Ojo del Mar’s recommended Adventure Tours

• Hiking and Nature Walks in the Rainforest
• Treeclimbing and Waterfall Rappelling
• World Class Surfing & Surf Classes
• Kayak Tours
• Finca Kobo Chocolate Tour
• Canopy Zip Line Tour
• Exploring the Golfo Dulce by Boat
• Rio Nuevo Horseback Ride into the Primary Forest
• Botanical Garden Tours
• Scuba Diving & Fishing

Upon your arrival, we are happy to meet with you and discuss your plans for adventure. You may decide that you want to enjoy these activities with other guests or all by yourselves. Let us know. Occasionally there is a premium for a private tour, and at times a discount when you join with others. Please pay your guides or taxi drivers directly. Once a tour has been set up, there may be a hefty cancellation fee if you fail to cancel within 24 hours.

Many activities take place right here in Cabo Matapalo. Others will take you to different parts of the peninsula. Round trip 4 x 4 ground transportation is generally not included in the tour price.

Hiking and Nature Walks in the Rainforest:
We have a variety of hiking and walking options. Keep in mind that "hiking" means a variety of things to a variety of people. Hence, sweaty, hard hiking vs. nature walks (generally walking at an easy pace to see all the animals and learn about the rainforest) are not the same. Do you prefer to see animals or plants? Secluded forest or touristed areas? Also remember, if you choose to go with other guests, you should all agree on yours goals, particularly in regard to the level of difficulty of your hike.

NATURE WALK 1/2 day in Matapalo Rainforest and Waterfall
($35/adult, half price for kids under twelve, minimum 2 people)

If animals are what you want to see without having to hike too far, then this is the tour for you. This is a morning adventure, leaving the lodge around 8 A.M. The walk to Matapalo takes about one hour, and on your way you may see any number of birds and mammals. Meanwhile, once you arrive in Matapalo you can expect to see a huge variety of wildlife, including the peninsula's four species of monkeys, anteaters, sloths, pizotes AKA coatimundis, a variety of smaller mammals, macaws, toucans, hawks, poison dart frogs, etc, as well as the incredible flora that fills the peninsula.

Matapalo not only has wildlife and gorgeous scenery; people live there and surf there. Hence, you can expect to see people as well as animals. This is a half-day walking tour and you return by 12 or 1 P.M. Sandals, shorts and t-shirts work great; bring plenty of water.

BIRDING in Matapalo or Corcovado
Cost: 35$ for 3 hour hike

The Peninsula de Osa, described by National Geographic as „the most bio-divers place on Earth., is home to more than 400 species of birds including migratory ones which breed as far away as the U.S. and Canada. The diverse habitats found here, such as primary and secondary forests, mature and immature pastures, lagoon and river plains and mountain areas, are excellent for bird watching.

VARIOUS JUNGLE HIKES

We have many hikes that we can set up for you. These are generally fairly rigorous, in the deep, dark jungle. Please come visit and we can chat about setting up all sorts of adventurous hikes. Some hikes are great for seeing the forest, and other hikes are better to the animals. Let us know what you are most interested in. Prices vary depending upon location.

CORCOVADO PARK Full Day Hike
$65 per person (two person minimum), half price for kids under 12,
plus Collectivo Taxi 4$ pp.

We will pack you a picnic lunch for $10 pp. For those of you wanting to go into the park, the easiest way to get there is by your own rental car or by the collective taxi ($4 pp) with a guide that will hike you into the park for the day.

It's a 1.5 hour drive plus a beach hike to the entrance near Carate. From there, you can either hike on trails at Corcovado Tent Camp, or head straight into the park. If you are only going for the day, you will hike in and out on the same trail. Experience shows that often you see more wildlife in Matapalo. Wear shorts and shoes good for walking and hiking, bring water and sunscreen.

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TREECLIMBING AND WATERFALL RAPPELLING
(Treeclimb $55, Waterfall/Cliff rappel $85, Combo $120, Hike Only $45, plus $70 taxi)

Everyday Adventures, Andy and Terry offer three tours, all of which are hard to beat and can be combined. These tours take place in Matapalo. The animal life is exceedingly rich in this area, so you can routinely see all four species of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, toucans, macaws, etc. In addition, you can leap out of high trees and/or scale down gorgeous waterfalls (in the dry season, this may not be a waterfall, but a cliff).

