Manuel Antonio & Jaco Activities
Carara Biological Reserve
Carara covers a low mountainous area of 4,700 ha. In a climatological zone of transition from the dry north Pacific to the very humid coast of the south. Despite the lushness of vegetation, this dry rain forest has relatively clear undergrowth which makes it easy to observe the abundant wildlife. Some of more visible birds are: macaws, parrots, guans, toucans, trogons, flycatchers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, etc. among the cats, the jaguar, puma, ocelot, jaguarondi and margay are present but rather hard to see. On the other hand, the howler monkey, white face monkey, spider monkey and the squirrel monkey can be easily observed, Coatis, sloth’s, agoutis, deer, peccaries, porcupines, anteaters, coyotes, armadillos and many others are active during the daytime. Reptiles and amphibians such as crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, frogs and toads are quite common. You will spend approximately 3 hours exploring the trails under the canopy of giant trees.
Duration: 4 hours approx.
What to wear: Jeans, t-shirt or hiking shoes
What to bring: insect repellent, camera, binoculars, suntan lotion, sun glasses, swimming suit and towel
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee to the reserve and breakfast.
Chiclets Canopy
The Chiclets Tree Canopy Tour located in Hermosa Beach, Jacó is one of the biggest of its class and very safe. Here is an opportunity to experience one of the few remaining transitional forests in Costa Rica. The tour consists of 14 suspended platforms connected by steel cables high above the forest floor. The height of the platforms, vary from 60 to 132 feet above the ground. By using the highest quality equipment (pulley, harnesses and climbing gear) you are able to glide between platforms on cables permitting breathtaking views of the canopy, forest floor and wildlife.
Duration: 3 Hours.
Departure: 20 minutes from Jacó.
Requirements: - minimum age, 5 years old, good physical conditions.
Includes: bilingual guides, tropical fruits and one drink.
Bring: Light pants or Bermudas, Insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, walking shoes, and camera.
Aerial Tram (Pacific Side)
The Tram is conveniently located just outside the beach town of Jacó.
Created to raise the world's consciousness as to the importance of the tropical forests, the New Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific allows visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Transitional Tropical Rainforest, from a totally different perspective.The Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific is a new eco-tourism project with 222 acres (90 hectares) of forest. The property offers not only one of the most interesting and exuberant forests in the Americas, but also showcases small waterfalls and scenic views of the Pacific Coast, which visitors can enjoy during the Tram ride.
Duration: 3 Hours
Departure: 8:00 am or 1:00 pm.
Requirements: All ages, ability to tolerate heights.
Includes: transportation round-trip, guide, admission to the Park, Multimedia Presentation,visit to the Heliconian Gallery, Medicine Plants Garden and Snakes Exibition.
Bring: Comfortable light clothing and shoes, raingear, binoculars, camera and film, sun protector.
White Water Rafting Savegre River
This adventurous, family-friendly, full-day trip is a unique white water river rafting adventure with lots of “perks”. Of course you can expect, as the Manuel Antonio specialist, that our world-class, internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers will expertly guide and teach you how to navigate through this exciting river experience. But you and your group of fellow rafters start slowly and build your way up to an unforgettable yet manageable adventure that will leave you either begging for more – so go on the Naranjo River high-octane trip next – or either leave completely satisfied and happy that you experienced one of Costa Rica’s famous rivers, the Savegre. Starting with a 4x4 ride into the “wilds” of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre, your journey begins at “Silencio”. This is a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a “bumpy road” journey, yet before you paddle down the Savegre. Make sure you make your reservations for lunch, and don’t forget to meander through the beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding African Palm Plantations before you head off into the winding mountains to start the rafting leg of your journey. The Savegre River provides Class II, III and some IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Our guides stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls, if the rafters want a break from paddling, and there is always time to enjoy the abundant variety of wildlife along the river. On most trips, rafters will observe egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the tropical rain forest. After a steady 13 mile trip down the river, we wind our way back to the little village of “Silencio” where a gladly awaited hot lunch “Tico Style” and local refreshments are waiting. Once fed, happy and well-traveled, our now experienced Savegre River rafters spend a leisurely trip home driving back to Manuel Antonio, to ponder on continuing a rafting experience on the Naranjo River or to savor the experiences of your day just past. Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
Requirements: Good for adults and children over 8 years of age who are relatively fit for paddling. Wear or bring sturdy sandals or water shoes, a bathing suit, sun block, bug spray, a towel, and if possible an extra change of clothes.
