Eco-Tours / Adventure Excursions
Situated in the middle of some of the last protected Rainforests and Caribbean Sea, The Goddess Garden retreat center is a perfect destination for Eco-Tourists. Located on the Caribbean Coast we are completely surrounded by National Parks and protected areas. We offer guided access to the most popular, must see spots and activities on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Prices are accurate at time of posting in 2015.
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RAINFOREST CANOPY ADVENTURE (ZIP-LINING)
Eight aerial platforms and 1200 meters of cable are nestled deep into the jungle. After a short walk …the adventure starts. Our professional guide will take you from one platform to the other explaining facts about the vegetation, the animals, and how the local indigenous use some of the herbs you will see. An incredible way to experience the jungle.
Duration: 4 hours.
Departure time: 7:30 AM o 12.30 PM
$ 55.00 per person plus transportation (*Minimum 2 persons)
$ 70.00 with transportation
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CACAO TRAILS
The complete cacao tour includes a guided visit to each one of the sections of the park (Corn plantation, Cacao plantation, Botanical garden, Medicinal garden, Iguana farm), canoes tour in the Cacao Trails canals, walk through the Cahuita National Park, visit to the Cahuita turtle nesting beach and a Caribbean style buffet lunch, fresh fruits and juices.
Duration: 9:00 Am to 3:30 Pm
$ 47.00 per person plus transportation
$25.00 for chocolate tour only / duration: 2 hours
$27.00 for canoe tour only / duration 2 hours
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CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
The coral reef of Cahuita National Park includes approximately 240 habitats. There are 123 different species of fish, 44 species of crustaceans, 140 shellfish and 1281 seaweed species identified. We can also observe 35 different coral species such as the fire coral, the red coral and the black coral which is unique to this area. Miles of white beach and dense tropical jungle. This tour will start with a boat trip to the coral reef where you will be snorkeling. Then will follow a guided walk on the Cahuita National Park’s trail, where wild animals are easily spotted in the middle of the abundant and colorful flora. The rest of the day is to be enjoyed lying on the white sand beach or visiting Cahuita Village.
Duration: 5 hours + time on the beach
Departure time : 9 am
Price per person: $ 50.00
Snorkeling only: $ 30 per person
National Park only: $ 25 per person
National Park without guide: free
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TREE OF LIFE
The gardens are approx. 10 acres of many types of plant groups. There are palms, heleconias, bromeliads, calatheas, aroids etc. There are a lot of different palm species and a special Talamanca area with indigenous plants. There are also spices like vanilla , black pepper, cinnamon. In addition we have papaya, banana, cacao and pineapple growing.
They have a breeding program for turtles and iguanas and they do reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
Entrance 12 USD
Tour at 11 am
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SURFING LESSONS
Learn to surf the waves of the Caribbean. You don’t need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of riding a wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is gentle with first-time surfers. Don’t miss the opportunity! We will provide you with a surfing board and promise you the time of your life!
Duration: 1.5 hours
$ 40 per person
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YORKIN INDIGENOUS RESERVE
An exciting day to explore the Natives of Bribrí en Costa Rica. The day will start with an exciting boat trip in canoe from Bambú to Yorkin through an exotic landscape (1 hour). After arriving in the village of Yorkin you will be told the history of their organization and community. Afterwards will be a guided tour through their plantations where you will learn about medicinal plants and trees of great importance to the Yorkin people. You will be served a traditional lunch with ingredients all produced organically in the reservation. In the afternoon you will learn the secrets of chocolate making and how to weave palm roofs. At the end of the day there will be time for a swim in the Yorkin River followed with a boat ride back to Bambú.
Duration: whole day
Departure time: 9 am in Bambú
Two Person Minimum
$ 60 per person from Bambú plus transportation from and to The Goddess Garden
Lunch included
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SEA AND RIVER KAYAKING
At the beautiful beach of Punta Uva, with the help of a trained guide, you will kayak in the ocean with a sea kayak. Then you will slide towards the Punta Uva River, that unwinds into the jungle into a paradise of birds, wild animals and tropical plants, leaving behind you nothing but ripples. After the kayaking, the options are: exploring the Punta Uva promontory for 1 hour or sunbathing at the beach – either way, this is a day full of adventure and wonders!
Duration: 3 hours + beach time
Departure time: 10:30 AM
$ 49 per person including transportation
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KAYAKING IN CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
You start your kayak tour in Cahuita. Along the shore you will be kayaking with your trained guide until you reach the National Park. On the river Suarez you enter with your kayak into the National Park where you can watch amazing wildlife and impressive sceneries.
Duration: 3 hours
Departure time: morning or afternoon
$ 35 USD per person
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HORSEBACK RIDING AT THE BEACH.
Exquisitely trained horses and an expert bilingual guide/teacher will accompany you in this adventurous excursion on the wild beach of Playa Grande in Cahuita. You will be provided with a horse that will fit your pace and riding level perfectly. You will start on a brief horse’s walk in the jungle where is also possible to observe animals, eventually arriving on the beach where the horses can either keep walking, trotting or take you for a breathtaking gallop along the shore. There is time provided if you would like to stop on the breach to go for a swim or just to rest. It is best to ride with long pants and shoes, but don’t forget your bathing suit for after!
