VILLAS RIO MAR ACTIVITY CENTERCenter
Villas Rio Mar is the perfect spot for an active vacation!
The Villas Rio Mar Activity Center is a professional information center- and tour desk, that provides information, arranges Tours and offers Services to our guest.
Our Activity Center offers tours for the lowest possible price.
How do we do this? Simple...because of the volume we create, we get better prices than others in the region. We have negotiated special group prices for our guests. We try to make the groups for you, so you don't have to worry, but just enjoy your tour.
SERVICES
Internet Access
Checking your email and surfing the internet is possible and free at the Activity Center, we also offer free WIFI.
Surfboard Rental
boogies, Long and short boards for rent.
Hotel Reservations
Need another hotel to stay at? We will be happy to assist you with your reservations.
Tennis Court
We have a tennis court at our hotel and we offer raquets and tennis balls at the reception for $5 per person.
Transportation Service
We offer transportation services from/to anywhere in Costa Rica. Transfer Rates from/to Villas Rio Mar.
Rent-a-Car
We have an official agreement with Solid Car Rental Service. You can reserve your car with us via email and have it waiting for you when you arrive at the airport or the hotel. if you want to wait until you arrive at our hotel no problem with in two hours we can have a car here for you.
Horse Rental
We can help you renting a horse. You can ride on the beach or go exploring nearby mountains. $ 15 per hour.
Souvenirs
Want something to remember Costa Rica by? Need some sunscreen or repellent, flashlight, a book, necklace or...
Stop by and have a look.
AVAILABLE TOURS
Dominical offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. It provides any traveler with a vacation experience rich in biodiversity, easy access to national parks, and an eco-focused tourism. Despite its small size Costa Rica is home to an astonishing 3% of the planet’s biodiversity and 3.5% of the world’s marine life.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
COMBO WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING
Whale season: August to november & December to April
This tour is a combination of whale & dolphin watching ,Snorkeling, and Caves at Marino Ballena National Park.
more...
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Departing around 8:00am in our comfortable van we'll drive down to Playa Piñuelas for about 30 min, where we start the boat ride by the breathtaking coast line around Marino Ballena National park. We start by going to the impressive caves at Playa Ventanas, and then heading out to open ocean searching for dolphins and whales that may be seen in these waters, you will also have spectacular views of places like:the whales tail, Ballena island, and Tres Hermanas island.
We will also visit the corals and rock reefs for snorkel and observe the wonderful marine wildlife, while you are on the boat, enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline of Costa Ballena : observe the diversity of birds in the islets.
At some point we will take a break for fruit and cold drinks in a tropical environment.
Depart. Time:8:00 am Return Time: 12:00 pm
Tour Cost: $65.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Here you can find 65% of Costa Rica's biodiversity. This park is considered by National Geographic as the third best National Park in the world. You can see up to four species of monkeys, snakes, sloth's, and agoutis. Chance to see humpback, pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, etc.
more...
We depart early in the morning in our comfortable van from Dominical, taking the Costanera Highway along the Pacific Ocean for about 90 minutes to Sierpe. We will stop there to have breakfast (not included). We will then take a comfortable 90 minute boat ride through the largest area of mangrove swamps in Central America.
The mangroves are inhabited by crocodiles, snakes, four species of monkeys, and a great variety of birds.
Once through the Sierpe River mouth we'll go by boat past two of the most scenic areas in the country, Drake Bay and the Marenco Biological Reserve. We hope to see Humpback, Pilot and Killer Whales along the way.
When we get to the park our bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on a 3 hour walking tour of a pristine primary forest. The hike ends at the rangers station where we will provide a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by rich natural atmosphere.
Departure Time: 6:00 am Return Time: 6:30 pm
Tour Cost: $105.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
NAUYACA WATERFALL TOUR
This horse back riding tour is through a farm that borders with two amazing waterfalls of the Barucito River. These wonderful waterfalls are one of the main attractions of the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica. Not only because its natural beauty which gives you unforgettable moments, but also to do different outdoors activities, like climbing the falls, swimming, jumping into the deep waters and bird watching...
more...
