Costa Rica Sun Tours - Costa Rica Deluxe South Pacific and Cloud Forest

Enjoy a relaxing or invigorating massage after a long day of touring San Jose. Our Massage Therapist offers a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments for our guests. For more information on these or to make a reservation, please contact us prior to arrival by phone or email or at any time during your stay.

Visit our Fitness Center overlooking our rooftop sundeck. Open daily from 7am - 8pm.

Come by and see our selection of hand-made Costa Rican handicrafts in our Gift Shop, as well as coffee, artesian jams, chocolates and a few typical treats! Open daily from 2:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

A rooftop garden terrace with lawn beds and 2 Jacuzzis provides secluded lounging. Great for relaxing after a day in the city or out on a tour. Open daily from 9am to 10pm.

From San José you can take one of a number of daytrips to the rainforest, volcanoes or experience the thrill of white water rafting, to mention just a few. Here are our Top Recommended Tours. For more information on these or other tours or to make a reservation please contact us!

In Costa Rica there a variety of options for traveling between destinations: domestic flights, private transfers, shuttles and car rentals. We are happy to help you with any arrangements you may need.

Flights
In San José there is one main airport offering international and domestic flights, Juan Santamaría (SJO) is located about 20 minutes from our hotel. There is also a smaller domestic airport, Tobías Bolaños offering daily domestic flights around the country. Most domestic flights are under 1 hour.

Airports transfers
Our hotel offers private transfer in and transfer out services from and to both airports for a fee. In order to arrange for a pick up or drop off service all we need is your flight information. Our vans are air conditioned, well-maintained, fully insured and driven by experienced, punctual, polite and very responsible bilingual drivers. For information on prices please contact us prior to your trip or ask at our reception during your stay.

Private transfers
We also can arrange private transfers to most destinations within the country making for a very flexible, convenient and safe way to travel. You choose the departure time and during the trip you can stop when you need (without being subject to a schedule). Our vans are air conditioned, well-maintained, fully insured and driven by experienced, punctual, polite and very responsible bilingual drivers. For information on costs please contact us prior to your trip or ask at our reception during your stay.

Shuttles
Another option to travel in the country is by shuttle (Interbus). This is a slightly more economical way to travel. The shuttle is a shared transportation option in a coaster or minibus. The shuttles only offer their service hotel to hotel between more popular destinations. Their routes operate daily and usually they offer one departure time in the morning and one departure time in the afternoon and are subject to availability so reservations should be made in advance. If you need assistance reserving please contact us

Rent a cars
Rent a car is a great option for exploring Costa Rica if you prefer more independence and flexibility. It and allows you to discover and see more places by yourself (you could have better access to hidden beaches for example). There are many options of car rental companies with the highest standards of quality and service. It is important to know that in Costa Rica driving can be a bit of a challenge because of the difficult road conditions in some locations or lack of road signs and street numbers, however with a good road map, and adventurous and positive attitude and a GPS, you can successfully get wherever you want.

Bring your walking shoes! Urban AdventuresGreat ways to explore urban San José, immerse yourself into the life of the capital and to see city’s secret spots. Contact our Reservations department to reserve your tour.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world's diversity, and just Monteverde alone holds 2.5%. This tropical paradise is described best by its own name, a green mountain that is proud of its conservationist essence. For this reason, a large part of Monteverde’s land is protected by natural forest reserves, with the purpose of preserving nature as much as possible for future generations.

The greatest example of this at the local level is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which opened its gates in 1972 and became a national example of forest conservation and research. It is the perfect place to discover the Monteverde of the recent past and relive the well-marked
history that the town's ancestors left behind.

On the other hand, there is the Curi Cancha private forest reserve. Its name derives from
the Inca culture and means “a gold enclosure”. The property was acquired in 1970, protecting and restoring the forest for 51 years, before opening to the public in 2011. It is the perfect place to enjoy
viewpoints, open areas and picnic areas. It is
an ideal place to visit with family, especially
children.

Monteverde Reserve
Tour times: 6:45am & 12pm

Curi Cancha Reserve
Tour times: 6:45am & 12pm

Rise up to the highest point of the mountain on a ride that will amaze you in many ways. Sky Tram is an aerial tramway on which you will ride on an open-air gondola that will rise smoothly through the forest offering end less views during its mountainous ascent. This experience is perfect for all of those who want to take a different approach on admiring Costa Rican nature, without much physical effort, but always being on spot where nature exhibits all its magic. On the ride, besides the views of the surrounding forests and beyond, you will be able to admire distinctive flora and fauna that might
be only spotted from above, so keep an eye out for distinct natural treasures. Once Sky Tram gondolas reach the top, you will arrive at a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you will be admired with the best views on a unique place to get in touch with nature. Combine
with the Sky Walk or Sky Trek

Tour times: 8:00am, 11:00am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm

A newer option in Monteverde, this private wildlife refuge within walking distance of Senda has an

excellent network of trails and viewing platforms which look out across the Gulf of Nicoya. A project set up to focus on ecosystem conservation and the study of local and migratory species, Aguti is a quieter alternative to the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, while still sheltering an impressive variety of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see everything from sloths, howler monkeys and porcupines, to some of Monteverde’s most beautiful birds such as the yellow-throated toucan, the bellbird and the resplendent quetzal. Alternatively, visit after dark for a chance to see Costa Rica’s most iconic red-eyed tree frog amongst other creatures of the night.

A newer option in Monteverde, this private wildlife refuge within walking distance of Senda has an

excellent network of trails and viewing platforms which look out across the Gulf of Nicoya. A project set up to focus on ecosystem conservation and the study of local and migratory species, Aguti is a quieter alternative to the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, while still sheltering an impressive variety of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see everything from sloths, howler monkeys and porcupines, to some of Monteverde’s most beautiful birds such as the yellow-throated toucan, the bellbird and the resplendent quetzal. Alternatively, visit after dark for a chance to see Costa Rica’s most iconic red-eyed tree frog amongst other creatures of the night.

Set amongst over 1,200 acres of protected cloud forest, the Selvatura Park houses 1.9 miles of trails and treetop suspension bridges, ranging from 36 to 150ft in height. Enjoy an easy guided hike along the extensive network taking in the sounds and sights of nature along the way. En route, your expert guide will teach you all about the curiosities and quirks of this unique ecosystem and point out plenty of beautiful flora and fauna. Combine with the Selvatura Park Butterfly Garden & Insect Museum, Hummingbird Garden and/or Reptiles & Amphibians Display

Tour times: 7:50am, 12:20pm & 1:50pm