BAHIA AVENTURAS 2014 Bahia Aventuras offers it all. Pick from a variety of powerful experiences that suit your adventurous spirit and allow us to help you make your connection with nature today! Certified as part of the program Best Practices for Sustainable Marine Tourism by KETO Foundation (Sea Star System with the maximum 3 stars). Captains with more than 10 years local ocean navigation experience. Professional boating and tourism experience with a Pura Vida Spirit! Professional and friendly local bi-lingual staff and guides. First-rate navigation, fishing, and snorkel equipment. Members of the Marino Ballena National Park Tour Operators Association. Three top of the line boats (2011 and 2012) with modern hull design equipped with 175HP/300HP\200HP Suzuki motors. Join us to share the priceless natural resources that are found in the Marino Ballena National Park, Mangroves Wetlands Refuge of Terraba-Sierpe, Cano Island Biologic Reserve, Corcovado National Park and the Osa peninsula! Bahia Aventuras is owned and operated by Walter Brenes, a local community leader and entrepreneur in Bahia Ballena-Uvita, Osa. Brenes started the company in 2007 with the help of friend and local Peace Corps volunteer Travis Bays. A year later, Brenes was able to expand by teaming with business partner Daljit Hundle. Together, sharing their love for education and conservation, the Bahia Aventuras Team has been able to expand to offer the most fun, friendly and safe service in the Costa Ballena area. Bahia Aventuras is located in Bahia Ballena-Uvita de Osa, the heart of Costa Ballena. Stretching from Dominical to Ojochal, Costa Ballena encompasses a vast stretch of a gorgeously rugged shoreline and a number of beautiful beaches. Known as the Whale Coast (Costa Ballena), for the large number of migratory whales spotted here, the most popular attraction in the area includes the unique whale and dolphin watching adventures. The humpback whales regularly pass through Costa Ballena s Pacific Ocean between mid July and October, and again in December through March as they migrate to and from feeding and mating grounds. Other popular water activities include snorkeling, sport fishing, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking. The Marino Ballena National Park is the major attraction in Costa Ballena, bringing tourists to its secluded beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Created to preserve the fragile marine ecosystem and natural habitats of the marine species, it covers approximately 175 hectares of coastline and 5,300 hectares of ocean.
BOATS & EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS Bahia Aventuras I The Bahia Aventuras I has a 2013 Suzuki 200HP that allows for comfort and style when navigating. It has 14 individual seats and accommodates any of our tours; a 4 person Private Sport fishing Tour to a 14-passenger Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour. Length: 26 Feet. / 8 m Maximum Capacity: 14 Passengers Sun-protective awning to accommodate tour needs. Ring buoy lifesaver and individual life jackets for each passenger and crew and a fire extinguisher. Accident Risk Insurance. Motor: Suzuki, four strokes, fuel injected, 200 HP, with hydraulic direction. Navigation equipment: GPS, long reach radio communication and compass. Fishing equipment: Complete Shimano Fishing Equipment with Penn reels Snorkel gear: 20 sets of Speedo Snorkeling Equipment. Bahia Aventuras II Bahia Aventuras II has a 2012 Suzuki 175HP that allows swift navigation and comfort. The boat is crafted for 11 individual seats with maximum capacity of 11-passengers. Bahia Aventuras II has the ability to accommodate any of our tours. Length: 22 Feet. / 7 m Maximum Capacity: 11 Passengers with individual and removable seats. Sun-protective awning to accommodate tour needs. Ring buoy lifesaver and individual life jackets for each passenger and crew and a fire extinguisher. Accident Risk Insurance. Motor: Suzuki, four strokes, fuel injected, 175 HP, with hydraulic direction. Navigation equipment: GPS, long reach radio communication and compass. Fishing equipment: Complete Shimano Fishing Equipment with Penn reels Snorkel gear: 20 sets of Speedo Snorkeling Equipment.
