Excursions

Private Surf Lessons

Have you ever wanted to learn how to surf? This vacation may be your moment to shine! Many would agree that Costa Rica is a wonderful place for beginner surfers. The waters are perfect for learning and there are plenty of beaches. This excursion takes place at Playa Hermosa, where there are stellar point breaks for beginner and intermediate surfers. The first part of your lesson will be on land to go over safety, stretching and pop up techniques. Once you feel ready your instructor will take you in the water and before you know it, you will be catching and riding those waves.

Lesson is 2 hours in length, with breaks as you need. During your breaks it is important to stay hydrated and eat some snacks Departure times vary, as a good experience will depend on the tides that specific day. 

Waterfall & Playa Ventanas Tour

Now these are some waterfalls worth chasing! Enjoy a day adventuring to waterfalls and cave exploring. Visit 2 waterfalls while hiking through the jungle and soak up one of the many riches of Costa Rica. And if you happen to be looking for a nice dose of adrenaline, cliff jumping is also an option! 

On this excursion you will also spend some time at one of the best beaches along the south pacific coast - Playa Ventanas. This beach is complete with caves perfect for exploring or playing in the tide pools around them. After you will enjoy a fresh lunch at a local restaurant El Pavon. El Pavon grows everything they serve right on site at their farm, which is located right beside the restaurant. It truly is a treat for the eyes and taste buds.

Pick up from Casa Galini for this excursion is at 8am.

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

A truly one of a kind experience for animal lovers. Costa Rica is home to an extremely wide variety of animal life. On this excursion, you will meet the sanctuary residents while learning about their history, biology and conservation needs. There is a wide variety of animals at Alturas Sanctuary including spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, anteaters, raccoons, parrots, toucans, raptors, porcupines, and kinkajous. 

Keep in mind, visitors are not allowed to touch the animals in accordance with Costa Rican law. Many of the animals in our sanctuary have had traumatic experiences at the hands of humans before they came to us, so there is an effort to create a natural captive environment for them, with other members of their species. This hands-off policy allows the animals to live in a low stress but naturally enriched environment. 

 Sanctuary is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-430pm. Great activity for kids of all ages. 

Reptilandia Park

Do you love reptiles?? Costa Rica is home to  Reptilandia, where the largest and most diverse presentation of Reptiles in Costa Rica exists. Learn so much with the family about this special group of animals. They can be examined safely from close-by and are beautifully exhibited, simulating their natural habitat as much as possible. While strolling down the easy walking paths you can also enjoy the many beautiful plants and trees in the botanical garden. The park is open 7 days a week from 9am-430pm. It is a fun, exciting and easy activity for the entire family.

Nauyaca Waterfall Tour

The Nauyaca waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s best and most majestic waterfalls. This waterfall actually has 2-tiers to explore as well as a huge pool at the base, perfect for swimming and bobbing around. You can also take your adventure further and walk along the river where it feeds to a number of smaller pools and some more privacy. 

There are 2 options to get to this magical place. First is by truck, where you can sit back in an open-air truck while taking in all the views. This is approximately a 10-minute ride.

The second option involves strapping on your hiking shoes and walking (our personal favourite way to get there). The hike is an intermediate level trail that takes approximately 1-hour. This is a half-day tour and can be done in the morning or afternoon. 

White Water Rafting

If you are looking for a little more adventure and a journey of unsurpassed beauty, jungle vegetation and exploding white-water, then rafting is a great option for you! There are 3 destinations for white-water rafting in this  area of Costa Rica, depending on the time of year

Please note- pick up times at Casa Galini vary depending on the river you choose

Savegre River

Savegre is a class II and III river that provides a good and hard ride with some thrills as well. It features small waves and lots of boils, but nothing too scary. Take a break from the rapids at a quiet swimming spot or waterfall, where you can take in rainforest flora and fauna. Colourful parrots, egrets and ospreys inhabit the national park areas along the Savegre river, as well as jaguars and tapirs. Keep an eye out for them along the river banks and in the treetops as you pass through.

