As of writing, there is only one tour company in Pavones. They offer fishing tours, surf trips to Matapalo and boat trips along the Rio Coto. They also offer rentals for kayaks, snorkeling equipment, bikes, surfboards and beach umbrellas.
Many local hotels can also help coordinate tours and surf lessons.
Air Activities:
The nearby towns of Golfito and Puerto Jimenez have canopy zip line tours. Although these outfits are not in Pavones, the journey adds to the adventure.
Canopy Tours
The Golfito Canopy Tour is small, but includes views of a beautiful waterfall with a swimming hole at the bottom. The canopy tour located in Puerto Jimenez , about an hour from Pavones, includes a 4.5 mile boat ride across the Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf).
Land Activities:
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Rich in biodiversity much like Corcovado, the rainforests around Pavones are home to monkeys, toucans, sloths and a variety of birds. The Tiskita Reserve offers exceptional birding on guided hikes along 30 kilometers of trails. The reserve provides a list to help identify the bird species, numbering more than 300. Common sightings include the reclusive yellow-billed cotinga and lattice-tailed trogon.
Hiking
Beach walks and river hikes are a tranquil way to explore the area on foot. There are also plenty of trails on the grounds of Tisquita Lodge.
Horseback Riding
Trips are available via horseback to the nearby Guaymi Indian Reserves.
Massage
There is a small spa offering body scrubs, face masks, massage and reflexology treatments in Pavones. Jena is "a magician with muscles, tendons and all aches." Telephone: 506-8-823-5874
Mountain Biking
Bikes are available for rent from Tiskita Jungle Lodge and from the Rio Claro Sports & Adventure shop.
Shopping
There is one small souvenir shop in Pavones selling the usual items along with locally-made handicrafts from the Guaymi Indians.
A surf shop in town rents and sells a variety of boards. Most are in excellent condition and are reasonably priced. The shop also sells surf supplies and T-shirts.
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Water Activities:
Sport Fishing
Boats leave out of La Pescaderia de Pavones for ocean fishing trips. Prices start at $200 for a half-day trip.
Surfing
Some of the greatest surfing in all of Costa Rica, and maybe the world, can be found in Pavones, where the famous left point break challenges surfers from around the globe.
When the swell comes in from the Pacific, the waves get really big. In December and January, the waves are hit-or-miss. March and April offer the clearest water and steady waves. By May, the conditions are perfect—clear, warm water and big, well-formed waves.
There is also a beach break located five minutes south of Pavones where the waves are always a little bigger and peel left and right. Daily boat trips are available to secret surf spots near Punto Banco and beyond, and to Matapalo, a famous right point break just 4.5 miles away across the Golfo Dulce.
The local surf shop offers board rentals. Surfers can view and reserve a board online, then buy it if they really like it. It saves the hassle and expense of bringing a surf board to Costa Rica, as it can often be damaged in transit.
Read more about South Pacific Surf Breaks
Surf Lessons
Learn to surf in Pavones on one of Costa Rica’s safest waves. Waves near the Cantina break gently enough for even the youngest of surfers to learn the sport.
Snorkeling and Diving
The best time to snorkel or dive in Pavones is from February through April, when the waters are crystal clear and warm. Dive trips are available to Matapalo and other spots south of Pavones, including some of Panama’s islands.
Swimming
The mouth of the Rio Claro is a popular swimming location where locals and their families visit on weekends. Hiking upstream reveals several refreshing swimming holes and waterfalls. There is also a nice swimming hole and waterfall as you drive over the bridge to Punto Banco on the left.
Swimming in the ocean should be done with caution. Generally, only surfers venture out past the breakers. There are many shallow locations to swim close to shore where currents and waves are gentle.
Organized Tours: Sea-Earth specializes in custom tours in the Pavones area and throughout the rest of the country.
Festival and Events:
Surf Competitions
Local surf contests are held in April, May and June. Larger, sponsored events occur at least once a year. There are always pro-surfers visiting Pavones during the rainy season, and several live there full time.
Zancudo Music Festival
Located 15 kilometers north of Pavones, Zancudo has a free beach front concert every year in the spring featuring bluegrass music and drum circles.
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