Water Tours

Surfing: Guanacaste is popular among surfers who are drawn from near and far by the quality and consistency of the waves. Though Guanacaste gets plenty of the big waves that true surf fanatics live for, there are also days and spots that are perfect for people who have little experience with the sport, or who have been away from the ocean for a long time, and would like to try it again. This means that whether you're a veteran wave ripper or a belly-boarding beginner, you can usually find the conditions you need to have a great time. The country's surf is complemented by its comfortable water temperatures -- you can leave that wet suit at home -- beautiful scenery, and the convenience of a variety of accommodations and restaurants near most breaks. Many of the country's best breaks are found in the northwest province of Guanacaste: Playa Naranjo: Great beach break by Witch's Rock, in Santa Rosa National Park, accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicle or boat; camping permitted. Playa Grande: Very consistent beach break north of Tamarindo. Tamarindo: Good beach break, excellent base for surfing nearby beaches. Playa Langosta: River mouth break south of Tamarindo. Avellanas: Very good beach break further to the south.

⇑Beach Tour: Guanacaste is blessed with beautiful beaches on every coast. The beaches of the North Pacific Coast are especially fortunate to have a variety of settings, surf conditions, sand colours and compositions, and, of course, a spectacular sunset almost everyday. They were also mostly undiscovered until recent years when the opening of Costa Rica’s second international airport at Liberia revealed the North Pacific Coast to the world. The prior decades of relative inaccessibility to tourists, have left them with an unspoiled character and few regular visitors. They are wait for you to discover them for yourself. We offer to you the choice to visit and enjoy beaches such as Tamarindo, Langosta, Avellanas, Grande, Ventanas, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero, Surfside, Penca, Prieta, Pan de Azucar, etc.

⇑Snorkeling: If you want to go snorkeling, you should definitely try on the Tamarindo and surrounding areas, visit private bays and discover beautiful reefs with a variety of marine life, look for dolphins, whales, manta rays, turtles puffer fish, trigger fish, octopus, star fish, lots of hard coral and schooling fish and many others. Local guides will take you to unspoiled snorkeling destinations. There are several excellent snorkel spots within a short boat ride. The area provides you with the best places to go snorkeling. Because of its many islands, caves, reefs, and rocks which are located on the coast, this place is perfect to explore the underwater world. Great sites for beginners and experienced swimmers.

⇑Sea Kayaking: Paddling a kayak on the open ocean can be an exciting way to experience Guanacaste's marine and coastal wonders. Sea kayaking is much easier than river kayaking, and most trips can be done by people who have never tried the sport before. A sea kayaking tour is an opportunity to get a close look at the myriad of life below and above the ocean's surface -- from flying fish and sea turtles to frigate birds and pelicans -- and to explore some hard to reach offshore islands and coastal estuaries.

⇑Sailing, Snorkelling, Kayak: Sailing charters from Tamarindo. Silently glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast while passing some of Guanacaste’s exotic bays, white sand beaches, tropical jungles and rain forest. Enjoy as you scan the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or even a breaching whale. Stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor and frolic in the blue Pacific. Kayak through sea caves, float on a raft, snorkel in the bay or run down the deserted white sand beach. After frolicking in the secluded bay, the crew hoists the sails and the Boat skims quietly across the surface of the pacific passing Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Bahia Amore, Bahia de Las Pirates, Playa Grande and finally Tamarindo Beach. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you prepare to witness one of the great joys of Costa Rica….an enchanting Tamarindo sunset Relax on a sailing tour.

⇑Jet Ski Tour: Renting a Jet Ski today is so easy! We will get you set up so you can be out on the water enjoying an exhilarating adventure on the Pacific Ocean. It can be an exciting way to experience marine and coastal wonders. Jet Ski use is much easier than you normally think and can be done by people who have never tried the sport before. In this beautiful adventure we depart from Tamarindo or Conchal and drive enjoying the beautiful adventure side through some of the most beautiful beaches of the area and you can appreciate the beautiful views that this place has, making the adventure a great experience. We’re then able to help you familiarize yourself with your watercraft and answer any questions you may have. And of course, it also means you waste no time to get out and enjoy your new toy. All renters must participate in a pre-launch instructional safety briefing and security deposits are required. Operators must be 16 yrs or older and passengers can be of any age, photo Id, no driver license is required.

