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Our Tours
Discover the beauty of nature and feel the power of the Pacific as you paddle beyond the surf, explore hidden islands and watch the sun disappear on the horizon. Witness sea birds nesting in their natural habitat and take in the stunning coastal views that change with the setting sun. Experience a different perspective of the ocean, where adventure awaits at every turn. Join us for an unforgettable journey on the Pacific, you never know what you're gonna see!
PACIFIC SUNSET TOUR
Join us for a breathtaking 2-hour tour through the mangroves in Matapalo. The calm waters breath with the ocean tides and the beauty of nature truly surrounds you. Discover abundant wildlife and marvel at the stunning trees as you paddle through the mangrove maze. Create unforgettable memories as you navigate this serene paradise. Don't miss out on this incredible adventure! All ages and skill levels welcome.
MANGROVE TOUR
Hacienda Barú Wildlife Refuge spans 330 hectares (815 acres) of lush jungle, wetlands, and beach. Home to sloths, monkeys, peccaries, parrots, toucans and a variety of other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds, this refuge offers 7 km (4.3 miles) of rugged trails through diverse habitats—primary and secondary forest, grasslands, and coastal paths. You can expect a wilder, more adventurous hike and depending on the conditions and fitness level of participants we will choose 2 of the 3 trails.
HACIENDA BARU GUIDED HIKE
Experience the hidden gems of the South Pacific with Pura Vida Paddling! Join us for a full day of adventure as we explore the stunning El Pavon waterfall, relax at Playa Ventanas, swim in natural pools, and discover an enchanting hidden waterfall of your choice. Perfect for all skill levels, our tours emphasize exploration, connection with nature, and unforgettable memories. Book your adventure today!
SOUTH PACIFIC WATERFALL TOUR
PLEASE NOTE
We are temporarily using an external booking platform to accept our payments, don't be alarmed, it is our parent company in Canada. All funds will be paid in USD. We can also accept cash at least 24 hours before the tour date. Pura Vida!
EVENTS
GOLFO DULCE OVERNIGHT BIOLUMINESCENCE
This overnight tour begins with an early morning drive down to Playa Blanca on the Golfo Dulce. After breakfast on the road, we will get on the calm waters of the Gulf and spend some time on the water. Frequent sightings of turtles, are common and if we're very lucky we may be blessed to see some dolphins and if the season is right, maybe even a whale. While we relax on the beach in the afternoon, frequent sloth, macaw, toucan, coati and monkey sightings may occur and as the tide rises, we will head out for an option short paddle in the mangroves before dinner. After dinner, we will don our headlamps and head out into the Golfo Dulce for a spectacular display of bioluminescence. An early wake up and sunrise paddle tops off our tour as the sun creeps up over Golfito across the Gulf. This tour is for the true adventurer and can be custom fit for large groups who wish for a longer, 2 or 3 night trip. Although we don't set dates for this tour at this time, you can by special request with 4 people or more, request this once in a lifetime experience.
SAFETY
“I HAVE NEVER PULLED A BODY FROM THE BOTTOM OF A RIVER OR LAKE WITH A LIFEJACKET ON” – QUOTED FROM A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN COAST GUARD
DROWNING IS THE 3RD LEADING CAUSE OF UNINTENTIONAL DEATH FOR CANADIANS UNDER 60. APPROXIMATELY 25% OF THEM ARE PADDLING INCIDENTS AND MANY OF THESE HAPPEN AS YOU’RE GETTING IN AND OUT OF YOUR BOAT(SLIPPING AND FALLING) PLEASE WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES!!!
I GET TOLD “I KNOW HOW TO SWIM,” REPEATEDLY AND I KNOW SOMETIMES IT IS HOT AND UNCOMFORTABLE. WEAR THEM ANYWAY. THERE ARE MANY WAYS YOU CAN BE KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS, A CANOE FLIPPING ON TOP OF YOU, A JETSKI OR BOAT ACCIDENT OR WHAT IF YOU HAD A STROKE OR SEIZURE. YOU SIMPLY NEVER KNOW AND THE WATER IN THE GTA IS MURKY, ONCE YOU GO UNDER, YOU’RE SIMPLY NOT COMING UP.
WE HAVE A VARIETY OF SELF-INFLATING LIFEJACKETS YOU CAN UPGRADE TO WHICH ARE MORE COMFORTABLE AND BREATHABLE.
ESSENTIAL TIPS TO STAY SAFE:
1). ALWAYS WEAR A TRANSPORT CANADA, CANADIAN COAST GUARD OR FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA APPROVED LIFE JACKET – There is no rational argument for kayaking, canoeing, or SUPing on the open water without wearing a lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Don’t run the risk of drowning. Put one on before you enter your craft and keep it on until you’re back onshore.
2). BEWARE OF COLD WATER SHOCK – A sudden and unexpected immersion into water that’s 15 degrees celsius or less can result in cold-water shock in about one minute. Cold-water shock is often cited as the most common cause of death from immersion in cold water.
3). KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS – Regardless of your level of canoeing/kayaking experience, be mindful of the state of your physical fitness. Paddling, whether on a calm lake and fast-moving water is strenuous. Don’t put yourself in a difficult situation overestimating your skills, experience and strength.
4). WATCH THE WEATHER – No matter what time of year it is or where you are, the weather can change quickly with little warning. Check the forecast not only in the morning but moments before you are heading out and if you’re out for a day or tripping, keep an eye out and have a feel for what may be coming to adapt.
5). BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES – Have a first aid kit with you. Even better would be to get First Aid and CPR certified training. You’ll learn how to help others in distress, whether it’s due to drowning, hypothermia, a wound, a heart attack or a stroke. You just never know when you’ll use it.
