Combine a calm paddleboard session in Manuel Antonio with a jungle run to three interactive waterfalls south of Quepos. This full-day tour mixes easy SUP, short jungle hikes, a beach cave stop and a farm-to-table rainforest lunch.
Combine a calm paddleboard session in Manuel Antonio with a jungle run to three interactive waterfalls south of Quepos. This full-day tour mixes easy SUP, short jungle hikes, a beach cave stop and a farm-to-table rainforest lunch.
Standing on a paddleboard in the calm crescent of Manuel Antonio’s bay, the ocean tests your balance and invites a steady, deliberate stroke toward the horizon.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Paddle 9 · Quepos, Puntarenas
Standing on a paddleboard in the calm crescent of Manuel Antonio’s bay, the ocean tests your balance and invites a steady, deliberate stroke toward the horizon.
This full-day trip pairs coastal glide with jungle scramble: a gentle SUP session in sheltered waters followed by a southern run to three accessible waterfalls outside Quepos. The falls cut into volcanic rock carved by the Central Pacific’s heavy rains; plunge pools and swim-throughs give the cascades personality—some meet the river with a whisper, others roar enough to dare a jump or a slide.
Quepos grew as a fishing port; Manuel Antonio became Costa Rica’s smallest yet most visited national park after establishment in the 1970s, protecting lowland rainforest and rocky shoreline habitat. Along the route, small farms and jungle eateries reflect a local food culture built on fresh fish and tropical produce—the tour’s farm-to-table lunch is part of that regional scene.
Expect short walks on uneven, often muddy jungle trails between waterfall stops, and shallow, protected water when paddleboarding. Guides carry dry bags, safety gear, and bottled water; guests should be comfortable in the water and prepared for humidity and sudden showers.
Practical tips: wear reef shoes and a quick-dry set, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a light change of clothes for the ride back. The day runs about eight hours, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can paddle for short stretches and navigate slick rock. Whether you jump in or stay on the bank, the loop from sea to falls showcases the Central Pacific’s twin pulls: surf and forest.
moderate.
8 hours.
Moderate fitness: able to paddle for repeated short sessions, swim confidently, and handle uneven jungle trails.
No—guided sessions use calm bay waters and instructors provide basic technique and safety gear; beginners are welcome but should expect some balance practice.
No—swimming, sliding, or jumping is optional; guides will indicate safe spots and alternatives for those who prefer to stay on shore.
Yes—air-conditioned transfers and an organic jungle lunch with options for fish, chicken or vegan diets, plus bottled water and snacks, are included.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious cardiovascular conditions; you should be able to swim and walk on uneven, sometimes slippery terrain.
Quepos began as a fishing and banana-export town; nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, created in the 1970s, helped protect coastal rainforest and shorelines.
Respect marked trails and wildlife viewing distances; local operators emphasize leave-no-trace practices and use guides to minimize visitor impact on sensitive waterfall sites.
Paddle 9 operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Standing on a paddleboard in the calm crescent of Manuel Antonio’s bay, the ocean tests your balance and invites a steady, deliberate stroke toward the horizon.
Standing on a paddleboard in the calm crescent of Manuel Antonio’s bay, the ocean tests your balance and invites a steady, deliberate stroke toward the horizon.
This full-day trip pairs coastal glide with jungle scramble: a gentle SUP session in sheltered waters followed by a southern run to three accessible waterfalls outside Quepos. The falls cut into volcanic rock carved by the Central Pacific’s heavy rains; plunge pools and swim-throughs give the cascades personality—some meet the river with a whisper, others roar enough to dare a jump or a slide.
Quepos grew as a fishing port; Manuel Antonio became Costa Rica’s smallest yet most visited national park after establishment in the 1970s, protecting lowland rainforest and rocky shoreline habitat. Along the route, small farms and jungle eateries reflect a local food culture built on fresh fish and tropical produce—the tour’s farm-to-table lunch is part of that regional scene.
Expect short walks on uneven, often muddy jungle trails between waterfall stops, and shallow, protected water when paddleboarding. Guides carry dry bags, safety gear, and bottled water; guests should be comfortable in the water and prepared for humidity and sudden showers.
Practical tips: wear reef shoes and a quick-dry set, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a light change of clothes for the ride back. The day runs about eight hours, suitable for travelers with moderate fitness who can paddle for short stretches and navigate slick rock. Whether you jump in or stay on the bank, the loop from sea to falls showcases the Central Pacific’s twin pulls: surf and forest.