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Tours and Activities

There's tons to do and see on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Here are some of the tours and activities we recommend that are either in the area or which pick up/drop off at area hotels.  We'll even book it for you!  

Most of our tours will pick you up and return you right to your hotel (or sometimes to another Costa Rica destination!). Tours which do not include transportation are indicated below and we will be happy to assist to you in getting to the start point in those cases.

Jump to:
Whitewater Rafting | Jungle, Nature & Wildlife | Indigenous Communities | Local Activities
Tortuguero National Park | Bocas del Toro, Panama | Arenal Volcano
Caribbean Wet & Wild Package | Volcano Jungle & Beach Package
Contact our Tour Desk

Whitewater Rafting / River Trips

Many of the rafting trips include transportation between San Jose or Arenal and Puerto Viejo so it's like getting your transport to/from Puerto Viejo for free! Your luggage is secure throughout the trip so you're free to enjoy your day on the river.

Pacuare River: One-Day (Class III-IV)
This trip gives you the ultimate blend of wilderness exposure and invigorating excitement. The Pacuare River is world famous for its pristine beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin Tropical Rainforest appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. Includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you want.
Full day Cost: $99 p/p Difficulty: Class III-IV More information Book It

Pacuare River: Two Day Hike and Paddle (Class III-IV)
The overnight Pacuare Adventure is a Paddle and Hike expedition. Not only will you raft a variety of exciting rapids, but you will also hike to pristine waterfalls, fun swimming holes and primary jungles. Includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you want.
Two days Cost: $229 p/p Difficulty: Class III-IV More information Book It

Reventazón River: Pascua Section (Class IV)
After paddling the Pascua section of the Reventazón River, adventurers agree that these are the best rapids they have conquered. Pascua is a classic big water run, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, literally! Amongst the fifteen solid class IV rapids you will run are: Dirty Mind, The Abyss, Indigestion and Horrendito. Includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you want.
Full day Cost: $99 p/p Difficulty: Class IV+ More information Book It

Reventazón River: Florida Section (Class III)
A great big water run, with moderate difficulty. The lush surroundings, abundant bird life and good amount of fun rapids makes this a great introduction to river running. This run is clearly divided in two halves. The first hour is very exciting, with big waves and long rapids. The second half is more relaxed as the river enters the true lower Caribbean, the surroundings take on a jungle character and the wildlife is more plentiful.  Includes transport to/from Puerto Viejo from/to San Jose or Arenal if you want.
Full day Cost: $79 p/p Difficulty: Class IV+ More information Book It

Río Sarapiquí: Class II/III
Neighboring La Selva Biological Station, the Sarapiquí River offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. This mid-elevation, southern Caribbean area is of great importance, of which value is measured in terms of its biodiversity. It hosts many different kinds of wildlife such as: toucans, waterbirds, monkeys, sloths and butterflies. The Sarapiqui's rapids are moderate so it is the perfect adventure for families with children. Rapids such as "Confusión", "Ay Caramba" and "Roller Coaster" will satisfy your daily dosage for adrenaline and water splash! In addition, the clear, warm water is perfect for enjoying a swim between rapids.
Full day Cost: $79 p/p Difficulty: Class II-III More information Book It

Jungle, Nature and Wildlife

The Puerto Viejo area has some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country and are even of international importance. The area includes several protected areas including Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge. 

Caribbean Canopy and Zipline Tour
Experience the richness and diversity of the jungle close-up from this adventure that lets you experience nature close-up. This canopy adventure has 9 aerial platforms and 14 on land with a total of 2560 meters of cable. Glide through the jungle on a zipline for a bird's eye view of the jungle.
Half Day Cost: $55 p/p More information Book It

Canyoning
The adventure of a lifetime: 2 rappels in a 125 foot (40m) waterfall located in a tropical jungle, pristine primary forest. You'll also have a chance to relax in a jacuzzi and jump in river pools. Includes Pick up and drop off at your hotel, all equipment, professional guides certified by A.C.A., lunch, insurance.
Half Day Cost: $70 p/p More information Book It