Bahia Aventuras III The Bahia Aventuras III uses a 2009 300HP Suzuki. This boat is powerful and allows for comfortable navigation for our excursions with large groups. The boat has bench row seating with a maximum capacity of 20 passengers. Length: 27 Feet. / 9 m Maximum Capacity: 20 Passengers with bench seats. Sun-protective awning to accommodate tour needs. Ring buoy lifesaver and individual life jackets for each passenger and crew and a fire extinguisher. Motor: Suzuki, four strokes, fuel injected, 300 HP, with hydraulic direction. Navigation equipment: GPS, long reach radio communication and compass. Bahia Aventuras Snorkel Equipment MARES & TUSA fins (large, medium, small & adjustable) TUSA Ski Vest life jackets for comfortable travel TUSA Reef Tourer Series life jackets for snorkeling TUSA & SPEEDO masks for snorkeling Bahia Aventuras Sport Fishing Equipment PENN & SHIMANO fishing poles PENN & SHIMANO reels RAPALA, WILLIAMSON, SHIMANO jigs
TOURS - FULL DESCRIPTION Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour Duration of the tour: 3-4 hours (Approx) Departure time: MORNING 8:30 AM, AFTERNOON 1:30 PM ADULTS $85.00 USD MINIMUM 2 PAX CHILDREN $42.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children between 3 to 10 yrs old Listen to humpback whales sing love songs to one another and feel the great sensation of watching a mammal that weighs more than 40 tons jump out of the water and splash its gigantic tail. Snorkel and observe dolphins, turtles, bi-color parrot fish and more. The Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour is the best option to see the most of the Marino Ballena National Park. The tour departs from Punta Uvita Beach and visits the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tale, Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets and Ventana Sea Caves. During the tour we search for Humpback and Pilot Whales as well as three different species of resident dolphins. When granted the opportunity, you might see and hear the Humpback Whales and or observe the acrobatic displays of the dolphins. We also visit the coral and rock reefs to snorkel and observe the wonderful marine wildlife. While cruising in the boat, enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline of Costa Ballena; observe the diversity of pelagic birds in the Islets and the amazing caverns of Ventanas Beach (if conditions permit, our experienced captain will navigate the boat through these wonderful natural water passages to give you a spectacular view!) The humpback whales regularly pass through Costa Ballena s Pacific Ocean between mid July and October, and again in December through March as they migrate to and from feeding and mating grounds. Important recommendations: Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals
Caño Island Biological Reserve Half Day Tour Duration of the tour: HALF DAY Departure time: 8:30 A.M Return time: 3-3:30 PM (Approx) ADULTS $125.00 USD MINIMUM 3 PAX CHILDREN $75.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children 3-10 years old Tour the Biological Reserve and best snorkeling destination in the south pacific. With turquoise blue waters and colorful coral reefs, Caño Island Biological Reserve is one of the best places for snorkeling in the South Pacific. In fact, this island has the healthiest coral reefs of all Costa Rica. The Cano Island tour departs from Punta Uvita at 8:30 AM and arrives at Cano Island 1 ½ hours later. During this magical, you may observe whales, dolphins, and other marine animals. Arriving at the island we take you snorkeling for approximately 1-½ hours in the best spots of the reserve, where you can observe a great variety of marine species, many of which are in danger of extinction. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, tour guide,meals and the option to snorkel a second time. The boat arrives at Punta Uvita at 3-3:30 PM. Important recommendations: The meal is based on wraps, green salad, fruits and natural drinks all served on board. There are not bathrooms at the Island. Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals
Caño Island Biological Reserve and Corcovado National Park One Day Tour. Duration of the tour: FULL DAY Departure time: 7:30 A.M Return time: 4-4:30 PM (Approx) ADULTS $145.00 USD MINIMUM 6 PAX CHILDREN $85.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children 3-10 years old This tour combines two magnificent jewels of Costa Rica: Caño Island Biological Reserve and Corcovado National Park. Please be at the Bahia Aventuras office at 7:00am. The tour departs from Punta Uvita at 7:30 AM and arrives at Caño Island approximately 1 ½ hours later. It is a magical trip where you can observe whales, experience dolphin encounters, and observe other marine animals such as sea turtles and marine birds. Arriving at the island you will be able to appreciate the healthiest coral reefs on this Costa Rica snorkeling adventure and observe a great variety of marine species, many of which are in danger of extinction. Visiting the terrestrial part of Caño Island or use of the restrooms is not permitted due to new government regulations. After this, you will head by boat to Corcovado National Park (30 minutes) arriving at San Pedrillo Ranger Station in the Corcovado National Park. Upon arrival the guides will prepare a picnic lunch. A short hike after lunch will allow you see some of the great biodiversity that exists in Corcovado, such as the spider, howler, and whitefaced monkeys, as well as a great variety of birds, plants, and trees with over one hundred years of existence and in danger of extinction. Note: The amount of time for hiking at Corcovado depends on the amount of time spent snorkeling at Cano Island. The hike is a flat trail. Due to lack of restrooms at Cano Island, this tour is not recommended for people with I.B.S (irritable bowel syndrome) or urinary incontinence. Restrooms are available at the ranger station in Corcovado, however it will be a half day without a bathroom. This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. The full day tour includes snorkeling, a picnic lunch, a guided hike in Corcovado National Park, equipment, guides and entrance fees to the protected areas.
