Stretching from the highest point of the country, Mt. Chirripo, and the Amistad National Park on the continental divide's mountainous border to the Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula, the Southern Zone has the highest percentage of land devoted to National Parks and Forest Reserves with the greatest biodiversity of any region in the country.

Finca Bellavista is located in a remote area with pristine forest and wonderful eco-tourism opportunities; the South Pacific also offers great surfing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.  "The most biologically intense places on earth", according to National Geographic magazine, this region of Costa Rica serves up gigantic portions of adventure and nature.  The Osa Peninsula and surrounding area will not disappoint with its array of brightly colored exotic birds, azure waters, and emerald canopies that stretch for miles and miles.

Corcovado National Park

Located a short drive and boat ride (or a longer, more adventurous 4wd drive across the Osa Peninsula) from Finca Bellavista, Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas; this virgin rainforest park invites superlatives from all who visit.  At least thirteen distinct vegetation types in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps and blood weed forest make Corcovado a botanist's dream.  Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapirs, and a host of rare rainforest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park's center.  The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world.

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Piedras Blancas National Park

The Piedras Blancas National Park, formerly called Esquinas National Park or Corcovado Section II, is less than a mile, as the crow flies, from Finca Bellavista.  In fact, Rio Piedras Blancas, the river for which the park is named, also forms the northern boundary of Finca Bellavista.  The park was established in 1992 as an extension of the Corcovado National Park.  In the east the park borders the Golfito Forest Reserve and connects in the west with the Corcovado National Park by the forest corridor of Rincon.

The Piedras Blancas National Park covers 30,000 acres of undisturbed humid tropical lowland primary rainforest and 5,000 acres of secondary forests, pasture land and rivers consisting primarily of hills of varied steepness, over one hundred stream valleys, a river plateau and coastal cliffs and beaches.

The flora, among the richest on the planet, encompassing several thousand different species of plants and hundreds of trees, some very rare and in danger of extinction, is very similar to the Corcovado National Park.

The fauna is composed of approximately 140 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, over 100 amphibians and reptiles and several thousand insects.

Click here for other parks near Finca Bellavista

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Surfing

Costa Rica is sometimes called "the Hawaii of Latin-American surfing" because there are thousands of beach breaks and hundreds of miles of oceanfront.  Rivers galore offer dozens of river mouth breaks, especially on the Pacific.  Although we could write a book about surfing in Costa Rica and why it has become one of the world's top surf destinations, we will assume that if you are looking into traveling and/or moving here, you have already read that chapter... you know...

Click here for surf breaks near Finca Bellavista

Pavones


Pavones has LONG left breaks

Pavones is one of Costa Rica's most famous surf breaks offering one of the world's longest lefts which, on a good day, can connect for 2 - 3 minute rides.  The wave has several sections which allow for carving, pumping and, of course, showing off for the folks sipping on their Imperials at the Cantina at the end of the break.

There are a few things to consider before traveling to Pavones.  Due to its location on the interior of the Golfo Dulce, it is blocked from many swells and can go for weeks with no surf.  Moreover, once the swell hits, it is common to see a large crowd of international travelers (+ the protective locals) battling for position.  We recommend not going here until you know there is surf because once you get there; it's a long way back!

The break is everything you've heard, 2/3 of a mile rides - crazy crowds.  It starts at a point, then crosses a river mouth, then hits another left point, and then goes into a 500 yard bay.  When it's big, you need to be careful that you don't end up at the sharp rocks at the far end of the bay.  It works best with a South swell, so usually between April and October it can be firing OR it can be flat (for up to 9 days in a row).

Matapalo


Low tide at Matapalo

Situated on the extreme tip of the Osa Peninsula, Matapalo offers the extreme adventurer with an opportunity to witness one of the few untouched, pristine regions in Costa Rica.

Matapalo combines dense jungles, breathtaking beaches, and world class surfing in a peaceful, remote setting.  Matapalo offers three excellent point breaks that, with the right swell, will make any traveler unpack and stay a while.