TOUR DESCRPTION
The horseback riding tour is over a 12 kilometer route with three resting periods, departing from our office, passing by Don Lulo’s house, where you will have a delicious and typical Costa Rican breakfast.
The horseback riding tour takes approximately from 45 minutes to one hour up to “Don Lulo’s house”.
After breakfast and observing animals in the family’s mini-zoo, the ride continues on for 25 minutes until arriving at the waterfalls. You may swim in the natural pools the waterfalls have formed. On the way back we stop once again at “Don Lulo’s house” to enjoy a delicious and also typical Costa Rican lunch. After a well-earned rest on the hammocks and a delicious cup of coffee, we begin the return trip to our starting point.
The horseback ride in Costa Rica offered by Nauyaca Waterfalls is one of the best experiences that a tourist can find and enjoy in our country.
Time: 8:00 to 2:00, Minimum 2 people
Price: $50 per person (no transportation)
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
HACIENDA BARU
Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge is a region of indistinct natural beauty, where forest covered mountains rise up from the dramatic coastline. Hacienda Baru’s 330 hectares have a fantastic Varity of habitats, from wetland and secondary forest in the lowlands to primary forest on the highland coastal ridge. Hacienda baru offers Canopy Tour, Rainforest walks,mangrove walks, bird watching, tree climbing and more...
more...
The Flight of Tucan Canopy
Our Rainforest Zip line Tour, imitates the flight of the chestnut-mandible toucan, as it leaps off a branch, swoops down through the forest and then up in to another tree. On this tour, 8 separate cable rides take you from one ridge top to another, across valleys and streams. There are 14 land based on platforms and 1 tree platform with a view of the coast. You will have 2 guides this tour one of whom speaks fluent English. This is a great way to see and learn about the forest and have lots of fun at the same time.
Times: Monday - Sunday 8 AM / 11 AM / 2 PM
Price: $35.00 per person
The Mangrove Walk
This hike takes you through the secondary and successional forests of the lowlands where the walking is easy and the bird watching is wonderful. A bird blind with a view of a rookery where several species of water birds nest in the rainy season is of particular interest. For the Mangrove Walk we recommend light clothing, binoculars, repellent and a bottle of water.
Times: 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Price: $20.00 per person
The Rainforest Experience
On the Rainforest Experience you will hike through primary and secondary forest with one of our excellent, local naturalist guides. While in the more remote parts of the refuge you may enjoy the jungle that surrounds you without distractions. This is a wonderful way to experience the rainforest. For the Rainforest Experience we recommend light clothing, binoculars, repellent and a bottle of water.
Times: 7:30 AM
Price: $25.00 per person
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
CAÑO ISLAND SNORKELING
Caño Island is the best spot in Costa Rica for scuba diving and snorkeling because of its visibility about 20 meters (50 ft) and it's great variety of species of fish, turtles, manta rays, dolphins, whales ,friendly sharksanbd mcuh more.
Caño Island is also known for being an ancient indigenous cementary.
more...
We depart early in the morning in our comfortable van from Dominical, taking the Costanera Highway along the Pacific Ocean for about 90 minutes to Sierpe. We will stop there to have breakfast at the Oleaje Sereno Restaurant (not included). Please bring money for the breakfast as it is not provided as part of the tour.
We will then take a comfortable 90 minute boat ride through the largest area of mangrove swamps in Central America to Caño Island. The Mangroves are inhabited by crocodiles, snakes, four species of monkeys, and a great variety of birds.
Once through the Sierpe River Mouth we'll pass two of the most scenic areas in the country, Drake Bay and the Marenco Biological Reserve. Along the beautiful coast we'll keep an eye out for Dolphins as well as Humpback, Pilot and Killer Whales.
After arriving at the island we will snorkel for an hour in the crystal clear waters, followed by a tasty picnic lunch. We offer several options for the second part of the trip:
1) Hike up the trails to the archeological cemetery where your professional guide will tell you about the significance of the stone spheres.
