All-Day Swim At Nauyaca

Overview

Seven hours with Bright Adventures Costa Rica, door to door. A vehicle collects you at your accommodation in Manuel Antonio and heads down the Pacific coast toward Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, where the main event waits: a large waterfall with pools you can actually swim in, and ledges you can jump from if you are comfortable doing so. Rainforest wildlife often shows up along the way.

The day is not only about the falls. After the swim, the route continues through three local spots, Playa Linda, Portalon and Dominical, including time on a quiet beach where coconuts come off the tree and straight to you. Lunch is a Casado, the classic Costa Rican plate, at a traditional restaurant before the drive back.

Entrance to the waterfall, lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, drinking water, a guide and hotel pickup and drop-off are all bundled into the price, so there is little to organise on the day itself. Trips run in all weather and welcome all fitness levels. Reviewers repeatedly single out the guides and the food, and one traveller called it their favourite excursion in Manuel Antonio.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from your accommodation in Manuel Antonio starts the day. The total tour runs seven hours.
2. Coastal driveThe vehicle travels down the Pacific coast, with scenery and occasional wildlife spotting along the route.
3. Nauyaca Waterfall Nature ParkTime at the falls to swim in the river pools and, for those who want it, jump from the waterfall edge. The entrance fee is included.
4. Beaches and DominicalRelaxed stops at Playa Linda, Portalon and Dominical, including a deserted beach where fresh coconuts are served straight from the tree.
5. Lunch stopA Casado, the comfort-food plate of Costa Rica, at a traditional restaurant. Lunch is included.
6. Return to Manuel AntonioDrive back with hotel drop-off included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, especially around footwear, stairs and what is already paid for.

• Footwear matters. The listing asks for comfortable shoes, water shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Bring a towel and a change of clothes too.
• Stairs and slick paths. The tour welcomes all fitness levels, but anyone unsteady on their feet should expect a slower descent and climb. One reviewer noted a driver helped an older family member on the stairs.
• Jumping is optional. The tour offers jumps from the waterfall edge and rocks. Reviewers who did it loved it, but the same reviewers say only do what you are comfortable with. One reviewer advises being ready with swimming costumes ahead of time.
• Food is covered. Lunch, snacks, fresh fruit and drinking water are all included, along with the waterfall entrance fee. Only personal expenses and tips are not. Reviewers frequently praise the Casado lunch as excellent.
• Guides carry the day. Reviewers again and again name the guiding as the highlight: attentive, informative and fun. One reviewer described guides helping them spot animals and learn about local customs. The tour runs in English and Spanish.
• Weather does not stop it. The listing states the tour runs in all weather conditions. Pack sunscreen for the beach stretch, and accept that rain may form part of the day.

Common issues. One reviewer found their guide unenthusiastic and light on explanation, though most reviews describe the opposite. Some travellers would have liked clearer advance details about stairs and slippery ground to set expectations. Personal expenses and tips are not included in the price.

Common Questions