Manzanillo Sea Kayaking and Rainforest Hike
We will drive to the southern end of the road into the most remote location in the area; this trip consists of a loop paddling in and hiking out. After a safety briefing we will embark in a magical kayaking journey paralleling a coast full of cliffs, caves, and the most amazing rainforest. We will take a nice break at the beach to relax, swim and enjoy some nicely presented fresh fruit and snacks before hiking back to Manzanillo town; you will now learn some insights on the eco system of this wildlife refuge.
Half Day Hike+Kayak w/ transportation Cost: $49 p/p More information Book It We also offer a more detailed half day hike only in the refuge with an experienced local naturist guide. This trip does not include transport to Manzanillo (except for groups of 5 or more where transport is included) so is good for those with their own transportation or who want to spend more time hiking and in the rainforest. Half Day Hike only Cost: $42 p/p More information Book It

Cahuita Boat, Snorkel and Hiking Trip
Cahuita National Park features the largest coral reefs in Southern Central America as well as great hiking trails with lots of wildlife. This trip combines a boat ride, snorkeling and hiking. First is a ride in a boat to Punta Cahuita.  Once at the point, you can put on snorkel gear to explore first hand the “under water tropical forest”. You will then land for a guided rainforest hike, with comprehensive information on this particular area. Monkeys, sloth, several reptiles, frogs and beautiful insects are common sights.  Price is $25 for snorkel and boat trip or hike only, $45 for combo plus lunch. These options start in Cahuita and are operated by Roberto's Tours. We also have a new option for $49 which includes round trip transportation to Cahuita with pickup/dropoff at your hotel in Puerto Viejo. Lunch is not included in this option. This is operated by Exploradores.
Snorkel only Half Day Cost: $25 p/p More information Book It Hike only Half Day Cost: $25 p/p More information Book It Snorkel+Hike+Lunch Half Day Cost: $45 p/p More information Book It Snorkel+Hike+Hotel Pickup/Dropoff Half Day Cost: $49 p/p More information Book It

Rio La Estrella Kayaking and Sloth Sanctuary
This trip is a great combination of adventure and learning experiences. After a safety briefing we will take you kayaking on Rio La Estrella which offers a fine paddling experience for the first timer. Our sit-on-top double kayaks provide great stability to negotiate the Class I rapids of this scenic river, where you will be surrounded by canyon walls covered with Rainforest. The adventure goes on when we visit the Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Sanctuary with a recovery project that will give you a first hand learning experience about these amazing creatures; a lecture will be given followed by a interaction time with Buttercup and the other sloths.
Half Day Cost: $49 p/p More information Book It

Bird Watching
Thanks to our rich biodiversity, I will find and delight in pointing out and sharing my knowledge on the various bird species of the area, this is definitely a superb bird watching tour! Some of the species you could see in this area are the Red-capped Manikin, crested owl, the olive throated parakeet; pale vented pigeon, masked tityra, Collared Aracari, slaty ant shrike, keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Magnificent Frigate-bird, common black hawk, passerini’s tanager, and the black-cowled oriole, among others.
Half Day Cost: $50 p/p More information Book It

Nighttime Turtle Watching
Take the opportunity to travel through time and go back to the beginning of evolution, represented by the nesting of these live fossils. The leatherback turtle is the biggest turtle in the world; it can be as large as 2 meters long and 650 kg of weight. We will have an unforgettable night walk along the Gandoca Beach; I will show you a different perspective of this spectacular experience. You will observe these mothers in the important work of laying eggs and at the same time you will learn important things about the natural history of these special animals in danger of extinction. Help us with the protection of sea turtles!  Pickup and dropoff at your hotel is now included in our price.
Evening (Seasonal: Mar-July) $65 p/p for 2 people $55 p/p for 3 people $50 p/p for 4 people $45 p/p for 5-6 people More information Book It

