Playa Cativo Lodge
Dolphin & Whale Sightseeing
Golfo Dulce is one of only four tropical fjords around the world, and home to a variety of marine life
forms, including the cetaceans. Two species of dolphins spend their whole life cycles in Golfo Dulce,
and between July and November it's possible to witness the arrival of the Humpback whales and their
calves. Sea turtles, and marine birds usually show up during the ride. Combine this tour with
snorkeling for a fantastic day in the water!
Highlights: Cetaceans of Golfo Dulce, marine-life conservation, microbiological aspects of Golfo Dulce.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, boat and captain, equipment, beverages & snacks.
We recommend: Comfortable clothes, water shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars
and a dry bag.
Duration: 2 – 2:50 hours approx. Ocean condi- tions usually better in the morning.
Difficulty: Low.
Biosafety: No flash, prohibited to touch-feed-swim with cetaceans, Costa Rican Law No. 32495.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people
Piedras Blancas Nature Hike
If you are an adventurous hiker and prefer longer and more challenging hikes, this quest to Piedras
Blancas National Park ́s higher elevation is for you. We will take you to the north entrance of the park
(boat and car rides) at El Bonito Ranger station, the tour starts with a 4km hike, you will stop in one
of the nicest look out points for a good snack. At this point starts the San Josecito trail, 6 km across
the park through steep slopes ending up at Golfo Dulce.
Highlights: Wildlife, rivers, primary forest and nature photography, Ethnobotanical uses of trees.
Inclusions: Naturalist guided, binoculars, use of rubber boots, walking stick, check-list of common
wildlife, snack.
We recommend: Rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, repellent, camera and
binoculars. Excellent health conditions.
Duration: 6 hours approx. Early morning departure.
Difficulty: Very High - No flash, low voice. This hike is physically demanding, with a very high
difficulty level and is not recommended for people over 60 years of age or people who have had
surgeries such as knee or hips surgeries and/or cardiac complications, users must be in excellent
health conditions. Total hiking distance approx. 10 km.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people
Nocturnal Rainforest Guided Expeditions
The electric energy of the rainforest trans- forms at night time, an even more complex world awakes
and many animals become ac- tive at night; specially amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, night
mammals and birds. Our nature guides will share the dynamics of the rainforest during the first two
hours of darkness, mind blowing facts about the different habitats from another perspective.
Highlights: Biology of Leaf Frogs & frog pond organisms, snakes and nocturnal birds.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, flashlight, robber boots.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, long sleeves, insect repellent, flash- light. Avoid wearing white
colored clothes, it attracts insects.
Duration: 1.5 hours. Evening departure.
Difficulty: Low. Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people
Rio Esquinas Mangrove-Ocean Kayaking
.We are blessed to have one of the largest and most pristine river systems in Costa Rica just a few
short beaches away. The river mouth mangroves lead to picturesque sceneries of unspoiled man-
grove systems. This diverse terrain allows for some of the best bird- watching in the area, especially
at sunrise and sunset at low tides, when the mudflats are exposed and become a feeding area for the
aquatic birds. Our boat tows your kayak to the mouth of the river where you will embark on a peaceful
adventure and experience the magic of nature while cruising down the river on kayak through amazing
mangrove and rainforest sceneries.
Highlights: Wildlife Photography, endemic biodiversity, ecology of the mangroves, eco- systems
conservation.
Inclusions: Naturalist Guide, equipment set-up, boat transfer to/from Rio Esquinas, beverages and
snacks.
We recommend: Water shoes or sandals, short pants or lightweight clothes, water bottle, sun-screen,
hat, repellent, dry bag, camera and binoculars.
Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours approx. Tide dependent. Best in the mornings. In some cases, the tide may
affect whether the activity operates on kayaks or boats.
Difficulty: Medium.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, do not interact with wildlife, no swimming.
Adittional cost per person + taxes
Minimum: 2 people
Standup Paddle Board Adventures
Paddle along Cativo Bay and explore the unparalleled coastlines, be greeted by schools of fish, manta
rays, turtles and dolphins in the clear waters of Golfo Dulce. If you feel comfortable and a bit daring
to stand up and paddle. Our team is available to assist you with the outfitting and launching of boards and kayaks.
They will also be on-hand to receive you upon your return!
Highlights: Landscapes, Marine life.
