Xandari Pacific Day Trips

* Prices listed based on tour operator information and are subject to change. Transportation prices given are approximate taxi fares from the hotel and are payable directly to the taxi company (prices may change).

1) Horseback Riding
Ride along the beach and across the hills of Esterillos, through pastoral farmland and across creeks, with beautiful views over the coastline with your experienced cowboy guide. Horses can either be brought to the hotel to pick you up, or you can begin your ride from their nearby stable.
Distance from the hotel: 10 minutes (or horses can meet you at the hotel)                
Duration: 1 ½ to 2 hours        Price: US $25 p/p

2) Surfing Lessons / Rentals
Learn to surf on the quiet beach of Esterillos Este with qualified English-speaking instructors from Lagarto Surf Company. Any age or ability level welcome. Surfboards and Boogie boards also for rent.
Distance from the hotel: Instructors come to the hotel and you surf right out front!
Duration: 1 to 2 hours           Price: US $20 p/p 1 hour; $40 p/p 2 hours; $10-$20 board rental only.

3) ATV Tours
Enjoy a fun and scenic ride on ATVs through mountains and small villages and down near the beach with your experienced guide. Beginners ride is 2 hours. Advanced ride is 3 hours and includes a waterfall stop. No deposit needed. Includes drinks. Guide speaks English, French and Spanish.
Distance from the hotel: 10 minutes             Duration: 2-3 hours
Tour schedule: Morning and afternoon departures (afternoon only in dry season)
Price: 2 hour Ride: US $65 p/p single rider; $45 p/p if 2 riders on an ATV.
3 hour Ride: US $85 p/p single rider; $55 p/p if 2 riders on an ATV.
Note: Min. age 16 w/ driver’s license. Max. weight 300 lbs. Bring camera (and swimsuit for 3 hr. tour) Transfer: $10 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

1) Waterfalls Canopy Tour
Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you traverse the tropical forest on a system of 7 cables and platforms. Aided by safe equipment and expert guides, you climb to the treetops for a bird’s-eye view, and then glide rapidly between each platform. There are also nature trails to explore for those who don’t want the vertical challenge.
Distance from the hotel: 35 minutes             Duration: 1 ½ to 2 hours
Tour schedule:  8 am, 11 am and 2 pm
Price: US $60 p/p, $29 children 8-12      Transfer: $58 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax
Note: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring camera, sunscreen and insect repellent.

2) Canopy Adventure Jacó
Enjoy 13 platforms, 12 cables and a ride of almost 3 kilometers with breathtaking views. This canopy tour has very high and long cables for maximum adrenaline rush! A professional photographer will capture your memories. Certified, bilingual, friendly guides accompany you for the entire tour.
Distance from the hotel: 25 minutes             Duration: 1 ½ to 2 hours
Tour schedule:  Every hour from 7:30-10:30 am and 1-2 pm.
Price: US $60 entrance p/p.                         Transfer: $58 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax
Note: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring camera, sunscreen and insect repellent.

3) Pacific Rainforest Aerial Tram
Discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the rainforest from open-air gondolas with canvas awnings that seat 8 passengers and a very knowledgeable naturalist guide. Tour includes the aerial tram and a walking tour through heliconia and medicinal herb gardens, and a visit to the serpentarium. You can also arrange to hike up the mountain along the route of the aerial tram (separate tour).
Distance from the hotel: 40 minutes        Duration: 2 ½ hours
Tour schedule:  Every hour from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Price: US $55 entrance p/p.       Transfer: $58 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax
Note: Wear light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, shorts or light pants, hat or cap. In rainy season, bring a light rain jacket. Also bring binoculars, insect repellent and camera.

4) Jungle Crocodile Safari
Explore the waterways and mangroves of the Tarcoles River by boat with an experienced naturalist guide explaining the importance of this unique ecosystem, while spotting various bird species, and of course the enormous, famous crocodiles of Tarcoles River up close.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes      Duration: 2 hours.
Tour schedule: 8:30 and 10:30 am; 1:30 and 3:30 pm daily.
Price: US $35 entrance p/p.   Transfer: $96 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

5) Sea Kayaking / Outrigger Canoe Tour
Paddle in double or single sea kayaks, or paddle as a group in a 5-person outrigger canoe, through warm tropical waters. Your kayak guide leads you to a great place for snorkeling with tropical fish. Includes water, fruit and snorkeling equipment.
Distance from the hotel: 40 minutes.             Duration: half-day (4 hours)
Tour schedule: 7:45 am and 1:45 pm.
Price: US $35 p/p $25 children   Transfer: $58 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax to Jaco for tour pick-up.