Naranjo River
Runs: May-December
Minimum age: 12 year old
Length: Half Day
Includes; Transportation to river, snacks, water, all equipment, safety kayaker

Naranjo is a Class III/IV challenge for the more experienced paddlers. The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles. The white-water, jungle, canyon, and sky, make for an unforgettable day. For the advanced rafter, this is an exciting and refreshing ride through the Naranjo canyon. As well, if you are a first time paddler who welcomes a challenge and is looking for the excitement of big waves, hydraulics and stunning scenery, then this white-water rafting trip is for you! 

El Chorro
Runs: January-April 
Minimum age: 15 year old
Length: Half Day
Includes: Transportation to river, snacks, water, all equipment and safety kayaker 

The “Chorro” section of the Naranjo River has Class IV and V rapids, for those of you looking for a more intense rafting experience. Here, you will run some of the best and most challenging rapids available in Costa Rica. An unforgettable, adrenaline filled experience.

Whale & Dolphin Watching

A great opportunity to have an encounter with the marine wildlife of the Pacific of Costa Rica complete with amazing landscapes each way you turn. Dolphins are visible all year round, while the Humpback Whales visit between December-March and July-October. Bird lovers you will not be disappointed! Seagulls, frigate birds and pelicans are constantly flying or landing nearby. You will even have the chance to swim in the warm water near some rocks and coral reefs. In the right conditions, you will see some beautiful colourful fish such as the angel fish, parrot fish and barber fish. The captain will also take you along the coastline to view 200 caverns, located just south of the Marino Ballena National Park, known as Ventanas Caves. This is a 3-hour tour and you can choose to go in the morning at 9am or afternoon at 12pm. Pick up from Casa Galini is a ½ hour prior to your selected time.

Osa Canopy

Costa Rica offers some of the best canopy tours around the globe. During your adventure with Osa Canopy you'll spot many animals, including howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, toucans, and more. You will zipline over a waterfall and river, and enjoy unparalleled valley and ocean views. This activity takes place in a private reserve spanning 323 hectares (800 acres) covered by primary and secondary rainforests. During the tour, your guide will educate you on the Osa area in a fun and informative way. This is a truly unforgettable experience. Pick up from Casa Galini is at 8am for this half day tour.

Mangrove Paddle Board Tour

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is one of the fastest growing water sports today. It is an activity that is easy, healthy and something the whole family can enjoy together. The feeling of ‘walking on water’ while watching wildlife all around you are just some of the highlights of this sport

 We will be heading to The Coronado River aka stand up paddler’s paradise. This is a 3 hour tour. Pick up time from Casa Galini depends on the tide that day. Ages 12+ only. 

Dominical Farmer’s Market

Dominical Farmer’s Market has a bounty of organic produce including some rare tropical fruits that you may have never seen or tasted before. It is also host to many local artisans selling everything from jewelry to skin care. It is a wonderful place to buy authentic souvenirs and enjoy overall good vibes. There are also tasty treats to munch while you browse and on-site holistic therapies. Sometimes you may also catch a live music set!  Dominical Farmer’s Market is a 25-30 minute drive from Casa Galini. If you are looking for a unique experience that is off the beaten path, you have to check it out. Recommended departure time is 8am so that you don’t miss out on the freshest stuff. This market is on Fridays.

Pro Tip: *If you plan on purchasing items, Costa Rican Colones are best, but most vendors will accept USD.

Inshore Fishing

The town of Dominicalito is fantastic for fishing and also happens to be known throughout the coast as one of the best spots for finding Rooster fish. This is due to the many surrounding rocks, river mouths and structures that create an ideal environment. Our inshore trips usually start off trolling or casting for Jacks and Mackerel until we locate some live bait to catch. We then switch it up to live bait for Rooster fish, Snappers and various other game fish. After finishing a successful day of fishing, we will visit the house of the captain to prepare the filets-- you can choose to have them barbecue right then and there if you’d like! This is a half day (4 hour) excursion. Pick up times will be recommended by the captain closer to date. 

Owner operated fishing charter, Captain Kevin Malone is a USCG Licensed Master Captain, IGFA certified and has a lifetime of fishing experience. Top of the line professional gear. Tackle, electronics and safety equipment.