Learning about Indigenous Communities

Costa Rica's South Caribbean (along with Panama) is home to the Bri Bri people. Many of these communities had no exposure to the modern world until recently. These tours not only give you a glimpse into a unique life but they support these communities in their effort at economic diversification. The Caribbean is also home to a unique Afro-Caribe culture.  Many of our tours take place within the protected areas of the Kèköldi Indigenous Reserve or the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Uatsi Waterfall and Indigenous Reservation
This combo tour includes transportation to/from your hotel as well as visits to the waterfall, to the Sixoala River (the border between Costa Rica and Panama), an indigenous reservation and an indigenous chocolate "factory" where the whole process from the growing of the Cacao plant to the making of this unique organic handmade chocolate is explained.
Half Day Cost: $45 p/p More information Book It

Yorkin Indigenous and Sixaola River Tour
We start off our day by visiting Doña Petronilla and her daughter at the chocolate house where will learn the history of the Cocoa with tales of how the local Bri Bri indigenous peoples utilize the land of Talamanca. A demonstration will be given using techniques accustomed to the local Bri Bri on how to make organic chocolate from start to finish. After you have indulged your taste buds. We will make our way to the village of Chase where Marco will be waiting to guide us by boat up the Sixaola River. Experience the natural beauty that separates Costa Rica and Panama whilst embarking on your journey upstream to the waterfall of Yorkin. When you arrive back in Chase you can enjoy a typical lunch at the nearby Soda before heading into Bri Bri to visit the local Artisans of the area.
Full Day Cost: $90 p/p More information Book It

Indigenous Cultural Centre and Medicine Man Tour
This tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about the culture of the indigenous peoples of Talamanca and meet with Don Cándido, a famed local healer who will teach you about local healing plants and methods.  We will visit Centro Cultural Indigena and meet Don Cándido, the last in a long line of indigenous medicine men.  At the centre there are more than 1500 plants used to cure different illnesses. There is a walking trail where you can see many of these medicinal plants and enjoy close contact with jungle birds and small animals. Also while you are here you can take a treatment with Don Cándido for any illness using nature's own botanical healing system. You can also learn about traditional foods, massage, history and science.
Half Day Cost: $40 p/p More information Book It

Multi-day Packages

We combine some of our favorite activities along with your hotel stay and all your transportation to give you an adventure you'll not soon forget!

Caribbean Wet & Wild! Combo Tour of the best of the Caribbean
Our Caribbean Wet and Wild Combo includes the best of the Caribbean and we can arrange it all for you! It includes: • Transportation from your hotel in San Jose or Arenal to Puerto Viejo • Rafting Trip down the Pacuare River • 2 (or more) nights accommodations at your choice of hotels in Puerto Viejo • Canopy tour or Cahuita National Park Boat/Hike/Snorkel tour • Transportation to Tortuguero National Park • 1 night accommodation in Tortuguero • Tortuguero canal and village tours • Return transportation to San Jose, and • 7 meals (1 dinner, 3 breakfast, 3 lunch)
4 days/3 nights from $369 p/p (double) More information Book It

Volcano, Jungle and Beach! The best of the Costa Rica in one package!
Our Volcano, Jungle and Beach package let's you see all our favorite highlights of Costa Rica. It includes: • Round Trip Transportation from your hotel in San Jose (you can also start from any of the Pacific Beach towns such as Manuel Antonio or Jaco) • 2 nights accommodations at a superior hotel in La Fortuna, near the famous Arenal Volcano  • Nighttime volcano viewing tour and trip to Tabacon Hot Springs Resort for dinner and to enjoy the hot springs pools • Horseback riding tour to the Arenal waterfall • All day Whitewater Rafting trip down the Pacuare River • Transportation to Puerto Viejo or Cahuita • 2 (or more) nights accommodations at your choice of hotels in Puerto Viejo • Canopy tour or Cahuita National Park Boat/Hike/Snorkel tour  • Breakfast daily (and lunch the day you are whitewater rafting)
5 days/4 nights from $469 p/p (double) More information Book It
Add Tortuguero National Park to this package, that's Volcano, Jungle, Beach and Canals!  You get everything above plus: • Transportation by van and boat to Tortuguero • One night accommodations in Tortuguero • Two canal tours in the National Park, a guided hike in the National Park and a guided tour of Tortuguero Village • All meals (buffet style) while you are in Tortuguero
6 days/5 nights from $619 p/p (double) More information Book It

