Scuba Diving Fishing Land Rafting Xtreme Adventures Things 2DO

THINGS TO DO / Costa Rica

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Savegre River

This adventurous, family-friendly, full-day trip is a unique white water river rafting adventure with lots of “perks”. Of course you can expect, as the Manuel Antonio specialist, that our world-class, internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers will expertly guide and teach you how to navigate through this exciting river experience. But you and your group of fellow rafters start slowly and build your way up to an unforgettable yet manageable adventure that will leave you either begging for more – so go on the Naranjo River high-octane trip next – or either leave completely satisfied and happy that you experienced one of Costa Rica’s famous rivers, the Savegre.

Starting with a 4x4 ride into the “wilds” of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre, your journey begins at “Silencio”. This is a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a “bumpy road” journey, yet before you paddle down the Savegre. Make sure you make your reservations for lunch, and don’t forget to 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, and there is always time to enjoy the abundant variety of wildlife along the river. 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 a gladly awaited hot lunch “Tico Style” and local refreshments are waiting. Once fed, happy and well-traveled, our now 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 your day just past.

Time: 8 AM – 4 PM

Requirements: Good for adults and children over 8 years of age who are relatively fit for paddling. Wear or bring sturdy sandals or water shoes, a bathing suit, sun block, bug spray, a towel, an extra change of clothes, and hat.

Includes: Round trip transportation, a hot breakfast and lunch, bilingual guides, safety kayakers, all equipment needed, security, snacks and drinks

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Naranjo River

The wild and ever-changing Naranjo River White Water Rafting challenge is recommended for physically fit adventure seekers and experienced rafters who are familiar with Class III and IV rapids. On this high-octane, half-day adventure, the trip begins when the Naranjo River drops steeply from the Costa Rican mountains and charges though pristine jungle gorges, then winds around rocky curves to take you on a wild, adventurous ride back to sea level waters. While your internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers work with you to navigate this exciting river, you’ll pass by (rapidly) stunning farmland, working cattle ranches, and beautiful African Palm Plantations.

Unlike the Savegre River Adventure, the Naranjo River Rafting Trip packs all its punches in a 7 mile ride that keeps your adrenaline level high for several hours. Water levels can rise rapidly on this Costa Rican treasure of a river, especially during the rainy season (May-October), which definitely brings the difficulty level up for any experienced rafter. After an adrenaline-kicking trip, enjoy local snacks and refreshments before heading back to reality, well, back to Manuel Antonio anyway.

If you become addicted to our ever-changing adventures out here, you just might have to come back.

Time: 8 AM – 12 PM or 1 PM – 5 PM

Requirements: We strongly recommend that adventurers (adults and children over age 10) be physically fit and prepared for Class IV rapids. Wear or bring water sandals or sturdy water shoes, a bathing suit, sunscreen, bug spray, a towel, a change of clothes, and a hat.

Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides, safety kayakers, all equipment needed, security, snacks and drinks

KAYAKING


Mangrove / Damas Island Kayaking

Instead of enjoying one of our most popular tours in a high-tech, ultra-quiet estuary boat on our Mangrove Boat Tour, why not experience the Damas Island Estuary and Mangrove ecosystem first hand -- in an open-seat kayak. 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 -- but don’t forget your camera.

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. And whenever you want, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventures thus far.

This kayak tour is an unforgettably memorable experience that will help you understand and explain the exotic secrets and treasures of our Costa Rican tropical rain forest. And after your adventure, yet depending upon the time your trip began, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved Tico style meal (a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner) at one of our local Manuel Antonio restaurants.

Come learn about our delicate Costa Rican mangrove estuary and ecosystem -- so uniquely different than other parts of the world. Then return with the knowledge of how important it is to Costa Rica -- and the world environment -- to preserve this delicate yet vital aspect of life that intricately fits into the ecosystem of our entire known world.