6) Calypso Tours Cruise to Tortuga Island
Enjoy a day in the sun on board Calypso’s 71-foot state-of-the-art catamaran, Manta Raya. Sit in one of the fresh water deck pools or lie on one of the giant nets overlooking the ocean while cruising the calm waters of the Nicoya Gulf on your way to the beautiful white sand, palm-studded beach of Tortuga Island. The area is perfect for snorkeling. Tour includes breakfast, gourmet lunch, drinks.
Distance from the hotel: 1 hour 45 minutes to the port of Puntarenas.
Duration: Full day (Depart hotel 6:00 am and return 7:30 pm)
Tour schedule: 6:00 am departure from the hotel; 9:15 am from the dock in Puntarenas.
Price: US $99 p/p.
Transfer: Included if there are 4 pax minimum; or private transfer $200 round-trip from hotel.
Note: Bring camera, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, comfortable shoes, hat and light jacket.

7) Carara National Park
Walk through the beautiful Carara National Park on your own or with a naturalist tour guide. Carara is known for its diversity of flora and fauna in a combined eco-system of dry tropical forest and humid rainforest. It is also home to the rare Scarlet Macaws.
Distance from the hotel: 1 hour        Duration: 2-4 hours
Tour schedule: Open from 7 am – 2 pm daily.
Price: US $8 entrance p/p          Transfer: $96 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax
Guide: You can arrange a guided tour at the park for $20.

8) Jacó Beach & Shopping
Enjoy popular Jacó Beach and do some souvenir shopping in town. There are plenty of great restaurants for lunch or dinner, and a variety of nightlife.
Distance from the hotel: 30 minutes       Duration: 2-3 hours.
Tour schedule: Upon arrangement         Price: US $58 round-trip transfer from hotel 1-4 pax.

9) Hang Gliding / Ultralight Airplane flights
Take an aerial cruise in an Ultralight Airplane, outfitted with 2 engines so it can fly low and slow giving great views of the coastline. Accommodates 1-2 passengers with an experienced pilot. For hang gliding, single passengers go with an experienced pilot, towed by an ultralight up into the air and then released to fly back down to where you started. Morning and late afternoon flights for hang gliding. USA safety standards followed.
Distance from the hotel: 20 minutes    Duration: 20 min. to 60 min. depending on tour
Tour schedule: Daily by arrangement; hang gliding morning and late afternoon only.
Price Ultralight Flight: US $69 p/p 20 min.; $99 p/p 30 min.; $150 p/p 60 min. Not including transfer.
Price Hang gliding: $99 p/p 1,500-foot altitude flight; $129 p/p 2,000-foot altitude flight.
Transfer: $50 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.
Note: Wear closed-toe shoes; bring camera, light jacket and sunglasses with strap.

1) Savegre Horseback Riding
Ride along the beautiful, long beach of Palo Seco to Isla Damas Estuary with your experienced equestrian instructor / guide. Includes round-trip transportation and lunch at La Isla Hotel; may also swim in pool and visit the estuary behind the hotel.
Distance from the hotel: 40 minutes     Duration: 2 hours tour; total 4 hours (with transport and lunch)
Tour schedule: 7:30 am and 2:00 pm daily Dec. 1 to April 30; 7:30 am only daily May 1 to Nov. 30.
Price: US $60 p/p including transfer and lunch.
Note: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring camera, sunscreen and insect repellent. May bring swimsuit / towel to swim in hotel pool after tour.

2) Isla Damas Estuary Boat Tour
Cruise by long boat through the watery mangrove “forest” of the Damas Island Estuary and learn the importance of this delicate and unique ecosystem from your English-speaking naturalist guide. Mangroves thrive where salty ocean water meets fresh tropical river water, creating a periodically submerged forest of interlacing aerial roots. See a variety of birds, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles and other reptiles. Tours daily based on tide times.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes.             Duration: 2-3 hours.
Tour schedule: Morning or afternoon tours based on the tides.
Price: US $60 p/p.        Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

3) Mangrove Kayaking – Damas Island Estuary.
See the mangrove estuary of Damas Island and River up close by kayak. An English-speaking naturalist guide will lead you paddling through the waterways. Includes lunch before or after the tour depending on the time of the tides.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes             Duration: 3 ½ - 4 hours
Tour schedule: Morning or afternoon tours based on the tides.
Price: US $60 p/p         Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax   

4) Sea Kayaking – Manuel Antonio Coast
Enjoy a paddling tour of the Manuel Antonio coastline. Start at the Quepos pier and paddle south along the coast toward Playa Escondida. From a vantage point only possible in kayaks, experience Manuel Antonio’s breathtaking cliffs and beautiful rock formations. Includes snacks and lunch. 
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes.   Duration: 3 ½ - 4 hours.
Tour schedule: 8:00 am daily.
Price: US $65 p/p.          Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

5) Savegre River Rafting (Class ll – lll)
This adventure starts with an early breakfast; then you’ll drive in an air conditioned minibus 1-1/2 hours to the river. The Savegre is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Central America, and is a rollercoaster ride of rapids past waterfalls and beautiful rainforest.  Includes breakfast and lunch.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes to Quepos for tour start  Duration: Full day.
Tour schedule: 7:00 a.m. daily all year.
Price: US $98 p/p.         Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 Pax.
Note: For any level, 8 years old and up; no experience necessary. Bring swimsuit, shorts, towel, sunscreen, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet, change of clothes.

