HALF DAY ACTIVITIES
Manuel
Antonio National Park
Early in the morning, enjoy the charms of the National Park Manuel Antonio, with its striking white-sand beaches, clear tranquil waters and abundant wildlife. Though the highlights of this park are its two white sand beaches - Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio where you'll have time to swim - it also protects coastal rain forest, a mangrove swamp, coral formations and 12 islands that serve as seabird sanctuaries. Your guide will teach you about the park's distinctive plant life and point out some of the resident fauna, which include 109 mammal species, such as 3 species of monkeys, agouti, three-toed sloth and 184 species of birds.
Departure: 8:00 a.m. / Arrival time: 11:45 a.m. (Driving time: 15 minutes; Closed on Mondays)
What to bring: Sun block lotion, swimsuit, and towel, beach sandals, insect repellent, camera, binoculars and hat
Price: $50 per person / $40 children under 12 / $90 private tour
Includes: Transportation, refreshments, bilingual guide and entrance fee
Canopy Tour
Sail high above the rainforest canopy and experience the jungle from its richest perspective: the top of the rainforest canopy. Drive for approximately one hour to the ranch house, snugly set beside a freshwater stream at the base of a mountain, where you'll be served a delicious typical breakfast or lunch (depending on tour time). Get an incredible adrenaline rush while flying between platforms in the canopy of the rainforest from a perspective that few experience. You will be led through magical trails that gently wind through the forest, where you can see poison dart frogs, toucans, squirrel monkeys and more tropical plants than you can believe! Featuring: 21 Platforms, 9 zip lines, 2 repel lines, one suspension bridge, and one "Tarzan Swing".
Departure time: 6:50 a.m. / 9:50 a.m. - Arrival time: 12:30 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. (Driving time: 1 hour each way)
What to bring: Long pants, sun block, comfortable shoes or tennis shoes, camera, insect repellent, breakfast or lunch
Price: $75 per person
Includes: Air conditioned transportation, equipment, and bilingual guide
Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak
This is a great opportunity to have a close view into the real nature. Kayaking through this unique and protected inland waterway is truly a great adventure. You will combine adventure with education, which is easy since the Damas is the perfect place to learn about one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the Mangrove Forest. Enjoy the enchanting, primordial mangrove estuary and observe fascinating wildlife such as the whiteface capuchin monkeys and a vast array of birds. Board your kayak for a relaxing enjoyable trip. If it is of your preference this can be done by motor boat as floating trip.
Departure time: Depending on tides schedule. - Arrival time: Around 4 1/2 hours after you start it (Driving time: 30 minutes)
What to Bring: Cool comfortable clothes and shoes, sun block, insect repellent, hat, binoculars & camera
Price: $75 per person
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, equipment and tropical fruit buffet
Morning or Sunset Sailing
Discover the wonders of our imposing Manuel Antonio coastline and climb aboard one of Costa Rica's greatest sailing experiences by morning or sunset. Marvel at mysterious islands with jagged rock formations, towering cliffs and nesting grounds to sixteen species of marine pelagic birds. It is not rare during certain times of the year to listen to the song of the whales, whistling with each surge of the waves. Submerge with us and visit a fascinating undersea domain, playground to more than 60 species of colourful tropical fish. We travel all along the coastline while explaining interesting facts of Manuel Antonio National Park and the heritage of the Quepoa Indians. Join us and witness the world's most unforgettable sunsets, the perfect conclusion to another relaxing, and beautiful afternoon in paradise. We cruise in search of different species of dolphins and whales, four species of turtles, vibrant schools of fish and many other marine creatures that inhabit these waters.
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m. - Arrival time: 12:30 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. (Driving time: 15 minutes)
What to bring: Sun block, hat or cap, shorts, sandals, swim suit and camera.
Price: $75 per person
Includes: Round-trip transfers to/from your hotel, boat transfer, bilingual guide, snorkel equipment and lunch
Surfing Lessons
Surfing is a healthy, natural sport. It gets you in shape, gives you a nice tan, and most of all is FUN! Enjoy surfing at the most incredible beach of the area: Playa El Rey. From grommets to grandpas, pros to never done it, we have you covered. Playa El Rey offers great left and right breaks; the place is completely secluded since it belongs to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Before you get into the water, our bilingual instructors will give you a safety talk, some theory and demonstrate the first steps of surfing and after that you are ready to get in your first waves.
