Central Pacific Coast - Costa Rica - page 789

H2O Adventures ADVENTURE TOUR
(Rios Tropicales; MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2777-4092; www.h2ocr.com )
The venerable Costa Rican rafting company Ríos Tropicales has a franchise in Quepos
called H2O Adventures. Rates for Class II to IV rapids start at US$67 in low season. In
summer they are US$82.
Diving
The dive sites are still being developed in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area, though
the following operator has been recommended by readers. The dive sites are away from
the contaminated beaches, so water pollution is not a problem when diving.
Oceans Unlimited DIVING
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2777-3171; www.scubadivingcostarica.com ; 2-tank dive US$98)
This shop takes its diving very seriously, and runs most of its excursions out to Isla Larga
and Isla del Caño, which is south in Bahía Drake (connected via a two-hour bus trip). It
also has a range of specialized PADI certifications, and regular environmental-awareness
projects that make it stand out from the pack.
It's located 400m up the road to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.
Sportfishing
Sportfishing is big here, and offshore ventures are said to be best from December to April,
when sailfish are being hooked. By and large this is a high-dollar activity and you can ex-
pect to pay upwards of US$1000 to hire a boat for the day. If you want to shop around a
bit, visit the office of Marina Pez Vela ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2774-9000;
www.marinapezvela.com ) , 500m south of the town center, which can connect you with cap-
tains of boats best suited to your needs.
Quepos Sailfishing Charters FISHING
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2777-2025, toll free in USA 800-603-0015; www.queposfishing.com )
This Quepos-based outfitter gets good reviews from travelers and offers charters on a fleet
of variously sized boats. Rates vary significantly depending on season, number of people
and size of boat. It also offers packages that include accommodations and transfers.