Arenas del Mar: Activities & Wildlife

Costa Rica offers much more than just “drinks by the pool” and tropical beaches. Our country is famous for its flora and fauna and Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is the perfect base to explore the natural treasures. Just outside of your room, you can find an extensive trail infrastructure that can be used by guests to explore the natural rainforest setting of the hotel’s grounds. We invite you to become active, have fun and learn about Costa Rica, its people, nature and culture…

Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort offers you inside and outside our doors the most exuberant flora and fauna home. No other destination in Costa Rica has received more international attention than Manuel Antonio. Many first-time visitors to Costa Rica plan their vacation around seeing it, and it's no surprise why: the views from the hills overlooking Manuel Antonio are spectacular, the beaches are idyllic, and its jungles are crawling with howler, white-faced, and squirrel monkeys, sloths, crabs, among other forms of exotic wildlife. You are invited to experience them, and taste the sights and sounds of a rainforest right next to the beach. Explore Manuel Antonio, one of the most famous and smallest National Parks in Costa Rica, covering fewer than 680 hectares (1,680 acres), also its surroundings and different activities. With your visit you will also be supporting the Costa Rican National Parks system and contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. By protecting the flora and fauna, you are ensuring future generations will get to see them as well.

Current listing and description of tours & activities around Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort.

Early in the morning, enjoy the charms of Manuel Antonio National Park, with its striking white-sand beaches, clear tranquil waters and abundant wildlife. Though the highlights of this park are its two white sand beaches where you’ll have time to swim - Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio - it also protects coastal rain forest, a mangrove swamp, coral formations and 12 islands that serve as seabird sanctuaries. Our guide will teach you about the park's distinctive plant life and point out some of the resident fauna, which include 109 mammal species, such as 3 species of monkeys, agouti, three-toed sloth and 184 species of birds.
* National Park closed on Mondays

What to bring: sun block lotion, swimsuit, towel, beach sandals, insect repellent, camera, binoculars and hat
Departure time: 8:00 a.m.
Arrival time:1:30 p.m.
Driving time: 15 minutes
Rate: $45 per person
Includes: transportation, refreshments, bilingual guide and entrance fee

Sail high above the rainforest canopy and experience the jungle from its richest perspective: the top of the rainforest canopy. With a short drive to the ranch house, snugly set beside a freshwater stream at the base of a mountain, you’ll be served a delicious typical breakfast or lunch (depending on tour time). Get an incredible adrenaline rush while flying between platforms in the canopy of the rainforest from a perspective that few experience. You will be led through magical trails that gently wind through the forest, where you can see poison dart frogs, toucans, squirrel monkeys and more tropical plants than you can believe!
This canopy features 21 Platforms, 9 zip lines, 2 repel lines, one suspension bridge, and one “Tarzan Swing”!

What to bring: long pants, sun block, comfortable shoes or tennis, camera and insect repellent
Departure time: 6:50 a.m. or 9:50 a.m.
Arrival time: 12:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.
Driving time:1 hour
Rate: $75 per person
Includes: transportation, equipment, and bilingual guide

The Rainmaker is a 1500-acre reserve mainly consisting of primary rainforest. Rainmaker is part of the Quepos corridor, through which numerous birds and other wildlife migrate throughout the year. Reaching an elevation of 1700 meters (5576 feet), it is home to approximately 2500 plant species within four different bio zones. The mission of the Rainmaker Project is to save this valuable nature laboratory and watershed. The Canopy Walk consists of a stringently engineered suspension bridge. The six sections total 250 meters (820 ft.), spanning from platforms that are attached to massive hardwood trees, creating the most impressive canopy walk in Costa Rica. The design limits the impact on the forest, giving an opportunity to safely explore the majesty of the natural forest canopy from a birds-eye view.

What to bring: sun block, swimsuit, towel, beach sandals, insect repellent, camera and hat
Departure time: 8:00 a.m.
Arrival time: 12:30 p.m.
Driving time: 45 minutes
Rate: $80 per person
Includes: transportation, refreshments, lunch, bilingual guide and entrance fee

This is a great opportunity to have a close view into the real nature. Kayaking through this unique and protected inland waterway is truly a great combination of adventure with education, which is easy since the Damas Island is the perfect place to learn about one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the Mangrove Forest. Enjoy the enchanting, primordial mangrove estuary and observe fascinating wildlife such as the whiteface capuchin monkeys and a vast array of birds. Board your kayak for a relaxing enjoyable trip.

What to bring: cool comfortable clothes and shoes, sun block, insect repellent, hat, binoculars and camera
Departure time: departure time for this tour is subject to ocean tides
Arrival time: Around 4 1/2 hours after you start it
Length of tour: half day
Driving time:45 minutes
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, equipment and tropical fruit buffet
Rate: $75 per person

Visit the first butterfly garden and private nature reserve tour in the Manuel Antonio area and find more than 20 species of butterflies (like famous Monarch and Blue Morpho) inside a uniquely designed 1,000 square foot atrium garden. In additional to Butterflies, learn also about Tropical Aquatic Gardens where and find a variety of species of frogs and toads. One of the most popular, the red eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas), or the glass tree frogs (Cochranella granulosa) and the wet forest toad (Bufo melanochlorus), endemic species of Costa Rica. Tour also offers the opportunity to see the reptiles exhibition.

