About Tour: The Grand Térraba River is the longest river of Costa Rica , covering 198 kilometers and carrying the largest volume of water. It descends from the highest point of Costa Rica down to the Pacific Ocean . This river creates the largest delta and it's lowest section protects 36,000 hectares of Mangroves, the largest area of mangrove swamp in Costa Rica . Seven different species of Mangrove trees have been identified in the swamp- the most in the country.

For this trip, we depart from the town of Bahia Ballena and take the Constanera Highway to San Buenaventura de Osa, for about 15 kilometers . Just before the town, we turn onto a side road to Coopemangle R.L. for about 3 kilometers to reach the put in. Once at the put in, our guide with provide us with safety information and the technique that will be needed for the voyage ahead.

After the safety and technique part, we will begin to paddle into the mangrove canals for 3 to 4 hours discovering along the way the beauty of this area as well as the greatvariety of animals life that exists in the mangroves. The mangrove forest is a refuge for birds, insects, snails and many types of animals and reptiles. The trees are also an essential part of the diet of many of these animals who flourish on the leaves, fruit and flowers of the mangroves. Some of the amazing reptiles you might encounter are the American Crocodile, Boa Constrictors, and Green and Black Iguanas. Bird species that can be found here include the White Ibis, Osprey and the Mangrove Hummingbird which is endemic to this ecosystem in Costa Rica . If we are lucky, we might be able to spot a Howler of White Throated Capuchin Monkey. The river is also home to a wide variety of fish like Snook or Snapper which make for great sportfishing as well as for sumptuous meals.

About Tour: Take a 3 hour tour with the pros to scout for whales and dolphins! This trip offers the exciting possibility to observe several species of whales including: the Humpback Whale (estimated 5,000 in the wild), Bryde’s Whale, Pilot Whale, and on the rare occasion Killer Whales!

There are two seasons to observe whales during the year, December to April (whales migrating from the northern hemisphere), and July to October (whales migrating from the Antarctic Peninsula. Costa Rica, especially the southern coast has the longest season for the humpback whale in the world, which makes for some of the best whale watching anywhere.

The possibility to observe different species of dolphins can be done year round. The Spotted Dolphin, the Bottle Nose Dolphin and the Spinner Dolphin have all been regularly spotted here. In the off-season for whales, the tour focuses on spotting dolphins.

A day full of adventure and education while exploring the vast Pacific. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience to see the enormous whales and playful dolphins.

Whats Included? Transportation, fruits, water, snorkel equipment, admittance into Marino Ballena National Park, and a specialized guide.

About Tour: Marino Ballena National Park is located twenty minutes south from Dominical. The park was founded in 1990, to protect the coral reefs in Coronado Bay . The park extends over thirteen kilometers of sandy shores and rocky coast. As the name implies, whales frequent this reserve, most notably humpback whales, from December to May. Some of the other fish and mammals that can be found in the bay are: anchovies, catfish, flying fish, snappers, Caribbean snook, jewfish, common dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins. The southern Pacific coast has a variety of flora fauna within its´ mangrove swamps, estuaries, rivers and ravines. Some of the migratory and resident birds that can be spotted within this area are: the northern boat-billed heron, the little blue heron, the white ibis, the black-collared hawk, the greater yellow legs, the spotted sandpiper, the black-bellied plover, the semi-palmated plover, the whimbrel, the turkey vulture, and the king vulture.

We begin the tour early Saturday morning from Dominical. We will take a short drive south to Uvita Beach where we will board a boat for the ten minute scenic trip over to Ballena Island . During the boat ride, you may spot many different birds and maybe even some whales. The clear calm water around the island is ideal for snorkeling. A guide will take you out snorkeling and help identify the plants and fish below in the aqua waters.

After a spectacular snorkeling trip around Ballena Island , we will return to shore and take another car ride to Playa Ventanas, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our guide.

About Tour: The Oro Verde Private Biological Reserve has been owned and operated by the Duarte family for over 50 years. We are dedicated to the preservation of our wonderful rainforest and all its plants and creatures. We cordially welcome you to enjoy its incredible beauty with us.
Tropical wildlife thrives in Oro Verde's different habitats, which includes 150 hectares (374 acres) of primary and secondary lowland rainforest.

Oro Verde is home to over 250 bird species, and the giant, bright blue morpho butterflies (morfos) dance across your jungle path as you encounter other wonderful forest creatures such as our howler monkeys (congos), white-faced Capuchin monkeys (monos cariblancos), tayras (tolomucos), tree sloths (perezosos), coatis (pizotes), collared peccarys (saínos), red-tailed squirrels (ardillas coliroja), anteaters (tamanduas), pacas (tepezcuintles) and agoutis (guatusas), and more.
Our tour ends with a tasty rural-style meal, typical of the local mountain campesinos.

About Tour: This is the most exciting of the tours offered by Hacienda Baru. The group arrives to the reserve at 2:00 p.m., where they are geared up with harnesses and helmets. Then after a short hike up into the rainforest, you arrive at the first platform where you can launch yourself across the valley below. During the tour, your guides explain the flora and fauna of the primary and secondary rainforest around you, including the 150 year-old trees, sloths, and poison dart frogs you may encounter along the way. Recommended items: comfortable shoes for walking, camera, water, and insect repellent.

About Tour: This garden is located in Uvita Town, twenty (20) minutes from Dominical. In this place we can observe more than fifty (50) species of butterflies including the beautiful Blue Morpho Butterfly. This place is run by local guides. They will explain to you the fascinating life process of the butterflies.
After the garden visit, we will take you o Marino Ballena National Park. In this park you will be able to swim in the ocean, enjoy the beautiful sunset and eat some tropical fruit.

What to bring? Bathing suit, sandals, sneakers, bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant and a towel.

About Tour: For this visit to Rancho La Merced, you will learn to ride horses on the ranch driving cattle. Techniques are taught how rope cattle, tag a new calf, and check cow's heat cycle, and maintain the ranch.

What to bring? sunscreen, insect repellant, comfortable clothes you can get dirty, pants for riding, sneakers or boots.