Experiences & Tours

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.

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.

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 mangrove systems. This diverse terrain allows for some of the best birdwatching 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 a kayak through amazing mangrove and rainforest sceneries.

Highlights: Wildlife Photography, endemic biodiversity, ecology of the mangroves, ecosystems conservation.

With the beauty and convenience of the surrounding National Park, Playa Cativo guests don’t have to go far to see nature at its best. Parts of the forest are rugged and steep due to the characteristic topography, so this hike is rated as challenging. The flora of Piedras Blancas is one of the most diverse in Central America; learn about the ecology of the tropical lowland rainforest, experiencing different vegetation units. This forest is also home to giant old trees, some of them endemic and endangered, so be prepared to encounter our top 5 amazing giant trees!

Attention to detail and making sure that each of our distinguished guests is provided with top-notch service and life-time experiences are our motto. We will whisk you off to a serene and quiet setting arranged in the heart of Balines or Cativo Beach with cold beverages, sun loungers, hammocks, and freshly homemade tapas from our chefs. Feel relaxed under the towering palm trees with the melodies of the ocean, the flamboyant nature surroundings, the scenic view, and the warm and calm waters of Golfo Dulce.

Nighttime is when the rainforest breathes. Layers of fragrances of nocturnal plants and flowers fill the tropical air along with sounds from the most spectacular inhabitants! The rainforest transforms and many animals become active at night; especially 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, Kinkajous and nocturnal birds. world.

In this enchanted and exuberant region of Golfo Dulce, you will witness the most stunning nature sceneries with healing sunrises and outstanding marine life, enjoy this experience from the comfort of our “Piguilo” platform boat, while practicing a Mindful Movement Session let by our wellness experts, right before a hearty breakfast and a toast to celebrate life and the amazing memories being created.

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 390 species of birds recorded in Playa Cativo´s Nature Protected Reserve, Tropical Gardens, and Piedras Blancas Nat. Park. Our privileged conditions allow us to observe bird species that inhabit ecosystems such as beaches, wetlands, grasslands, valleys, and even many migratory species.

Highlights: Bird Photography, Neotropical Birds, Rainforest Conservation.

You´ll be let through a candlelight pathway to an exclusive setting arranged at our Rainforest Deck with blending romance and the natural ambiance, surrounded by the foliage of the rainforest, the sounds of tree frogs, night birds, and lapping waves, for a 5 Course Dinner. A seamless experience from start to finish. Couple´s Favorite!

Golfo Dulce is one of four tropical fjords around the world and home to a variety of marine animals and mammals. With large mangrove areas and many rivers flowing into the gulf from the surrounding rainforests, the ocean is rich in minerals. It provides a healthy food source for dolphins (spinner, bottlenose, and spotted), humpback whales (from August to November), manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Combine this tour with other activities such as snorkeling for a fantastic day on the water!

Highlights: Cetaceans of Golfo Dulce, marine-life conservation, microbiological aspects of Golfo Dulce.

If you are an adventurous hiker and prefer a longer and more challenging hike, this expedition in Piedras Blancas National Park is for you. We will take you to Golfito, where after a 40-minute ride by car, we will start a horseback ride along the El Bonito river, with the company of a park ranger, until we reach the ranger station. At this point starts San Josecito trail, taking you 6 km (almost 4 miles) through steep slopes ending up at Golfo Dulce.

Some of the best snorkeling in the Golfo Dulce is right near the lodge. Let us take you to Punta Adela for a local dive or Los Mogos for a long-range half-day adventure. At low tide, you’ll marvel at the brain coral reefs. At high tides, the underwater rock pinnacles that mirror the mountaintops create a habitat for many tropical reef fish. Golfo Dulce is one of the few tropical fjords in the world, a fact that limits its dive potential. Nonetheless, the calm and pristine waters at 80ºF (26ºC) are perfect for a colorful snorkeling experience!

Highlights: Amazing marine life and conservation, climate change importance.

You´ll partake in a peaceful, romantic experience, captivating unique sunsets over Golfo Dulce with Piedras Blancas rainforest as the backdrop, while you indulged in a premium cocktail and a tapas selection with your personal mixologist. Take a break in paradise!

