Intrepid Costa Rica: Raft, Surf & Kayak

• Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is home to monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws, while its waters contain turtles, barracudas, sea urchins and more than 125 species of fish
• Hop into kayaks and paddle through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife
• The Pacuare River has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Private vehicle , Shared vehicle , Shared boat. Raft

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Lodge (3 nights)

Included Activities

• Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge - Leader-led walk (Entrance fee & Transport)
• Manzanillo - Beginner surf lesson or Independent surfboard rental
• Pacuare - 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3
• Pacuare - 2hr. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3 & 4
• Tortuguero - Canals kayak trip
• Tortuguero - National Park (Entrance Fee)

Day - 1

Location: San Jose - Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.

Day - 2

Location: Rafting Pacuare River - Transfer to Pacuare River. From here you'll hit the rapids of the Pacuare River by raft all the way to your rainforest lodge. The next two days involve some incredible white water rafting down the Pacuare River. This river has been rated as one of the ten top best rivers around the world; not only for its rapids, but also its pristine rainforest surrounds and waterfalls. On arrival at tonight's eco-lodge accommodation you'll have time to either chill out or take a self-guided walk along garden trails.

Day - 3

Location: Rafting Pacuare River / Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Hit the river again as you leave the lodge by raft for more unforgettable white water, and maybe some wildlife-spotting along the way. You'll ride the Class 3 and four rapids for around 2 hours, or 14 kilometres. Around 10 am, travel by private vehicle (approximately 2.5 hours) to Puerto Viejo for a taste of Caribbean seaside: reggae bars and palm-fringed beaches.

Day - 4

Location: Surfing Manzanillo beach / Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Rise early to take the 8 am public bus (20 minutes) to Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, an area that encompasses several rare habitats like a lowland rainforest, a wetland, a coral reef and a mangrove swamp. Spend around two hours exploring alongside your leader and keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, reptiles, toucans and macaws. The Refuge is also the nesting area for several species of turtles, manatees, crocodiles, caimans, tarpons and dolphins. There will be some free time for lunch in Manzanillo town before the surf lesson at 2 pm where you'll spend around two hours in the water. Learn some basic pointers to ride a wave, or if you've done this before, grab a board and hang ten! You will be dropped back at the hotel between 4-5pm. 

Day - 5

Location: Tortuguero National Park - At 8 am, transfer back to Limon and travel by boat to Tortuguero National Park, one of the best places in Costa Rica for spotting wildlife (approximately 3-4 hours depending on the water level).

Day - 6

Location: Kayaking Tortuguero National Park - Accessible only by plane or boat, Tortuguero National Park is regarded as one of the best places in Costa Rica for spotting wildlife. With this in mind, hop into kayaks and set out on a two-hour journey through the park's canals in search of monkeys, sloths, caiman, jaguars, lizards, bats and a gamut of birdlife. Along the way, learn from a local tour leader about how the jungle's islets, lagoons, wetlands and palm forests functions as an ecosystem.

Day - 7

Location: San Jose - Travel by boat to La Pavona (1.5-2 hours depending on water level) and continue by road to San Jose (approximately 3.5 hours). Perhaps head out for a final group dinner and become acquainted with the city's buzzing nigh scene.

Day - 8

Location: San Jose - Your tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Please note you are required to comply with the hotel's internal check out rules and time.