1. A channel of turbulent water moving out to sea.

2. An area that has a visibly unusual color, usually due to the swirling sediment from the beach.

3. A formation of foam, algae or litter moving uniformly out to sea.

4. A disturbance in the waveline coming to shore.

5. One or all of the aforementioned, however, may not be visible. This is the case with beach that have thick sediment or whitesand beaches like Cocles beach on the Caribbean side and the interior beaches of Manuel Antonio, to name a few…

How can people avoid problems with these currents?

1. Learning to swim, or not going into the water if you are no a swimmer.

2. If you like to surf, you should know how to swim in conditions that surf areas present. It is not the same as swimming in a lake or swimming pool…

3. Never swimming alone.

4. Swimming close to lifeguards.

5. Looking for signs, notices or warning flags indicating possible dangers to swimmers. Normally red flags will indicate danger.

6. Talk with lifeguards or locals in the area before entering the water.

7. Follow all instructions from lifeguards or authorized persons.

8. Be cautions. Always assume that riptides are present, even if they aren´t.

9. If unsure, don´t go into the water.

What can I do if a riptide gets a hold of me?

1. Try to stay calm to conserve energy.

2. Don’t fight the current.

3. Swim perpendicular to the current or parallel to the beach.

4. Once you feel that you are free of the currents, swim to shore.

5. If unable to do the aforementioned, wade in the water. The force of the current lessens as it goes out to sea. When the current diminishes, swim toward the shore.

6. If, at any moment, you feel that you cannot reach the shore, get someone´s attention: face the beach, wave your arms and shout for help.

How can you help someone being dragged by a riptide?

1. Ask a lifeguard for help.

2. If there is no lifeguard, ask someone to call 911 or the Red Cross directly.

3. Throw the victim something that floats: a cooler, a life jacket, an inflatable ball.

4. Shout instructions on how to escape.

5. Do not help directly unless you have specific training. Many have died trying to save others.

6. Look for information on ocean conditions on various websites.

7. When you go to the beach, ask the lifeguard or locals, of the possibilities of riptides or other threats that may arise.

If you get a flat tire, or someone tells you something is wrong with your car, you are bumped from behind or you are being followed, do not stop. Seek police assistance or drive to a busy shopping center.

Avoid stopping when a stranger asks you for a ride.

If you need to check a map, do so in a public and secure area or ask a police officer for help. Do not stop in front of strangers.

Traffic infractions are to be paid at banks, never directly to police officials.

If you travel to areas far from your hotel, you must carry your passport and be cautious. If you stay within close range of your hotel, keep your documents in a safe box and carry a copy of your passport with all the relevant information.

Never leave money, credit cards, bags or valuables in the car.

When possible, try to park in the parking garages, never in the streets.

◄Turtle Nesting 05/01/2012

Description:

May-Sept:Many sea turtles like the hawksbill (Corcovado)The hawksbill ocean turtle is similar to other marine turtle. Normally it has flattened body structure, a protective shell and flipper arms. This type of body structure helps them to swim in the sea. Hawksbill turtle can be easily differentiated from the other sea turtles by its smooth, curving mouth with famous tomium and the saw like appearance from its shell. With the changing of the temperature of the water hawksbill turtles slightly change their colors.

◄Manakins nesting season 05/01/2012

Description:

May-July:The long-tailed manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis) The manakin species are very interesting in their family life. Long-tailed Manakin males form a long-term partnership duo or trio. Together they sing in synchrony and, for any female who is attracted by their singing, perform a complex coordinated courtship dance. If she mates, only the alpha male inseminates her. Among many displaying male partnerships in a locality (a dispersed lek), only one or a very few males may account for the vast majority of matings in a given breeding season. As in other lekking species, the female then builds the nest and raises the young without involvement by males.

◄Naranjo River Season 2012(Rafting) 05/03/2012

Description:

OfficiallyopenfromMay 3^rd

The wild and ever-changing Naranjo River White Water Rafting challenge is recommended for physically fit adventure seekers and experienced rafters who are familiar with Class III and IV rapids. On this high-octane, half-day adventure, the trip begins when the Naranjo River drops steeply from the Costa Rican mountains and charges though pristine jungle gorges, then winds around rocky curves to take you on a wild, adventurous ride back to sea level waters. While your internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers work with you to navigate this exciting river, you’ll pass by (rapidly) stunning farmland, working cattle ranches, and beautiful African Palm Plantations.

