Casa Tortuga:  Activities

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
1)  Beach and Swimming.  The Matapalo coastline is an alternation of sandy coves and rocky outcrops.  Casa Tortuga is next to Backwash Bay, which is the middle reach of the Matapalo coastline.  As the pictures below show, though there are rocks, you can walk down and swim in the ocean immediately next to the house, like 40 meters away.  Beachcombers can walk to the north for miles and to the south for about one and a half miles until the rocky bluffs of the cape make further passage treacherous. 
2)  Surfing.  Matapalo is a world-class surfing destination.  There are three breaks along a coastline of about two miles in length.  Pan Dulce is located a ten minute walk to the north of Casa Tortuga.  Matapalo Break is located a ten minute walk to the south of Casa Tortuga.  Backwash Break is located right in front of Casa Tortuga. 

3)  Hiking.  A number of trails transect the wilderness that rises from the near coastal flat part of Matapalo up into the primary rain forest of the mountain that rises behind.  These trails lead to lodges up in the highlands and other areas.  In addition to established trails, there are a number of streams that empty into the Golfo Dulce along the Matapalo coastline.  All of these streams are free game for hiking into the wilderness.  MORE

4)  Wildlife viewing.  Monkeys appear in the trees around Casa Tortuga daily, and all four species can commonly be viewed from the balcony over the course of a visit.  Scarlet macaws are also prolific along the coastline.  Coatimundi, jaguarondi, anteaters, agouti, tayra, and sloths are among the mammals that can be observed in the area.  There are an equally abundant number of species of birds, reptiles, insects, and botanical species. 
5)  Waterfall.  King Louis Falls is a short hike from the home.  Reward yourself for the hike up to the falls with the wonderful spray of water at the base and a dip in the pool. 

6)  Extreme Sports.  Everyday Adventures sponsors daily tree climbing and waterfall rappelling for those that need a bit of an adrenaline kick.  MORE
7)  Surf Lessons.  Pollo Surf School guarantees you'll stand on your first lesson and has worked with students from three years of age to eighty-three years of age.  A must for anybody that was always curious about surfing but never had the chance to get on a board.  MORE

 

BY RENTAL CAR OR CHARTERED TAXI

 
1)  Fishing.  The waters of Cape Matapalo is the hottest sailfish fishery in the world.  Mahi Mahi and yellowfin tuna are prolific in the blue water with wahoo and marlin also common takes.  Inshore species include roosterfish, snapper, jacks, mackerel, grouper, sharks, pompano, snook, and others.  INSHORE  /  OFFSHORE
2)  Kayaking.  Both mangrove and dolphin sunset dolphin watching kayak tours are sponsored out of Puerto Jimenez.  MORE
3)  Horseback riding.  Horseback tours are available at a number of different locations on the peninsula.  At present there is no outfitter working the Matapalo region.  MORE
4)  Birding.  Osa Peninsula birding is world class.  The best tour is out of Dos Brazos, one hour away.  MORE
5)  Gulf Motorboat Tours.  Depart from Puerto Jimenez and see the Gulf and snorkel.  Optional on this tour is a visit the Animal Wildlife Sanctuary.  MORE

6)  Gold Mining tours.  Go pan native gold for yourself, guaranteed to see colors.  MORE
7)  Canopy tour.  There is a canopy and zipline operation just thirty minutes away.  MORE

8)  Corcovado National Park.  The park is only 30 minutes away by car and another 40 by foot.  Corcovado National Park is Costa Rica's largest national park and the crown jewel of its world renowned national park system.  MORE
9)  Fine Dining and Night Life.  Eat at Lapa Rios or Encanta La Vida or Bar y Restaurante Buena Esperanza or come into town for dinner at Juanita's Mexican Bar and Grille.  There's always a party Friday nights at Martina's bar, and the beers are icy cold and the Encanta la Vida pool bar.  If you prefer to stay home and have dinner catered by the Casa Tortuga caretaker's wife, that can be arranged as well. 

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