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!

Sign up for our morning Mindful Movement Sessions, where our experienced instructors are available each day to help you start with purpose. In each session, ancestral knowledge will be passed on to you that will give you practical tools to expand your consciousness and lifestyle.

Highlights: Sceneries, sounds of nature, consciousness.

Espavel Trail, Beach Trail, Valle de Los Sainos Trail, Jungle Waterfall Trail, and River Trail

Discover the outstanding diversity of habitats that Playa Cativo’s Nature Protected Reserve and the Tropical Gardens have to offer, we have thoughtfully 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 loop around and visit Cativo’s Organic Farm. Continue to Valle de Los Sainos, one of the most wildlife active places on our property, or venture to visit the 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, Wildlife Photography, Butterfly Garden, Tropical Rainforest, Jungle waterfalls, Beach and Sunsets.

We invite you to come along on this extraordinary journey. The tranquility and remoteness of our location, away from any city lights provide a unique view of the night sky, surrounded by the rainforest chants. Our team will make sure you have a front-row and confrontable setting in a “clear” located in the middle of our Nature Reserve as you observe the different constellations and shooting stars that constantly perform up in the sky, sit back, relax and enjoy.I

The Golfito Wildlife Refuge protects forested and beach areas surrounding Golfito Costa Rica on the Golfo Dulce, Pacific Coast. The Golfito Wildlife Refuge lies in a rugged wilderness area with very heavy rains, and dense evergreen forest. One of the wettest places in the world, the region receives an average annual rainfall of 150 - 200 inches. There are many resident birds species and  mammals in this refuge. 

Highlights: Bird Photography, Neotropical Birds, Rainforest Conservation.

This is one of the most wildlife active places in our 1.000-acre Protected Rainforest Reserve and it offers a wealth of biodiversity, wildlife, and birding. Venture through the forest accompanied by one of our nature guides, learn mind blending facts about the rainforest and visit our butterfly and medicinal gardens. A special setting with beverages of your choice, appetizers, hammocks, binoculars, and a telescope will be carefully prepared for you for a wildlife experience under the tropical forest rainforest canopy, al-fresco. Get used to the sounds of nature and feel immersed in the electric magic of this peaceful oasis.

Walk to the pier for an evening of traditional artisanal fishing. We’ll pack a cooler with beverages and snacks to take as you enjoy an activity that has been part of the lives of the Golfo Dulce villagers, previously as a means of survival, and now as a way to complement their meals.

Paddle along Cativo Bay to explore the unparalleled coastlines and be greeted by schools of fish, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins in the crystal-clear waters of Golfo Dulce. If you feel comfortable and a bit daring, you can stand up and paddle, or for those that prefer sitting down to go a little further, kayaks are the way to go. Our staff is available to assist you with the outfitting and launching of boards and kayaks, and they will be on-hand to receive you upon your return!

Highlights: Landscapes, Marine-life.

Pick up some gear and enjoy the experience of snorkeling at Cativo Bay. Our favorite place to snorkel is near the west pier, where you can observe a variety of tropical reef fish. Combine this activity with kayaking or paddle-boarding for a perfect adventure in paradise. Please ask our team for available equipment and they will be more than happy to assist.

Highlights: Marine-life, Adventure, Coral Gardens.

All excursions and experiences are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, tide levels, and other factors that may interfere with our guest´s safety and joy. Some activities fully depend on the tide levels and/or weather conditions.

All tours and experiences require a minimum of 2 people. 

Departure times will be set, arranged, and confirmed at the lodge by our Guest Services and Adventure Teams. 

8% Added Value Taxes applies as of July 2022 and an additional 5% as of July 2023. Based on the provisions of the Public Finances Strengthening Law 2019, No. 9635.

We take safety seriously.

We are in a remote and wild area. Respect animal spaces and avoid getting too close to them, even if they seem friendly or undisturbed by your presence, they are wild animals and will attack when feeling threatened. Please watch your step when walking to avoid stepping into animals. When possible, avoid walking under the tall coconut trees, coconuts may fall unexpectedly. If taking a self-guided tour, use a map and inform a staff member of your intentions and the approximate time of your return. Stay in the trails at all times.