Unlike the Savegre River Adventure, the Naranjo River Rafting Trip packs all its punches in a 7 mile ride that keeps your adrenaline level high for several hours. Water levels can rise rapidly on this Costa Rican river treasure, especially during the rainy season (May-October), which definitely brings the difficulty level up for any experienced rafter.

◄Costa Rica Tourism Expo 2012 05/09/2012

Description:

Expotur has consolidated as the event of greatest trajectory and positioning in the region, thus in the 2012, celebrated its edition number 28 which means a matchless experience and past.

www.expotur.com

◄Surf Tournament in Dominical 05/19/2012

Description:

The best surfers in Costa Rica will unite for the National Surf Circuit’s 4th event this year in Dominical on the Central Pacific Coast. Learn more about this surf hotspot. www.surfingcr.net or Ask for information at the Hotel Villas Rio Mar.

It might seem strange the idea of using a urinal that doesn´t use water but there are many benefits of this type of product. About five percent of the world´s fresh water is used in flushing down urine, so in average using a waterless toilet can save about 40,000 gallons of water per year. It saves water reduced operating and costs, as well as saving energy in transporting and treating the water. There will be less Co2 emissions that create greenhouse gases. So there is a great advantage to using waterless urines if there is a strong desire in doing you part in conserving our planet and providing a sustainable development.

It is also very hygienic! These urinals are touch free which help eliminate the spread of bacteria making everything more clean and sanitary. There is also the added benefit that there will be fewer odors that are sometimes present in restrooms.

These water free urinals consist of vitreous china or stainless steel with an airtight and closed cartridge that locks into the base of the urinal which provides an odor-free use and easy maintenance of the device. The pleasant-smelling sealant liquid inside the cartridge between the drain and the restroom prevents odors from escaping. The design of the urinal ensures that all urine passes into the cartridge. Do you see how beneficial it is in using these products?

In Hotel Villas Rio Mar, these types of products help everyone in our quest for a better and cleaner future. This is just one aspect that makes Villas Rio Mar a hotel dedicated in maintaining a natural environment as well as doing our part in helping out in a sustainable development. Just remember, Hotel Villas Rio Mar is here to make a positive influence so some and enjoy those benefits that are sure to make a change.

This law prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, office, shopping centers, public and private schools, automatic tellers, workplaces, hotels, bus and taxi stops. Any public place is completely of limits for any person who wants to smoke a cigarette. This includes even sidewalks, public bathrooms or any place in the open air.

Our client’s wellbeing is a priority for us; this is why we are dedicated in preventing any situation that might jeopardize our health while staying in Villas Rio Mar. We are dedicated in preventing diseases caused by smoking like:  Thrombosis, hypertension, cancer of the esophagus and pancreas, tachycardia, emphysema, lung cancer and bronchitis which are only some of the consequences.

In Villas Rio Mar, we have a commitment and desire to provide all our guests will an atmosphere worthy of you. This is why there is a non-smoking policy at this hotel. So when you come to Villas Rio Mar you will be sure to enjoy a tranquil stay enjoying the songs of birds, fresh breeze, natural environment and unpolluted fresh air.

So come to Hotel Villas Rio Mar, enjoy your vacations in a place like no other. Our staff will be always available to make your stay the best possible while making sure your surroundings is in the best possible conditions, completely tobacco free and full-on nature. So don’t be shy and come on by.

Dominical has a small town with very friendly and welcoming people, here you can find restaurants, souvenirs shops and much more. In this very town you can rent a surf board so you don’t have to worry about brining one and having to carry it all the way here. Better yet, if you are just learning this sport, you can take lessons in Hotel Villa Rio Mar where we will be happy to recommend you to one of the best instructors of the area, where you will be guided in learning about the best surfing spots inDominical beach, that also counts with lifeguards for your safety. It’s always better to talk with a surf instructor in all cases so you can learn some more about the area.

The tide chart, renting of surf boards and reservations for a great surf lesson can all be done in reception or in the tour office of our hotel, tours@villasriomar.com info@villasriomar.com. Information about tours and activities of the region can be consulted here; the staff of Hotel Villas Rio Mar will be more than happy to help you.

