Activities in Caribbean Coast
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Finca La Isla Botanical Garden
To the west of town is a working tropical farm where the owners have been growing organic pepper, cacao, tropical fruits and ornamental plants for more than a decade. Part of the farm is set aside as a botanical garden, which is also good for bird-watching and for wildlife observation (look for sloths, poison-dart frogs and toucans). The informative guided tour (in English) includes admission, fruit tasting and a glass of fresh juice to finish, or you can buy a booklet (US$1) and take yourself on a self-guided tour.
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Willie's Tours
Willie’s signature tour takes visitors to visit a Bribrí family and a KéköLdi iguana farm (US$25/55). He’s in a new location these days, on the main drag next to Cocorico Pizzeria Bar.
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Daryl Loth
A personable Canadian-born naturalist (formerly of Coterc) offers excellent boat trips in a super-silent electric motorboat, as well as turtle tours (in season) and guided hikes.
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Surfing Salsa Brava
The biggest break in Costa Rica, for expert surfers only and dangerous even then, Salsa Brava is named for the heaping helping of 'sauce' it serves up on the sharp, shallow reef, continually collecting its debt of fun in broken skin, boards and bones.
There are a couple of take-off points: newbies waiting around to catch the popular North Peak should keep in mind that there are plenty of people in this town who gave up perks like mom's cooking and Wal-Mart just to surf this wave regularly. Don't get in their way. In a sense, it was the Salsa Brava that swept Puerto Viejo into the relaxed limelight it enjoys today.
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Reef Runner Divers
In Puerto Viejo this is the principal operator. If you are not certified, you can use a temporary license for US$65 or spring for the full PADI certification for US$325. In Punta Uva, check in with Punta Uva Dive Center, and in Manzanillo book trips with the highly reputable Aquamor Talamanca Adventures.
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Exploradores Outdooors
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Aventuras Bravas
With offices in town and at Rocking J’s hostel, this company works largely as a booking agent arranging almost every tour imaginable. Popular activities include kayak trips (US$25), rafting excursions (US$75) and canopy tours (US$55).
reviewed
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Centro Turístico Brigitte
Brigitte specializes in horseback-riding tours along the beach or to jungle waterfalls (per person three/five hours US$55/75). She also rents bikes (per day US$8).
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Terra Venturas
Offers overnights in Tortuguero (US$179-239), hiking (US$45) and snorkeling (US$49) in Cahuita, tours of chocolate fincas (US$60), white-water rafting (US$100), plus it has its very own 23-platform, 2.1km-long canopy tour (US$55) – complete with Tarzan swing.
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Caribbean Surf School & Tours
Run by supersmiley surf instructor, Hershel, who is widely considered the best teacher in the town. Call Hershel to organize a surf (the school has no office).
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Cut Bak
Surf school. Also a popular place for surfers to pitch a tent and sleep on the beach.
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Exploradores Outdoors
Plenty of rafters head straight for Turrialba but it’s possible to do rafting from the southern Caribbean. Exploradores Outdoors offers one- and two-day trips on the Ríos Pacuare, Reventazón and Sarapiquí. Staff can pick you up and drop you off in either Cahuita, Puerto Viejo San José or Arenal, and you’re free to mix and match your pick-up and drop-off points. They also organize overnight excursions to Tortuguero.
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Playa Blanca
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Jungle Tom Safaris
Offers recommended one-day (US$90), overnight (from US$115) and two-night packages (from US$147) or just round-trip transportation (US$45) – useful for independent travelers who want to be free upon arrival.
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Aiko-logi
Nestled into the Talamanca Mountains, 2km outside the village (just beyond the Volio waterfall), is a private 135-hectare reserve centered around the site of what was once a small finca, on a piece of land fringed with dense primary rainforest. It’s an ideal spot for bird-watching, hiking and splashing around in crisp, clean swimming holes. Day tours from Puerto Viejo and Cahuita can be arranged, as can overnight stays at Aiko-logi’s tent platform. This is a small outfit; reserve ahead.
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Chico
Chico’s hiking and canoe tours receive rave reviews. Ask at Cabinas Miss Miriam.
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Castor Hunter Thomas
A local who has worked as a guide for more than 20 years leads turtle tours (in season), guided hikes and wonderful canoe tours. Ask at Soda Doña María.
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Caribbean Conservation Corporation
This renowned long-time organization that has myriad volunteer options at its research station in Tortuguero.
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Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation
This reputable Canadian not-for-profit has various volunteer opportunities at its research station in Tortuguero.
reviewed
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Barbara Hartung
Offers hiking, canoe and turtle tours in German, English, French or Spanish. Also offers a unique tour about Tortuguero history, culture and medicinal plants.
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Tuanis Bike Rental
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Tienda Marcos
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Aquamor Talamanca Adventures
In addition to organizing scuba excursions, this reputable long-time outfit run by marine biologist Shawn Larkin and his wife Vanessa Schot is an excellent source of information on the refuge, the environment and the community. (Don’t let the gringo looks fool you: Larkin is half-Tico.) He also organizes dolphin-watching trips (US$40), kayak fishing excursions (US$30) and rents snorkel gear (per hour US$3). Highly recommended.
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