Culebra Bay is noted for its excellent waters quality which support valuable eco systems. It has several beaches ideal for water sports or just chilling on the sand. Those interested in archaeology will be drawn there as there are many examples of pre-Colombian settlement.
Within close proximity are three national parks, Santa Rosa, Rincôn de la Vieja and Palo verde. Access to the Rincôn de la Vieja volcano is no longer allowed due to an eruption in 2020.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Rincón de la Vieja, an active volcano located within a mesmerizing tropical rainforest. Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through the Guanacaste lowlands, before reaching Rincón National Park. Hike across rugged lava fields, home to jaguars, pumas, spider monkeys, sloths, and a stunning array of exotic birds, all leading you to the awe-inspiring Rincón de la Vieja volcano.
After your hike, enjoy a horseback ride to the Río Negro waterfalls and unwind in the soothing natural hot springs. As the day draws to a close, dine aboard your yacht, where a personal Michelin Star chef will prepare a gourmet meal. While you savor each bite, take in the magnificent sight of spinner dolphins dancing in the water and humpback whales gliding by with their calves.
After a leisurely breakfast at anchor, with sea turtles swimming gracefully past the yacht, set sail towards Tamarindo, where golden beaches await. Relax on the peaceful shores of Las Baulas Marine Park, a prime nesting spot for Leatherback sea turtles between October and March. For those seeking adventure, dive into the vibrant underwater world, swimming alongside eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks.
For a change of pace, rent a quad bike and explore the quieter, hidden beaches around the town, far from the crowds of peak season. Take a break with lunch at one of Tamarindo's cozy beachfront bars, enjoying the laid-back vibe. In the afternoon, paddle through the serene mangrove forests before embarking on a sunset cruise. End the day with a delicious dinner while enjoying breathtaking views of the Nicoya Peninsula from the aft deck.
The Islas are in fact two islands, Tolinga and Alcatraz. Snorkelling is the most popular activity at the islands and you may be fortunate and encounter rays and dolphins. On occasion, whales may also be seen. It is the ideal spot to enjoy some kayaking and jet-skiing.
If you just want to laze on the beach and be entranced by the beauty of the sea and palms, this is the place for you. Spider monkeys abound and they will present good photo opportunities as they are naturally curious. Fishing around the islands is good and you may hook a tuna or jack or something smaller.
The Isla del Cano is one of the prime destinations in Drake Bay (Bahia Drake) with most of its attractions being beneath the surface of the sea. Access to the island itself is limited to one hundred people at a time, with one session in the morning and another in the afternoon. Once you’re on the island itself, there are many restrictions designed to ensure that it maintains its pristine condition.
The number of divers is also limited but any wait is well worth it. Being in a nature reserve, fishing is prohibited as is removal of any other flora or fauna on or around the island. When you are diving, you are likely to see a selection of barracudas, dolphins, humpback whales, moray eels, rays, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, and other aquatic species. Cano is a place where a camera is essential for taking photographs above and below the waterline.
Punta Adela is located in Costa Rica's Golfe Dulco, home to some of the best snorkeling spots. On these beautiful shores, charter guests can don their snorkel masks and duck beneath the blue to admire the brain-head coral reefs and scores of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish. The majestic underwater rock pinnacles and super warm sea temperatures make snorkeling here a truly stunning experience.
Puerto Jiminez has become a hub for tourists at Corcovado National Park. Hiking in and around the town will be a memorable tour in itself. Along the waterfront, you may see dolphins, whales, and turtles, while a short distance away, there may well be macaws, parrots, monkeys, squirrels, and perhaps even a crocodile or two. If not getting around on foot, cycling is a good next-best.
If you fish inshore, you may catch grouper, jacks, roosterfish, snooker, or one of several types of snapper. Offshore fishermen can go after mahi-mahi, marlin, sailfish, and tuna. The town has several restaurants serving a variety of mainly local and Latin food, and there is also some good night entertainment.
The areas in and around the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) have several ecosystems, some of which contain flora unique to the area. Near the Corcovado national Park are the Golfo Dulce Forest and the Reserve Piedras Blancas National Park, the latter perfect for seeing tropical birds and the former home to monkeys, jaguars and coatis. The all-year rainfall supports all sorts of flora and fauna.
The Golfo is an excellent destination for inshore fishermen who can cast their lines for barracuda, jack, roosterfish snapper, mackerel, pompano and grouper. Serious game fishermen will go out a bit and go after dorado, marlin, wahoo and yellowfin. Be sure to make use of a local guide if you visit the national parks as some of the wildlife may not be of a type which you encounter very often. Kayaking may be preferable to swimming in and near the Golfo as some of the sea creatures may see you as a tasty meal.