Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [431]
Just south of Punta Uva, in front of the Arrecife restaurant, is a decent spot for snorkeling, when conditions are calm. The reef is very close to the shore and features include stunning examples of reindeer coral, sheet coral and lettuce coral. The reef at Manzanillo is also easily accessible. Rent equipment at Aquamor Talamanca Adventures. Most of the dive companies offer snorkeling trips of varying lengths for about US$35 to US$45 per person.
DIVING
Divers in the southern Caribbean will discover upward of 20 dive sites, from the coral gardens in shallow waters to deeper sites with amazing underwater vertical walls. Literally hundreds of species of fish swim around here, including angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, shark and different species of jack and snapper.
In Puerto Viejo the principal operator is Reef Runner Divers (2750-0480; www.reefrunnerdivers.net; 1-/2-tank dive US$65/90; 8am-6pm). If you are not certified, you can use a temporary license for US$65 or spring for the full PADI certification for US$325. In Punta Uva, check in with Punta Uva Dive Center, and in Manzanillo book trips with the highly reputable Aquamor Talamanca Adventures.
HIKING
The immediate vicinity of Puerto Viejo is not prime hiking territory: the proximity of the Parque Nacional Cahuita and the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo means that most trekkers will head to these protected areas to look for toucan and sloth. Getting to the indigenous reserves often requires a pretty serious trek, usually with a guide (see Tours, below).
If you are up for some independent exploring, pack a picnic and follow the town’s most southerly road, which goes past the soccer field and the Cashew Hill Jungle Cottages. Once out of the village, the road dwindles to a path and leads straight up into the hills.
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
Plenty of rafters head straight for Turrialba (see boxed text) but it’s possible to do rafting from the southern Caribbean. Exploradores Outdoors (2750-2020; www.exploradoresoutdoors.com; one-day trip incl 2 meals & transport from US$99) offers one- and two-day trips on the Ríos Pacuare, Reventazón and Sarapiquí. Staff can pick you up and drop you off in either Cahuita, Puerto Viejo San José or Arenal, and you’re free to mix and match your pick-up and drop-off points. They also organize overnight excursions to Tortuguero.
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Courses
Escuela de Español Pura Vida (2750-0002; www.idiomas.hotel-puravida.com), located at the Hotel Pura Vida, offers everything from private hourly tutoring (from US$18) to intensive five-hour-a-day sessions (from US$350 per week).
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Tours
Tour operators generally require a minimum of two people on any excursion. Rates are per person, but they may be discounted for larger groups.
ATEC (2750-0191, 2750-0398; www.ateccr.org; 8am-9pm) This highly reputable not-for-profit promotes environmentally sensitive tourism by working with local guides and supporting local communities. Hiking, horseback riding and canoe trips involve bird-watching and visiting indigenous territories and local farms. Depending on the activity, half-day excursions start at about US$20 and go up to US$80 for overnight trips.
Aventuras Bravas (2750-2000, 8849-7600; www.braveadventure.net) With offices in town and at Rocking J’s hostel, this company works largely as a booking agent arranging almost every tour imaginable. Popular activities include kayak trips (US$25), rafting excursions (US$75) and canopy tours (US$55).
Terra Venturas (2750-0750/489; www.terraventuras.com; 8am-7pm) Offers overnights in Tortuguero (US$179-239), hiking (US$45) and snorkeling (US$49) in Cahuita, tours of chocolate fincas (US$60), white-water rafting (US$100), plus it has its very own 23-platform, 2.1km-long canopy tour (US$55) – complete with Tarzan swing.
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