Duration: as long as one can take it
Departure time: in the morning or in the afternoon
$ 45 – 85.00 per person (from 2 hours on)
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BOCUARE JUNGLE ADVENTURE TOUR:
Fun for the whole family! Spend the day in Bocuare, a reservation of land where you can be a part of nature: 100% all natural. The tour includes exploration of the land using hanging bridges to cross through normally inaccessible wet lands, where you will observe a diversity of plant and animal species. At Bocuare you will also find a butterfly conservatory, natural pools in the mountains where you can swim, large tropical gardens where you will view birds and indigenous plant species, lakes that you can enjoy as you paddle through on a floating raft or use for fishing, and much, much more. Bocuare also provides AWESOME water rafting tours and horseback riding through the mountains. There is also a demonstration on sugar cane production and a delicious lunch provided in the rustic restaurant. You are also encouraged to use the volleyball and soccer fields on the property. The abundance of what is available you must see for your self
Duration, including transfers: 6 hours
Departure time: 9 am
$ 50 per person
Tour rafting to Indigenous Cabecar: $ 80 per person
Exploring tour to waterfall Cerere $ 80 per person
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WHITE WATER RAFTING.
The Pacuare River is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. You will see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides. Wildlife is abundant, with sloth, toucans, parrots, coatis, morpho butterflies and colorful frogs being common sights. Other inhabitants of this jungle include monkeys, jaguars, peccaries and tapirs, but these animals generally stay more hidden. It is not an overly challenging river, but it has many rapids that will make your adventure very interesting and fun. The 18-mile-one-day-run includes a total of 38 rapids. Few rivers in the world can offer you so many rapids in such a short stretch of water.
Upon arrival to the river you will get geared you up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then briefed with a full safety orientation talk by our expert guides. The first 4 miles consist of class II-III rapids, a great time to test your new river skills, gain confidence in your team, and have fun. Here you will find very beautiful pockets of secondary forest. After about 40 minutes we will enter the Pacuare River Gorge, which is 5 miles of some of the best white water Costa Rica has to offer. After the gorge the river opens up to another 5 mile stretch called “Valle del Pacuare.” The river here changes and becomes wide open, giving you the opportunity to rest a bit and watch the varied wildlife. The final 3 miles are filled with class III rapids which carry you all the way to the end.
Duration, including transfers : 8 hours
Departure time: 6:30 AM
$ 99.00 per person
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CACAO FARM TSIRU
In an original Indian environment you can watch the process of making chocolate out of the Cacao bean, the way they have done it for hundreds of years.
8 $ per person plus transportation
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SHAMAN
An Indigenous Medicine Man from the Bribri Indians will teach you about healing plants. Private sessions and personalized cures are available.
Costs are according to your cures. Consultation $30 USD
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DOLPHIN WATCHING IN MANZANILLO
Early in the morning your guide takes you out by boat to watch the groups of dolphin living near Manzanillo. The dolphins like to play with the boats and your legs and arms. An amazing experience.
Duration: 3 hours
Departure time: 6 am
Costs: $ 45 per person plus transportation
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AVIARIOS DEL CARIBE, SLOTH CENTER:
You can learn about the behavior and the habitat of the amazing sloths, observe the adults and the baby sloths during their feeding process. Aviarios also offers a bird watching tour by canoe in the backwaters of their nature reserve.
Canoe trip and sloths: $ 25
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VERAGUA – RESEARCH AND ADVENTURE PARK:
Located less than one hour from the historic Caribbean town of Limón, the park includes among other attractions, the largest indoor nocturnal frog exhibit in the world, butterfly garden, reptile vivarium, hummingbird garden, a fascinating tram ride through the rainforest canopy, spectacular walking trails through the primary rainforest and a magnificent waterfall; all surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of La Amistad International Park.
Whole day
Full tour and lunch with transportation 79 USD
Full tour, lunch and Canopy with transportation 109 USD
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BEACHES NEAR THE GODDESS GARDEN
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK BEACH: Cahuita National park consists of several miles of white beach and dense tropical jungle. Cahuita village is a small typical Caribbean settlement with gift shops and local cuisine. The coral reef of Cahuita National Park includes approximately 240 habitats. There are 123 different species of fishes, 44 species of crustaceans, 140 shellfish and 1281 seaweed species identified. We can also observe 35 different coral species such as the fire coral, the red coral and the black coral which is unique to this area.
CAHUITA BIG BEACH: in front of the Goddess Garden, endless pristine beach. From March to May you can observe at night the egg lying of the Baula (the leatherback turtle), the biggest sea turtles in the world.
CAHUITA BLACK BEACH: half way to Cahuita you find the Black Beach of Cahuita with black sand of volcanic origin. The waves are mild and perfect for surfing.
PUERTO VIEJO VILLAGE / BEACH: A short half hour drive from The Goddess Garden, Puerto Viejo beach is a black sand volcanic beach with none to mild waves. Nearby is the village of Puerto Viejo, a backpacker’s delight with small boutiques, ethnic and local cuisine, and a bit of night life for those interested in late night fun and dance. Also north of Puerto Viejo, you will find some of the best surfing beaches on the Caribbean Coast.
PUNTA UVA (GRAPE POINT) BEACH: The editorial in 2001 Outside Magazine Travel Guide called Punta Uva beach “one of the best seven beaches in the world”. A white sand beach located at the entrance of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Punta Uva is a “must” destination for people visiting the Caribbean Coast. Emerald waters, lots of coconut trees, very secluded.
MANZANILLO BEACH: In the heart of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Manzanillo white beach extends for few miles south all the way to the Panama border.Manzanillo village is a very small Caribbean settlement.