We have a busy day planned for our last full day in Costa Rica. This morning we are kayaking in the Hatillo Mangroves then we will be setting off for San Jose. When we met our guide we were thrilled to see Erick again. After a short bus ride to the point where the river joins the ocean, we were on our way. We navigated narrow water ways learning about the trees, fish, birds, and animals that are uniquely adapted to the brackish water of the mangrove swamps. The silence was suddenly interrupted by a shout from my son. It seems as he explored the shoreline, a fish jumped and hit him in the face. After a few piranha jokes, things seemed to settle down. . .for a while. Then, at nearly the end of the paddle, Mark happened to notice the pair of eyes just above the water line. Yes indeed it was a small crocodile with just his eyes above the water. Our guide explained that small crocodiles do inhabit the mangroves until they grow too large and then move to a larger river. This was indeed a preview of what was yet to come.
After checking out and starting our trip back to San Jose, we were able to quietly revisit all the adventures we had had on our vacation. Our driver let us know that maybe our sightseeing was not completely over. He stopped at a bridge where the highway crossed the Tarcoles River and let us out to view what was below. There on sandbanks were numerous, very large, crocodiles. It seems that the sheer number and size of these guys indicated they had found a happy home in this large river.
As night fell, we entered San Jose at rush hour. After days in smaller cities and the countryside, it was the first step to returning to our world.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.