Corcovado National Park Day Tour Duration of the tour: FULL DAY Departure time: 7:30 AM Return time: 4-4:30 PM (Approx) ADULTS $130.00USD MINIMUM 3 PAX CHILDREN $85.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children 3-10 years old Hike lush rainforests, howl with the howler monkeys, relax with a sloth, converse with the birds, soar with the butterflies, sing with millions of insects and tour 5% of the biodiversity on this side of the planet in Corcovado National Park. The Corcovado National Park Day Tour departs from Punta Uvita at 7:30 AM and arrives approximately 1½ hour later at San Pedrillo Ranger Station, Corcovado National Park. Upon arrival you will prepare for two guided hikes along two different trails and observe beautiful flora and fauna. The first hike takes around 3 hours and the second hike about 30 minutes. During the hikes you will be able to see many mammals such as spider, howler, and white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, and tapirs as well as a great variety of birds, plants, and trees with over one hundred years of existence and in danger of extinction. After the first hike, we serve a picnic lunch near the ranger station and then we begin the second trek. During boat transit you may observe whales, dolphins, turtles, marine birds and fantastic views of the southern pacific Osa coastline. The boat returns from Corcovado and arrives to Punta Uvita at 4-4:30 p.m. Important recommendation: Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals and closed shoes for hiking During rainy season bring raincoat Bring insect repellent Bring an extra change of clothes in case you get wet
Sport Fishing Trips (In-shore, offshore) Duration of the tour: HALF DAY / FULL DAY Departure time: 7:00 A.M Return time HALF DAY: 1:00 PM Return time FULL DAY: 4:00 PM (Approx) HALF DAY $750.00 USD Price per Boat *IN-SHORE MAX 5 PAX per boat FULL DAY $950.00 USD Price per Boat *OFFSHORE MAX 5 PAX per boat Put your fishing skills to practice and feel the adrenaline rush of fighting a fierce mahi-mahi, yellow fin tuna, marlin, or sailfish during your sport fishing tour. Fight for your catch of the day! The waters of the South Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica are rich in nutrients and there is a great variety of fish for sport fishing. We offer two options: a half-day trip and a full day trip. During the sport fishing tour you will use our top of line equipment; Shimano poles & Penn Reels to help you catch mahimahi, wahoo, tuna fish, macarela, runner, and roosterfish. Choose between in-shore and off-shore tours and let our captains, who are local experts with extensive experience in fishing the local area, take you to the hot spots! During the tour you may observe whales, dolphins, turtles, marine birds and fantastic views of the southern pacific Osa coastline. Half-day boat returns at 1PM. Full day boat returns at 4PM. Important recommendations: Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals
Terraba Sierpe Mangrove Tour Duration of the tour: 3-3.5 hours (Approx) Departure time: Depends on tide conditions ADULTS $85.00 USD MINIMUM 3 PAX CHILDREN $42.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children between 3 to 10 yrs old Immerse into the intricate mangrove ecosystems to see another world. Terraba-Sierpe National Wetlands is an internationally recognized RAMSAR wetland site and includes the estuary of the Rivers Térraba and Sierpe. It is one of the largest mangrove wetlands in all of Central America and serves as an important habitat of many species of birds, fish, mammals and reptiles. The tour departs from Terraba and enters the intricate mangrove wetlands allowing visitors an intimate magical experience with some of mother nature s most interesting flora and fauna. Departure time depends on tide conditions. Important recommendations: Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals Bring insect repellent
Snorkeling Tour in Marino Ballena National Park Duration of the tour 2 hours (Approx) Departure time- Depends on tide conditions ADULTS $75.00 USD MINIMUM 3 PAX CHILDREN $35.00 USD Accompanied by adults *Children 3-10 years old Snorkel the ocean floor in crystal blue water and observe starfish, parrot fish, sea turtles, and several different species of coral reef amongst other marine life. Marino Ballena National Park is the second place with greater coral reef and fish diversity along the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. On the Snorkeling Tour, we depart from Punta Uvita and visit the great snorkeling treasures of the Marino Ballena National Park: reefs of Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets and the Punta Uvita Whale tale. During the snorkeling you can find parrotfish, butterfly fish, blue surgeonfish, and a great number of starfish at a depth that ranges from 1 to 3 meters. During the tour you may observe whales, dolphins, turtles, marine birds and fantastic views of the southern pacific Osa coastline. *Departure time depends on tide conditions. Snorkeling sites located at only 10 minutes from the shore. Best water visibility from December to June. Important recommendations: Bring small bags to safeguard personal belongings Bring sun block Come in shorts, bathing suit, and bring towel and sandals We provide snorkeling equipment.
