long pants are recommended. *220 lb
weight limit* Physically demanding.
Half day: $75 per person with 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 13 - Full Day Horseback Riding
Explore the interior of the Osa Peninsula the locals’ way, by horseback. You
will be guided along isolated mountain paths and jungle trails offering stunning
gulf and ocean views and abundant wildlife. Throughout the day, you will have
plenty of opportunities to dismount to rest and explore the rainforest on-foot.
Explore the varied landscape and see the wildlife from the peacefulness and
majesty of a horse. Shoes are required. Long pants are recommended.
*220 lb weight limit* Physically demanding.
Full Day: $125 per person with 2-person minimum * 12 hours notice required
Ecotour 14 - Bird Watching – Intro
The wealth of Costa Rica’s avifauna, in itself, warrants a trip to our Resort.
With 854 species of birds in an area the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica is
home to more bird species than vast continents like Europe, North America, and
Australia. Nowhere in Costa Rica are the birds more colorful and diverse than in
the lowland rainforests surrounding our hotel. Allow our expert guides to
greatly expand your life list, or use this trip as a grand introduction into the
world of birding.
Half day: $65, Full day: $95 * 2-person minimum *12 hours notice required
Ecotour 15 - Bird Watching - In Depth
In these two and a half days, we will take the time to focus on a variety of
habitats; lower montane and coastal primary and secondary rainforests, forest
edges, tropical orchards, pastureland, mangrove estuaries, Pacific shorelines,
and streamlined gallery forests. This package tour can be customized to focus on
target species, as well as, gear toward different levels of physical excursion.
We can incorporate additional activities, like kayaking or horseback riding.
This package can also be upgraded to include pelagic and river mangrove boat
excursions.
Two & a half day package: $195 with a 2-person minimum * 24-hour notice
required
Ecotour 16 – Osa Wildlife Sanctuary by Boat
#,+
Bordering a national park along the same wild stretch of coastline as the
botanical gardens tour, is the Osa wildlife Sanctuary. Partake of this rare
opportunity to see and even interact with some of the local rainforest
creatures; like two and three-toed sloths, spider and howler monkeys, macaws,
parakeets and toucans. The sanctuary rehabilitates injured or illegally captured
animals, while providing a permanent home for those too debilitated for the
wild. Your fee for this tour directly funds this noble effort. (Add $50 per
person to combine with #17 Botanical Garden Tour)
AM only: $95 per person with 2-person minimum, additional guests $45 per
person * 24 hours notice required
Ecotour 17 - The Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden by Boat
#,+
A glorious morning boat ride takes you across the astonishingly beautiful Golfo
Dulce to the largest and most elegantly manicured botanical gardens in the
region. This huge family-owned garden not only contains the largest collection
of orchids in the area, but also gives you an all-senses experience of
chocolate, cashew, and mango and other tropical fruit trees; many spices like
black pepper, vanilla, ginger; and more. The gardens are centered in a road less
track of national park providing a sideshow of the birds, insects, butterflies
and other wildlife that visit the gardens. Sandals or water-socks recommended
for entering and exiting the boat, and shoes for walking once on land.
Gardens Closed Fridays.
AM only: $95 per person with 2-person minimum, additional guests $45 per
person * 24 hours notice required
Ecotour 18 - Golfo Dulce Excursion by Boat
#,+
The Golfo Dulce, one of the most pristine tropical gulfs in the world, is
surrounded by lush mountainous rainforest, and mangrove wetlands. Approximately
30 miles long and nearly half an hour by boat to the far shore, it is ideal
leisurely ride for those who want to enjoy the wind in their face and see the
sights and shorelines, pelicans, turtles, and dolphins.
AM only: $125 per person with 2-person minimum, additional guests $45 per
person * 24 hours notice required
Ecotour 19 - Snorkeling the Golfo Dulce by Boat
#,+
With eighty-degree waters, snorkeling in the Golfo Dulce is as inviting as it is
fascinating. You will visit a variety of marine habitats including brain coral
reefs and rock pinnacles, in this multi-dive trip. Colorful reef fish like
parrot, angel, butterfly fish abound, as do Moorish idols, sergeant majors and
many others. There are Moray eels, rays, octopi, and even the occasional whale
shark or sting ray. Our knowledgeable guides and captains will keep you safe and
well informed while you swim with the fishes! All equipment provided.
AM only: $125 per person with 2-person minimum, additional guests $45 per
person * 24 hours notice required
Ecotour 20 - Surfing Pavones Beach by Boat
#
The “second longest left-hand curl in the world” is right across the Golfo Dulce
from our Resort. A 30 minute boat ride brings you to Pavones, so you can ride
the “three minute long left.” Whether beginner or advanced, our knowledgeable
and helpful guides will lead you the best spots appropriate for your level of
experience. All equipment provided. Boat Eco-Tours have limited availability
January through April. Physically demanding.
Full Day: $125 per person with 2-person minimum, additional guests $45 per
person. * 24 hours notice required
Ecotour 21 - Surfing Matapalo Beach+
With hundreds of miles of un-crowded Pacific Ocean coastline, Costa Rica is a
surfing Mecca. One of the best and most beautiful is the world-renowned Matapalo
Beach surf break. Whether beginner or advanced, our knowledgeable and helpful
guides will lead you the best spots appropriate for your experience. Equipment
provided. Physically demanding.
Half Day: $75 per person with 2-person minimum *12 hours notice required
Ecotour 22 - Jungle Night-Walk
Whether it is to hunt or to not be hunted, many animals in the rainforest are
active at night. Night walking, as
apposed to a day hike, is characterized by a much slower moving pace and a sharp
inspecting eye. A brief stroll
around some wild areas and a fresh water lagoon near the Resort yield treasures
like, red-eyed tree frogs and other
amphibians, exotic insects, night birds, caimans, snakes, and other reptiles.
Along with a knowledgeable guide,
we provide flashlights and any other related equipment. Starts at 7:30pm.
Nite $30 * 2-person minimum * #
Ecotours can be customized to accommodate all levels of physical ability and
endurance.
We welcome your questions about the ecotours and try to accommodate requests,
with safety in mind first.
Half-day morning Ecotours depart from reception at 7:00 am and return to the
lodge for lunch.
Half-day afternoon Ecotours depart from reception at 1:00 pm and return to the
lodge by 4:30 pm.
Full day Ecotours depart from reception at 7:00 am and return by 4:00 pm.
50% of the Ecotour price will be charged for cancellation of any activity less
than12 hours before it is scheduled. |
