There are many reasons visitors make their way to Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast: From birdwatching to ziplining, there are plenty of ways enjoy its biodiversity, as well as boost your heart rate a bit.
As the weather transitions from the green season, the temperatures remain steady as the humidity begins to drop.
Rafting the Savegre and Naranjo rivers offers landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities from a different point of view. The rainforest meets the riverbank and you’ll see stunning waterfalls and colorful birds as you raft down the river over rapids. Or, a relaxing kayak trip down the Paquita River to Damas Island, well-known for its mangrove estuary, is a chance to see white-faced monkeys, sloths, green iguanas, and silky anteaters, to name a few.
A horseback ride through the rainforest, with one of the local cowboys to guide you and point out the flora and fauna along the way to Los Sueños waterfall, is another leisurely way to enjoy the outdoors. Once at the waterfall, there are refreshing, natural pools where you can take a dip.
Ziplining through Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy is a rush to remember: combining the thrill of flying in the treetops and the awe of the bird’s eye view of the canopy’s incredible biodiversity. Bromeliads provide homes for frogs and insects, and birds, monkeys, and sloths move from tree to tree.
Canyoneering combines zip lining and rappelling for an experience anyone can enjoy—no experience required as guides provide the equipment and training to rappel through the waterfalls and over rivers. If you can talk yourself into it, you can even try jumping from the cliffs (4 to 25-foot drops) to the pools below.
The surf is as gentle as the views are stunning on Tortuga Island, a 45-minute boat ride from Los Sueños Marina. Hike the island, snorkel, or soak up the sun on the white sand beach. The island is well-known for its diving sites, including a few shipwrecks. Underwater marine inhabitants include stingrays, angelfish, sharks, Spinner dolphins, and octopus.
Most beaches in the area are accessible, but keep valuables with you, especially passports and driver’s licenses. Jacó is one of Costa Rica’s hottest surfing spots. For sure, the surf’s up at nearly every beach in the area, just paddle out and catch a wave.
Finally, as the dry season begins, anglers start to gear up and can expect great bill fishing offshore from the Los Sueños Marina, as well as roosterfish, dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, snapper and more.
Wherever you go and whatever you decide to do, you can expect a dream vacation at Los Sueños.