Departure time: depending on tides schedule. - Arrival time: around 4 hours after you started (Driving time: 30 minutes)
What to bring: Rubber-soled sandals, comfortable clothing, hat or cap, swimsuit, towel, waterproof sun protection and camera
Price: $65 per person
Includes: Transportation, surf board, leash, lycra top, beverages, snacks and a surf instructor
White Water Rafting - Naranjo
More action and much adrenaline is what you are looking for? It's only 30 minutes away from the Manuel Antonio/ Quepos area: the Naranjo River is the natural southern border of Manuel Antonio National Park. The river drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride to sea level passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. These are 8 miles of white-water and famous rapids. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles. The white-water, jungle, canyon, and sky make for an unforgettable day.
Departure time: 7:00 a.m. - Arrival time: 12:30 p.m. (Driving time: 45 minutes)
What to bring: Rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting.
Class: III - IV
Price: $79 per person
Includes: River gear, soft drinks & fruits, bilingual guide & air-condition transportation
Horseback Riding
Come and join us experiencing this picturesque ride through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls; giving us the opportunity to approach an exuberant natural world of tropical plants and wildlife in an organic non-intrusive manner. Discover the secrets of the forest, learn about medicinal and curative plants. Find toucans in our exotic primary forest. Time for a swim!! Enjoy a relaxing stay at waterfalls and natural pristine pools. After riding, visit the waterfalls where you can swim and relax or walk the rainforest trails.
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. - Arrival time: 1:00 p.m. (Driving time: 1 hour)
What to bring: Long pants, sturdy footwear (not sandals), hat/visor, swim suit, sunscreen and camera. A change of clothes is recommended.
Price: $70 per person
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guides, horseback riding equipments, fruits, snacks, beverages and typical Costa Rican lunch or dinner
Butterfly & Aquatic Gardens Nature Reserve
Visit the first butterfly garden and private nature reserve in the Manuel Antonio area and find more than 20 species of butterflies (like famous Monarch and Blue Morpho) inside a uniquely designed 1,000 square foot atrium garden. In additional to butterflies, learn also about Tropical Aquatic Gardens where you can find a variety of species of frogs and toads. One of the most popular: the red eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas), the glass tree frogs (Cochranella granulosa) and the wet forest toad (Bufo melanochlorus), endemic species of Costa Rica, call this place their home. The tour also offers the opportunity to see the reptile exhibition.
Departure time: 8:30 a.m. / 12:30 p.m. - Arrival time: 1:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. (Driving time: 10 minutes)
What to bring: Cool comfortable clothes and shoes, hat & sun block
Price: $27-$45 per person
Includes: Air-conditioned transportation, bilingual guide and entrance fee and camera
Early Bird Watching Tour
Costa Rica is a birder's paradise. With over 856 different species, you just need to go for a short walk to see a multitude of colorful exotic birds. Here, in Arenas del Mar, the trees, bushes and flowers planted just outside your room, were chosen because they attract different species of tanager, euphonias, flycatchers, robins, woodpeckers and over 180 different species of birds. During the early hike we usually see monkeys, sloths and agoutis as well. Come and join us for a fascinating nature experience!
Departure time: 6:00 a.m. / Arrival time: 8:00 a.m.
What to bring: Bottle of water, hiking boots or tennis shoes, camera, binoculars, light clothing
Price: $20 per person
Night Walk on Arenas Del Mar Nature Reserve
At night, many animals go to sleep but many others come out to explore the dark such as snakes, spiders, opossums and owls. This is your exotic opportunity to see, hear and experience the thrill of the wild nocturnal life at Arenas Del Mar. Come and join us in this great experience!
Departure time: 6:00 p.m. / Arrival time: 8:00 p.m.
What to bring: Hiking boots or tennis shoes, long pants, rain gear
Price: $20 per person
Exploring Quepos Point - The Backyard of Arenas Del Mar
Quepos Point is over 300 acres of virtually unexplored tropical wet forest and is our neighbor to the north. Barry Biesanz is a world famous wood-crafter that owns a 150 acre farm on the point. This farm is dedicated to conservation and in association with the Biesanz family, Arenas Del Mar is offering a private walk in this pristine and fascinating preserve. On this hike you will encounter among many rain forest inhabitants, howler monkeys, three-toed sloth, coatimundis and many reptiles and tropical exotic birds. You will experience some of the most stunning views of Cathedral Point and the most stunning views of the National Park's Cathedral Point and a view of the Quepos shore with its dock and mangrove areas. This challenging hike will leave you with memories of one of the Pacific coast's most untamed jungles.
