Since 1987

Beginners Welcome!

What is it about Costa Rica that keeps us coming back year after year?

Apart from the incredible landscape, Costa Rica is known as the 'Switzerland of Latin America'. It is a democratic nation that has no standing army, one of the best public education systems in Central America and a population that enjoys good healthcare.

Even though it is a small country it has a wide range of habitats, which allows for a spectacular level of bio-diversity that draws nature lovers from around the world.

Small groups of 4 to 6!
(larger group bookings also fine)

Come as individuals, couples or large groups.

Kayak tour groups have usually a maximum of 6 clients per guide.
If you have a larger group you would like to bring, that is fine. We'll set you up with more guides so you still have that exceptional ratio of 6 clients maximum per guide!

We are able to fully customize your trip to meet your specific needs. And what better location than the Osa - the most species-rich area in Central America!

Relaxing and luxurious accomodations...

Our base camp is a sprawling waterfront estate, with both seaside gazebo and dining room.

Every day you will enjoy three bountiful meals prepared from local fresh produce, fresh fish, tropical fruits, with homemade breads and desserts. And you can relax in the gazebo each afternoon with bocas (snacks) and drinks. Meals are provided for all excursions away from camp.

In the tropics, concrete walled rooms can mean intense heat or costly artificial cooling. Your accommodations are roomy walk-in tents naturally cooled by the constant ocean breezes but with all the fittings of a hotel room: comfortable beds for two, electricity, and daily linen service.

Your private veranda looks out over the bay and ocean. Be lulled to sleep by the gentle crash of waves. Be awoken each morning by the calls of the toucans and wrens!

Outstanding beauty — and time to enjoy it...

We specialize in introducing beginners to sea kayaking, our pace is relaxed, and we adopt the Tico (ie. Costa Rican) way of life. Therefore we paddle in early morning and mid-afternoon to avoid the intense mid-day sun. This offers you ample time for bird watching, snorkelling hiking, frolicking in the surf, or just hanging out in a hammock enjoying a good book. (Scuba diving is available at additional cost.)

The highlights of your trip will include a minimum of 5 days of coastal and river paddling, rich with water fowl, lagoons, and waterfalls.

On your day of non-paddling options, you may choose to take a locally led tour to the world-famous rain forest of Corcovado National Park. Another choice is to take a boat ride out to the unique Caño Island Biological Reserve where you can snorkel above more than 15 different kinds of coral. Perhaps you'd prefer to take a horseback ride to a nearby butterfly farm, the starting point for a hike in a truly pristine jungle.

Join us in meeting the locals - squirrel, howler, and white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatamundis, toucans, and daily sitings of the rare scarlet macaw! We invite you to join us on our annual 7 day/6 night tropical adventure in the spectacular Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica!

Paddling conditions

This area is known for its predictably calm morning seas and light afternoon breezes. This is a time to enjoy the beauty of this extraordinary region rather than pushing the boundaries of your kayaking athleticism with pounding surf landings or high winds.

TOUR DATES

A TOUR EVERY WEEK!

From the first week of December until the last week of April
(including Christmas, New Year and Easter).
Each trip is Tuesday through Monday.

TOUR COST
$1595 US
This includes return transportation between San Jose and camp via charter flight — arranged and taken care of by us. Your fee also includes 3 excellent meals per day and afternoon bocas.
(Price based on double occupancy. There will be an addtional charge for single accomodation.)

RESERVATIONS

Standard:
Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of $650 US (or $1,000 CDN for Canadian residents).
Payment in full is due 45 days prior to departure.
Late reservations:
Reservations being made within 30 days of the departure date will be subject to an administration fee of $100 US.

We can get great quotes for discount airfares to San Jose from any point in Canada -- Ask us!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations given 30 or more days ahead of departure will be given a complete refund less a $100 US admin fee.
Cancellations within 30 days of departure will forfeit the reservation deposit of $650 US or $1,000 CDN. (100% of this deposit may be used for a future trip in Costa Rica or BC.)

We reserve the right to cancel any tour (however, by running weekly trips this has never happened!). If cancellations occur you may reschedule or request a full refund.

For more information please contact us at:

Gulf Islands Kayaking
S-24 C-34
Galiano Island BC  V0N 1P0
Canada

email
kayak@gulfislands.com

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL 3-DAY BIRDING TRIP

You'll enjoy some of the best birding possible while
experiencing the diverse flora and fauna of the
mountainous interior of Costa Rica.

Read more information here.

CUSTOM 5-7 DAY TRIPS FOR THE ADVENTURE MINDED

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, or
Boca de Toro in nearby, beautiful Panama

Please ask if you are interested.
Prices start at $850 US.