*Giving Back - We donate a percentage of profit to the Osa Conservation which is dedicated to preserving the globally significant biodiversity of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Named "one of the most biologically diverse places on earth" by National Geographic the Osa packs an unparalleled amount of land and marine species and diverse ecosystems in an incredibly small area.
Explore one of the world’s few tropical fjords on this 9-day lodge-based sea kayaking adventure in Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula. Paddle the calm, warm waters of the Golfo Dulce, surrounded by rainforest and jungle-covered mountains, with frequent sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and abundant birdlife. This trip blends active paddling days with wildlife exploration, cultural experiences, and relaxed stays at a family-run eco-lodge set right on the water.
Who is this trip for?
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This trip is ideal for travelers who:
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Sunrise at the lodge in Rincon
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Costa Rica
Welcome to tropical Costa Rica! Today is your arrival day. Upon landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, you’ll be met by our driver and transferred to a conveniently located hotel just 15 minutes away. The hotel features lush gardens, a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant—ideal for resting after international travel.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, San José
Day 2 – Fly to the Osa Peninsula & Kayaking Introduction
Enjoy a filling breakfast before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to the Osa Peninsula. This scenic one-hour flight follows the Pacific coastline. Upon arrival in Puerto Jiménez, you’ll be met and driven approximately 40 minutes to El Chontal Lodge, located directly on the shores of the Golfo Dulce.
After settling into your jungle cabin and enjoying a fresh, home-cooked lunch, we head out for a kayaking orientation and introductory coastal paddle. The afternoon ends with time to relax in hammocks before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~2–3 miles (introductory paddle)
Day 3 – Coastal Paddle & Cacao Farm Visit
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Playa Blanca to begin a coastal paddle back to the lodge. This scenic route offers calm waters and abundant wildlife. We arrive in time for lunch and a rest.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby organic farm to learn about tropical fruits, plants and cacao production, often ending with chocolate tastings. Return to the lodge to relax before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~6 miles
Day 4 – Dolphins, Mangroves & River Paddling
Begin the day with sunrise over the Golfo Dulce and abundant birdlife. A morning motorboat excursion takes us into the gulf to search for spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
After a beachside lunch, we paddle up the Esquinas River through mangrove forests rich with wildlife, including wading birds and, at times, monkeys or crocodiles.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~4–5 miles (river & mangroves)
Day 5 – Corcovado National Park
Today we take a break from paddling to explore Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s most biodiverse protected area.
After driving 45 minutes to Puerto Jiménez, we take a 1 1/4 hour boat ride into the Pacific Ocean to Sirena Ranger Station. A certified naturalist guide leads the wildlife hike on one of the park’s trails. After lunch and rest at the station, we return by boat and vehicle to the lodge.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Hiking Distance: ~2–4 miles (leisurely walking while looking for wildlife)
Day 6 – Final Paddle to Playa Palma Reale
Your final paddling day takes you along the rainforest coast to Playa Palma Real, a remote beach where locals enjoy the natural surroundings. We stop for lunch and swimming before returning to the lodge by motorboat.
The afternoon is free for relaxation before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~6 miles
Day 7 – Coastal Drive & UNESCO World Heritage Site
After breakfast, we say goodbye to our lodge hosts and depart the Osa Peninsula, driving north along the Pacific coast. Along the way, we stop to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch, and continue to a scenic beach destination for the night.
Overnight: Beso del Viento
Day 8 – Return to San José
Continue the drive back to San José with stops for souvenir shopping, lunch, and a wildlife river cruise. Your final night is spent in San José, followed by a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, San José
Day 9 – Departure
Enjoy your final Costa Rican breakfast and, if time allows, some downtime by the pool. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Important Notes
Welcome to tropical Costa Rica! Today is your arrival day. Upon landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, you’ll be met by our driver and transferred to a conveniently located hotel just 15 minutes away. The hotel features lush gardens, a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant—ideal for resting after international travel.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, San José
Day 2 – Fly to the Osa Peninsula & Kayaking Introduction
Enjoy a filling breakfast before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to the Osa Peninsula. This scenic one-hour flight follows the Pacific coastline. Upon arrival in Puerto Jiménez, you’ll be met and driven approximately 40 minutes to El Chontal Lodge, located directly on the shores of the Golfo Dulce.