⇑Diving: The Pacific has the country's best diving, underwater wonders range from coastal coral reefs to offshore islands. Those varied dive spots contain diverse and beautiful marine life that includes giant manta rays, timid sea turtles, sharks, colorful fish, intricate coral formations, psychedelic sea slugs, delicate sea fans, curious dolphins and, on rare occasions, whales, etc. The best visibility and water temperatures are found from June to September, though the conditions can change from day to day. Though the Guanacaste's waters contain enough marine life to please the most experienced of divers, you need be little more than a curious swimmer to catch a glimpse of some of its underwater sights, since there are plenty of spots that are perfect for snorkeling. Guanacaste is also an excellent place to learn how to scuba dive, since most dive centers offer inexpensive certification courses in English that can be completed in less than a week.

⇑Sportfishing: Costa Rica is an angler's dream come true. The Pacific gold coast provide access to some the best deep sea Fishing in the world. The Pacific provides Costa Rica's most consistently exciting Fishing, with sailfish, marlin, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, mackerel, mahi mahi and snapper being caught regularly. It is the abundance of billfish that has made that area famous, with sailfish and marlin being taken in phenomenal numbers. There are plenty of ports out of which you can fish the Pacific. In the northwest province of Guanacaste, charter boats work out Tamarindo.

⇑Tamarindo Estuary Tour: Boat expedition explores a protected inland waterway, while enjoying magical ecosystem of the Tamarindo mangrove estuary and observing such interesting wildlife as howler monkeys and an array of birds. This unique brackish water jungle is fed by the ebb and flow of the Pacific Ocean and is the heart of the Tamarindo Wildlife Sanctuary. The estuary is protected by the national park system here in Costa Rica and is home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend the morning on a guided boat tour of this beautiful jungle to experience the sights and sounds of nature coming to life.

⇑White Water Rafting and Kayaking: Guanacaste Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are together responsible for one of the best white water river selections in the world. Rivers are regularly run by experienced rafting outfitters, and those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, they also pass some gorgeous scenery. Not only do white water enthusiasts flock Guanacaste, including several Olympic kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands of visitors experience the thrill of rafting for the first time there. Guanacaste is the perfect place for a first white water rafting experience, since it rivers offer a combination of reasonable rapids and beautiful floats. There are even rivers that are great for family excursions and bird watching, since they lack big rapids and flow through forests full of birds and other animals. In fact almost all river trips offer chances to see a bit of the country's wildlife, such as iguanas, blue morpho butterflies, parrots, and herons. The river routes available to rafters range from turbulent waters where you hardly have enough time to catch your breath between rapids, to meandering curves where you spend more time watching wildlife than paddling. All rafting trips can also be done in kayaks, but kayakers must be experienced.

⇑Bird Watching and River Floating: Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity at home quickly become interested in the country's spectacular avian diversity. With almost 850 species of birds -- more than in all of North America -- packed into an area half the size of Kentucky, it's hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica and of course we can provide experienced nature guides who make any bird watching expedition an educational experience. This classic float trip is especially for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The scenery and wildlife along the river are legendary. As you leisurely raft along this tranquil river, you might spot one of the more than 300 species of birds from the nearby Palo Verde National Park. Among the more commonly seen birds are ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and blue, tiger and boat-billed herons. Other wildlife in the area includes otters, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, iguanas and many other types of lizards. One of the reasons for Costa Rica's extraordinary bird life is the country's great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc. And any two of those ecosystems, with their resident bird species, are often only a short distance apart.

