Costa Rica Ostional: Kayak & SUP tour with guide + fruit

Summary

Kayaking the mangroves & turtle beaches near Ostional

Glide through Costa Rica’s lush mangroves by kayak or SUP with a local guide, spot wildlife along quiet waters, visit Ostional’s turtle nesting grounds, and snack on fresh tropical fruit before cooling off in the ocean — moments you’ll remember long after your feet are dry.

What’s the experience like?

We slid our kayaks into the river just as the sun was starting to burn off the morning haze — not too hot yet, but you could feel it coming. Our guide, Diego, handed me a paddle and grinned, “You’ll see why we love this place.” The water was glassy under the mangroves, except for the little splashes from our boards. I kept hearing birds I couldn’t name — some kind of chatter overhead — and every so often Diego would point out a flash of color or a tail disappearing into the green. He knew every bend in that river.

I’d never tried stand-up paddle boarding before (my balance is questionable at best), but somehow it felt easier here. Maybe because everything slowed down — even my thoughts. We drifted past tangled roots and these weirdly sweet smells from somewhere upstream. There was a moment when we stopped paddling and just floated; you could hear nothing but insects and the soft slap of water on wood. Diego cracked open a pipa (coconut) for us right there on his board, juice dripping down my chin while he told us about how locals protect the turtles that nest nearby.

The Ostional turtle nesting grounds were quieter than I expected — no big crowds, just sand and wind and some tracks leading down to the sea. Diego explained how important this spot is for the turtles, and honestly, I felt kind of lucky to be standing there at all. We snacked on watermelon and passion fruit that tasted like sunshine (I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true). After that, we took a dip in the ocean to rinse off all the river sweat — saltier than I remembered from home.

On the way back upriver, I tried to say “thank you” in Spanish and totally butchered it; Diego laughed so hard he almost dropped his paddle. There’s something about moving slow through water with good people that sticks with you longer than you expect. Even now, sometimes I catch a whiff of coconut and think about that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking and Turtle Nesting Visit

• Drift down river by kayak or paddle board
• Explore lush mangrove areas
• Learn about ecosystem protection
• Visit Ostional turtle nesting grounds
• Enjoy refreshments and fresh local fruits
• Photograph exotic birds and mammals
• Take a dip in the ocean
• Drift back to starting point
• Finish with a river dip

Top questions

Is this kayak & SUP tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and first-timers are welcome.

Are refreshments included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get fresh local fruit like watermelon and passion fruit plus coconut water.

Do we visit the turtle nesting grounds at Ostional?

Yes, visiting Ostional’s turtle nesting area is part of the experience.

Can children join this kayaking tour?

Yes, infants can ride with an adult; small children can use a pram or stroller.

Are guides provided during the activity?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the tour.

Is equipment like kayaks or SUP boards included?

Yes, both single/double kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are provided.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes use of single or double kayaks or stand-up paddle boards with guidance from a local expert; along the way you’ll enjoy fresh coconut water plus organic watermelon and passion fruit before returning to your starting point after an ocean swim.