After settling into your jungle cabin and enjoying a fresh, home-cooked lunch, we head out for a kayaking orientation and introductory coastal paddle. The afternoon ends with time to relax in hammocks before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~2–3 miles (introductory paddle)
Day 3 – Coastal Paddle & Cacao Farm Visit
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Playa Blanca to begin a coastal paddle back to the lodge. This scenic route offers calm waters and abundant wildlife. We arrive in time for lunch and a rest.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby organic farm to learn about tropical fruits, plants and cacao production, often ending with chocolate tastings. Return to the lodge to relax before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~6 miles
Day 4 – Dolphins, Mangroves & River Paddling
Begin the day with sunrise over the Golfo Dulce and abundant birdlife. A morning motorboat excursion takes us into the gulf to search for spotted and bottlenose dolphins.
After a beachside lunch, we paddle up the Esquinas River through mangrove forests rich with wildlife, including wading birds and, at times, monkeys or crocodiles.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~4–5 miles (river & mangroves)
Day 5 – Corcovado National Park
Today we take a break from paddling to explore Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s most biodiverse protected area.
After driving 45 minutes to Puerto Jiménez, we take a 1 1/4 hour boat ride into the Pacific Ocean to Sirena Ranger Station. A certified naturalist guide leads the wildlife hike on one of the park’s trails. After lunch and rest at the station, we return by boat and vehicle to the lodge.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Hiking Distance: ~2–4 miles (leisurely walking while looking for wildlife)
Day 6 – Final Paddle to Playa Palma Reale
Your final paddling day takes you along the rainforest coast to Playa Palma Real, a remote beach where locals enjoy the natural surroundings. We stop for lunch and swimming before returning to the lodge by motorboat.
The afternoon is free for relaxation before dinner.
Overnight: El Chontal Lodge
Paddling Distance: ~6 miles
Day 7 – Coastal Drive & UNESCO World Heritage Site
After breakfast, we say goodbye to our lodge hosts and depart the Osa Peninsula, driving north along the Pacific coast. Along the way, we stop to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch, and continue to a scenic beach destination for the night.
Overnight: Beso del Viento
Day 8 – Return to San José
Continue the drive back to San José with stops for souvenir shopping, lunch, and a wildlife river cruise. Your final night is spent in San José, followed by a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, San José
Day 9 – Departure
Enjoy your final Costa Rican breakfast and, if time allows, some downtime by the pool. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Important Notes
- This itinerary travels through remote areas, and while we do our best to follow the schedule, flexibility is essential.
- The Osa Peninsula is hot and humid year-round. Guests sensitive to heat should consider this carefully.
- Lodging at El Chontal is a rustic, family-run eco-lodge, reminiscent of the 1990s. It is simple, authentic, and deeply connected to the land. The lodge was built by and is lovingly operated by a local family who hosts us during our stay, offering warm hospitality and a genuine Costa Rican experience. If you are looking for a luxury resort, this is not the trip for you.
- Showers in the cabins are unheated, a refreshing and natural part of rainforest living that many guests grow to appreciate.
What's Included and Trip Price
- Lodging at Country Inn and Suites in San Jose, El Chontal Lodge in Rincon, and Beso del Viento in Parrita.
- Domestic transfers, flights and taxis, once you arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica.
- All meals except for breakfast and lunch on day 1
- All paddling equipment
- Scott Locorini and a local guide as your on and off water guides.
- $4195 per person - Share a room and save $250
There are a minimum number of participants required to confirm the trips. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, train) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 90 days prior to the trip’s start date. Email us, call or text (315) 316-1125 with questions.