Jaco

This wildlife area is located in the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Puntarenas. Located almost 100 miles south of San José by road and almost 5 miles south of Quepos City, the national park encompasses 682.7 land hectares and 55.000 nautical hectares.

The Manuel Antonio National Park contains several short trails, all of which are easily accessible and well maintained. These trails provide the best opportunity to see both White Faced and Squirrel Monkeys in Costa Rica. The trails tend to follow the coastline, supplying beautiful views and easy access to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful white sand beaches.  The park includes 12 islands, which serve as seabird sanctuaries. The pacific waters contain numerous dolphins and at times migrating whales are sighted. The parks flora and fauna is impressive with the dominant trees being the Black Locust, Balsa, Monkey Comb, Bastard Cedar and Mayflower. Some 109 species of mammals, including Two-toed Sloth, Raccoons, Coatis and 184 species of birds have been spotted in the park.

The reserve is located in the Pacific, in the margins Grande de Tárcoles River, southeast of Orotina City, province of Puntarenas and has an extension of 4,700 hectares. Carara is located in a transition zone between the dry forest and humid forest of the Costa Rican North Pacific region, this reserve protects ecosystems not found in any other conservation area. It also is an island of forest completely surrounded by land dedicated to human activities.

Created to facilitate investigations, scientific studies, and environment education, this area is considered an excellent living laboratory in which you can study the structure and function of the tropical ecosystems. Carara has several ecosystems like the cinagas, lagoons and gallery forests, secondary and primary. Stationers inundation of the Grande de Tárcoles River, in an area located north east of the reserve make the cinagas. These zones are rich in bird species, amphibians and reptiles are also associated with these environments. The lagoon occupies a big abandoned land of the Grande de Tárcoles River, measures 600mts long, 40mts wide and 2 mts deep. It is almost cover by water lilies and others water plants.

The wild life is very abundant. You can spot the saíno, the sosa caballo, the martillo, the guatusa, the pizote, the racoon, the manigordo, the whiteface monkey, the sloth of two fingers, the tolomuco the deer and the four eyes fox. One of the most sought after birds because of its beautiful plumage, the almost extinct lapa roja calls this region home. Other bird species are: the pavón, hummingbird, and the tucancillo. Some of the animal's species mentioned above are in danger of extinction. Carara also boasts several pre-Colombian natives' occupations.

Travel through the primary Costa Rican tropical jungle on suspension cables as you move through the primary jungle canopy with your bilingual guides and safety spotters from platform to platform.  If our high-tech, high-quality equipment for zip-lining turns out to “not be your style,” then relax and enjoy a cold one back on the ground as you watch your fellow guests zip line by line to each canopy platform.  If you so desire, take a leisurely stroll or hike through our secluded, protected habitat of the mono tit biological corridor, which is an excellent location for you to explore the exotic varieties of plant and animal life in the Costa Rican mountainous jungles near Manuel Antonio National Park.

If you so desire, spend half your day on zip lines, then relax and be gently guided by well-informed, bilingual naturalists as they take you on a leisurely hike to explore and discover the diverse tropical rainforest that Costa Ricans try so desperately to preserve.

Spend a few luxuriously indulgent hours paddling with the currents as your highly trained, bilingual naturalist guides reveal the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. Explore an unforgettable plethora of flora and fauna as you learn about, experience and participate in our magical Costa Rican mangrove and tropical rain forest ecosystem.

Paddle comfortably as an intimate group under the shade of several tall species of mangroves, which grow only in select areas of the world and in Costa Rica. The pace of this adventure is determined by your abilities and interests, and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop and observe (or learn about) – all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the mangroves and listen to the songs of the various marine birds as they glide over your kayak curiously looking for adventure. Whenever you want, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventures. Depending upon your trip’s departure time, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved “Tico Style” meal (a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner) at one of our local Manuel Antonio restaurants.

Close to the Carara Biological Reserve we find the Tarcoles River, home to a wide variety of birds and crocodiles.

A trip down stream will show you the Guacalillo Mongroves, nesting place for the Scarlett Macaw and on both sides of the river bank you will see numerous species of birds such as: Pelicans, Opreys, Frigates, Trogons, etc. Very spectacular are the Crocodiles, some measuring up to 23 feet long. Take pictures of your guide hand feeding one of those enormous creatures.

Your trip begins early in the morning with a 4x4 ride into the “wilds” of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre. The journey starts in “Silencio”; a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a “bumpy road” journey and before you paddle down the Savegre. Meander through the beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding African Palm Plantations before you head off into the winding mountains to start the rafting leg of your journey.

