Kayaking

Puerto Jiménez is a good base for sea-kayaking trips on the calm Golfo Dulce and for exploring the nearby mangrove rivers and estuaries.

Aventuras Tropicales Golfo Dulce. Alberto Robleto has amassed an impressive fleet of kayaks with excellent safety equipment for snorkeling, dolphin-watching, and bird-watching tours. The most popular tours are the three-hour mangrove tour and the sunset kayaking tour on the gulf, when dolphins are often jumping (each tour $50). There's also an evening kayaking tour, from 4:30 to 7:30, to watch the sunset and witness the bioluminescence phenomenon, offered eight days before and after a new moon. Road to Playa Platanares, southeast of airport, Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas, 60702. 2735–5195; www.aventurastropicales.com.

Cabinas Jiménez Adventure Boat Tour. If you just want to get out onto the water, Captain John offers five-hour tours on a covered boat. You can explore the gulf, look for dolphins, do some snorkeling, or try plane boarding. Snacks, fruit, and soft drinks are included ($65 per person, minimum six people). The boat sails at 7:30 am. Cabinas Jiménez, On waterfront, Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas. 2735–5090; www.cabinasjimenez.com.