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SOUTH PACIFIC - ACTIVITIES
DOMINICAL & UVITA
 DOMINICAL & UVITA: While the majority of the Pacific Coast may seem as though it has been invaded by mass tourism and luxury resorts, Dominical is one coastal town that maintains its small town, grass roots charm. Although it draws surfers and “hippies” from afar, Dominical has yet to fall victim to over development as it seems to remain reserved for a few small beachside lodges, boutiques, and restaurants all leaving plenty of room for deserted beaches and unscathed rainforest. With only a few dirt roads for the entire town, the difficulty and inconvenience has become a virtue managing to keep developers and mass real estate speculation at bay. A tour of this remote town is a great introduction to the areas beautiful beaches, excellent surf, and alternative yet refreshing ambiance. Dominical is an excellent point from which to visit national parks nearby such as Marino Ballena and beautiful beaches such as Playa Tortuga.
 WHALES & DOLPHING WATCH: The Ballena Marine National Park, created in 1989 to protect marine life and ecosystems. You will be taken to Ballena Bay, 18 km (11 miles) from Dominical, where you will board the boat and meet your captain. Once on the boat, you will start touring the shore and looking for cetaceans. With an extension of 5375 hectares in its marine portion, this spot is known worldwide due to the migration of Humpback Whales that come to warmer waters to breed. The best months for whale watching are from July through September, when whales migrate form the south, and from November through March when they migrate from the North. Dolphins are also commonly seen traveling and feeding. Additionally, you will have the chance to snorkel in these warm waters and admire the marine wonders of the area.
 NAUYACA WATERFALLS: Located on the hills between San Isidro el General and Dominical, is one of the country's most spectacular waterfalls, Nauyaca falls with Cascading 25 & 40 meters into an 8 meters deep pool for swimming. The area surrounding the waterfall is lush and tropical with an abundance of different species of animals. Early in the morning you will hike the 6 kilometers through the forest and countryside where you will have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful views of the mountains of San Isidro. The area is a watershed for the plateau above and during the rainy season the amount of water in the falls can truly be impressive.
 SNORKELING: Board a boat that will take you to Cano Island where your snorkeling adventure will begin. During the boat ride to the Island you will pass along the Sierpe River, through the biggest mangrove forest in Central America. This wetland is home to several resident and migratory species of birds. After 1½ hour, you will reach the mouth of the river, which will take you to Caño Island, a biological reserve known for its marine wildlife richness. As soon as you arrive to the island, you will have the chance to snorkel, looking for stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks, sea cucumbers, morays and the most colorful reef fish speicies. Some rest on the beach and then, you can choose to snorkel, hike up the island or stay on the beach to rest or swim until it is time to return to Sierpe.
 CORCOVADO: Located on the Osa Peninsula, in the south-western part of Costa Rica, Corcovado is one of the rainiest regions in the country. Due to its enormous biological diversity, this National Park is considered the crown jewel of the Costa Rican National Park System. Corcovado has become an important international research center for the study of tropical rain forest ecology. The flora and fauna is incredibly rich and approximately 500 species of trees have been recorded, with some giant specimens reaching heights of 40-50 meters. Corcovado protects the country’s largest population of scarlet macaws, as well as many other endangered species such as the jaguar, crocodile, tapir and squirrel monkey. A tour of this natural paradise is sure to deliver loads of adventure and wildlife sightings.
 ISLA DEL CAÑO: From the town of Sierpe you will board a boat that will take you to Isla del Cano. The ride will take you down the Sierpe River, passing through the biggest mangrove forest in Central America. This wetland is home to several resident and migratory species of birds. After 1½ hour, you will reach the mouth of the river, which will take you to Caño Island, a biological reserve known for its marine wildlife richness. Once you arrive relax Some on the beach and then, you can choose to snorkel, hike up the island or stay on the beach to rest or swim until it is time to return to Sierpe.
CORCOVADO
 WALK WITHIN THE
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK: Walking through the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula represents amongst the most intense nature-encounter experiences in the world. In the morning after breakfast, your guide will take you to the entrance of the National Park, where you will begin your nature hike. The guide will tell you details about the park’s natural history, and will show you different animal species (if you are lucky, you might see some endangered scarlet macaws flying freely). You will also discover a pristine waterfall nearby. A pic-nic lunch will be served at the ranger’s station.
 SCUBA DIVING: The South Pacific waters, particularly those surrounding the Drake Bay, are undoubtedly amongst the three best diving spots in the country (if not the first ones). A PADI certified instructor (dive master) accompanies the clients as they plunge in the ocean and start experiencing the marvels of underwater diversity. Manta rays, Snappers, Trumpet fish, Hammerhead Sharks, White tip reef sharks, and sea turtles can be spotted in these waters. The average depth ranges from 60 to 80 feet. Tours include equipment (tanks, masks, fins, and snorkels). Full-day tours include a box lunch. Ask us for more information on open water
diving lessons.
 SPORTFISHING: Half and full-day trips are organized both within the Drake Bay area lodges (Western Corcovado), and the southern Puerto Jiménez lodging options (South-East Corcovado Nat. Park). Boats are fully equipped. We are not sportfishing operators but we can include a tour in your itinerary. Enquire now for details and for offshore
fishing options.
Camino Travel encourages catch &
release sportfishing.
Note: most hotels within the Drake Bay area include visits to the Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island in their package prices. This means that they are available at no additional cost.
Other activities
available upon request: horseback riding, kayaking, and canopy
touring.
GOLFITO & SURROUNDINGS
 HIKE TO PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK: The virgen primary and secondary rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park offers much to explore. This unscathed paradise offers 10 miles of hiking trails within the park. Guided hikes can last from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and lead visitors through some steep areas of primary and secondary rain forests. (Shorter hikes go through secondary forest, whereas more challenging trails will lead you through primary forests). Wildlife abounds, and if your lucky you may have an opportunity to spot monkeys, coatis, pacas or even wildcats.
 WILSON BOTANICAL
GARDENS:Located 6 Km (3.6 miles) south of the town of San Vito, the Wilson Botanical Gardens constitute Costa Rica’s best flora collection, and one of the main highlights in the Golfito area. They are owned by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), a non-profit research center. The gardens are home to a variety of ferns, bromeliads, ginger, heliconias, and palms. In addition to the plant assortment, this is a good site for spotting birds and butterflies. You will have plenty of good photo opportunities. Camino Travel recommends that you spend the night at the Las Cruces Biological Station for a more in-depth approach to the gardens and surrounding trails. Contact us now for the Station’s features and booking procedures.
Other activities available upon request: trekking in the Piedras Blancas National Park (Northwest of Golfito), visiting a tropical and exotic fruit farm, and boat tours along the Golfo Dulce.
IMPORTANT! Please note that prices listed in this webpage may change at the time of booking, please confirm prices with your sales agent
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