2) Another session of great snorkeling
3) Stay on beach; as you prefer. Finally, we’ll start heading back to Dominical, returning you to your hotel.
Departure Time: 6:00 am Return Time: 6:30 pm
Tour Cost: $105
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT:
tours@villasriomar.com
BIRD WATCHING
With 875 different types of birds Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that offers as many different species of birds in such a small area. One of the reasons for Costa Rica's extraordinary bird life is the country's great variety of habitats: rain forests, mangrove swamps, beaches, cloud forest, rivers, etc.
more...
Lowland Bird Watching Hike (Costa Rica)
The Lowland Bird Watching Hike begins early when the birds are just beginning to wake up. First on the agenda is a visit to a tower located on top of a knoll. The upper deck puts you in the tree tops on eye level with the birds. This is an ideal location for spotting tanagers, honeycreepers, toucans, saltators, vireos and others.
From there you will hike through secondary forest with your sharp-eyed guide until you arrive at La Casona, the old Hacienda Barú home where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast of typical Costa Rican food. From the Casona it is on to the river your only chance to observe water birds. Petrels, jaegers, gulls, and others are likely to be found there, and, with a little luck, an osprey might make an appearance.
From there it's on to the rookery where, during the wet season, you will observe egrets, herons, ibis and other water birds from a blind built over the water of the mangrove estuary.
The final leg of the tour includes secondary forest and the beach, your best opportunities to observe shore birds such as whimbrels, plovers, phalaropes, sandpipers and sanderlings, pelicans and frigatebirds. From the beach it is a short walk back to the Tour Center, where you began.
Duration of the tour: 6-7 hours
Price: $35 per persons
Times: 5:30 to 6:00 AM,
Rainforest Bird Watching Hike in Costa Rica
The Rainforest Bird Watching Hike begins before daybreak. Your expert guide will take you through old cacao plantations and up into the rainforest. After about an hour of hiking and experiencing the early morning jungle.
You will arrive at the campsite where you may observe birds at your leisure while your guide fixes coffee and sweet rolls, granola and milk. After breakfast you will hike through primary forest in search of the birds particular to that habitat.
The dense forest provides unlimited hiding places, and birding here is definitely hard work. With a little luck, you will be rewarded with sightings of some of the more illusive birds such as: trogons, motmots, antshrikes, manakins, tinamous, curasows and others.
Duration of the tour: 6-7 hours
Price: $35 per persons
Time: 5:00 to 5:30 AM
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT:
tours@villasriomar.com
SCUBA DIVING AT CAÑO ISLAND
Diving on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica can be simply described as spectacular. We take you to explore several sites around the small island of Caño. Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world.
Explore the underwater world of Costa Rica!
more...
Departing early in the morning in our comfortable van, through the Costanera Highway, along the Pacific Ocean for about 1 ½ hour, up to the town of Sierpe. There, we'll stop for 30 minutes to get Breakfast (Not Included).
After that, aboard a cozy & cover boat that will take us for the first 45 minutes, on Sierpe River, through the major concentration of Mangrove Swamps of Central America, meanwhile we maybe able to see some of the wildlife on the river sides, later, we get to the open ocean.
When we get to the diving spots our professional Dive Master will briefly go over with the first dive itinerary and some instructions to make your dive even more enjoyable. After the first dive is done, we'll be dropped off on the island for a delicious Picnic Lunch, than will take you out for the last dive always hoping that the second one will be better that the first one.
After this second part of the tour, we'll head back to Dominical.
Departure Time: 6:00 am Return Time: 6:30 pm
Tour Cost: $150.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
SURF LESSONS
Surfing is a healthy, natural sport. It gets you in good shape, gives you a nice tan, and most of all is FUN!!! Learn to surf with professional certified instructors. Includes safety instruction, dry practice, surfing and surfboard.
more...
