SOUTHERN EXPEDITIONS - TOUR OPERATOR - DOMINICAL
Southern Expeditions is a eco tour company specializing in adventures throughout the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Our unique adventure tours offer you an incredible way to experience this amazing region of Costa Rica. Our daily tours include: snorkeling and scuba diving at Caño Island, white water kayaking on the Grand Terraba River, ocean kayaking at Ballena Marine Park, and hiking in the pristine jungle of Corcovado National Park.
We have 12 years of eco tour operating experience in the Southern Pacific region and can offer you uncompromising safety in this beautifully natural environment while having a fantastic time. Take one of our tours and let our expert guides show you the rich wildlife and beauty of Costa Rica.
Based on our ideals of respect, responsibility, and safety, we offer a 100% guarantee on all of our tours. All of our staff, including guides and crew members, are experienced professionals, natives of this region who maintain the highest safety standards at all times.
We love what we do and it is a privilege for the Southern Expeditions team to share the natural beauty of our region with you. We always try to exceed your expectations, and in this way we strive to be the highlight of your vacation.
OUR TOURS
CORCOVADO 1 DAY TOUR DESCRIPTION
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 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 boat past two of the most scenic areas in the country, Drake Bay and the Marenco Biological Reserve. We will 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.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and atowel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 6:00 A.M.
Return Time: 6:30 P.M.
Price: $95.00.
SNORKELING AND KAYAK MARINO BALLENA 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.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, dry clothes to change into, and a towel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any
Departure Time: 7:30 A.M.
Return Time: 1:30 A.M..
Price: $55.00.
SNORKELING CANO ISLAND TOUR
DESCRIPTION
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 boat past 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 or 3) Stay on beach; as you prefer. Finally, we'll start heading back to Dominical, returning you to your hotel.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and atowel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 6:00 A.M.
Return Time: 6:30 P.M.
Price: $95.00.
SCUBA DIVING CANO ISLAND TOUR
DESCRIPTION
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 intinerary 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.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water
Departure Time: 6:00 A.M.
Return Time: 6:30 P.M.
Price: $130.00
WHALES AND DOLPHINS TOUR
DESCRIPTION
Departing early in the morning in our comfortable van we'll drive down the Costanera Highway and along the Pacific Ocean for about 1 ½ hour to the town of Sierpe . There, we'll stop for 30 minutes to eat a tasty breakfast (not included). After breakfast we will board our cozy boat and cruise for 45 minutes down the Sierpe River through the largest Mangrove swamp in Central America , watching the abundant wildlife along the shores.
Once through the Sierpe River mouth and into the Pacific Ocean we will start our search for some of the 5 species of Dolphins, Whales and/or possibly the Sea Turtles that inhabit these waters. Your guide will illustrate the trip with interesting facts about these fascinating mammals and their Natural History. The spectacular views of Drakes Bay , Caño Island and Violines Island will amaze you. When you get hungry we will prepare a delicious picnic lunch and then get back to Dolphins and Whales watching. Around 3:00 p.m. will start to head back to Sierpe and to Dominical.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, dry clothes to change into, and a towel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 6:00 A.M.
Return Time: 4:30 P.M
Price: $90.00
HATILLO MANGROVES ESTUARY KAYAKING 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.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and atowel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Price: $40.00
TERRABA CROCODILE TOUR
DESCRIPTION
Leaving from Dominical late in the afternoon for to the town of Coronado, about a 45 minute drive.
We'll board the boat and ride through the mangroves swamps, which is part of the most important conservation area of it's type in Central America. The mangroves also border the Marino Ballena National Marine Park. We'll spend the next 2 hours in search of the wide variety of wildlife that there is to be seen in the area. Meanwhile, your tour guide will enhance this interesting expedition by teaching you all about the animals, birds, reptiles, plants and trees in this interesting environment. We'll even provide a tasty luch of sandwiches and drinks before we start to get back to Dominical.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and a towel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 5:00 A.M.
Return Time: 9:30 P.M
Price: $65.00
KAYAKING MARINO BALLENA WAVES AND CAVES TOUR DESCRIPTION
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. We'll stop in Sierpe for 30 minutes to eat breakfast (not included). Next we cruise down the Sierpe River on a cozy & covered boat through the largest Mangrove swamp in Central America on the way into the Pacific 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. The tour departure time depends upon the tides. Please call us for exact times.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking or sneakers shoes, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and a towel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 7:30 A.M.
Return Time: 12:30 A.M.
Price: $55.00
RIO TERRABA KAYAKING TOUR
DESCRIPTION
We'll will pick you up at your hotel and drive South on the Costanera Highway for a little more than 1 hour to the put-in section on the Grand Térraba River. We will stop along the way to view some the incredible wildlife which may include birds, monkeys or sloths. At Palmar Norte, you will be provided with the safe st kayaking equipment available and will be given safety instructions by our professional kayaking instructors. The river trip begins in grand style with a magnificent 15 km. section of canyon. The scenery and the emotion of class I, II & III rapids is a fantastic combination to experience.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, strap sandals, hiking shoes or sneakers, mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera, plastic bags, extra water bottle, set of extra clothes, and a towel. And don't forget your prescribed medicine if you take any.
Departure Time: 5:00 A.M.
Return Time: 9:30 P.M
Price: $65.00
CORCOVADO 3 DAY PACKAGE ( SIRENA STATION ) TOUR DESCRIPTION
Departing early in the morning we'll take a 1 ½ hour drive to the town of Sierpe where we'll stop for breakfast and then board our comfortable boat. We will travel down the Sierpe river, through dense mangrove swamps, and out into the open ocean, arriving at Caño Island for a 1½ hour snorkeling session. Next, we'll have lunch before we heading to Sirena Biological Station at Corcavado Park on the Osa Peninsula. Once there, we'll walk to the refuge and make ourselves at home in our shelter, rest a bit, and than take a short hike. We'll prepare a scrumpuous dinner and spend the evening hours in search of some of the abundant nocturnal wildlife including: frogs, snakes, Owls, Tapir and possibly even the elusive Jaguar.
The following morning, after breakfast, we'll take a long hike on well maintained trails around the station which offer the largest concentration of animals, birds, incredible trees and lush vegetation in the area. We'll return to the station for lunch and you'll have free time to roam the area at your leasure. In the afternoon you can either hike some more or listen to an interesting talk by your naturalist guide and learn more about this amazing part of the world. Your night's activities are completely up to you.
On the third day we'll take a short hike after breakfast, come back to the station and prepare for our boat trip back to Sierpe. We'll have lunch somewhere on the way back, either along the coast or the Sierpe river. We'll conclude our trip by making our way back through the mangrove swamps, full of interesting things for you to see and learn. That afternoon we'll arrive back in Dominical.
What to bring: TComfortable clothing and bathing suit, strap sandals and hiking shoes, mosquito repellent and net, sunblock, sunglasses, raincoat or poncho, binoculars, camera and extra film, plastic bags, extra water bottles, 4 sets of extra clothes including a towel, set of sheets (twin size), and powerbars or something similar. Don't forget your medicines if you have been prescribed any.
Departure Time: 6:00 A.M.
Return Time: 5:30 pm, 3 days later
HOTELS IN THE AREA ( PICK UP )
For further information or reservation contact Costa Rican Treasures HERE