These tours are not for everyone. Andy and Terry "GUARANTEE MUDDY, BLOODY, BRUISED AND SWEATY."

Andy's Tree Climb - The hike can't be beat if you are the adventurous type. Hiking along in Matapalo, up and in a river, you approach a spectacular waterfall. In the rainy season you can stand in the pool below it and enjoy a refreshing shower before your treeclimb. (This is also the waterfall that one rappels, see below.) Along your hike, Andy, who is an extremely enthusiastic (and professional) biologist or one of his guides, will explain and demonstrate many of the unique aspects of the rainforest ecosystem.

Upon reaching the tree you rope in and climb about ninety feet, where monkeys may be greeting you. Then leap into thin air and swing through the air à la Tarzan. Finally, you are lowered to the ground feeling exhilarated and glad to have survived. Great fun, highly recommended. Ages six to eighty-six (record set so far).

Even if you don't want to climb the tree, you can do the hike with the others in your group, enjoying their shrieks and thrills.

Andy's Waterfall/Cliff Rappel - Andy also offers a spectacular waterfall/cliff rappelling adventure that total 120 feet. Depending upon the season, you may rappel down two waterfalls or two cliffs. Ages ten and upward. super great!

Andy's Ecology Rainforest Hike - Anyone heading out to climb the tree or waterfall rappel gets a built-in rainforest hike. For those of you wishing to just hike through the rainforest, or accompany your friends or family on either the treeclimb or waterfall rappel, you can sign up for their Rainforest Hike. Any one aged from infancy (in back packs) to 86 can do this one if they are in good physical shape. This hike is not for everyone: only those willing to get sweaty, bruised, bloody, and wet..

Clothing: You start the tour at Andy's house, so you can take any extra items with you, and leave them at his house. You'll get wet, so wear close-toed shoes (sneakers or hiking boots), quick dry shorts, t-shirts, and swim suits for enjoying the waterfall pool. Water is recommended although Andy will always be happy to have a beer with you at the local watering hole - post-tour. Also bring binoculars and, of course, cameras.

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SURFING LESSONS
Cost: $55 pp

Join "Pollo" Oldimar (teaching since 2001and known for his big wave surfing and new age tricks!) for a world class surf in Cabo Matapalo on Pan Dulce Beach, or Axel in Playa Sombrero.

Learn to surf in the 85 degrees year round wonderful waters of the Golfo Dulce on a perfect right point break for beginners. It is a forgiving wave that makes learning fun without any hazards. Guaranteed to stand up!

Check with us regarding tides and swell. Surf for approximately one-and-a-half hours (believe me; your arms get tired paddling). The boards are large and soft.

KAYAKING: Dolphin Watch /Sunset Tour or Mangrove Tour
The price is $30 per person which does not include the $60 taxi if you take a taxi.

This is a fabulous kayak trip for all ages lasting about three hours. This is a tide dependent tour, as you paddle up the river at high tide. Starting in Puerto Jimenez you kayak through and around the tranquil mangroves of the river. You can see caimans, crocodiles, Jesus Christ lizards, lots of aquatic bird life, and a variety of other animals typical of the mangrove. You then portage over a bit of beach and find yourself in the ocean, where you may see rays, dolphins and other sea life.

If you are there after sunset (depending upon the tide), you may experience the magic of bio-luminescence. Alberto is a charming guide who speaks very good English as does his daughter, Laura. They have a great eye for wildlife and explain the area in wonderful detail. Every guest has loved this trip.

Expect to get wet and exposed to a lot of sun: dress accordingly and put sunscreen on, particularly on your shins and feet. They have both single and double kayaks. Alberto also offers a variety of other tour options such as full-day kayaking trips and snorkeling.

