Playa Cativo Lodge
Tropical rainforest guided walk
On this tour you will be introduced to the ecology and Playa Cativo’s main ecosystems (renewable energy room, forest, swamps, beach, and wetlands) and the most common of a substantial variety of birds and animals.
Our certified nature guides will walk you through mind-blending facts about natural history and the interaction of the tropical rainforest and its habitats. You will also visit Playa Cativo’s Organic Farm (Finca Cayetano), where our proud farmers will show the different medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, legumes, as well as the entire process from seed germination to harvest.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, avoid bright colored clothes.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Difficulty: Low.
Self-guided walking trails
Discover the outstanding diversity of habitats that Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve and the Tropical Gardens have tooffer, we have thoughtfully developed a user-friendly network ofwalking trails around the property.
Take the trail along the beach all the way to Buena Vista Pier andsee Cativo Bay from a different perspective, or look around and visit Cativo’ s Organic Farm. Continue to Valle de los Sainos, one of the most wildlife active places in our property, or visit refreshing jungle waterfalls.
Explore peaceful pathways in paradise, meditate in motion to the sounds of the consoling sea, or simple tune out of the world around you, tune in to nature and enhance that sense of adventure that we all have within.
Duration: Varies from 45 min to 1.5 hours.
Difficulty: Low
Use of kayaks & paddle boards in Cativo Bay
Paddle along Cativo Bay and explore the unparalleled coastlines,be greeted by schools of fish, manta rays, turtles and dolphins in the clear waters of Golfo Dulce. If you feel comfortable and a
bit daring stand up and paddle, for those that prefer sitting down and go a little further, kayaks are the way to go.
Our team is available to assist you with the outfitting and launching of boards and kayaks. They will also be on-hand to receive you upon your return! Highlights: Landscapes, Marine life.
Duration: Available from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm
Difficulty: Low
Self-guided cativo bay snorkeling
Pick up some gear and enjoy the experience of snorkeling at Cativo Bay. If you are more adventurous we suggest you join the private excursion to Punta Adela or Belina Beach, a variety of tropical reef fish can often be seen. Combine this activity with kayaking or paddle boarding for a perfect adventure in Paradise.
Please ask our team for available equipment and they will be more than happy to assist you.
Highlights: Marine life, Adventure.
ComplImentary mindful movement sessions
Sing up for our Mindful Movement Sessions, our experienced instructors are placed at your service. In each session, ancestral knowledge will be passed on to you that will give you practical tools to expand your consciousness and lifestyle.
Highlights: Sceneries, sounds of nature, relaxation.
Birdwatching
Set off on one of the world’s most exciting birding destinations! With more than 920 recorded bird species in Costa Rica, the country boasts one tenth of the world’s total bird population. The variety of birds in Playa Cativo is truly remarkable, with over 266 species recorded in Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve, Tropical Gardens, and Piedras Blancas National Park.
Our privileged conditions allow us to observe bird species that inhabit ecosystems such as beaches, wetlands, valleys, and even many migratory species.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, no laser pointers, and avoid bright-colored clothes. During breeding season, extreme precautions should be taken to avoid any alterations in the birds' courtship, nesting, or breeding behavior.
Duration: 2 hours.
Difficulty: Low.
Price: $45 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Highlights:
Bird Photography
Neotropical Birds
Rainforest Conservation
Inclusions:
Naturalist guide
Binoculars
Use of rubber boots
Walking stick
Checklist of most common birds
We Recommend:
Hiking shoes or rubber boots
Lightweight clothes
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Cativo’s Nature Reserve hike
With the beauty and convenience of the adjacent National Park, Playa Cativo guests don’t have to go far to immerse themselves in nature. Parts of this nature hike can be rugged and steep, reflecting the area’s unique topography. The flora and fauna surrounding Piedras Blancas is among the most diverse in Central America. During your hike, you'll learn about the ecology of the tropical lowland rainforest and experience various vegetation units firsthand.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, no laser pointers, avoid bright colored clothes.
Duration: 3.5 hours approx.
Early morning and late afternoon
departures.
Difficulty: Challenging.
Price: $55 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Highlights:
Tallest Trees in CR
(some endemic),
Birding, Nature
Photography, Primary
Rainforest.
Inclusions:
Naturalist guided,
binoculars, use of
rubber boots, waking
stick, checklist of most
common birds, snacks
and water.