Includes: Round trip transportation, a hot breakfast and lunch, bilingual guides, safety kayakers, all equipment needed, security, snacks and drinks
Kayaking / Mangrove Damas Island
Instead of enjoying one of our most popular tours in a high-tech, ultra-quiet estuary boat on our Mangrove Boat Tour, why not experience the Damas Island Estuary and Mangrove ecosystem first hand -- in an open-seat kayak. Spend a few luxuriously indulgent hours paddling with the currents as your highly trained, bilingual naturalist guides reveal the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. Explore an unforgettable plethora of flora and fauna as you learn about, experience, and participate in our magical Costa Rican mangrove and tropical rain forest ecosystem -- but don’t forget your camera. Paddle comfortably as an intimate group under the shade of several tall species of mangroves, which grow only in select areas of the world and in Costa Rica. The pace of this adventure is determined by your abilities and interests, and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop and observe (or learn about) – all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the mangroves, and listen to the songs of the various marine birds as they glide over your kayak curiously looking for adventure. And whenever you want, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventures thus far. This kayak tour is an unforgettably memorable experience that will help you understand and explain the exotic secrets and treasures of our Costa Rican tropical rain forest. And after your adventure, yet depending upon the time your trip began, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved Tico style meal (a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner) at one of our local Manuel Antonio restaurants. Come learn about our delicate Costa Rican mangrove estuary and ecosystem -- so uniquely different than other parts of the world. Then return with the knowledge of how important it is to Costa Rica -- and the world environment -- to preserve this delicate yet vital aspect of life that intricately fits into the ecosystem of our entire known world.
Time: Tour Times depend on the Ocean Tides & lasts 4 - 5 hours
Requirements: Excellent for adventurous individuals, families or groups of any age who want to learn and experience nature first hand – but children under age 10 might have to paddle in a double kayak with an adult. We recommend that you are relatively physically fit for paddling in an open-seat kayak for a few hours, and please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that might get wet. Bring or wear a bathing suit, sunscreen, towel, camera, and a hat.
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks and all equipment needed, security, a great hot meal, snacks and drinks
Snorkeling Coastal Kayaking
Whether you are an individual, group, or an adventurous family, this challenging yet gratifying ocean kayaking adventure is for you. The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay. Or just relax and enjoy the tranquility of a private white sand beach. After an unforgettable experience at Biezans, continue kayaking – if you choose to do so – towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder at the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home year round. Ask your naturalist guide to steer you towards their favorite species’ nesting spots and most popular locations for local aquatic marine life. And finally end your adventure with a relaxing yet rewarding hot meal in typical Costa Rican flavor near the beach at a local Manuel Antonio hot spot before you return to your Costa Rican residence. Overall, this kayaking adventure is fun for just about every one, yet it is a terrific way to experience the exotic Costa Rica coastline in a way that only Manuel Antonio can be shown.
Time: 8 AM – 12 PM or 1 PM – 5 PM
Requirements: Some experience in open-seat kayaking is preferred and a reasonable fitness level is recommended, since this adventure involves kayaking in the open ocean where some strong waves and surf are common. Children under age 10 might have to paddle in a double kayak with an adult. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that can get wet, and don’t forget your bathing suit, camera, sunscreen, hat, and towel.
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks, snorkelling and all equipment needed, security, snacks, drinks, and a great meal
Night Mangrove Kayaking
Did you know that almost 70% of the mangrove ecosystem and the tropical rain forest jungle is nocturnal? Since that is the case, our own “Jorge of the Jungle”, the Iguana Tours partner that personally operates and even created our Mangrove Tours, has developed a completely unique, safe, yet unforgettable experience – a Kayak Adventure at Damas Island Estuary and the Mangroves AT NIGHT. Depending on the coastal tides slowly blending into the mangrove ecosystem at Damas Estuary, your night adventure starts after your arrival at our Damas Island Rancho located in our protected mangrove habitat. Whether you are an individual, family, or intimate group, this is almost an indescribable experience to observe the mangrove ecosystem at night while in open-seat kayaks paddling at your own ability level. With Iguana Tours’ specialized, high-tech equipment, our highly trained, bilingual guides help you navigate through the nocturnal landscape of the mangroves and tropical rain forest. With a fresh, relaxing ambience, paddle at your leisure through several varieties of mangrove species, and stop to savor the numerous animal species migrating through the estuary in search of food. Come experience this unique adventure so that it does not fade away on the international landscape of extinct ecosystems. Whether in the day or the night, come, learn and experience a delicate treasure Costa Ricans are so desperately trying (and successfully) working to preserve – the mangrove ecosystem. And maybe you will become a part of preserving not only a Costa Rican treasure with our own “Jorge of the Jungle”, but you just might help preserve a needed, intricate ecosystem so necessary for the world’s habitat balance as well. Enjoy the unforgettably unique experience at night, but leave changed. And leave to possibly help change this rare and delicate ecosystem for the better.
