Dominical: Tour Descriptions
All of the tours offered through AEC are apart of the The Explornatura Adventure Point system that was developed to provide AEC students with an easy, hassle-free way to plan and budget your time in Costa Rica. By reviewing the Catalog of tours below, before attending your AEC Spanish Language program, you are able to better plan your travels in CostaRica according to your budget and time available.
Learn more about purchasing points and their benefits.
HALF DAY TOURS
These activities last approximately 3 hours. They are available in the morning or in the afternoon seven days a week.
| Flight of the Tucan Zipline |
65 Points
2 Minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older.
On this tour 8 separate cables with 15 platforms take you from one ridge to another crossing valleys and streams. This is a great way to see and learn about the forest and have lots of fun at the same time.
Anyday at 8:00 am, 11:00, am or 2:00 pm.
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| Cowboy for a Day |
80 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older.
Here you can learn about being a cowboy by riding with ranch hands, driving cattle, checking calves and cows, learning how to rope calves and particippating in other day-to-day ranch activities.
Anyday at 8:00 am or 1:30 pm.
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| Sea Kayaking in Marino Ballena National Park |
74 points
2 minimum |
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Available for adults and children 12 years and older.
We launch our kayaks from a beach near Dominical and embark on a laidback hour and a half trip to Ballena Island where you willhave the chance to relax on the beach, snorkel off-shore, or explore caves.
Anyday – Starting at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm
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| Surfing Lessons |
37 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older.
Costa Rica is a popular playground for surfers due to its tropical scenery, warm waters, and quantity of beaches with waves that allow for beginners all the way up to pros. Explornatura uses professional instructors with at least 10 years of experience in surfing as their profession. These individuals’ love for the sport and Costa Rica ensures an informative and high quality lesson. Kayaking lessons are available for all levels of experience and any time or day upon request depending on the tide.
Anyday, times depend on the tide.
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| Traditional Fishing Trip |
17 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages.
A local Costa Rican takes you on a traditional fishing trip where first you catch your own bait and then you learn how to make nd bait your line. No English spoken.
Thursday at 2:00 pm
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| Horseback riding –Waterfalls and Beach |
78 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 7 years and older.
Here you can ride into the forest to a waterfall where you can swim and relax in the river, ride through an environmentally sustainable cattle operation, and then go down to Hermosa Beach. The horses are well trained and no previous experience is necessary.
Anyday – Starting at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm
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| Birding Tour |
80 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages.
The tour takes place in the Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge which is home to 310 species of tropical birds. Here you hike through the refuge and if you are lucky you may see up to 60 or 70 different types of birds!
Anyday – Starting at 8:00 am and 1:30 pm
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| Snorkeling in Marino Ballena National Park |
74 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children 8 years and older.
We launch the boat from a beach near Dominical and embark on a 15 minute trip to Ballena Island where you will have the chance o relax on the beach, snorkel off-shore, or explore caves.
Anyday – Starting at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm
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| Whale and Dolphin Tour with Snorkeling |
96 points
2 minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages
There are five different species of dolphins and 3 different species of whales that can be sited year-round in the waters of the South Pacific as they are migrating to the tropical waters.
Anyday – Starting at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm
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FULL DAY TOURS
These activities last approx 8 hours. You are picked up in the morning and return in the afternoon. All of these tours include lunch.
| Manuel Antonio National Park Hike |
124 points
5 minimum
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Available for adults and children of all ages.
Manuel Antonio National Park trails climb though the forest, up to cliff tops and down to the pristine beaches. This is a unique park in that the primary forest grows to the high-tide mark on the beach and it is also one of Costa Rica’s only transitional rain and dry forests. It is famous for its rich vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Tuesday to Sunday at 7:00 am
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| Isla de Cano |
140 points
4 minimum |
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Available for adults and children 8 years and older.
The Cano Island Biological Reserve is located in the South Pacific 15 km off of the Osa Peninsula. This is one of the best spots in Costa Rica for scuba diving and snorkeling with great visibility and an abundance of marine ildlife. In addition to the water attractions it also offers adventure inland as there are numerous trails and Pre-Colombian ruins that you can explore
Anyday – Starting at 7:00 am
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| Hiking in Corcovado National Park |
140 points
4 minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages.
The Corcovado National Park has risen to international fame as it is one of the most biologically dense and diverse places in te world. It is home to a plethora of wildlife, has 6 identifies eco-systems, and protects a number of endangered species. This hike takes you through trails in the national park and is the premier place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica.
