4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS
We depart San Jose early to the Pacific Coast town of Puntarenas, where we board the ferry that will take us across the Gulf of Nicoya to Playa Paquera. From there, we drive to Curú National Wildlife Refuge. Upon arrival you will receive a safety briefing and instruction on paddling techniques. A short 45-minute paddle to our private camp at Playa Quesera will get us warmed up for the days to follow. Overnight camping at Playa Quesera. (B,L,D)
DAY 2-3
Curú National Wildlife Refuge and its surroundings offer a variety of activities. We will paddle around local islands, snorkel, observe wildlife, and have an option for kayak surfing and sea arch exploration. Of course there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy happy hour and excellent meals at Quesera in the evenings. At camp we may see local howler monkeys or kinkajous (a nocturnal raccoon-type mammal). Overnight at Quesera. (B,L,D)
DAY 4
Nearby Organos estuary is abundant with birds and different mangrove species. An adventurous early morning entry will take us into this diverse habitat for bird and wildlife viewing. After returning to the beach where we began our trip, and lunch, we return by ferry to Puntarenas where we meet our transport back to San Jose. (B,L)
ADVANCED
Early flight from San Jose to Golfito (45 min.). Our trip begins at Hotel Las Gaviotas, on the edge of the Bay of Golfito. After packing provisions and camping gear in our kayaks, we begin our journey north to camp on a desolate beach. The dense jungle provides a great opportunity to observe wildlife without ever getting out of our kayaks.
DAY 2 & 3
We continue our journey and, after a calm morning paddle, we arrive at our campsite near RÌo Esquinas estuary. We have a layover day which allows us to hike the jungle trails and paddle up the estuary where the elusive Boat-billed Heron can be observed as well as other shorebirds. Camp at Caña Blanca.
DAY 4
Our first long crossing (15 km) to Puerto Jimenez, where we stop to restock our provisions and continue south to Puntarenitas, a long sand spit from which dolphins can be spotted regularly. Camp at Puntarenitas.
DAY 5 & 6
From Puntarenitas we paddle south towards the tip of the Osa Peninsula. We round several points where surf may break on long shallow reefs from shore. Our destination is Playa Chocuano, where a beautiful beach becomes home for two nights. The wildlife here abounds with squirrel monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, and other species native to this region. Snorkeling, kayak surfing and beach combing are also good options during our stay in Chocuano.
DAY 7
Another long crossing (15 km) takes us to Pavones, an area which is well known by surfers because of its record as the second longest left-breaking wave in the world. Even though we may not land on this particular beach, the options are immense and our camp will be dependent upon accessibility and surf conditions.
DAY 8
This will be our longest paddling day (20 km) along a very extensive beach which ends at Punta Zancudo. Here we begin to see civilization where bars and restaurants are a welcome commodity. Camp at Zancudo.
DAY 9
Depending on tidal conditions we depart to the estuary taking us on our final paddling stretch back to Hotel Las Gaviotas. The jungle ride at Disneyland is nothing compared to this magical place teeming with wildlife. Upon arrival, we catch a plane back to San Jose.
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