6) Naranjo River Rafting (Class lll – lV)
On this half-day whitewater adventure you will encounter challenging rapids surrounded by a pristine jungle. If you are a first time or experienced paddler looking for the excitement of big waves and stunning scenery, then this trip is for you! Drive to river is 30 min. from Quepos. Includes snacks.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes to Quepos for tour start    Duration: Half day (4 hours)
Tour schedule: 8:00 am daily all year.
Price: US $70 p/p.   Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.
Note: For any level, 14 years old and up; swimming experience required and rafting experience recommended. Bring swimsuit, shorts, towel, sunscreen, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet, change of clothes.

7) Manuel Antonio Park (unguided)
Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest and prettiest national parks in Costa Rica. Home to howler and white-face capuchin monkeys, iguanas, sloths and other wildlife, this combination of tropical dry forest and rainforest gives way to stunning white sand beaches. There is plenty to do in Manuel Antonio and the nearby town of Quepos, from souvenir shopping to kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and other tours.
Distance from the hotel: 60 minutes.        Duration: Half to full day.
Tour schedule: Upon arrangement.
Price: US $7 entrance p/p.         Transfer: $76 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

8) Manuel Antonio National Park (Guided Hiking Tour)
The best way to see wildlife in the park is with a naturalist guide who will help you locate and learn about the animals and plant life that lives in the area. Swim in beautiful, calm turquoise waters, and then stay in the area to have lunch after your tour finishes. Includes admission, fruit, water, binoculars and telescope, and guide.
Distance from the hotel: 60 minutes.             Duration: Tour 2-3 hours.
Tour schedule: 8:00 and 11:00 am Tues-Sun    Price: US $39 p/p group tour; $50 p/p private tour.
Transfer: $76 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax (If available, tour company transport $60 round-trip)

9) Sportfishing
All charters include tournament quality IGFA tackle, bait, soft drinks, fruit and plenty of ice-cold beer (full day trips include lunch). All boats feature towers and are fully equipped and safety outfitted with LORAN and GPS. They are rigged with LEE fighting chairs and PENN II International reels.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes to port   Duration: Half to full day.
Tour schedule: Depart 7:00 am from Quepos daily.
Price: From US $500 to $950 per group of 4 pax, depending on boat size and whether half to full day
Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax   

10) Manuel Antonio Scuba Diving
Enjoy a day of diving with Manuel Antonio Divers, a PADI International certified dive center and school. For those with no diving experience, you can take a short course and learn the fundamentals necessary for safe scuba diving. You will be under the direct supervision of a PADI Instructor at all times, so anyone who is 12 years or older can be diving within an hour. Things to see include rock and reef formations, turtles and schools of fish. Water temperature is between 76-82 F and visibility ranges from 10-60 feet. Dive boat has dive platform, ladders, tank racks and fresh water shower.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes to port   Duration: Half to full day.
Tour schedule: 8:00 am and 1:00 pm daily from Quepos.
Price: US $175 p/p Discovery Scuba Course; US $85 2-tank dive and equipment. Water and fruit provided. 
Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax.

11) Planet Dolphin Catamaran Island Adventure
You’ll set sail on one of our two catamarans (38 feet or 60 feet) from Quepos marina and along the coastline of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other wildlife, including humpback whales during some times of the year. You’ll stop in a private cove for snorkeling and then a gourmet lunch.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes            Duration: 3 ½ hours
Tour schedule: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm daily Dec. 1 to April 30; 9:00 am only daily May 1 to Nov. 30.
Price: US $70 p/p not including transfer
Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax

12) Jet Ski Tour
Take a guided Jet Ski tour of the Manuel Antonio coast on low emission Yamaha Waverunners. The tour takes you on a unique, guided safari along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park, with safety and respect for the environment.
Distance from the hotel: 45 minutes             Duration: 2 hours
Tour schedule: 8:30 and 11:00 am and 1:30 pm daily                  
Price: US $149 single rider; $169 double riders   Transfer: $62 round-trip from hotel for 1-4 pax
Notes: $25 damage deposit required by credit card.

Please note that prices and details of day trips and transportation quoted are subject to change. We welcome hearing about your personal experience of the day trips so we can keep our information current and recommend only the best. All of us at Xandari Resorts hope you enjoy every day of your stay in this beautiful paradise of Costa Rica.