Promoting Responsible Tourism Today, more and more people around the world are experiencing the thrill of seeing whales in their natural habitats. Whale watching can educate people about our ocean planet, the magnificent creatures that share our world, and the importance of maintaining wildlife habitats. To observe whales and other marine life in their natural environment is a powerful, moving experience and one that underlines the importance of protecting these remarkable creatures. In order to assure that, BAHIA AVENTURAS S.A. makes a great effort to follow a set of rules and standards, to provide an enjoyable experience to the customers while protecting the environment and resources of the area. In recognition of our responsible tourism practices, we have been certified by KETO Foundation Certified as part of their Best Practices for Sustainable Marine Tourism program. In this program, the Sea Star System, we have been recognized with the maximum 3 stars. Protecting Whales, Dolphins, and other wildlife: Keep a distance of 50 meters from marine animals while engine is running. Keep a distance of 30 meters while engine is not running. Maintain a distance of 100 meters with marine animals larger than 10 meters or marine animals with their birth. Maximum of 30 minute visits with any one individual sighting and 15 minutes for a pair sighting. Captains navigate the boats parallel in the direction with the marine animals for safety purposes; captains do not circle marine animals or pursue them from behind. Do not exceed 4 knots (7km/h) while in presence of marine animals. No throwing objects, feeding, or contacting marine animals. Additionally, we help preserve local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations, such as sticking to footpaths, not standing on coral reefs and not buying products made from endangered plants or animals. Protecting from the Pollution of our boats: Maintain our motors regulated and revised according to the fabric recommendations. Use oil/gas according to the Suzuki Motor recommendations. Maintain and revise engine, valves, and exhaust. Scheduled and required oil and filter changes in safe registered places. Protecting from Noise Pollution: Proper installment of motors to avoid excessive vibration and noise. Scheduled maintenance checks for adjustments and revisions of propellers. Avoid unnecessary noise while in the presence of marine animals.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING EACH OF THESE POINTS SO THAT WE MAY ASSURE YOU A PROMPT AND RESPONSIBLE SERVICE. WHAT TO BRING: We strongly recommend that tour participants bring the minimal, but most practical things: An impermeable bag or plastic bag with: prescribed medicine, small towel, extra bottled water, water camera, UV sun block, binoculars and mosquito repellent (necessary only for hiking in Corcovado, Caño Island, Violines and San Josecito beach). Wear strapped sandals, shorts for swimming, and a light t-shirt. WHAT NOT TO BRING: - Passport or other relevant legal documents. - Money and/or wallet with credit cards and other valuable items. - Jewelry and/or expensive items. - If clients bring cameras (Photography or video) they are solely responsible for them. Bahia Aventuras assumes no responsibility for damages to or loss of our clients items. WE PROVIDE: Individual life jackets, first AID kit, ring buoy, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, extra plastic bag, bilingual guide, fruits, snacks, bottled water and Pick-Nic lunch on full day trips. RESPONSIBILITY: Bahía Aventuras S.A. encourages clients to participate in our tours with no valuable possessions (money, jewellry, expensive equipment, etc.) We suggest leaving those items at the hotel, as the company assumes no responsibility for the damage and or the loss of our clients items. Additionally, our company gives notice that they assume no responsibility for injury, thefts and pilferage. We are not responsible for acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, and expense, which cause loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, and delays. Changes in the itinerary may be made where and when deemed advisable for the comfort and well being of Bahia Aventuras S.A. and its clients. We cannot be held liable for quarantine in convenience to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, discrepancies or change in transit or hotel service, or damage to person or property in connection with any service. This also includes same bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and / or any loss of services as a result of the tour participants. MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE: Guests with particular health conditions and / or handicaps and pregnant women should inform representatives of Bahia Aventuras S.A. staff in writing before arrival to tours. Staff members carry a fully stocked first aid kit. In case of illness, hospital facilities for serious problems are excellent in Costa Rica. Bahia Aventuras S.A. assumes no liability for costs of evacuation or provision of medical care.