Tortuguero National Park Expeditions
Tortuguero national park is located on the other Costa Rican Caribbean, North of Limon. It is the third-most visited park in Costa Rica, despite the fact that it can only be reached by airplane or boat. The park has incredible biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. It is located in a tropical climate, is very humid, and receives up to 250 inches of rain a year. It is renowned for it's natural and unspoilt beauty.  This is the very best place in Costa Rica to spot wildlife. Monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, toucans, and many colorful frogs and insects are all common sights. Included is transport from Puerto Viejo to Tortuguero and then to San Jose, 1 night accommodation (extra nights can be added), five great meals (2 breakfast plus 2 lunch and 1 dinner except with the B&B option), two canal tours in the National Park, a guided hike in the National Park and a guided tour of Tortuguero Village.
2 days/1 night from $159 p/p More information Book It

Bocas del Toro Trips
Just a couple of hours from Puerto Viejo, across the border in Panama are the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, a unique bustling set of islands where the boat is the way to get around, the restaurants, bars and hotels are built on stilts right over the water and the island lifestyle rules. Our Bocas del Toro trips include return transportation from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro via Minibus and then on by boat to the islands, accommodation in a 3 star hotel on Isla Colon, continental breakfast, tours and lunch on the final day.  An option returning to San Jose by air is also available.
1 night/2 days 2 nights/3 days $210 p/p $270 p/p More information Book It

Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano produces explosions and flows of glowing lava almost everyday and is an unforgettable experience.  Your tour includes transportation from your hotel in Puerto Viejo or San Jose to Arenal, 1 night accommodations in La Fortuna, night viewing tour of the volcano, hot springs and horseback ride to a beautiful waterfall. Additional nights to explore the area on your own are available from $15 pp/night.
1 night/2 days from $135 p/p More information Book It

Local Activities

There are many local activities we can help you arrange. Many of these do book up so if you want to experience horseback riding along the beach or learning to surf in one of the best spots in the world, then have us book these activities for you.

Quad Tour
On our exciting quad off-road adventure we will take you on a visit to a beautiful waterfall and to the a local indigenous reservation. Your bilingual naturist guide will accompany you to explain all the natural sights you see along the way.
Half Day $70 pp each on own quad $50 pp with 2 sharing quad More information Book It

Horseback Riding
You pick up your guide and horse in Puerto Viejo and we take you on a guided ride of the local beaches.  There is only 1 guide and 2 horses available so advance booking is recommended.
2 1/2 hours Cost: $55 p/p More information Book It

Fishing Expeditions
Our experienced captain will take you and your friends on a unforgettable day on the Caribbean Sea with the chance to land some amazing catches! We have half day trips for fish such as Tarpon, King Mackerel or Red Snapper and full-day deep sea trips for Tuna, Maui Maui and other big game fish.
All day $120 p/p half day $220 p/p full day More information Book It

Scuba Diving and Lessons
Our scuba trips have full access to Costa Rica’s only pristine coral reef ecosystem. 50 miles from the nearest city and largely unexplored, our barrier reef stretches from the town of Puerto Viejo to the Panamanian border and offers you more than 25 fixed dive locations ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep, fringing reefs and vertical walls dropping to over 140 feet! We offer both a variety of trips for certified divers as well as discover scuba and scuba lessons for those wanting to experience the underwater world for the first time.
Certified Diver trips from $50 p/p More information Book It Lessons and Discover Scuba from $65 p/p More information Book It

Can't find what you're looking for? Have Questions? Contact us!

All the tours and packages above are arranged by Gecko Trail Adventures, Puerto Viejo Satellite's tour partner located at Hotel Banana Azul in Puerto Viejo.  We're happy to put together a package of activities that suits your needs or answer any questions you have about the tours and activities we have listed here.

You can contact us at:

• email tours@puertoviejosatellite.com
• telephone us in Costa Rica at +506 2750-0212 (that's 011-506-2750-0212 from USA/Canada and 01-506-2750-0212 from most other parts of the world)
• telephone us via our USA number 1 415-251-3758 which forwards to Costa Rica.

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