Time: Tour Times depend on the Ocean Tides & lasts 4 - 5 hours
Requirements: Excellent for adventurous individuals, families or groups who want to learn and experience nature first hand when the nocturnal rain forest is most active. We recommend that you are relatively physically fit for paddling in an open-seat kayak for a few hours, and children under age 10 might have to paddle in a double kayak with an adult. Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes that might get wet, and bring or wear a bathing suit, bug spray, towel, and camera with a flash.
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, kayaks and all equipment needed, security, a hot dinner, snacks and refreshments
Horseback Riding Tocori Waterfalls / Rancho Don Gilberto
Let Don Gilberto and his family show you the real Costa Rica – on horseback! Once they pick you up the adventure in history and nature begins, starting with the Quepos Indians and leads you through the changes of Manuel Antonio today, which includes Iguana Tours. Enjoy learning about Costa Rica’s exotic plants and rare wildlife as you ride through the tropical jungle and private ecological reserve at Tocori, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio. After a relaxing hour-long ride on horseback through the tropical rain forest – with the pace determined by your comfort level and riding ability – leave your horses on the trail as Don Gilberto or his daughter Dyala guide you through the exotic plant and animal life on a nature walk. They will let you taste, smell, touch and observe first hand the real Costa Rican jungle. After indulging your mind and spirit with expert knowledge, take a refreshing dip in pristine natural mountain waters while being splashed on by two stunning waterfalls at Tocori. And don’t forget to enjoy an unforgettable taste of local fresh fruits and a homemade special tropical drink made exclusively by Doña Eli, Don Gilberto´s wife, all while you relax and cool off next to the waterfalls. After being refreshed, you are ready for a ride through meandering Tocori streams to the private Rancho where Doña Eli will be your hostess, as she shares with you a homemade Costa Rican “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish or terrific BBQ. Enjoy more of the tastes and flavors of Costa Rica as you sample delicious delicacies of the tropical rain forest and of our fresh, local Costa Rican produce. As Don Gilberto says, “Come and taste the flavors of our country.” Before returning to Manuel Antonio, enjoy one last relaxing experience enjoying the bounty of Costa Rica at the Rancho. Let Don Gilberto or Dayla show you their private herb and plant garden as they help educate locals and visitors alike on how to preserve the indigenous plant and herb varieties of their beautiful country. While you are there, ask how you can help preserve the tropical rain forest and educate others about the true beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica. After Don Gilberto and his family have hosted you at their Rancho, you will have grown in your experience and knowledge of our beautiful and unforgettable tropical country, Costa Rica. But as Don Gilberto always says, “When you come back, you will have a friend.”
Time: 8 AM – 1 PM or 1 PM – 5 PM
Requirements: Make sure you are able to ride at least at an easy pace for about 1 hour. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and possibly long pants (or bring a towel) while horseback riding, yet bring your bathing suit, bug repellant, sunscreen, camera, hat, towel, and maybe an extra change of clothes to wear after swimming and riding in the Tocori river and waterfalls. * Our Staff Respects our Animals – Certain weight limits apply, call for details *
Includes: Round trip transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, all equipment needed, a hot lunch or dinner, snacks and refreshments
Manuel Antonio National Park
What can we say about someone experiencing Costa Rica’s number one visitors’ spot for the first time with THE Manuel Antonio specialist – our Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s just like experiencing Costa Rica for the first time -- absolutely unforgettable. Take a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through our exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserved in our 34 year old national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park. The pace of this adventure is determined by your group’s abilities and interests, and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop, observe, or learn about – all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of monkeys or iguanas resting in the tropical rain forest, and listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your group, curiously looking for adventure. And if you are lucky, you might spot one of the only 1,000 remaining endangered Mono Titi or squirrel monkey, who live in only one location in the world, in our Manuel Antonio National Park biological corridor. See how many different kinds of flora and fauna you can spot just in the span of a 2 ½ hour nature walk or hike. And at the end, enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventure thus far. If you so desire, hike additionally through the trails and enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after your guided educational adventure ends, and maybe even snorkel after the hike on your own. Learn about the history of the Quepoa Indians and Costa Rica’s past in regard to this stunningly beautiful Manuel Antonio area, and come back with ideas as to how to help preserve this priceless ecosystem and national treasure for generations to come. Help us preserve Costa Rica’s tropical rain forests by learning about one of our most valuable national treasures, Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the unforgettably unique experience, but leave changed. And leave to possibly help change this rare and delicate ecosystem for the better.
Time: 7 AM – 12 PM or 12 PM – 5 PM
Ask your guide if you want to return to the Park after the Tour. Requirements: Easy walk or hike, depending upon your abilities and self-paced tour. Bring water, a camera, sunscreen, bug spray, and your binoculars while you hike in the Park, and if you so desire bring your bathing suit and towel for a relaxing afternoon at the beach after your hike and guided adventure.