What to bring: cool comfortable clothes and shoes, hat and sun block
Departure time: 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
Arrival time: 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.
Driving time: 10 minutes
Rate: $50 per person
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide and entrance fee

Discover the wonders of our imposing Manuel Antonio coastline and climb aboard one of Costa Rica’s greatest sailing experiences by morning or sunset. Marvel at mysterious islands with jagged rock formations, towering cliffs and nesting grounds to sixteen species of marine pelagic birds. It is not rare during certain times of the year to listen to the song of the whales, whistling with each surge of the waves. Submerge with us and visit a fascinating undersea domain, playground to more than 60 species of colorful tropical fish.

We travel all along the coastline while explaining interesting facts of Manuel Antonio National Park and the heritage of the Quepoa Indians. Witness the world’s most unforgettable sunsets, the perfect conclusion to another relaxing, and beautiful afternoon in paradise. Cruise in search of different species of dolphins and whales, four species of turtles, vibrant schools of fish and many other marine creatures that inhabit these waters.

What to bring: sun block, hat or cap, shorts, sandals, swim suit and camera
Departure time: 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Arrival time: 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Driving time: 15 minutes
Rate: $75 per person
Includes:transportation, boat transfer, bilingual guide, snorkel equipment and lunch

Famous are the rivers in Costa Rica for white water rafting activity, and Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited towns for such activity after Turrialba. This white water rafting is an authentic full day adventure: relaxation and pure action while enjoying the fantastic landscapes.

Due to its diversity, the Savegre River Valley is currently a scientific research center. Along the way you will be astounded by the awesome canyons, waterfalls, and primary rainforest of Costa Rica. The Savegre River is a magnificent stretch of white-water that begins its course by winding out of a sparsely inhabited valley in the mountains. At the lower Savegre the white-water rapids are exciting, but not so demanding that you won't have time to enjoy the spectacular tropical scenery.

This is one of the most pristine rivers in the country, and is surrounded by impressive views of the primary rainforest. Lurking just behind the shroud of lush foliage, you will find a number of truly magnificent waterfalls of the Savegre's tributaries. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a waterfall and get to explore the natural swimming pools in the area surrounded by blooming heliconias.

What to bring: rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, t-shirt (optional) and an extra change of dry clothes
Class: II-III
Departure time: 8:00 a.m.
Arrival time: 4:00 p.m.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Rate: $105 per person
Includes: transportation, river gear, soft drinks and fruits and bilingual guide

More action and higher adrenaline is what you are looking for? It’s only 30 minutes away from the Manuel Antonio: the Naranjo River is the natural southern border of Manuel Antonio National Park. This river drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride to sea level passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. These are 8 miles of white-water and famous rapids. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles. The white-water, jungle, canyon, and sky make for an unforgettable day.
* tour available only from from April to December

What to bring: rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, t-shirt (optional) and an extra change of dry clothes
Class: III- IV
Departure time: 7:00 a.m.
Arrival time: 12:30 p.m.
Driving time:30 minutes
Rate: $75 per person
Includes: transportation, river gear, soft drinks and fruits and bilingual guide

Experience this picturesque ride through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls; giving you the opportunity to approach an exuberant natural world of tropical plants and wildlife in an organic non-intrusive manner. Discover the secrets of the forest, learn about medicinal and curative plants, find toucans, take a time for a swim in a relaxing stay at the waterfalls and natural pristine pools, or walk the rainforest trails.

What to bring: long pants, sturdy footwear (not sandals), hat/visor, swim suit, sunscreen and camera, a change of clothes is recommended
Departure time: 8:00 a.m.
Arrival time: 1:00 p.m.
Driving time: 1 hour
Rate: $75 per person
Includes: transportation, bilingual guides, horseback riding equipments, fruits, snacks, beverages and Costa Rican typical lunch

Surfing is a healthy, natural sport. It gets you in shape, gives you a nice tan, and most of all is fun! Enjoy surfing at the most incredible beach of the area: Playa El Rey. From grommets to grandpas, pros to never done it, all are covered. Playa el Rey offers great left and right breaks; the place is completely secluded since it belongs to Manuel Antonio National Park.

What to bring: rubber-soled sandals, comfortable clothing, hat or cap, swimsuit, towel, waterproof sun protection and camera
Departure time: departure time for this tour is subject to ocean tides
Arrival time: around 4 hours after you start it
Driving time: 30 minutes
Rate: $75 per person
Includes: transportation, surf board, leash, lycra top, beverages, snacks and surf instructor