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FINCA KOBO CHOCOLATE TOUR
Cost: $30 per person, and the taxi is $100

This is a great tour which supports a Costa Rican family, and preserves the rain forest. You will walk under two kilometers through primary forest seeing a variety of fauna and flora while learning all about chocolate, and at the end of your trip you will dine upon the delicious chocolate they make. You will take a taxi approximately 60 minutes from here to the forest near Canaza where the tour begins at 8:30 A.M. The tour lasts about three hours.

CANOPY ZIP LINE TOUR Osa Palmas
Cost: $40 pp and the taxi $100 (minimum 2 persons)

This is a 6 zip-line tour through secondary and primary forest. Enjoy the experience and great views! Shortest cable is 110m, longest cable is 500m. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and includes certified gear and insurance, personalized and professional guiding, water and snack of tropical fruits.

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Exploring the Golfo Dulce by Boat
The Golfo Dulce is a beautiful body of water with much to see. We highly recommend these tours, and we highly recommend that you consider adding in the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary or Casa Orquideas.

The gulf was declared by Jacque Cousteau to be one of the most pristine waters in the world, second only to the Norwegian Fjords. The gulf is rich in wildlife, with two species of dolphins living in the gulf (spinners and bottlenose), as well as many visiting whales, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, schooling fish, and seas birds.

GOLFO DULCE BOAT TOURS
Costs: $250 for four, $45 pp extra for additional folks, (add $30 pp if you stop at the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary).

This tour is a fabulous way to see the beautiful Golfo Dulce. You can look for dolphin, plane board, snorkel, and generally enjoy the beauty of the gulf. It is a great idea to combine this with visiting the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary. (If you want to use the plane boards, make sure you let your captain know, as he may not pull them out unless you suggest it. Many Costa Ricans do not swim, and hence the fun of plane boarding is to many Ticos not apparent.)

THE RIO ESQUINAS GOLFO DULCE BOAT TOUR
Cost $250 for four, $45 pp extra for the tour, optional $80 for naturalist guide.
(Add $30 if the boat stops at the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary)

This is categorically the finest boat tour on the Gulf. You will explore over 40 miles of the gulf, its lush coastline, its deltas, and its mangrove estuaries. You'll wind your way through the jungle on an informative, guided excursion up the Rio Esquinas (or not, if you prefer to merely go with a boat captain and not a naturalist guide as well).

Spectacular birding and natural wonders abound. The tour-around spot is a clear mountain fed "cool pool". You also have plenty of time to plane board and snorkel near dolphins and over reefs.

The tour is tide dependent, so check with us regarding departure times. If you are a birder, it is critical that we know this, and schedule this tour early in the morning. Because of the tides this tour for birders is optimal only several days out of every month.

WATER TAXIS
- To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary or Casa Orquideas:
($130 for four, $25 for additional folks)

- To the Osa Wildlife Sanctuary and Casa Orquideas:
($150 for four, $25 for additional folks)

DELFIN BLANCO CHARTER BOAT

The Delfin Blanco is a large, comfortable boat that can be chartered by large groups to see the Golfo Dulce. It is also available for parties, etc. Talk to us for details.

VISITING THE OSA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Appointments must be made either for 9:00AM, 11:30AM or 1:00PM, and the tour lasts approximately two hours. There is a $30 pp fee to visit, (helps pay for the Monkey Chow).

The Osa Wildlife Sanctuary at Cana Blanca is located in one of the most remote areas of the Golfo Dulce and accessible only by boat. Here, injured or abandoned animals and birds of all sorts are cared for, and many are eventually released back into the jungle. This is a must-see down here on the Osa, and we highly recommend that you combine this with a Golfo Dulce Boat Tour. Prepare for animals crawling all over you, and potentially dive-bombing toucans. Watch your glasses, pockets, etc., and it is best not to wear jewelry. We know of two visitors who have been bitten by monkeys, and while there have been no serious injuries, we want you to know about these incidents. Children under age six are not allowed.

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RIO NUEVO HORSEBACK RIDE INTO THE PRIMARY FOREST
The cost is $50 per person (1/2 price for kids under 12) and includes lunch.
Add $70 for the taxi round-trip.

This is an all-day tour leaving at 7:30 A.M. and returning around 3 P.M.

