THE CARIBBEAN - ACTIVITIES
NORTH CARIBBEAN
 WILDLIFE
SPOTTING ALONG THE CANALS: This is one of the favorite
activities in the Tortuguero area. Tortuguero’s surroundings
are composed of numerous canals and thin strips of land. The
area’s lodges organize boat tours along the canals, ideal
for spotting birds, caimans, river turtles, and more. These
tours are included in the package prices, though the entrance
to the National Park is not (all the canals are included in
the park’s area).
 NIGHT
TURTLE TOURS: This tour has been created as a sustainable
project to prevent the local community from capturing turtles.
For this activity the locals become tour guides. In this way
the tour bolsters the local economy and gives the community
a chance to contribute to the protection of the turtles. During
the nesting season – from June to October – turtles come to
lay their eggs on the Tortuguero beaches. The different lodges
organize night tours –at an additional cost - to see them
arrive at the beach. You should sign up as soon as possible
because the number of participants for each tour is restricted.
Pay the lodge directly, so that all the funds collected go
directly to the local community. Tour prices may vary at different
lodges.
SOUTH CARIBBEAN
 KEKOLDI
INDIGENOUS RESERVE: During your time in the reserve
members of Kekoldi Wak ka Koneke Association will give you
the opportunity to learn about their sustainable customs,
mythology, conservation efforts and unique history. The reserve
offers half day and full day walking and cultural tours that
take visitors through the Talamanca mountains pointing out
how the natural elements of the mountains support the cultural
traditions of the Bribri and Cabecar people. The tours will
also take visitors through the current conservation projects
to protect the Iguana verde. For visitors that would like
to get a closer look into this unique community the reserve
provides accommodations for up to 24 guests.
 SNORKELLING
IN THE CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK: The live coral reef
of Cahuita National Park includes approximately 123 different
species of fish, 44 species of crustaceans, 140 shellfish,
128 algae species, and 35 different coral species such as
the fire coral and the red and black coral, which is unique
to this area. Above the water, the park is also astonishing,
with dense green vegetation and animals such as sloths, and
monkeys. The tour includes two hours of snorkeling and 1 ½
hours of walking in the National Park.
 GANDOCA-MANZANILLO
WILDLIFE RESERVE: The tour starts with a morning
departure for a wild hike into the humid tropical forests
of Gandoca-Manzanillo. Trails lead from the beach into the
forested foothills and mangrove lagoons where crocodiles and
caimans are protected. There are several bird-nesting sites
in the area as well as abundant wildlife. Gandoca is also
well known for being an important place where turtles arrive
in cerwtain times of the year.
WHITEWATER
RAFTING IN THE PACUARE RIVER: The Pacuare River is
undoubtedly one of the favorites for whitewater adventure
lovers. This III-IV rapids tour begins when we pick you up
at your Southern Caribbean Hotel in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo.
After a scenic drive along the countryside, you will reach
the river’s “put-in”, where you will receive your equipment
(helmets, life jackets and paddles). After the safety orientation
talk, you will start your 12-mile exciting journey along the
river. Breakfast and a light lunch are included, as well as
roundtrip transportation and equipment.
 KAYAKING
AND SNORKELLING AT PUNTA UVA: Experience the feeling
of the sea breeze as you paddle to Punta Uva or Manzanillo
Beaches The Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge has around
10,950 marine acres, and it protects more than 5 square kilometers
of coral reef along the coast. A local guide will be with
you the whole time. There is also chance to practice snorkeling
during the tour. You will swim above the coral, also around
the edges where you will see some deeper spots, little holes,
cracks and caverns and a lot more. Also you will have the
chance to see beautiful tropical fish and many other life
forms. Afterwards, relax at the beach.
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