THE WONDERFUL THING about Matapalo is that you can choose to fill your day with exciting, adventurous, fun activities or you may decide to just relax in a hammock, watch the birds and monkeys and read a good book.
People come to Matapalo to enjoy the incredible beauty and tranquility of nature. We live by the natural rhythms of the sun, moon and tides. Going to bed with the nightfall and getting up with the sun. If what you are after is a party nightlife scene you will be disappointed. However, if what you want is a rare experience of adventure, relaxation and unspoiled nature, you will love it.
We recommend that the activities with an asterisk be booked in advance, we can help you do that before your trip. If you are interested in a specific tour and would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
Local Activities:
- Swedish or Thai Massage
- Private or group yoga classes
- Surf Lessons
- Half Day Sport Fishing*
- Horseback Riding
- Tree Climbing*
- Waterfall Repelling*
- Jungle Hike with Everyday Adventures
- Lapa Rios guided hikes
Fun Activities you can do on your own:
- Just a simple walk along beach jungle dirt road can be a fun adventure. You are likely to see so many kinds of animals, insects and birds. You can also explore and get to know all of the beaches in the area that are all within walking distance.
- Exploring the tide pools in the secluded beach right in front of the house at low tide. You will be amazed at all the wonders you will find!
- Hike to one of the beautiful waterfalls in the area and play in the refreshing pools. Our manager will give you directions.
- Great fishing off the shore.
Activities that start from Puerto Jimenez:
- Swimming with the Dolphins*
- Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Tour*
- Kayak Tours in the Mangroves
- Corcovado National Park*
- Full Day Sport Fishing*
FUN THINGS WE THINK YOU SHOULD DO: We highly recommend doing the following activities while you are in Matapalo. We have done all of them and these are our favorites:
EVERYDAY ADVENTURES PSYCHOTOURS: Tree Climbing: Scale the largest original jungle gym (a strangler fig tree). You are top roped while free climbing roughly 70 feet (21 meters) to the viewing roost where you then have an exhilarating freefall/swing safely back to the Earth. Waterfall Rappelling: Rappel a 45 and 100-foot (14 and 30 meter) waterfall. Hike up around a series of waterfalls where you will receive thorough instruction. After completing the mini course you will be ready to go. Beyond expectation and an experience of a lifetime. BOOK IN ADVANCE.
TRES PECES FISHING INSHORE FISHING: It's about fishing and it's about fun! 4 hours of fishing and fun on a 23 foot (7 meter) Custom Center Console with Captain Jim. Large T-top sunshade, 4 stroke Yamaha. All safety equipment, VHF radio and GPS. Shimano and Fin-Nor spinning and conventional reels. Fly fishing available. No need to go to Puerto Jimenez. The boat is right off the beach in Matapalo ready to go. 4-person max. BOOK IN ADVANCE.
SURF LESSONS: Guaranteed to stand up and have the most fun since 1995. "It is one of the best breaks I have ever seen to learn on." A perfect right point break for beginners, with different sections to match your level of ability. The learning area is a forgiving wave that makes learning fun without any hazards. I call it a "Disneyland playground." Whether you are 8 or 78 it is a dream wave to learn on and the water is 83F (28C)! Private lessons are available for younger children. BOOK WHILE YOU ARE THERE.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND DOLPHIN TOUR: Take a fabulous boat ride across the Golfo Dulce to the Cana Blanca Wildlife Sanctuary. Only accessible by boat, this is a "must do" for anyone who loves wildlife and enjoys seeing animals up close and personal. This remote, non-profit foundation receives injured, orphaned and endangered animals in order to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. You will be greeted by monkeys, pet a baby sloth or kinkajou and see beautiful Scarlet Macaws and other recovering animals. On the ride out or back look for dolphins and try out the fun tow-behind plane board, with which you are pulled behind the boat and Šif lucky-along with dolphins beside you. These tours tend to encounter dolphins about 70% of the time, but even if you don't, being towed through the water is lots of fun. Note: No children under six allowed in the sanctuary. BOOK IN ADVANCE.
RIO ESQUINAS TOUR with WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Take an unforgettable six-hour tour of the beautiful Golfo Dulce with it's over 40 miles (64 km) of lush, tropical coastline and deltas. You will be taken to a remote beach to swim and snorkel. This tour also includes a visit to the Cana Blanca Wildllife Sanctuary (see above). You will wind your way through the jungle up the Rio Esquinas, where spectacular birding and natural wonders abound. Explore a mangrove estuary, have lunch and cool off in a clear, spring-fed pool. Note: No children under six allowed in the sanctuary. BOOK IN ADVANCE.
DEEP SEA FISHING: Come fish the calm waters where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific . Catch your dinner or catch and release. Many types of big Snapper, Roosterfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin. Also have a chance to see Green Sea and Olive Ridley Turtles, Spinner, Spotted and Common dolphins and Humpback, Pilot and even Killer whales. Some of the best fishing and fun in one of the most beautiful places in the world. BOOK IN ADVANCE.
Please note: All tour guides are independent businesses and are not affiliated with our house or us. We are always interested and welcome any feedback, but we cannot be responsible for your tour experience. That is between you and the tour owner.
Designed by Eben Bainbridge Contact Us:
katie@casatrespeces.com