Nauyaca & Portalon Waterfalls: Day Trip with Beach & Lunch

Summary

Swim rainforest rivers sip coconut on Playa Linda explore Dominical

You’ll swim beneath two waterfalls—including Nauyaca’s famous twin tiers—taste fresh coconut on an empty beach, explore Dominical’s laid-back surf streets with coffee or smoothies in hand, and share lunch after rainforest hikes. Expect laughter, muddy shoes, and small surprises along this full-day adventure from pickup to drop-off.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sticky from the drive down the Pacific coast when our guide, Diego, pulled over by a cluster of palms—just past Portalon. He grinned and handed me a machete (a little too confidently, honestly), then showed us how to twist a coconut off the tree. The juice was cold and sweet, and I swear the salt in the air made it taste better. We could hear the ocean thumping behind us at Playa Linda but it was just us and some crabs scuttling sideways. I didn’t expect to start a waterfall day trip this way, but here we were.

Portalon waterfall came next—Diego called it “his favorite swimming hole” and I get why. There was that earthy smell you only get in real rainforest, and the water was so clear my toes looked cartoonish under it. We all took turns jumping in (well, except for Anna, who just floated and laughed at us). It’s not far from Nauyaca—maybe 30 minutes?—but feels like its own world. And then back in the van, windows fogging up from wet swimsuits and someone’s snack bag rustling open.

Dominical was this sleepy surf town where time felt slower—kids selling bracelets by the beach, old guys sipping coffee outside a shack painted every color you can imagine. We got smoothies (mango for me) and wandered around; I tried to ask about a local fruit in my broken Spanish and got a lesson plus a hug from an abuela who ran the shop. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there longer but Nauyaca was calling.

The walk through the jungle to Nauyaca is muddy but not hard—just enough to make you feel like you earned it. You hear the falls before you see them: first a low rumble, then that sudden white roar as you round the bend. The two tiers are bigger than they look in photos; mist on your face, rocks slippery underfoot. Some people jumped right in while others just stood under the spray with their arms out like they were charging up on waterfall energy or something. Lunch after tasted better because we’d worked up an appetite—rice, beans, grilled chicken, nothing fancy but somehow perfect right then.

I still think about that light coming through the trees above Nauyaca’s pool—how everything felt both wild and safe for a minute. Not sure if it was just good company or Costa Rica working its magic again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit waterfalls, beach, and surf town

• Explore deserted beach and pick coconuts
• Off-road to secluded Portalon waterfall
• Visit Dominical surf town for coffee
• Walk rainforest to Nauyaca waterfall
• Swim and enjoy lunch at waterfall

Top questions

How long is the Nauyaca Waterfall Adventure tour?

This is a full-day tour including several stops along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Is swimming included at both waterfalls?

Yes, you can swim at both Portalon waterfall and Nauyaca waterfall during the tour.

Does this tour include lunch?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant after visiting Nauyaca waterfall.

Are drinks or snacks provided?

Bottled water and snacks are included throughout the day.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is limited to 10 people for a more personal experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup; check with your provider for exact locations covered.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sturdy shoes for walking trails, and maybe dry clothes for after swimming.

Are there any fitness requirements?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard; bottled water and snacks along the way; entrance to Portalon waterfall for swimming; fresh coconuts picked right off Playa Linda beach; free time to explore Dominical surf town with coffee or smoothies; guided rainforest walk to Nauyaca waterfall; swimmers goggles if you want them; plus lunch at a local spot before heading back together.