Things to do, places to visit...
There are many tour operators in the area.
You can find out who is currently operating by checking them out at the various Tourist Info centers, and "Ballena Tales" magazines.
You can find out who is currently operating by checking them out at the various Tourist Info centers, and "Ballena Tales" magazines.
Day tour to Corcovado National Park
This 54,539 hectare park was formed in 1975 and today is one of the world’s top 5 national parks. It holds 4% of the entire world’s biodiversity. It is ranked #3 for the world’s most biologically diverse area in the world. There are 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 6000 species of insects, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles.
You can book a water taxi or a tour from various operators in Sierpe, and other tour providers in the area.
Snorkeling / Scuba Diving on Cano Island
Cano Island Biological reserve is located in the Pacific Ocean, 15 km for the Osa Peninsula. The border of the island has white sandy beaches and a well-protected inshore reef which makes this island a great destination for snorkeling or scuba diving. There is about 20 meters of visibility and many species of turtles, manta rays, dolphins and whales.
Dolphin and Whale watching tours
In the surrounding ocean there are 5 different species of dolphins and 3 different species of whales. It is truly a gift to be able to spend time with these endangered species! Most of these Tours run out of Playa Uvita.
The best time to see humpback whales in Costa Rica is July, August and September throughout the country. This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a Costa Rica whale watching tour! You can see whales all along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica during those months. The official humpback season in Costa Rica is December to March and July to December. However, the Ballena Coast is the only place that has an abundance of humpback whales during both times of the year. In addition to July – September, January and February are very good months down in the South Pacific.
Southern Hemisphere humpback whales travel from Antarctica to Costa Rica from late July through early November. This migration route is 11,500 miles (18507.5 kilometers). Northern hemisphere whales head to Central America from Alaska from the months of December to March. These long routes make them one of the farthest migrating animals on Earth. Because of this, Costa Rica has the longest humpback whale season in the world!
Nocturnal Safari
70% of wildlife is either crepuscular or nocturnal. Night time is a perfect time to go out and catch a glimpse of some jungle creatures. The grand Terraba River is not only the longest river in Costa Rica; but it also carries the highest volume of water to the largest concentration of mangrove swamp on the Pacific side of Central America. Along the middle section of the river remain two of the oldest tribes in the area, the Terrabas and the Borucas. You can expect to see bats, opossums, owls, sloths, snakes, raccoons, frogs, and the American Crocodile. Various operators in the area, most out of Sierpe. You can do "Night tours" from the Reserva Tortuga, even g bout searching for turtle nests! You can contact them!
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Diving, Caving in Marino Ballena National Park
The Ballena National Park was created in 1990 to preserve and protect the 9000 hectares of coral reef that surrounds Ballena Island, Las Tres Hermanas Islands, the beautiful beaches, and the magnificent fauna and flora of its coasts. Each winter the humpback whales migrate here to reproduce. There are many operators in Bahia Uvita/ Bahai Ballena area..
Kayak and Boat Tours of the Mangroves and Isla Garza:
Isla De Garza
The island you can see, near the mouth of the Terraba River, close to land. A great place to explore, take a picnic lunch, long beach, open ocean water. They will also customize your day, to your exact desires! Bellezas Terraba Tours can take you to the Island.
Bellezas Terrába Tour is focused mainly on the observation of mangroves and artisanal fishing in the Grande del Terrába located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, we will transfer it through the narrow channels, observing both sides at the same time. We act consciously and aspire to have the least possible impact on the nature (flora and fauna) with which we interact so closely.
This is how the journey Works:
Tour to the shores of the Mangrove (observing the different types) you can have the opportunity to enjoy Fauna sightings (Monkeys, crocodiles, birds and dozens of species). It lasts approximately 3 hours for the terrába and capacity for 10 people.
- The cost for the tour is $ 60 per person.
- Children from 6 years to 12 years cancel 50% of the tour.
- IMPORTANT Children under 6 years old take them totally free.
The tour includes:
Bilingual tour guide.
Bottled water.
Water of pipe.
Fruits (pineapple and watermelon)
Fishing equipment.
You can reach them by clicking here.
Bahia Ballena Kayaks
They will customize a tour for you… for example a tour of the Terraba River mangroves and a visit to Isla Garza, include a home-cooked breakfast, visit to the local homes on the islands, etc. with an English speaking guide. Contact them at: www.facebook.com/BahiaBallenakayaktours/
Fishing tours
Open sea, river – you choose. Expect to catch sailfish, marlin, rooster fish, Dorado, Snook, Tuna, Snapper, Mai Mai and Wahoo. There are various operators in the area. Ask around for the current favorite operators.
Sierpe – There are a few great fishing charters leaving from Sierpe, you travel along the mangroves and the river to reach the ocean!
You can find them at any tourist info center and I will know the favorite operator or the year.
Zip line tours
Flight of the Toucan
This is located at Hacienda Baru, just north of Dominical on the gravel road. This rain forest Zip line imitates the flight of the chestnut-mandibled Toucan, as it leaps off a branch and swoops through the forest, the up to another tree.