We recommend:
Hiking shoes or rubber
boots, lightweight
clothes, water
bottle, sunscreen,
repellent, camera and
binoculars.
Piedras Blancas National Park hike (San Josecito trail)
If you are an adventurous hiker seeking longer and more challenging trails, this quest to the higher elevations of Piedras Blancas National Park is for you. We will transport you to the north entrance of the park, specifically the El Bonito Ranger Station, via boat and car. The tour begins with a 4 km hike, where you'll stop at one of the most beautiful lookout points for a snack. From there, you’ll embark on the San Josecito Trail, a 6 km trek across the park, featuring steep slopes that culminate at Golfo Dulce.
*This hike is physically demanding, with a very high difficulty level. It is not recommended for individuals over 60 years of age, those who have had knee or hip surgeries, or individuals with cardiac complications. Participants must be in excellent health.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, no laser pointers, avoid bright colored clothes.
Duration: 6 hrs approx. Early morning departure.
Difficulty: Very High - Total hiking
distance approx. 10 km.
Price: $230 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Highlights:
Wildlife, rivers,
primary forest and
nature photography,
Ethnobotanical uses of
trees.
Inclusions:
Naturalist guided,
binoculars, use of
rubber boots, waking
stick, check-list of
common wildlife,
snack.
We recommend:
Rubber boots,
lightweight clothes,
water bottle,
sunscreen, repellent,
camera and
binoculars. Excellent
health conditions.
Rio Esquinas mangrove kayaking expedition
We are blessed to have one of the largest and most pristine river systems in Costa Rica just a few short beaches away. The river mouth mangroves lead to picturesque scenes of unspoiled mangrove systems. This diverse terrain allows for some of the best bird-watching in the area. The best time to start this adventure is during high tide, letting us go deep inside the mangrove channels.
Our boat tows your kayak to the mouth of the river, where you will embark on a peaceful adventure and experience the magic of nature while cruising down the river on a kayak through the amazing mangroves and rainforest sceneries.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife, no swimming.
Duration: 3 or 3.5 hours approx.
Tide dependent. Best in the mornings.
In some cases, the tide may affect, whether the activity operates on kayaks or boat.
Difficulty: Medium.
Price: $180 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Highlights:
Wildlife Photography, endemic biodiversity, ecology of the mangroves,ecosystems conservation.
Inclusions:
Naturalist Guide,equipment set up, boat transfer to/from Rio Esquinas, beverages and snacks.
We recommend:
Water shoes or sandals, short pants or lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, repellent, dry bag, camera and binoculars.
Nocturnal Rainforest Hike
The electric energy of the rainforest transforms at night, awakening an even more complex world as many animals become active. This is especially true for amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, nocturnal mammals, and birds. Our nature guides will share insights into the dynamics of the rainforest during the first two hours of darkness, offering mind-blowing facts about various habitats from a new perspective.
Highlights:
Biology of Leaf Frogs and frog pond organisms
Snakes and nocturnal birds
Inclusions:
Naturalist guide
Flashlight
Rubber boots
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, long sleeves, insect repellent, flash- light. Avoid wearing white colored clothes, it attracts insects.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife.
Duration: 1.5 hours. Evening departure.
Difficulty: Low.
Price: $45 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Bioluminescence Expedition
Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction produced by living organisms to emit light. As daylight fades, your adventure will just be beginning! Schools of fish create a phosphorescent trail that can resemble a glowing cloud in the water. Explore this natural phenomenon by boat, observing how the water beneath you glows and sparkles with even the slightest movement of your hands. It’s an experience not to be missed! The best sightings occur on dates close to the new moon phase.
Highlights: Know the bioluminescent organisms, biology of dinoflagellates.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, boat, captain, flashlights.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, dry bag, camera (fast aperture lens).
Biosafety: No flash, do not interact with marine life, no swimming.
Duration: 1hour approx. Evening departure.
Difficulty: Low.
Price: $55 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Book only at the hotel.
Dolphin & Whale Watching Quest
Golfo Dulce is one of only four tropical fjords in the world, home to a diverse array of marine life, including cetaceans. Two species of dolphins spend their entire life cycles in Golfo Dulce, and from July to November, you may witness the arrival of Humpback whales and their calves.
During your ride, you’re likely to spot sea turtles and various marine birds. For an unforgettable experience, consider combining this tour with snorkeling for a fantastic day in the water!
Biosafety: No flash, prohibit to touch-feed-swim with cetaceans, Costa Rican Law No. 32495.