Chocolate Tour

Who loves chocolate??? If you are passionate about chocolate or curious about learning more, this tour is for you. You will learn everything you should know about this beautiful gift from Mother Nature and our Indigenous Ancestors. Tour is about 3 hours long and guide is bilingual in English and Spanish. Available at 9am and 2pm. The location of this farm is only 30 mins from Casa Galini.

Tour Includes:
- History Of Cacao Plant and Chocolate Making
- Information on Cacao health benefits
- Farm Tour to see and interact with the trees and biodiverse planting methods
- Explanation of all the steps in harvesting cacao and using for chocolate
- Interactive chocolate making with your guide
- Chocolate facial mask & massage
- Chocolate tasting!
- Gift shop with locally made cacao products

Horse Back Riding

Saddle up for a peaceful trot along the beach or ride in the river with a skilled and trained horse at Rancho La Merced . In fact, Rancho La Merced is also an environmentally sustainable livestock operation making Rancho La Merced an educational and peaceful outing. 

Experienced and inexperienced riders will enjoy the ride at Rancho La Merced. Children are welcome! Saddles available for children from 7yrs +

3 options for horseback riding tours: 

-Ride to waterfalls through the tropical rainforest followed by a dip in some natural water: 3 hour duration / 9am and 2pm slots

- Trot through a tour of Playa Hermosa, adjacent to Marino Ballena National Park: depending on the tide this outing is 2 hours in duration 

- Sunset Tour ---Costa Rica boasts the most beautiful and astonishing sunsets: typically begins at 4pm, depending on the tide / 2 hours duration 

Departure from Casa Galini is ½ hour prior to tour departure. 

Tour Includes:
- Tour guide
- All equipment
- Snacks

*For your safety, they provide helmets without any additional cost.

Kayaking Tours

Kayaking on “Punta Uvita” - AKA The Whales Tail, is an excellent way to check out the most popular place in town. If conditions are good, you can take advantage and spend time snorkelling and exploring the abundant ocean wildlife in Marino Ballena National Park. Here, you can swim along with parrot fish, lobster, coral reefs, and more!. This is a 3-hour tour and departure time will depend on the tides. Ages 8+ only

Tour Includes:
- Kayak Guides
- Kayak & Paddle
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Water & Fruits

Mangrove Kayaking

River kayaking is an easy and relaxing way to discover nature and explore the coast with its deep mangrove forests and jungle rivers that have an abundance of tropical wildlife. Paddle through the jungle and get a glimpse of monkeys, parrots, toucans and iguanas.  There is so much to see and do on a Mangrove Kayaking Tour. This is a 3-hour tour and departure times depend on the tides. Ages 5+ only. 

Tour Includes:
- Kayak guides
- Kayak & paddle
- Water & Fruits
- Life Jacket & Dry Bag

Bird Watching Walking Tour

Costa Rica is home to some of the worlds most incredible bird species. Enjoy a leisurely walk in and around the Costa Verde Estates Reserve where you will get to take in the magic of this rainforest and it’s diverse population of tropical birds. Your guide will identify and educate you on the variety of species as well as teach you some of the basic bird calls. 

Tour is 2 hours and start times are flexible with early mornings or late afternoons being ideal times to take in the largest variety of birds.

Scuba Diving/Snorkelling

Some of the best diving in Costa Rica- as well as the world- is said to be found at Caño Island . Take exploration to the next level with a scuba diving tour at Cano Island. 

Tour pick up at Casa Galini is at 630am and return between 3:00-4:00pm

Tour Options:
Two tanks diving tour to Caño Island
Snorkeling tour to Caño Island
*4 people minimum is required

Two tanks diving tour to Marino Ballena
Snorkeling tour to Marino Ballena
*3 people minimum is required

One immersion at Caño Island + 2 hours trekking in Corcovado National Park
Snorkel at Caño Island + 2 hours trekking in Corcovado National Park
* 6 people minimum is required

Tour Includes;
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Equipment
- Dive or Snorkel Guide
- Lunch and a great time!

** Diving courses available as well**