Tourism is being developed and encouraged along the Gulf of Papagayo (Gulf of Parrots). This is an area of many attractions and there is enough variety to satisfy all comers. On land there are the beaches, like Ocotal Beach, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama and Playas del Coco, mountains, forests and waterfalls. Bird watchers will be in their element and while exploring, they are bound to come across hot springs, or even ride a horse. In addition, there is ziplining, 4WD tours, hiking, climbing, eco tours and many more.
In the water, there are numerous diving sites, some of them a distance off-shore where the water is always clear and not spoiled by run-off water from rainfall. Fishermen are well catered for along the entire coast and it is really a question of picking a spot and baiting up.
One of the best beaches on the Gulf of Papagayo, the sweet sandy beach of Playa Huevos is all clear waters, calm waves, and a jungle-clad backdrop. What’s so special about the charmingly named Egg Beach? It's completely inaccessible by foot - making it a yacht favourite with barely anyone there and ridiculously translucent waters. Adorned with caves and sea cliffs, charter guests can bathe, snorkel, and explore this piece of Costa Rican paradise. The rocky reefs are home to a colourful array of creatures including manta rays and shy sea urchins. Pack a picnic or fry some fresh fish on the barbecue for lunch before snoozing in a makeshift hammock to the sound of the lapping sea - this is Pura Vida at its finest.
Playa Zapotal’s golden sands and calm waters make it perfect for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming, or just chilling out and soaking up the sun. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area ranging from easy to difficult, with the majority being rated as moderate. Maps of the trails are easily downloaded with reviews by previous hikers.
Part of the Puntarenas Province, San Lucas Island was once an infamous prison but is now a National Park which has a good variety of wildlife such as several species of bat, deer, howler monkeys, pheasants, spiders and snakes. Surrounding waters are home to hammerhead sharks, rays, and turtles. Assisting the rangers and helping to increase the island’s attraction to tourists are volunteers belonging to Raleigh International who deserve every encouragement.
The Islas are in fact two islands, Tolinga and Alcatraz. Snorkelling is the most popular activity at the islands and you may be fortunate and encounter rays and dolphins. On occasion, whales may also be seen. It is the ideal spot to enjoy some kayaking and jet-skiing.
If you just want to laze on the beach and be entranced by the beauty of the sea and palms, this is the place for you. Spider monkeys abound and they will present good photo opportunities as they are naturally curious. Fishing around the islands is good and you may hook a tuna or jack or something smaller.
The Isla del Cano is one of the prime destinations in Drake Bay (Bahia Drake) with most of its attractions being beneath the surface of the sea. Access to the island itself is limited to one hundred people at a time, with one session in the morning and another in the afternoon. Once you’re on the island itself, there are many restrictions designed to ensure that it maintains its pristine condition.
The number of divers is also limited but any wait is well worth it. Being in a nature reserve, fishing is prohibited as is removal of any other flora or fauna on or around the island. When you are diving, you are likely to see a selection of barracudas, dolphins, humpback whales, moray eels, rays, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, and other aquatic species. Cano is a place where a camera is essential for taking photographs above and below the waterline.
Not a place for the tourist who wants to be pampered, Bahia Drake, or Drake bay as it is also known, is for the adventurous traveller. For a start, there is no dock and a wet landing is guaranteed. With its rocky coastline, there are some really magnificent white beaches. For snorkelling and diving, visit Cano Island where you will also encounter whales, dolphins and sea turtles. In the nearby Parque Nacional Corcovado, you will see howler monkeys and vividly coloured macaws, both very loud creatures. A camera is essential. As you would expect, fishing in the bay is very good.
Set your anchor in one of the most spectacular and secluded anchorages in Central America—Bahía Rincón, nestled inside the only tropical fjord in the Americas. This breathtaking bay lies deep within the Golfo Dulce, surrounded by lush, mountainous jungle, dotted with tiny islands, and laced with vibrant mangrove systems begging to be explored.
This is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering something for everyone:
🌊 Watersports paradise – Calm, protected waters make it ideal for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply unwinding on the deck.
🛶 Sea Kayaking at Bahía Esquinas – Glide silently through pristine waters surrounded by rainforest and wildlife.
🚤 Mangrove Tour by Tender – Navigate the intricate mangrove channels of Río Esquinas, rich with birds, reptiles, and tropical flora.
🐒 Matapalo Safari Adventure – A thrilling 4x4 journey followed by a hike along the Matapalo coastline. Expect stunning beaches and likely encounters with scarlet macaws, toucans, and all four monkey species native to the region. (Full day)
🍫 Chocolate Farm Tour – Visit a local rustic cacao farm for a hands-on, flavorful experience that connects you with Costa Rican traditions. (3 hours)
🌳 Puerto Jiménez Zipline Tour – Soar through the towering rainforest canopy of the Osa Peninsula on this exhilarating zipline adventure. (2.5 hours)
This itinerary offers a balance of adrenaline, exploration, and serene beauty—a perfect blend of wild Costa Rica and peaceful tropical retreat.
Golfito has something which is very attractive to tourists, a duty-free shopping area. It is the gateway to the Pavones, which offers some of the best surfing in the world in quality of waves and length of ride. Getting there involves a bit of a trek but keen surfers will not mind this at all.
There are many diverse activities including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, whale watching, hiking in the tropical rainforest and horseback riding, In the water, you will enjoy the coral reefs and are likely to encounter dolphins, manta rays, whales, sharks, and turtles.
Enjoy the last day exploring before disembarkation.