However, there are several downsides to staying in Matapalo.  First of all, the surf is not very consistent.  Second, because this area is one of Costa Rica's few remaining pristine destinations, the "locals," (which are in this case, any American who got there before you), are not very welcoming to new faces.  Also, it is important to mention that this area is extremely remote and all power here is provided by solar energy.  There are no restaurants, bars, shops, etc.  Local rustic lodging includes meals.

When you’re at Pavones and you’re staring at the peninsula across Golfito Bay, that’s where Matapalo is located.  It has three breaks, two of which are right points and the other a beach break.  They get big and can pick up a West swell nicely with 200+ yard rights.  What keeps the crowds down is the 30 minute barely travelable road to it (in rainy season forget ‘bout it!).  A short boat ride from nearby Golfito is also a viable alternative.  If you want to surf with monkeys and red parrots flying through the trees, this is the most beautiful spot in the country.

Dominical


Barreled at Dominical

Approximately one hour’s drive north from Finca Bellavista, Dominical is a good option for those looking for similar conditions to Playa Hermosa in a more relaxed atmosphere.  Playa Dominical is known as the most consistent surf spot in Costa Rica.  There is almost always a wave worth riding.  The surf here is mostly beach break, however, it tends to close out on bigger swells as it is not as steep as Hermosa.  There is a point break just to the south which offers some good surf on a bigger swell.

Where the Talamanca Mountain Range gently slopes into the South Pacific Ocean and waterfalls cascade down and spill onto the beaches, you will find the small town of Dominical.  Dominical is a small laid back town surrounded by pristine rainforest and beautiful coastlines.  This surfer’s paradise offers great surf, numerous local restaurants, bars and a wild nightlife.

Dominical is geared towards serious surfers who wish to avoid the heavy crowds of Playa Hermosa and are looking for a more relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

Dominical is getting more crowded with each passing season.  However, there is still plenty of room and plenty of waves for everyone.  This beach break is about 1.5 miles long, with big surf an average of 15 days out of each month.  One week it could be bigger and might close out or another it could be head high and fun.  Mid-tide going in is the best call, but when the tide is dropping some nice barrels can be found as well.

At the north end is the Baru River, where the current is stronger and waves a foot bigger.  North of the river is the Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge with MILES of undiscovered surf.  South is Dominicalito Bay, where it is smaller and better for first timers (watch out for rocks at lower tides).  It might have 40 surfers on it, but still not seem "crowded", with some of the country's best locals surfing there.  Other days it is an empty lineup, especially early morning after a night at the discotheque.

Playa Pinuelas/Playa De Ventanas


Playa De VentanasPlaya Pinuelas @ Sunset

These beautiful and quiet beaches are about a mile away from each other, and are located about a forty minute drive from Finca Bellavista.  These two beaches are both great beginners’ surf spots, particularly for long boarders.  You can kayak to the islands offshore or just play in the shore break.  Pinuelas and Ventanas are a great place to bring the family and Pinuelas is right next to Marina Ballena National Park.  At low tide at Ballena the beach looks like a whale’s tale.  Be sure to stop at Remy’s roadside ceviche stand on the way back from your day at the beach!

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Playa Zancudo

This beautiful beach is great for family time, mellow swimming, beachcombing, and just hanging out. It's a little far to be a day trip, but it can be done. By car, you'll battle the same logistics as getting to Pavones. A ferry from Golfito is an easier option.

Golfo Dulce

There is a reason why this tranquil body of water translates into Sweet Gulf. The Golfo Dulce's edge is only a few miles from Finca Bellavista, and you can see it from here too. The rainforest meets the Golfo Dulce with an elaborate network of small coves, rocky isles and pretty, calm beaches. This area is great to explore by kayak or small vessel.

Golfo Dulce sunset

Fishing

Whether you’re interested in fly fishing the Piedras Blancas river right in your front yard or if you are looking to battle that record Giant Marlin, fishermen will be greatly rewarded in the waters near Finca Bellavista.

Giant marlin, sailfish beyond number, high-jumping tarpon, record-class snook, and a dozen or more hard hitting fresh water species....Costa Rica has them all!!

On the Pacific near the Osa Peninsula, it's common to release a dozen or more sails and even a marlin or two in a single day, and not unusual to release more than 20 sailfish a day.  There are also dolphin (including the long-standing International Game Fish Association's all-tackle record 87-pounder), giant yellowfin tuna, wahoo, cubera, roosterfish, a variety of snapper, grouper, blue runners, rainbow runners, snook and much more.