At Hacienda Baru, there are also nature trails, a butter fly farm, an Orchid garden, a restaurant and a gift shop. Reservations are a must 787-0003 info@haciendabaru.com www.haciendabaru.com Wear running shoes or sandals that are tight to your feet, a T-shirt, and hat. Take bug spray and water. There is a gift shop and great restaurant there.
Osa Mountain Zipline
There is more serious Zip line Tour south of us, before Palmar Sur, after the turn off to Cortez. The office is well signed , on the right or ocean side of the road. It is a serious Zip line with the first one being 800 meters long and way above the canopy! It ends with a Tarzan swing! They feed you snacks at the end. Lots to do and see up there.
2200-9619 / 2200-9814
For a lot more information about them: http://osaecoexperience.com/on-site-eco-tours.html
ALTURAS Animal Sanctuary
Villas Alturas has a rescue shelter for wild animals, and offers tours to view, and learn about our local critters. The tour takes about an hour; it is a 20 minute drive from Ojochal. Go north of Uvita about 13 km and watch for the signs to the sanctuary on the east side of the road or mountain side. When you turn off the highway the road is a bit steep and curvy. Follow it for about 10 minutes, until you come to Villas Alturas. Open 9-5 and closed on Mondays.
Bring bug spray, water and a hat. https://alturaswildlifesanctuary.org
Horse back riding
Right here in Ojochal…
Lalo Tours
Discover a hidden side of Costa Rica with this charming family of Ojochal, whose life revolves around the horse. Your hosts, friends of ours and natives of the region, will do their best to make you share a typical meal and take you for a "ride" in the primary forest of the village.
Minimum 2 persons. Tour time 3 – 4 hours.
Including typical Costa Rican lunch and a visit to the waterfall of Ojochal
2786-5070 / 8714/5348
Finca El Ciebo
Also right in Ojochal – Great Horseback tours, riding lessons, etc. Contact: Val at 8438-6728
For more info: https://vimeo.com/179652310?1&ref=fb-share
In Uvita area - Rancho Merced – north of Uvita, on the beach or left hand side of the road. Ride to a beautiful waterfall or on the beach. See more at: https://www.rancholamerced.com/tours/horseback-riding-costa-rica/
Waterfall Swim and Lunch at the Tilapia Farm and Waterfalls
Swim in a very beautiful waterfall pool, body surf down the rocks, go across the road to the Talapia farm, catch your own fish, have lunch of local foods in the open-air restaurant. Tilapias el Pavon. It is delicious and a great experience!
Directions- Just south of Punta Mala on the Costenera, just before the next bridge, turn to the mountains ...follow signs. It is the “Tilapia Farm”; as there are two tilapia farms and the Waterfall access is just before the second one. There is a slight widening in the road to park your car and a sign for “Casacada”. If you get to the Tilapia Farm restaurant, with the very large rock pillar in the parking lot, you will want to turn around and go back down the road a bit, until you see a trail off towards the river and a wider spot in the road to park. There are steps carved into the mountainside to make your descent easier.
Restpavon@hotmail.com to make reservations, although not necessary 2356-6051 **They are closed on Mondays.**
Caution: Do not leave valuables in your vehicle unless locked in the trunk. Never leave your things unattended.
Things to take with you: usual beach stuff, river shoes or well attached sandals for walking on the river bottom and refreshments. Bug spray.
Ojochal Water Falls
The owners of the land have created steps, keeping the grounds very nice. Is a great family place, nice and is clean.
Directions: Follow the road towards the mountains through the village of Ojochal until you come to the large church with a fence and gate on the left. Turn right ( Calle Cascada) and follow the road until you are almost to the river / bridge– there will be signs telling you to turn left to the “Cascada”. The falls are on private property, you park in the owner’s driveway, pay them $6.00 per person and they will watch your car and direct you to the falls. The fee helps them to maintain the pathway and the swimming hole.
Caution: Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, unless locked in the trunk. Never leave your things unattended.
Things to take with you: usual beach stuff, river shoes or well attached sandals for walking on the river bottom and refreshments. Bug spray.
Cost -$6.00 to owner, to watch your car and for maintenance of the area. If you wish to have them make you a "typical" Costa Rican lunch, you can call a day before and they will have it ready for you. There are people there who speak english. Call: 8911-5647 I can reserve this for you.
Uvita Water falls - Mistura Waterfalls
Directions: Go into the village of Uvita and turn towards the mountains at the BCR, go past the Police Station, Royal Palm Interiors, etc, and continue along the road. There are a few signs telling you there is a “Cascada”, keep going till you come to the cemetery on the right-hand side. Go left at the next intersection.
Go to the left and you will see more signs for the Cascada.They will watch your car and they maintain the steps and the area. There is a fee.
They have ropes to hold onto as you go down to the falls, and a great swimming hole.
Cautions: Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, unless locked in the trunk. Never leave your things unattended.
Things to take with you: usual beach stuff, river shoes or well attached sandals for walking on the river bottom and refreshments. Bug spray.
Nauyaca Waterfalls – on the road to San Isidro. You ride horseback, hike or ride in a 4X4 vehicle through the mountains to the waterfalls and swim in the pools. This is a full day, and they provide a great lunch or breakfast.
Reservations can be made at: 787-8013 or info@cataratasnauyaca.com www.cataratasnauyaca.com.