Ask any experienced surfer, and they'll all tell you the same thing: nothing in the world compares with riding nice, glassy waves. we teach much more than the simple act of riding a wave; the true spirit of surfing is a very special thing, and is why so many people change their lives to be close to the ocean and the surf.
There really is something magical about surfing, and for many people, it's that missing link that makes their lives complete.
our Instructor are highly experienced in teaching you everything you need to know about surfing; including the basics of reading the ocean, how to stand up properly, and how to ride the wave. Our surf instructors are bilingual Costa Ricans, and have an unparalleled knowledge of local waves and conditions.
They know where all the secret spots are, and take you where it's going to be best each day, at the right time of day.
Duration of the tour: 2 hours
Price: $40 per person
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT:
tours@villasriomar.com
RAFTING
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world for rafting. The rainforests form heavenly rivers that are excellent for this sport. We choose rivers without dams for a natural ride. The rivers’ spectacular scenic beauty and tranquility combined with emotions and adrenaline makes it the perfect balance for an adventurous day Both the adventuresome beginner and the more experienced rafter can enjoy white river rafting trips.
more...
The Coto Brus River is known for its beautiful scenery, the greenness that surrounds it and the diversity of wildlife that you can find on it. Since other boaters are rarely found there, it is a virgin river for rafting. It is simply an unforgettable adventure. Along the river we will make a stop where you will have lunch and have a chance to rest so you can be ready for more action.
Price: $100 per person Hour: 6:30 am – 5:00pm. Drive to put in 1 1/2 hours. Drive from take out 1 1/2 hours
SAVEGRE RIVER: Class II and III.
This river offers a full-day adventure. It is the perfect adventure for everyone in the family.The Savegre River has wonderful places to swim and nice waterfalls.
Price: $100 per person Hour: 7:00 am – 4:30pm.
Drive to put in about 1 hour.
GUABO RIVER: Class III.
The descent starts on the valley of San Juan de Dios and it ends at Dominical beach. This river offers a half day adventure. The Guabo River has a lot to offer, such as exuberant vegetation, mystical canyons and an exciting descent. During the run of 8 miles (13 km) you will have the chance to hike waterfalls, enjoy its richness in wildlife and unique scenery. You will have the opportunity to feel the rush and adrenaline that whitewater rivers offer. Along the river we will make a stop where you will have lunch and a chance to enjoy the beauty of the canyon.
Hour: 8:00 am – 2:00pm.
Price: $75 per person
Drive to the put in 45 min. to 1 hour
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
KAYAK TOURS
There are several types of Kayak tours we offer: Kayaking and Snorkeling to Ballena Marine Park, Kayaking Tour to Hatillo Mangrove Swamps and Waves & Caves on Ballena Marine Park
more...
KAYAK WAVES AND CAVES AT MARINO BALLENA NATIONAL PARK
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Starting with 30 minutes drive from Dominical to the put in section in Ventanas Beach. During this 23 kilometer road trip, we will stop, if we get to spot some of the wildlife such as: birds, monkeys, sloth’s etc. You will see all this, along the most beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean and the exuberant vegetation of the coast.
At the put in section we provide you the most professional and safe equipment a safety speech by a professional and bilingual tour guide. After that, the guide will illustrate the 1 hour ease paddling to where the caves are, with natural history of the park, than you will witness one of the most scenic place in the area, over 30 different caves and 2 of them are accessible -depending on the oceans condition- by kayak.
After that we will go to one of the most beautiful beaches of the area, Playa Ventanas, where we will set you up on a tropical way, with fruits and drinks. Steps away from our fruit stop, there are 2 caves for you to explore hiking through during the low tide, you can also enjoy and have fun surfing the waves at this beach on your kayak. After all this, we start to paddle back to our take out point at Playa Piñuelas and drive back to your hotel.