Several local fishing charter companies can accommodate anglers of all ages and interests.

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Scuba Diving/Snorkeling at Isla del Caño

World-class scuba diving and snorkeling is located just over an hour from Finca Bellavista.  Caño Island Biological Reserve is only 10 miles from Drake's Bay but a world apart from the mainland.  Indians once used the island as a burial ground; however little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found there.  Take advantage of the Reserve's clear blue waters and dive or snorkel the coral reefs.

Videos of Diving at Isla del Caño:		Video of Los Delfines:

Click the following link(s) to download and view the videos with QuickTime:
White Tip Shark Turtle Scape Los Delfines

Click the following link(s) to view the videos with YouTube:

White Tip Shark Turtle ScapeLos Delfines

Caño Island has been rated by Skin Diver magazine as among the best in hot spots for adventure diving.  Located off the tip of the Osa Peninsula, this virgin area offers a variety of unique diving attractions, from 15 - 16' reefs to 80' "walls".  "The Devil's Drop" for example, is a rock pile which begins at 40' and drops to as deep as 250'.  Visibility is outstanding and ranges between 50'-120’.  The name of the game here is "SHARKS"! You'll see lots of them (white-tips) ranging in size from 6-10' as well as sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, morays, and huge snapper and grouper.

Isla del Caño Dive Sites

BAJO DEL DIABLO
Depth: 20 to 80 feet
Skill Level: Intermediate
The area's main attraction, this site consists of volcanic mounds and canyons and is often patrolled by white-tip reef and bull sharks.  Manta rays with 15-20' wing spans visit the site during the summer months (February to June).  Schools (in the hundreds) of horseye jacks, barracudas, cubera & dog tooth snappers (40+ lbs.) are most likely seen, as well as tropicals like puffers, king angel fish, damsels, etc.

PARAISO
Depth: 65 to 70 feet
Skill Level: Intermediate
The name speaks for itself! The main part of this site is usually "stuffed" with big schools of blue striped snappers.  Drop in on hundreds of circling barracuda eyeing schools of horse-eye jacks.  Four-foot amberjacks stare boldly into your mask.  Five rocky mounds are separated by sandy crops of garden eels.  Parrot fish, triggers, eels, puffers, and occasionally sting rays, mobile rays and barracudas are regular residents.

CUEVA DEL TIBURON
Depth: 50 feet
Skill Level: Intermediate
Located in front of the ranger station, "Shark Cave" - seven feet high, 40 feet long - houses white-tip sharks, but expect diamond stingrays and boxfish as well.  Watch for pilot whales and sailfish during the safety stop.  Puffers, damsels, Moorish idols, box fish, goat fish and other tropicals are most likely to be seen.

EL ARCO (The Arch)
Depth: 60 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Similar marine life as "Shark's Cave"

MARENCO ROCK
Depth: 50-60 feet
Skill level: Intermediate
Closest site to the mainland.  Black corals, snappers, grunts, occasional big jelly fish (non-stinging) float by.

CAMPANARIO (Bell Tower)
Depth: 40 feet
Skill level: Beginner-Intermediate
Close to Corcovado National Park, this site is a set of pinnacles filled with schools of fish.  Rocks are sedimentary which house lobsters regularly.  Horseye jacks, barracudas, grunts, snappers, and rooster fish greet divers.

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Bird watching

Costa Rica is an area where you can find more than 850 different bird species in an area no larger than West Virginia.  From scarlet macaws to quetzals to brown pelicans and hummingbirds, there are more bird species here than in all of North America combined.

Finca Bellavista offers a unique opportunity to watch and study Costa Rica’s avifauna in a natural, undisturbed setting.  Each morning you will wake up to the soothing sounds of hundreds of species of birds as the rainforest canopy begins a fresh new day.

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Kayaking

Kayaking the mangroves and various rivers of the Osa Peninsula will reward you with amazingly pristine wildlife-filled adventures.  Bring your own boat, or take a tour with any of a number of local tour companies.

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