Departure time: upon request / Arrival time: 2 or 3 hours after you started
What to bring: Bottle of water, hiking boots or tennis shoes, camera, binoculars, light clothing
Price: $40 per person
Includes: Lunch
Hike to Biesanz Beach
This beach is one of the best-kept-secrets of the area. Only those in the know will enjoy its quiet waters and coral reefs. Like Manuel Antonio Beach, (inside the park) this is the only other cove in the area where the crystal clear waters lap at the shore making it perfect for snorkeling. You start hiking with our guide through the forest on the backside of the hotel for about 1 hour until you get to the beach. There are lots of chances of finding wild life on the way. When you arrive at this beautiful beach you will decide how long you would like to enjoy your privacy and our guide will pick you up later to hike back through the forest. Biesanz beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming and if you wish to snorkel the equipment is available for you to rent right there. This is a tour for those who love beautiful beaches and deep forest trails; kids specially love it.
Departure time: upon request / Arrival time: about 1:45 hours hiking time
What to bring: Hiking shoes, snorkeling gear, sun block, camera, bathing suit
Price: $30 per person
Includes: Lunch
Sustainability Tour
Curious to learn about how a resort can combine top-notch service with the highest levels of sustainability? Go behind the scenes to find out how Arenas Del Mar has incorporated elements of environmental stewardship and social responsibility into its day-to-day operations, allowing guests who stay with us to truly leave a positive impact in Manuel Antonio. From biodegradable cleaning products to earthworm powered composting, this tour is truly fascinating and inspiring for all guests interested in conservation, sustainable development, ecotourism and green living.
Departure time: upon request
Price: Free of Charge
Spices, Gardens & Flavors Tour
Villa Vanilla is located 10 miles east in the foothills overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park. The farm consists of 27 acres tropical agriculture production surrounded by 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. This farm is certified organic / biodynamic by Demeter USA. This tour offers you the opportunity to experience the sights, tastes and aromas of tropical spices, essential oil plants, sustainable farming practices, spice drying and packaging. Crops include vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, allspice plus a variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal plants. The tour begins in the post harvest/warehouse where you will observe spice drying, processing and packaging. Then you will enter the plantation by way of our unique "Epiphyte Trail", (Orchids, Bromeliads & Tilandsias) where you will smell and taste aromatic spices and herbs. Then we continue past our pasture and fish pond on to savor vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate treats and mountain vistas.
Departure time: 8:30 a.m. / 12:30 p.m. - Arrival time: 12:00 p.m. / 4:00 p.m.
What to bring: Comfortable clothes, tennis or hiking shoes, sun block, insect repellent, cash for shopping vanilla beans and extracts (they don't take credit cards).
Price: $49 per person
FULL DAY ACTIVITIES
White Water Rafting - Savegre
The rivers in Costa Rica are famous for White Water Rafting, and Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited places for such activity after Turrialba. Savegre White Water Rafting is an authentic full day adventure: Relaxation and pure action while enjoying the fantastic landscapes. Due to its diversity, the Savegre River Valley is currently a scientific research center. Along the way you will be astounded by the awesome canyons, waterfalls, and primary rainforest of Costa Rica. The Savegre River is a magnificent stretch of white-water that begins its course by winding out of a sparsely inhabited valley in the mountains. At the lower Savegre the white-water rapids are exciting, but not so demanding that you won't have time to enjoy the Savegre's spectacular tropical scenery. This is one of the most pristine rivers in the country, and is surrounded by impressive views of the primary rainforest. Lurking just behind the shroud of lush foliage, you will find a number of truly magnificent waterfalls of the Savegre's tributaries. At the full day Savegre River rafting tour you will visit a waterfall and get to explore the natural swimming pools in the area surrounded by blooming heliconias.
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. - Arrival time: 4:00 p.m. (Driving time: 60 minutes)
What to bring: Rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting.
Class: III, IV, V
Price: $98 per person
Includes: River gear, soft drinks & fruits, bilingual guide & air-condition transportation