Ground Tours

⇑ATVTour: In this beautiful adventure we depart from Tamarindo and drive enjoying the beautiful adventure side through some of the most beautiful beaches, manglars and mountains of the area, there for you can appreciate the beautiful views that this place has, making the adventure a great experience. We can prepare your personalized tour.

⇑4-Wheel/Off Road: You probably like to enjoy one or more of the following: Nature, adventure, vintage Land Cruisers, ecology, outdoor activities, virgin beaches, howler monkeys, Volcanoes, Tropical Forests, winches, fine dining under the stars bullwhips, machetes, off-roading, undiscovered locations, bonfires, beautiful sunsets…But that’s not all we are about. Drive off road through streams and rivers. Stop to view cattle, horse ranches, local artisans, flora and fauna. Guides take the time at various locations to explain history. Beach drive with break for swimming, snorkeling, sun-bathing & sea kayaking. Continue tour in back-country. Excellent locations to spot/photograph Howler monkeys, Armadillos, rare birds and flora.

⇑Canopy Tour: Unforgettable tour consist of a short hike through the forest and a climb up to a platform above the ground where you will swing from tree over steel cables exploring the levels of the canopy with expert guides and the strictest safety measures.

⇑Horseback Riding: There are opportunities to go horseback riding almost everywhere in Guanacaste, and climbing onto the back of a spirited equine can be a wonderful way to spice up your vacation. The selection of horseback excursions ranges from morning trail rides in the mountains, which get you back to your condo in after lunch, to all-day expeditions through the rain forest. Though you might not associate it with a tropical country, Costa Rica has quite a cowboy culture. The tradition is primarily based in the province of Guanacaste, one of the first parts of the country to be settled by the Spanish, where vast cattle ranches cover rolling hills and forest-draped volcanoes tower above it all. Nevertheless, mountain resorts and nature lodges located all over the country offer horseback excursions, which can head through pastures, tropical forests, or down beaches, and often stopping at waterfalls and swimming holes. Horseback tours are also excellent opportunities for bird watching and getting close to timid wildlife, and the people who lead them often have eagle eyes peeled for interesting critters.

⇑Hiking: Guanacaste has enough trails to keep serious hikers stepping for a long time, and the scenery those routes pass ranges from lowland rain forests to brisk mountain valleys. The routes themselves are as varied as the scenery, ranging from invigorating jaunts in the mountains to backpacking adventures that lead you into the heart of the wilderness. Nearly all of Guanacaste's national parks have short trails that can be hiked in an hour or two, while others have routes that take the better part of a day to complete, such as the trails to the top of Barva and Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes. Santa Rosa National Parks have longer backpacking routes, which require several days. There are also plenty of well marked hiking trails in Guanacaste's growing number of private reserves.

⇑Mountain Biking: With its countless kilometers of dirt roads and paths traversing a variety of terrain, Guanacaste has enough mountain biking routes to keep a serious biker rolling for years. But you need neither be an enthusiast nor willing to deal with the hassle of dragging a bike along as luggage to enjoy the sport there. Mountain bikes can be rented with us, and several local companies offer mountain bike tours of Guanacaste's less visited areas, many of which are mellow enough for people who haven't been on a bike for years. A good selection of one-day tours head out of San Jose to nearby attractions, tours. Bikers who bring their own wheels will find no shortage of routes in Guanacaste. The southern Nicoya Peninsula, which is crisscrossed by sparsely traveled dirt roads, is the perfect region for mountain-bike touring.

⇑Palo Verde National Park: One of the most important and interesting National Parks in Costa Rica. It has at least 12 different habitats within the park including: mangroves, swamps, swamps forests, saltwater and freshwater lagoons and marshes. In this tour you will go through two antique villages: Bolson and Ortega, then we get into the Tempisque River, the most important river of Guanacaste. On this river you will enjoy a boat ride. From the boat, watch the fabulous array of wild birds and a myriad of creatures such as howler monkeys, green iguanas and coatis, anteaters and crocodiles. The park provides shelter for a great variety of birds such as the American Woodstock, the Roseate Spoonbill, the Boat-billed Heron, the Tiger Heron and the Tropical Kingbird. This is a great tour for those who love nature and bird watching!!!