This is a fabulous horse ride into the primary forest bordering Corcovado National Park. This is a cooperative tour set up by several local farmers who wanted to create a business which would generate money for them in ways other than cutting down their trees. By supporting this tour you have a direct affect in saving our rainforest. You will take a 45 minute taxi ride to the Rio Nuevo/Dos Brazos area.

You will be guided on sure-footed horses through rivers and hills covered by primary forest. While the animal life is not as intense as in the Matapalo area, there is still a very good chance to see wildlife and often intense birdlife while experiencing the wonders of the primary rainforest. A traditional Costa Rican lunch will be served at an original homestead which has recently been enhanced with a suspension bridge overhanging the river.

It is owned and operated by Costa Ricans. Wear long pants, take water, and bug spray.

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CASA ORQUIDEAS BOTANICAL GARDEN TOUR with the McAllisters
A boat taxi for this tour runs $130. The guided tour is $10 pp with a minimum of four people, includes refreshments, and only available Thursdays and Sundays.
Self-guided tours run $5pp.

This tour can also be enjoyed in combination with a Golfo Dulce Boat Tour, and/or Osa Wildlife Sanctuary. Talk to us for details.

If you want to know everything about floral and edible plant life in the tropics, you could not pick a better tour. In the 25+ years that Ron and Trudy have lived in the area, they have developed a true expertise for the floral and edible plant life of the tropics. In fact, they advise a number of famous botanical gardens through-out the world. They give guided tours on Sundays and Thursday, are closed on Friday, and are open every other day for self-guided tours.

On the guided tour Ron or Trudy will take you around their finca, rich with a variety of trees, spices, vegetables, flowering gingers, orchids, heliconias, bromeliads, palms, aroids, and other fragrant and unusual plants. This is not just a visual tour but a tour of all the senses including touch, taste and smell.

For the guided tours you must arrive at 8:30 A.M. and so must leave the lodge at 7:30 A.M. You need to be on time for this tour, as others may come from all around the gulf for this tour. You never quite know how many people will be there for the tour, but often there are 6 – 10 people.

HERRERA GARDEN TOUR
Two hour tour runs $15 per person, $25 pp a four hour, with a two person minimum.

There is a beautiful large garden on the way to town owned by Karen Herrera and her husband, Tom. They do all sorts of walks there, and even offer an adventurous tree climb (no ropes). They offer two hour and four hour walks where you can choose to see their botanical gardens, forest, or climb the tree, and they also offer bird watching. Their gardens are extensive and helping to preserve the biological corridor, so important in our part of the world. Taxi is $60 round trip.

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CANO ISLAND SCUBA DIVING and Snorkeling Trip
Cost for scuba divers is $125 per person for a two tank dive (certification required), snorkelers are $85 per person, and they also offer on occasion resort dives
(no certification required) for $145 pp. The round trip taxi ride is $240.

You haven't dived in Costa Rica unless you have dived at Cano Island. You leave our lodge at 5:00 A.M. and take a two and a half hour taxi ride to Drakes Bay. The trip to Drakes is beautiful in itself, as you cut across the Osa to the Pacific side. In Drakes you will be met by La Paloma's comfortable and large dive boat and whisked out to Cano Island. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins and occasional whales on the way.

Once at Cano Island you will set up for the first of your two dives. There are six possible dive sites which include deep canyons; impressive landscapes; lots and lots of fish both small and large, as well as sharks, eels, etc. The price includes lunch that they provide and all dive equipment for a two-tank dive. You will be led by a certified dive master and you must have your open water certification. You will arrive back in Drakes Bay around 3:30 in the afternoon. You can also go to Cano Island to snorkel, although for snorkeling only, it is a long and expensive trip.

FISHING

There are many different fishing options; fishing down in the Osa is fantastic, both inshore and offshore. You can sign up for a full or half day. Prices vary dramatically - as do the boats and tackle - from $400 to $1200.

A variety of other fishermen offer a variety of trips, so please contact us so that we can get you set up. If you set up trips on your own, good luck! You often get what you pay for, so make sure you have an agreement regarding boat size, bait, drinks, etc.

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