Duration: 2 – 2:50 hours approx.
Ocean conditions usually better in the morning.
Difficulty: Low.
Price: $160 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Golfo Dulce snorkeling excursion
Some of the best snorkeling in Golfo Dulce is located right near the lodge. Join us for a local dive at Punta Adela or Belina Beach on a half-day adventure. At low tide, you’ll marvel at the brain coral reefs, while at high tide, the underwater rock pinnacles create habitats for over 30 species of tropical reef fish, including Angelfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Rays, and butterfly fish. The serene and pristine waters, averaging 80°F (26°C), are perfect for a vibrant snorkeling experience!
Highlights:
Amazing marine life and conservation
Importance of climate change
Inclusions:
Naturalist guide
Equipment
Boat and captain
Beverages and snacks
We Recommend:
Lightweight clothes
Bathing suit
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera
Duration: 2 hour approx.
Ocean conditions usually better in the morning.
Difficulty: Low.
Price: $150 per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people.
Artisanal Fishing by boat
We will take you on a scenic boat ride around Golfo Dulce to enjoy an activity that has been part of the lives of the golf villagers, previously as a way of surviving and now as a way to complement their meals. Our knowledge able Captain and Guide, to whom fishing has been an important part of their lives, will show you the best spots for fishing around the Golf, and perhaps you might bring your catch for dinner!
Inclusions: Local guide, boat and captain, equipment & bait, snacks and drinks.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars and a dry bag.
Duration: 2 hours approximately.
Afternoon departure.
Price: $100 + taxes (2 people).
Scuba Diving (golfo dulce) [operated by third-party]
Our local trips primarily consist of boat dives in front of Golfo Dulce, which offers a stunning array of dive sites.
Here, you'll find an abundance and diversity of marine life, including a variety of tropical reef fish, Puffer Fish, Trigger Fish, octopus, turtles, tuna, amberjack, groupers, eels, and lobsters. While we may not have the coral gardens of the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean boasts impressive soft and hard coral formations, shaped by the intense volcanic activity that formed this area.
Visibility can vary during the rainy season (June to November), typically ranging from 15 to 30 feet, while the dry season (December to May) usually offers clearer conditions, with visibility between 30 and 65 feet.
Inclusions: Equipment, boat and taxi transportation, 2 tanks, all dive equipment, and dive master, plus snacks.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, hat, camera, bathing suit and flip flops.
All trips include two tanks, all dive equipment, and a dive master, along with snacks. Morning trips depart at 7:30 AM, while afternoon trips are available only during the dry season and weather permitting.
Duration: Morning departure.
Price: $165 per person + $195 (round
trip transfer boat and taxi) + taxes.
Prices may vary by season.
Minimum: 2 people.
Sea Fishing Tours [operated by third-party]
Fish for marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, amberjack, roosterfish, and other species. Travel time to reach some of the most productive waters in the world varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Please contact us for more information about boat sizes and additional details. We strongly recommend making reservations before your arrival in Costa Rica due to high demand.
Inclusions:
Guide
Boat
Fishing gear
Meal
Snacks
Beers and soft drinks
We Recommend:
Lightweight clothes
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera
Dry bag
Duration & Price (1-4 people):
-Half Day inshore $1.100
-Full Day in-shore $1.500
-Full Day off-shore $1.650
Early Morning departures.
Prices may vary by season!
La Perica Sloth Garden [operated by third-party]
After an incredible boat ride through Golfo Dulce, you will arrive at La Perica Sloth Garden. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of the property while learning about the fascinating lifestyle of sloths, combined with the rural culture of the Osa Peninsula. An easy walk along beautiful trails allows you to appreciate these fantastic mammals living in a small primary rainforest oasis.
Inclusions:
Boat transfers
Ground transportation
Costa Rican traditional food
Guide
We Recommend:
Lightweight clothes
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat
Camera
Binoculars
Dry bag
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $300 per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people.
Boat Transfers [operated by third-party]
Do you want to visit Golfito or Puerto Jimenez on your own and explore? We can take you there and pick you up for your return trip any time within 6 am and 3 pm.
Inclusions: Crew & Boat.
We recommend:
Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and a dry bag.
Duration: 30 min to town each way.
Price: $115 one way + taxes, $230 round trip + taxes for 1 to 4 people.
Extra person is $25, max 8 people.
Up to 2 hours wait included.
$40 per additional waiting hour.