Anyday – Starting at 7:00 am
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SPECIAL WEEKEND TOURS
These activities depart on Saturday in the morning and return Sunday in the afternoon. Meals are not included.
| Osa Peninsula |
335 points
4 minimum |
| Available for adults and children of all ages.
You leave Dominical for an adventurous journey down in to the Osa Peninsula that includes driving over land and a boat ride dow in to the peninsula. You have your one night stay and meals included along with a snorkeling trip to the Isla de Cano.
Leaving Saturday in the morning and returning on Sunday afternoon
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| Explornatura Arenal Adventure |
360 points
6 minimum |
Available for adults and children of all ages.
The Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular sites to visit in all of Costa Rica as everyone wants to see the towering volcanothat is constantly spewing lava. This trip includes the basics: transportation to and from Dominical, your night in a hotel, a hiking tour to the Arenal Volcano National Park, and your entrances into the Baldi Hot Springs. This is a trip you won’t want to miss!
Leaving Saturday in the morning and returning on Sunday afternoon |
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| Adventure Turrialba |
415 points
6 minimum |
Available for adults and children 12 years and older.
Experience the best of Turrialba as you raft down the internationally famous Pacuare River, go Canyoning in the Puente Vigas Canyong, and visit the Golden Bean Coffee Factory with a special dinner featuring coffee. This includes transportation to and from La Fortuna, one night in a hotel (double occupancy), some meals, and 3 tours.
Leaving Saturday in the morning and returning on Sunday afternoon
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DOMINICAL SHUTTLES:
All shuttles are one-way, point-to-point transportation with set pickup times in the morning and/or afternoon. All routes may include a transfer point. You are permitted one large bag and one carry-on item. You must report oversized or extra bags (like a surfboard) ahead of time or space cannot be guaranteed.
Dominical to San Jose - Departs at your convenience 2 or 3 persons, (Approx. 4 hours) 143 points/person
Dominical to San Jose - Departs at your convenience 4 or 5 persons, (Approx. 4 hours) 72 points/person
Dominical to San Jose - Departs at your convenience 6 or 10 persons, (Approx. 4 hours) 48 points/person
Dominical to Quepos - Departs at your convenience 2 or 3 persons, (Approx. 1 hour) 125 points/person
Dominical to Quepos - Departs at your convenience 4 or 5 persons, (Approx. 1 hour) 62 points/person
Dominical to Quepos - Departs at your convenience 6 or 10 persons, (Approx. 1 hour) 42 points/person
Quepos to Arenal - Departs 7:30 am or 2:30 pm - No min. (Approx. 4 hours) 42 points
CAR RENTALS:
These car rental prices DO NOT include obligatory insurance; this must be paid in CASH or CREDIT CARD (points cannot be used) at the time that you make your reservation with the Exploranatura Representative. All car rental packages are for either per day (24 hours) or 1 week long and DO NOT include pick-up and drop-off. The cost for pickup and drop-off is $95 for each way.
Family- per day rental: 4x4 vehicle for 6 people. $25 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 96 points
Family- 1 week rental: 4x4 vehicle for 6 people. $25 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 577 points
Economic- per day rental: 4x4 vehicle for 4 people. $15 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 42 points
Economic- 1 week rental: 4x4 vehicle for 4 people. $15 per day for Basic insurance (obligatory) 243 points
LAST NIGHT IN COSTA RICA:
These packages are lodging ONLY and do NOT include transportation to the hotel.
Economic Double Occupancy:
IIncludes 1 night in Hotel Mi Tierra in Alajuela, Continental breakfast, and drop-off at Juan Santamaria
International Airport in Alajuela (SJO). , 38 points
Economic Single Occupancy:
IIncludes 1 night in Hotel Mi Tierra in Alajuela, Continental breakfast, and drop-off at Juan Santamaria
International Airport in Alajuela (SJO). , 60 points
Executive Double Occupancy:
IIncludes 1 night in Hotel Mi Tierra in Alajuela, Continental breakfast, and drop-off at Juan Santamaria
International Airport in Alajuela (SJO). , 132 points
Executive Single Occupancy:
IIncludes 1 night in Hotel Mi Tierra in Alajuela, Continental breakfast, and drop-off at Juan Santamaria
International Airport in Alajuela (SJO). , 248 points
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