Water Sports and Eco-Tourism
There are many choices in Costa Rica, whether you prefer water sports, nature
hikes in the rainforests or parks, taking in some local culture and crafts,
or just relaxing on the beach.
Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour
“Harness up and swing through the trees” on a series of zip lines
suspended between the tall trees of the tropical forest. Enjoy an incredible
view of the Gulf of Papagayo.
Horseback Riding at El Aroma
Hacienda Aromal neighbors the Santa Rosa National Park. You will observe a wide
variety of wildlife and experience breathtaking views as you ride through Aromal.
A guided tour begins at the sabaneros cattle herding station where you will
wear the typical hats and kerchiefs and the tour ends at the Hacienda where
you will be offered a cool drink and a typical Costa Rican snack.
Corobici Nature Raft Tour
Tour the class I-II river, see monkeys, tropical birds, and iguanas as you float
down the river.
Fishing
Guanacaste offers on of Costa Rica’s premium fishing destinations –
Catalina Islands. The deep water to the south and west, off Flamingo and Tamarindo
beaches is home to blue, striped and black marlin, a multitude of sailfish and
dorado (mahi mahi). Big-game fishing is available, 16-65 kilometers (10 to 40
miles) offshore. Boats measure 9.5 to 16-metres (31 to 51 feet) and accommodate
four fishermen each. Every boat is equipped with high-tech communication devices,
GPS, fish depth-finder, life jackets and Penn International fishing gear. Half-day
or Full-day excursions can be easily arranged.
Water Sports
Scuba diving
There are many dive sites on the Guanacaste coastline, showcasing an underwater
life that is richly diverse in color, species and natural volcanic rock formations.
Marine life unique to this region abounds – divers will see massive schools
of fish, rays, jacks, whales sharks, giant mantas, sea turtles, white tip sharks,
dolphins and more. Available diving trips include local dives, night dives and
dives to the Catalina Islands.
Surfing
For surfing enthusiasts, local surf shops can transport you by boat to Witch’s
rock, Petrero Grande, Ollie’s Point and several other world-famous spots
routinely featured in surfing magazines. For the less experienced or new surfer,
Tamarindo is a very popular surfing destination, with two beaches: one for beginners
and the other for the slightly more advanced. Located approximately 1 hour drive
southwest of Pacifico, lesions are available through local surf shops in Tamarindo.
Sailing
If you love the idea of escaping to the endless green ocean with a cool breeze
in your face and deep blue sun-drenched skies above then you have hit the jackpot
in Playas del Coco. Several high quality sailing operations can whisk you away
straight off Coco beach and neighboring beaches for full-day, half-day and sunset
cruises that are nothing short of fantastic. They all are very adaptable and
open to suggestion for custom tours, events, private parties,etc; all have generously
stocked coolers. The experience on each boat is very different allowing something
for everyone and it is very nice to hear that every one of the boats has great
things to say about one another. They are truly working together to put Playas
del Coco on the map as an exceptional sailing destination.
Rainforests and National Parks
The Rincon Rainforest is Premontane Rainforest at 900 meters down to
Very Humid Rainforest (at 200 meters elevation). In generic terms, it is classical
piedmont rainforest on volcanic foothill soils, receiving 4-5 meters of rain
annually. It is home to at least 500 species of vertebrates, 3000 species of
plants and many tens of thousands of species of insects, mites, fungi, bacteria,
nematodes, spiders and protozoans.
Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja and the Rincon Volcano are located in Guanacaste about 58 kilometers or 36 miles from Pacifico. Estimated travel time is a 2-hour drive. This 35,000-acre (14,161-hectare) national park is named after its active volcano, Rincon de la Vieja. There is an abundance of Costa Rica’s national flower, the guaria morada, a purple orchid. The wildlife in the park is extremely varied with almost 300 species of birds recorded here. The Rincon Volcano is about 1 million years old and is the third most active volcano in Costa Rica. It has nine active craters. Gentle activity has occurred many times since the late 1960’s. The most recent eruption of steam and ash was in 1997.
Palo Verde Wildlife National Park is located in Guanacaste about 60 kilometers or 37 miles from Pacifico. Estimated travel time is a 2-hour drive. This 42,000 acre (17,000-hectare) national park features saltwater and freshwater lagoons and marshes, mangrove swamps and deciduous woodland, as well as an impressive array or wildlife.
Santa Rosa National Park - Hike the Tropical Dry Forest, learn about the history of Costa Rica and visit La Casona, the original hacienda which is now a museum.”
Area Attractions
Hike to a Secluded Waterfall
Visit Llanos de Cortez, located 20 minutes from Liberia. The 45 feet wide and
30 feet high waterfall that drops into a white sand pond ideal for swimming.
You can enjoy a picnic in the area, which is surrounded by lush greenery.
Guaitil Pottery
Visit the craft town of Guaitil where local people produce pottery of the traditional
indigenous designs using clay and natural paints from nearby fields and mountains,
fired in beehive ovens into pots, bowls and other ceramics in the style of their
ancestors the Chorotega Indians. After watching pottery makers at work you can
purchase their wares, which cost little. Guaitil is located southeast of Pacifico.