Departure Time: 7:30 am Return Time: 12:30 pm
Tour Cost: $65.00
KAYAK & SNORKELING AT MARINO BALLENA NATIONAL PARK
TOUR DESCRIPTION
We will launch our kayaks at Playa Piñuelas, a short 30 minute drive from Dominical in our comfortable van. Along the way we may stop to watch birds, monkeys, sloths, etc. Aside from exuberant flora and fauna you will also see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. At the put-in, our bilingual guides will tell you all about the park's history and teach you important safety techniques.
We do our best to make sure that you get what you expect from the tour and will provide you the safest equipment available. An easy 1½ hour paddle brings us to Ballena Island where a lunch of fruit and cold drinks in tropical style will be provided.
We will then snorkel around the island, observing the richest marine fauna in the area. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to simply relax on the island and explore the numerous caves. After an adventurous day we’ll paddle back to Playa Piñuelas and return you to your hotel.
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: 1:30 pm
Tour Cost: $65.00
KAYAK AT HATILLO MANGROVE
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Departing from Dominical, heading north for about 7 kilometers on the Costanera Highway we will arrive at the Hatillo Mangrove Swamps next to Guapil Beach. We may stop along the way to view sloths, toucans or monkeys. At the put-in spot your guide will give safety instructions and will explain to you the grand significance of this environment. We will then introduce you to an easy, 3 hour paddle through the canals discovering the beauty and the great variety of fauna that this estuary offers. The tour's departure time depends upon the tide. Please contact us for exact times.
Departure Time: depends on tide Return Time: 12:30 pm
Tour Cost: $50.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
SPORT FISHING
Costa Rica is well known as worldwide Sport Fishing spot for the big concentration of Sail Fish in its waters during the dry season from December to end of May. Together with Sail Fishes, there are big schools of Mahi Mahi, Blue and Black Marlins, huge Yellow Fin Tunas and Wahoos all year around. Then, all these species make Costa Rica a Sport Fishing paradise.
more...
The South Pacific Area, Ballena Coast where Dominicalito is located, has an enviable geographic position. A short summary about the importance of Costa Rica and its South Pacific Area will explain the advantage to select this area for your next Sport Fishing adventure.
The way of the migration of Sail Fish gives us the access to the best fish banks during the first month of the year for the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica. That is the reason why the legend ports of Quepos and Golfito, located in this area, have access to famous areas such as Furuno Bank or Caño Island where most of the sport fishing boats arrive.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT: tours@villasriomar.com
Hotel Villas Rio Mar,
A jungle & beach resort that combines comfort with a great nature and adventure experience!
Adventure, Nature and in Comfort. The very best of Costa Rica!
Set on the banks of the Barú river, located 800 mtrs from the beach and surrounded by impressive tropical forests,
the jungle resort Villas Rio Mar awaits you with traditional friendly hospitality.
Our Standard Bungalows will sleep up to 2 people and have a private, terrace like living-room and are equipped with private baths with hot water,
refrigerator, fans, telephone (room service and internet access available) and of course.. a hammock. Guests can choose for 2 individual or 1 king-size bed.
Our Superior Rooms (non-smoking inside) will sleep up to 3 people and have a private, terrace like living-room and are equipped with private bath with hot water,
A/c refrigerator, fans, telephone. Also one Queen size bed and one single bed.
Our Deluxe Junior Suites (non-smoking inside) are equipped with air-conditioning and direct tv and will sleep up to 4 people (in the same room).
Besides this they have a private terrace, private bathrooms with hot water, refrigerator, fans, telephone (room service and internet access available).
The hotel features a large swimming pool with wet bar and Jacuzzi, a tennis court, an in-house tour agency, and a romantic palenque style restaurant
featuring many local and international dishes. Furthermore, we offer green area's, Internet access, International telephone, Conference Center, Spa, weddings and Transportation Services.
The property is bordered by a spectacular mountain range and the beautiful Baru river. The pristine surfing beaches of Dominical are at only 800 meters.
RESTAURANT & BAR
Our unique and beautiful "palenque" restaurant serves international and local specialties that will surprise even the most discriminating gourmets.
At our cozy bar, you will find a variety of delicious tropical cocktails.