Single or Double Open-Seat Kayaks Available

Time: Call – Tour Times depend on the Ocean Tides and lasts about 5 hours

Requirements: Excellent for adventurous individuals, families or groups of any age who want to learn and experience nature first hand – but children under age 10 might have to paddle in a double kayak with an adult. We recommend that you are relatively physically fit for paddling in an open-seat kayak for a few hours, and please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that might get wet. Bring or wear a bathing suit, sunscreen, towel, camera, and a hat.

Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks and all equipment needed, security, a great hot meal, snacks and drinks

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NIGHT Mangrove Kayaking

Did you know that almost 70% of the mangrove ecosystem and the tropical rain forest jungle is nocturnal? Since that is the case, our own “Jorge of the Jungle”, the Iguana Tours partner that personally operates and even created our Mangrove Tours, has developed a completely unique, safe, yet unforgettable experience – a Kayak Adventure at Damas Island Estuary and the Mangroves AT NIGHT. Depending on the coastal tides slowly blending into the mangrove ecosystem at the Damas Estuary, your night adventure starts after your arrival at our Damas Island Rancho located in our protected mangrove habitat.

Whether you are an individual, a family, or a large group, this is almost an indescribable experience to see the mangrove ecosystem at night while in open-seat kayaks paddling at your own ability level. With Iguana Tours’ specialized, high-tech equipment, our highly trained, bilingual guides help you navigate through the nocturnal landscape of the mangroves and tropical rain forest. With a fresh, relaxing ambience, paddle at your leisure through several varieties of mangrove species, and stop to savor the numerous animal species migrating through the estuary in search of food. Come experience this unique adventure so that it does not fade away on the international landscape of extinct ecosystems.

Whether in the day or the night, come, learn and experience a delicate treasure Costa Ricans are so desperately trying (and successfully) working to preserve – the mangrove ecosystem. And maybe you will become a part of preserving not only a Costa Rican treasure, but you just might help preserve a needed, intricate ecosystem so necessary for the world’s habitat balance as well. Enjoy the unforgettably unique experience at night, but leave changed. And leave to possibly help change this rare and delicate ecosystem for the better.

Single or Double Open-Seat Kayaks Available

Time: Call – Tour Times depend on the Ocean Tides and lasts about 5 hours

Requirements: Excellent for adventurous individuals, families or groups who want to learn and experience nature first hand when the nocturnal rain forest is most active. We recommend that you are relatively physically fit for paddling in an open-seat kayak for a few hours, and please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that might get wet. Bring or wear a bathing suit, bug spray, towel, camera with a flash, and a hat.

Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks and all equipment needed, security, a hot dinner, snacks and refreshments.

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Snorkeling / Coastal Kayaking

Since we are the Manuel Antonio specialist, come experience one of Costa Rica’s most striking coastlines and National Park – by open-seat ocean kayak. Whether you are an individual, a group, or an adventurous family, this challenging yet gratifying ocean paddling adventure is for you. The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay.

After an unforgettable experience at Biezans, continue paddling – if you choose to do so – towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder at the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home year round. Ask your naturalist guide to steer you towards their favorite species’ nesting spots and most popular locations for local aquatic marine life. And finally end your adventure with a relaxing yet rewarding hot lunch in typical Costa Rican flavor near the beach at a local Manuel Antonio hot spot before you return to your Costa Rican residence.

Overall, this kayaking adventure is fun for just about every one, yet it is a terrific way to experience the exotic Costa Rica coastline in a way that only Manuel Antonio can be shown.

Single or Double Open-Seat Kayaks Available

Time: 8 AM – 12 PM or 1 PM – 5 PM

Requirements: Some experience in open-seat kayaking is preferred, and a reasonable fitness level is recommended since this adventure involves kayaking in the open ocean where some strong waves and surf are common. Children under age 10 might have to paddle in a double kayak with an adult. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that can get wet, and don’t forget your bathing suit, camera, sunscreen, hat, and towel.

Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks, snorkeling and all equipment needed, security, snacks and drinks

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