Introduction to the Tropical Rainforest Guided Tour
On this tour, you will be introduced to the ecology and Playa Cativo´s main ecosystems (forest, swamps, beach, wetlands) and the most common of a substantial variety of birds and animals. Our certified nature guides will walk you through mind-blending facts about natural history and the interaction of the tropical rainforest and its habitats. You will also visit Playa Cativo’s Organic Farm (Finca Cayetano), where our proud farmers will show the different medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, legumes, as well as the entire process from seed germination to harvest.
Highlights: Wildlife photography, organic and medicinal plants gardens, butterfly garden, tropical rainforest & beach vegetation.
Inclusions: Naturalist guided, use of rubber boots, walking stick, coconut water.
We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, repellent, camera, and binoculars.
Duration: 1.30 hours. Early morning and late afternoon departures.
Difficulty: Low. Biosafety: No flash, low voice, avoid bright colored clothes.
Beach,Rainforest & Wetland Birdwatching
Set off on one of the world’s most exciting birding destinations! With more than 920 recorded bird
species in Costa Rica, the country boasts one tenth of the species of the world ́s total bird population.
The variety of birds in Playa Cativo is truly remarkable, with over 266 species of birds recorded in
Playa Cativo ́s Nature Protected Reserve, Tropical Gardens and Piedras Blancas National Park. Our
privileged conditions allow us to observe bird species that inhabit ecosystems such as beaches,
wetlands, valleys and even many migratory species.
Highlights: Bird Photography, Neotropical Birds, Rainforest Conservation.
Inclusions: Naturalist guided, binoculars, use of robber boots, waking stick, check-list of most
common birds.
We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat,
camera, repellent, and binoculars.
Duration: 2 hours approx. Early morning departure.
Difficulty: Low.
Biosafety: No flash, low voice, no laser pointers, avoid bright colored clothes. During breeding season,
extreme precautions should be considered to avoid any alterations of the birds in courtship, nesting
or breeding behavior.
Adittional cost per person + taxes.
Minimum: 2 people
Pool
Take a dip in our chemical-free, outdoor freshwater swimming pool to cool off after an adventure in the rainforest or relax after exploring the waters of Cativo Bay. Soak in the sun, grab a snack, or sip on a beverage from the El Gazebo Sunset Bar while gazing upon an unforgettable sunset over Golfo Dulce.
Boat Transfers
Do you want to visit Golfito or Puerto Jimenez on your own and explore? We can take you there and
pick you up for your return trip any time within 6 am and 3 pm.
Inclusions: Crew & Boat.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and a dry
bag.
Duration: 30 min to town each way.
Adittional cost.
Yoga
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Rainforest Waterfall Private Picnic
After an interactive nature walk through the south side of Cativo’s Protected Nature Reserve let by one of our team members, a tailored “picnic setting” with a selection of Costa Rican breakfast delights and Cativo’s signature cocktails, will be waiting nearby one of the jungle waterfalls of the property. Experience the ¨Pura Vida¨ and be empowered by the rainforest. This is a memorable experience that couples love to celebrate.
Artisanal Hand Line Boat Fishing
We will take you on a scenic boat ride around Golfo Dulce to enjoy an activity that has been part of the lives of the gulf villagers, previously as a way of surviving and now as a way to complement their meals. Our knowledgeable Captain and Guide, to whom fishing has been an important part of their lives will show you the best spots for fishing around the Gulf, and perhaps you might bring your catch for dinner
Includes: Local guide, boat, and captain, equipment & bait, snacks, and drinks.
We recommend: Lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera, binoculars, and a dry bag.
Duration: 1.15 hours approximately. Afternoon departure
Self-guided Walking Trails
Discovering the outstanding diversity of habitats that Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve and the
Tropical Gardens have to offer, we have thought- fully developed a user-friendly network of walking
trails around the property. Take the trail along the beach all the way to Buena Vista Pier and see
Cativo Bay from a different perspective, or look around and visit Cativo ́s Organic Farm. Continue to
Valle de los Sainos, one of the most wildlife active places in our property, or visit refreshing jungle
waterfalls. Explore peaceful pathways in paradise, meditate in motion to the sounds of the consoling
sea, or simply tune out of the world around you, tune in to nature and enhance that sense of adventure
that we all have within.
Highlights: Sceneries, Tropical Rainforest, Jungle waterfalls, Beach, Sunsets.
We recommend: Hiking shoes or rubber boots, lightweight clothes, water bottle, sunscreen,
repel- lent, camera and binoculars.
Duration: Varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.