⇑Rincón de la Vieja National Park: This National Park was created to protect the biodiversity around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano area. It extends over 14083 hectares of semi-deciduous forest and very moist forest and includes a barren rocky terrain at altitudes that range from 1950 feet to 5748 feet above sea level on the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range. Fumaroles, hot mud pools and the eerie steam holes of Las Pailas create an amazing landscape. We will take you in the 2 and a half hours trail, located inside the park where you’ll enjoy and learn about this ACTIVE live, volcanic activity is guaranteed such as Steams and mud pools including in the trail.

⇑Miravalles Volcano: Welcome to enjoy natural beauties of this homeland and explore all wonder that this place have to offer. It was used shortly time ago only for extraction of geothermic power. The closer community’s people of Guayabo started few years ago to support the idea of Miravalles as a tourist destination. This is one of the must unexplored destinations for tourism and one of the must beautiful scenario for natural exploration, enjoy horseback ridding around a volcanic lake rounded by petrography stones from an ancient Indian culture.

⇑Monteverde Cloud Forest And Selvatura Center: This famous cloud forest reserve will be our scenery for a great hike through the wonder of the cloud forest while our guide will search the most incredible bird including the Quetzal. Admire the prehistoric ferns and the trees full of epiphytes and moss. A special journey that will enhance your trip to Costa Rica.

⇑Safari Africa Mía: It's Guanacaste’s newest and most unique tourist attraction, boasting over 150 animals. Aside from the native monkeys, wild rabbits, birds, guatusas among others, visitors are exposed on our African Safari Wildlife Tour to reticulated giraffes, the incredible Giant Eland, endangered species bongos, mask faced oryx, warthogs, zebras, ostriches, antelopes, deer, watusi african cattle and camels. Africa Mia provides in the African Savannah similar conditions available in Africa’s savannah (rainfall, sun hours, temperature) making it possible for our collection to have adapted itself completely to their new home.

⇑Giant leatherback Turtle Nesting Tour: There are only a few places in the world where the Giant leatherback Turtle comes to lay her eggs, and National Park Las Baulas is one of them. Don't miss this aprox. 2 hour nocturnal walking tour to see the world's largest reptile lay her eggs and return to the sea. It is an experience you will never forget! Nesting season runs from October to February.

⇑Tempisque Tour Adventures: Visit this Tour Adventures is to live an unforgettable experience, not only because you can observe and photograph an impressive variety of wild animals in their natural habitat, but you can also feed and interact with many of them. You can learn about the different species that live in the park, their feeding habits, see how they are raised and how they live free in their natural surroundings. The amazing abundance of wildlife will guarantee that you will have close encounters with wild animals as well as tame ones that can be approached to take pictures with. Take a walk through our natural trails, breathing fresh air from the Tempisque River Lowlands, and share side by side with Tapirs, Deer and Emus accompanying you freely through your journey. All this while Macaws, Whistling Ducks and many other types of birds are flying gracefully the air above you back and forth to and from Palo Verde National Park.

⇑Rainforest and Arenal Hot Springs: Takes you to a unique and diverse variety of ecosystems, where you will combine an evergreen rain forest walk and the Arenal volcano. This perfectly cone shaped volcano raises 4.899 feet above the sea level. It has been active since 1968, when it made its largest eruption. Its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash during the day create a show that will stun you from miles away. On your way there, you will ride through the heavenly landscape of Lake Arenal and end up at Arenal Hot Springs, a unique place right at the foot of the giant volcano. You will immerse yourself in sulphur springs.