The Savegre River provides Class II, III and IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Our guides stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls, if the rafters want a break from paddling. On most trips, rafters will observe egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the primary tropical rain forest. After a steady 13-mile trip down the river, we wind our way back to the little village of “Silencio” where we will be greeted by a hot “Tico Style” lunch as well as local refreshments. Our experienced Savegre River rafters spend a leisurely trip home driving back to Manuel Antonio, to ponder on continuing a rafting experience on the Naranjo River or to savor the experiences of a day beautifully spent.

After a relaxing hour-long ride on horseback through the tropical rain forest – with the pace determined by your comfort level and riding ability – leave your horses on the trail as Don Gilberto or his daughter Dyala guide you through the exotic plant and animal life on a nature walk. They will let you taste, smell, touch and observe firsthand the real Costa Rican jungle. After indulging your mind and spirit with expert knowledge, take a refreshing dip in pristine natural mountain waters while being splashed on by two stunning waterfalls at Tocori. Don’t forget to enjoy an unforgettable taste of local fresh fruits and a homemade special tropical drink made exclusively by Doña Eli, Don Gilberto´s wife, all while you relax and cool off next to the waterfalls.

After being refreshed, you are ready for a ride through meandering Tocori streams to the private Rancho where Doña Eli will be your hostess as she shares with you a homemade Costa Rican “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish or terrific BBQ. Before returning to Manuel Antonio, enjoy one last relaxing experience enjoying the bounty of Costa Rica at the Rancho. Let Don Gilberto or Dayla show you their private herb and plant garden as they help educate locals and visitors alike on how to preserve the indigenous plant and herb varieties of their beautiful country. While you are there, ask how you can help preserve the tropical rain forest and educate others about the true beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica. After indulging your mind and spirit with expert knowledge, take a refreshing dip in the warm ocean waters. You will then ride again along the meandering sandy beach framed by the tropical rain forest and mangrove eco-system.

After Don Gilberto and his family have hosted you at their Rancho, you will have grown in your experience and knowledge of our beautiful and unforgettable tropical country, Costa Rica. As Don Gilberto always says, “When you come back, you will have a friend.”

Enjoy a beautiful morning or snorkeling adventure aboard the King Catamaran. As the catamaran glides through middle Pacific coast drifting over reefs teaming with exotic wildlife you will get a taste of a real beach experience, then we take you to snorkel the most exciting and lush corals in the Pacific.

Nothing is more enjoyable than a sunset cruise with the King Catamaran. As you set from the Herradura Bay you will take a relaxing leisurely cruise through the Pacific coast with breathtaking views and beautiful surroundings. You will experience one of the most incredible sunsets in the Pacific.

Come with us for an excellent day of fishing and try your hand at catching Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Snapper, Tuna, and who knows maybe even a Marlin. Our very professional crew will assist you with every little detail and make this day a trip you will not forget.

The captain will send a driver to your hotel or local breakfast eatery to pick you up and take you to the Los Sueños pier. We will provide food and beverages onboard, so you only need a few personal items like sunglasses, sunscreen and your lucky fishing hat.

After being whisked to your boat aboard a dinghy, your captain will take you offshore for Marlin and Sailfish, or inshore for Roosterfish, Dorado and Snook; whichever trip you choose.

Visit one of Costa Rica’s most idyllic and paradisiacal islands in style with Costa Rica’s most popular day excursion, on this full-day cruise to Isla Tortuga or Turtle Island.

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the costal town of Puntarenas, the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, stopping along the way for a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto.

You will then board the super catamaran Manta Raya, captained and manned by a crew of seasoned mariners who will spirit you across Giant’s Bay towards the palm studded Tortuga Island which rises out of the warm, sapphire waters in the shape of a turtle.

You will spend the day soaking in the picture-perfect beauty of Tortuga’s pristine white sand, crystal clear ocean and the tropical Costa Rica weather, cooled by a gentle sea breeze.

Sip a glass of chilled white wine before your BBQ lunch, prepared fresh from the grill by the ship’s chef, is served on the beach on tables decked in white linen and under the shade of broad parasols.

After your day on this blissful island you will sail back to Puntarenas, enjoying the boat’s two deck pools, fresh water showers and deck salon, before being returned to your hotel. This day in paradise promises to be a Costa Rica vacation memory of a lifetime!

Take an exhilarating drive in a robust all terrain vehicle up to the mountains of Tamarindo for one of the most jaw dropping sunsets on the Pacific coast from a lookout point with views across Playa Langosta, Tamarindo and all the way to Playa Grande. After witnessing the awesome beauty of the fiery sun disappearing behind the horizon, hop back into the ATV and head down the impressive mountain range back to your excellent hotel.