Paddle Boarding & Waterfall Full Day Tour

The best part of this Quepos day tour is the change of pace. You start on a paddleboard in the calm water of Maracas Bay, then trade the coast for three waterfalls south of Quepos, where you can swim, jump, and slide. It feels less like a single attraction and more like a full day in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific.

I like the local lunch at an organic farm and the chance to visit a beach with caves opening toward the ocean. I also like the guides’ friendly, steady support. Roberto, known as Rasta, helped a first-time paddleboarder gain confidence, while Ismael, Alejandro, Reece, Mambo, and others have been praised for keeping the day upbeat and safe.

The main drawback is that the paddleboarding portion is fairly short. This is chiefly a waterfall adventure with a paddleboard opener, not a full-day SUP trip. You should also be comfortable with a moderate level of activity, even though every jump, slide, and swim is optional.

Key points to know before you book

• Three waterfalls south of Quepos: Swim in pools, go behind falling water, jump from selected spots, or simply enjoy the setting.
• Paddleboarding at Maracas Bay: Calm water makes this a friendly introduction for beginners, but the SUP session is not the longest part of the day.
• Playa Ventanas stop: Expect a beautiful beach, a strong coastal backdrop, and caves leading out toward the ocean.
• Farm-style lunch: Your midday meal is served at a jungle restaurant connected with an organic farm.
• Small-to-medium group size: The maximum is 20 people, and some departures may feel much more personal.
• Full-day timing: The tour starts at 7:30 a.m., lasts about eight hours, and returns to the Quepos meeting point.

Starting early in Quepos

You meet at 7:30 a.m. near the Catholic Church of Quepos on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618. The tour finishes back at this same meeting point, so plan your morning and evening around that location.

An early start makes sense here. You have several stops to fit into one day, and the trip includes a drive south from Quepos. The air-conditioned vehicle is useful in the warm Pacific climate, especially after time in the water. It also means you can bring energy for the waterfalls instead of spending it all on transport.

The maximum group size is 20. That is not a private outing by definition, but it is still more manageable than a large coach trip. The experience can feel especially personal when numbers are low. One booking even turned into a private outing with Ismael, though you should not assume that will happen on your date.

This tour is near public transportation, but the stated meeting point remains the practical starting place. Confirm how you will reach it before booking, particularly if you are staying outside central Quepos.

A gentle paddle at Maracas Bay

The first active stop is paddleboarding on the calm waters of Maracas Bay in Manuel Antonio. If you have never stood on a paddleboard, this is the right sort of setting for an introduction. Calm water gives you room to find your balance without making the first minutes feel like a test.

You might stay on your knees, stand when ready, or simply enjoy moving across the bay at an easy pace. A guide can offer encouragement and help you settle into the board. Roberto, also called Rasta, has been singled out for taking photos, spotting birds, and helping a nervous beginner feel at ease.

That support matters more than fancy technique on a day like this. You are not signing up for a serious paddle expedition. The SUP segment is a pleasant way to begin the morning, see the coast from the water, and ease into the day’s more physical stops.

Be clear about the balance of the tour. The paddleboarding is relatively brief, while the waterfalls take up much of the adventure. If you want several hours of continuous SUP time, this is probably not the right choice. If you want a gentle water activity followed by swimming and outdoor fun, the combination works well.

Three waterfalls south of Quepos

After the bay, you head south toward several waterfalls in the Central Pacific. The tour visits three separate falls, and each can be enjoyed in more than one way. You might jump from one, swim behind another, or slide down a waterfall at a suitable spot.

The word can is important. None of those activities is mandatory. You can remain beside the pool, take photos, watch the guides demonstrate, and enjoy the setting without entering the water. That flexibility makes the day a better fit for mixed groups, where one person wants a thrill and another prefers a quiet swim.

The waterfalls are the heart of the tour because they offer more than a quick photo stop. You get time to interact with the water and choose your own level of adventure. The guides’ role is especially valuable here. Reece, Mambo, Rasta, DK, Alonso, Ismael, Alejandro, and Roberto have all been associated with warm encouragement and careful support during the activities.

A first-time jumper may need a calm voice and a clear explanation more than a dramatic pep talk. The strongest aspect of this outing is that the guides help you push your comfort zone without making you feel foolish if you decide not to jump. They are also known for showing off their own jumps and sharing information about the area.

You should still treat the waterfalls as active outdoor stops. The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level, and wet rocks, swimming, climbing, or sliding can be tiring. The information provided does not promise that every person will take part in every activity, so judge each stop for yourself and follow the guide’s directions.

Playa Ventanas and its ocean caves

The beach stop adds a slower coastal note to a day otherwise built around movement. Playa Ventanas is known here for its striking backdrop and caves that lead toward the ocean. It is a chance to dry off, take in the coast, and enjoy a little unhurried time.