Relaxing

⇑Relaxing Spa Treatments: Views of the ocean and tropical forest are at once breathtaking and calming, inducing feelings of tranquility. The scents of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood fill the air, and soft music can be heard -barely above the silence that pervades. In some Spa’s you will find private therapy work areas, wonderful private outdoor showers, beautiful heated hydro-therapy pool, a Balinese soaking tub, and a scenic-view area where you may lay back and relax in a softly padded teak lounge chair and enjoy the full splendor of Costa Rica. All treatments involve the use of organic fruits, plants, flowers, herbs, minerals and oils which are indigenous to Costa Rica.

⇑3 Hour Real Estate Tour: Costa Rica has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the world; particularly the northern Pacific coast. The variety of beaches, mountains, amenities, and available investments offers many truly different opportunities in a relatively small area. The Costa Rica Real Estate Store offers a driving tour/overview that will reveal the nature of Langosta, Tamarindo, Villareal, Huacas, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside, Potrero, Pacific Heights, and the new Guacamaya development zone to interested visitors. As available, the tour will include stops at points of interest and real estate projects. If you have a special interest, the tour can be customized or limited to certain destinations and project types.

Cultural Tours

⇑Guanacaste Cultural Expression Tour: Guanacaste is known for its music, which is the most popular form of artistic expression in the province. “Music is an important character to be respected and appreciated,” and seems to be a natural ability among Guanacaste’s sabaneros. In this tour we pass to some of the most important typical places in Santa Cruz, Guaitil, and Nicoya. One of Guanacaste’s most important staples, corn is the base of many of the region’s typical foods and beverages. Most houses have clay ovens, in which all kinds of breads and many of the foods above are baked. It’s interesting to know how some of these foods are prepared. Key places to enjoy these foods and beverages are the markets in Liberia and Nicoya, and the famous Cooperativa de Mujeres (Women’s Cooperative) in Santa Cruz. The handicrafts of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya are made of pure clay using the traditional and ancient techniques of the Chorotega indigenous group. Ornaments, urns, flowerpots, vases, plates, decorative whistles and other figures are fashioned and may be bought for their fine finish and interest in several parts of Guanacaste. Visitors can also acquire other kinds of handicrafts fashioned out of jicaro.

⇑Nicaragua Cultural Expression tour: Cross the Border, and in just 1:30 hours enjoy another experience totally different in the cultural Leon of Nicaragua, visit the Nicaragua’s Lake the bigger in Central America. Share with friendship people the chance to realize about the diversity of customs that you might find from country to country. An scenic view of the Lake give you a spectacular and relaxing option to come back to nature and forget about busy city life, on a boat , a car, and walk give you the chance to meet two countries, to know two stories. Tour will pass several towns such as Rivas, Granada, Masaya, Isletas, Laguna de Apoyo, then we’ll go to enjoy of the Volcanoes Maderas, Concepcion, Mombacho and finally climbing the Masaya volcano.

⇑Spanish Courses in Tamarindo: Learn Spanish in the tropical paradise of Playa Tamarindo. Nestled on the northwest coast of Costa Rica, Tamarindo boasts white sand, crystal clear water, unparalleled surfing and a lively nightlife. In the true tradition of the tropics, Spanish classes are held in open-air, classrooms surrounded by rainforest, and everything in town-- including the beach--is just a few minutes walk away. * Location--Tamarindo is a perfect place for those who want to study in a fun, relaxing beach town. * Conversational Classes--Our communicative approach is the most effective and enjoyable way to learn a language. You'll learn to communicate in real-life situations, and you'll begin speaking the language from your very first class! * Activities and Excursions--Get to know the language and the culture with fun activities and local excursions included in your course. * Flexible Dates--Start whenever you want, stay as long as you want. * College Credit--Get college credit for your language travel program! Bridge Abroad is devoted to helping people of all ages reach their goals of international service and learning. We succeed in this by providing meaningful programs in language study, teacher training, and volunteer adventures in amazing locations around the world. We believe that communication and international experience enhances cross-cultural understanding.