Give your body a treat and relax in our jungle spa with a smoothing message, a body wrap, aexfoliate or facial so your skin can be given back all those nutrients that the sun might have taken away.

After every surf lesson, our restaurant El Rancho offers you a variety of international and national dishes as well as snacks to quench your hunger.Remember to refresh yourself with one of our cold beverages made of tropical fruit or even an Imperial beer of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica and Hotel Villas Rio Mar will be ready with a warm welcome so you can enjoy in every way possible your vacation!

It will have columns made out of wood and walls made of glass… in return, giving it a natural and ecological image.

The video and conference room will be open in June, and in this room you can have may different types of activities such as: birthdays, reunions, seminars, parties, private dinners and much more.

This conference will count with an 80 person capacity; it will be like an auditorium with all the equipment of audio and video necessary (sound, microphone, TV, video projector, big screen, wireless internet connection) and others.

Also it will have air conditioning, bathrooms for people with disability and every requirement that a high class conference room could need.

So now you know, In Villas Rio Mar, we have at our disposition, once June comes, the chosen place for you to have your business meetings and, family and friends gatherings.

See it this way: there is no better way than for you to wake up in our accommodations and come out, have a delicious breakfast and then head out on the Costanera highway heading to the southern canton. It is almost certain that in two hours, you will be shopping in the Deposito Libre or in Paso Canoas.

Remember that if you want to buy things in the Deposito Libre, you will need some kind of identification either passport or an ID card of residency to date. Shopping is individual and personal. Once you arrive at this place, you might even waste 1,000 dollars in products.

The most recommendable articles to buy in Golfito are those of high cost, for example televisions, washing machines, sound equipment, and all things electronic.

The good thing about this option, that Villas Rio Mar gives you, is that after a day of shopping in the Deposito Libre in Golfito, you can come back that same day and enjoy more of the wonderful comforts that our establishment offers.

If you think that a trip to Golfito in going and coming back is tiresome, you will be sure to relax with all the services that we can provide such as: tennis courts, pool, minigolf… and finally, the most exquisite food, sure to meet even the toughest critique`s expectations.

With all this, your journey will be unforgettable.Not only because you acquired many new purchases at a great price, but also because you pampered yourself in enjoying a stay in the best hotel in Cosat Ballena, Hotel Villas Rio Mar in Dominical beach.

Whoever submerges into the world of fishing or just enjoys it like a hobby, in the majority of the cases, normally does it to disconnect from the world for a few hours. That’s where the phrase “in the sea life is more delicious” comes from.

In the southern Pacific of Costa Rica, Hotel Villas Rio Mar offers this service to local people who enjoy this fishing sport.

We have in our disposition boats that meet all regulations and insurances needed as well as contributing to the local growth of the community since their very members, who are very experienced fishers who grew up by the sea and use fishing for a living, participate.

Or better yet, the hotel offers the choice that after a day of receiving the hot sun far into the sea and of battling with that mighty fish that doubled over your fishing rod, all fishers staying at Villas Rio Mar can bring their catch of the day and our chef will prepare that fish up for you to your taste in the company of your fishing companions.

You definitely have to take advantage of this opportunity that Villas Rio Mar offers, it is one of the most beautiful and paradise places of the Pacific. To fish with us, all you have to take with you is your disposition and the desire to have an unforgettable day in a whole new level.

In this way, enjoy with us the greatest emotions when we are on board, with a spirit of adventure and in the middle of the rocking of the waves… You will then all of a sudden see the majestic Humpback Whales and might even get the bonus of seeing some daring dolphins.

This will all take place in the surroundings of Marino Ballena National Park, where the tours include the observation of whales and dolphins, which is in reach of your budget.

Let’s take into account that the Humpback Whales cross the southern and northern hemisphere to mate and have their young in the warm waters of the Pacific.

Through Villas Rio Mar and guided by experienced tour operators of the zone, you can enjoy an incredible experience and be amazed in the presence of these sea creatures, whose yearly ritual offers you a look into the marine ecosystem.

When you are close to the whales, the tour operators will turn off the motors so you can appreciate them and their young as well as their sea dance…. This is simply exceptional.

These mammals can be seen only during two temporaries of the year: from December to February and from July to October. In Villas Rio Mar we will be sure to offer you an attractive package so you can observe the beautiful whales…. So contactus!