This is one reason the tour feels more complete than a simple waterfall outing. You get inland water, a farm lunch, and a beach in the same day. The beach is also a good place for anyone in your group who wants a break from jumps and slides.

The provided schedule identifies Uvita Waterfall as a stop, while the full experience also includes the beach visit and other waterfall locations south of Quepos. Exact stop order can vary, so think of the tour as a route through several Central Pacific sites rather than a rigid minute-by-minute program.

The caves are a notable detail, but you should not treat the beach stop as a guaranteed long swim or a private beach experience. Its value is the contrast: after the energetic waterfall section, Playa Ventanas gives you room to slow down.

Lunch at an organic farm

Lunch is served at a restaurant in the jungle, with the tour highlighting an organic farm setting. This is more appealing than eating at a generic roadside stop. It gives you a taste of local food and a chance to rest in a natural setting during a long day.

The meal is repeatedly described as a highlight, so arrive ready for a proper pause rather than expecting to eat on the move. You will likely appreciate it most after the morning’s water activities. The lunch also helps explain the price, since the tour includes not only transport and guiding but a meal as part of the full-day plan.

No specific menu is provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement. If you have food restrictions, ask the operator before departure. The available details confirm that lunch is included, but they do not list substitutions or special menus.

What $185 buys you

At $185 per person, this is not a budget half-day activity. It lasts about eight hours and combines several elements: paddleboarding, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, visits to three waterfalls, a beach stop, guide support, and lunch at an organic farm.

I see the value if you would otherwise book separate activities. A standalone waterfall outing would not give you the bay paddle, while a simple SUP tour would not take you to the inland falls and Playa Ventanas. Combining them saves you from arranging several transfers and gives your day a clear shape.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want paddleboarding. The SUP portion is short, and the core of the day is the waterfall adventure. You are paying for variety, guiding, transport, and a full schedule rather than extended time on one activity.

The group limit of 20 also helps. You are not guaranteed a private guide, but the maximum keeps the outing from becoming an enormous crowd. If your booking is small, you might receive very personal attention, as happened on one solo outing with Ismael.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to friends, couples, families with active older children, and solo visitors who want several experiences without planning every transfer. It is particularly good for people who like to try new things but want the option to sit out a jump or slide.

It also suits first-time paddleboarders. The calm bay and supportive guide approach make the opening activity approachable. You do not need to arrive as an experienced SUP user.

You should think twice if you dislike wet, active outings or have difficulty with moderate physical exertion. The day includes swimming and interaction with waterfalls, and the tour does not promise an easy stroll from start to finish. Someone wanting a slow beach day or a serious paddleboarding session would be better served elsewhere.

Solo visitors can fit in well. The friendly guide style and group activities make it easier to join in, and the tour may occasionally operate with very few people. Still, group size varies, so book it for the activities rather than expecting a private tour.

Practical details that matter

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers force a cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the 7:30 a.m. start are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another country.

The tour ends where it starts, at the Quepos meeting point. Since you may be wet and tired at the end, arrange your onward plans with enough time and do not schedule something immediately afterward.

Bring the mindset, rather than the expectation, of a flexible outdoor day. The exact rhythm can depend on weather, the group, and conditions at the falls. The best approach is to enjoy the stops you can safely enjoy and not feel pressured to perform every stunt.

Should you book the Paddle Boarding and Waterfall Full Day Tour?

Book it if you want a full Central Pacific sampler with water, waterfalls, beach time, local food, and easy transport in one package. The guide support is a major strength, especially if you are new to paddleboarding or nervous about jumping into unfamiliar pools.

Do not book it solely for paddleboarding. The SUP session is an introduction, not the main event. Choose this instead for the three waterfalls, optional jumps and slides, Playa Ventanas, and the chance to spend a complete day moving between very different parts of the Quepos area.

At $185, the price makes the most sense when you value convenience and variety. For an active group of friends, it can be an excellent shared day. For a person who wants a quiet beach or a long, technical paddle, it is the wrong shape of tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at CRHR+X33 Iglesia Católica de Quepos, Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618, in Quepos, Costa Rica.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 7:30 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the Quepos meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $185 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes lunch at a restaurant located in the jungle, with the experience described as an organic farm lunch.

How many waterfalls will I visit?

The tour visits three different waterfalls south of Quepos. Each can be interacted with in different ways.

Do I have to jump, slide, or swim?

No. Jumping, sliding, and swimming are optional. You can enjoy the scenery and setting without taking part in those activities.

Is the tour suitable for beginners at paddleboarding?

Yes. The paddleboarding takes place in the calm waters of Maracas Bay, and guide Roberto, also called Rasta, has helped first-time paddleboarders feel comfortable.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.