Three waterfalls, zero pressure to be fearless. This is a full-day mix of SUP on calm water and hands-on waterfall fun south of Quepos, with beach time built in. I like the way the day flows from paddleboarding to real water-play, and I love that the guides make it feel safe and social even if you’re not a super confident swimmer. One thing to consider: the SUP time is shorter than the waterfall time, and it’s a full 8-hour stretch starting at 7:30am.

You’ll start in Quepos and ride in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle, then spend the morning floating around Maracas Bay in Manuel Antonio before heading farther south for waterfall stops. At those waterfalls, jumping, sliding, and swimming are optional, so you can choose scenery-only if you want. The main drawback is that this takes moderate physical effort and good weather matters, so plan around a day that stays dry and bright.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About Most

• Maracas Bay SUP in calm water: a beginner-friendly start with a short paddle session.
• Three waterfalls south of Quepos: activities are interactive, but never mandatory.
• Uvita Waterfall is a major stop: expect pool time where you can jump or just hang back.
• Playa Ventana beach time: caves and ocean views add a fun change of pace.
• Included local lunch in the jungle: a real sit-down break between water sections.
• Small-group feel (max 20): easier logistics and a better vibe than giant tours.

Getting Oriented in Quepos: Start Time, Meet Point, and the Ride

The day starts early, around 7:30am, and it begins at the Iglesia Católica de Quepos area (CRHR+X33 on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618). If you like starting fresh and getting the best light for photos, this is a plus. It also means you’ll beat some of the late-morning traffic and heat.

You’re picked up and transported in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, which matters when you’re spending hours moving between coast and waterfall areas. The tour is capped at 20 people, so you won’t feel packed in like a bus tour. I also like that the start point is described as near public transportation, which gives you some flexibility if you’re not coming from the exact center of town.

Maracas Bay SUP: Calm Water, Short Session, Big Momentum

Your paddleboarding begins at Maracas Bay in Manuel Antonio, where the water is calm enough to keep the vibe relaxed. The SUP part isn’t the longest segment of the day, but that’s not a bad thing here. It’s more like a smooth warm-up that gets you used to the board before the real action turns into waterfall time.

If you’ve never tried SUP, this format helps. One solo traveler described feeling nervous at first, then quickly relaxed once Roberto (also called Rasta) coached them and offered encouragement. That kind of hands-on reassurance is exactly what you want on a new activity, especially when you’ll later be jumping into pools or sliding down a waterfall.

Bring swimwear you can move in, plus a towel and a quick-dry layer if you get cold after time in the water. You’ll be in and out of the vehicle and moving between stops, so comfort beats style.

Uvita Waterfall: Jump, Swim, Slide, or Stay With the View

One of the three main waterfall stops is Uvita Waterfall, and it’s where this tour’s play options really show up. You can interact with the water—jump into pools, swim behind waterfalls, and even slide down one of the falls—yet none of it is required. The best part is that the guides don’t treat optional means optional. They’ll make sure you understand what’s available and what feels right for you.

If you do want to slide or jump, you’ll have support and safety focus. Multiple guides were praised for being attentive and making participants feel secure. One traveler even called out how impressive the guides’ own jumping skills were, while still keeping the group calm and organized.

If you’d rather just soak in the setting, you’ll still get a great day. Standing back for the waterfall shots, watching people go in, and enjoying the sounds of water can be just as satisfying as taking part. I’d treat this as a choose-your-own-adventure day, not a checklist.

What to Expect at the Water

Waterfalls in this region can be slippery and the ground near spray can be slick. Wear water shoes if you have them, because your feet will thank you. If you don’t, at least make sure you have footwear that grips, and don’t rely on flip-flops for the walking parts.

Also, expect a mix of movement: climbing down, getting into pools, and drying off before the next stop. This is why the tour notes moderate physical fitness—not because you must perform stunts, but because the day involves getting around a few uneven areas.

Two More Waterfall Stops South of Quepos: Your Pace, Your Boundaries

After Uvita, the tour continues farther south of Quepos to find more waterfall spots. There are three different waterfalls total, and each one is described as interactive, with options for jumping and swimming. You’ll stop at multiple locations long enough to feel like you’re actually experiencing the water, not just passing by for a quick photo.

I like this setup because it gives you variety. One waterfall might be more about a plunge into a pool, while another might be more about swimming behind moving water or watching the fall from a safe spot. And because participation is optional, you can adjust day-by-day and person-by-person.

During one highlighted experience, DK and Alonso joined the group during the waterfall portion, and the overall group energy sounded like they were there to make the day fun, not stressful. That matters when you’re dealing with water conditions and changing weather patterns.

If you’re traveling as friends, this is the kind of itinerary that works well together. Some people jump, some slide, and some just vibe. You still all end up laughing in the same group when someone tries the bigger moment.

Playa Ventana: Caves, Ocean Views, and a Beach Reset

After the waterfall section, you shift gears to the coast at a favorite beach stop: Playa Ventana. This is one of the areas where the scenery changes the whole mood of the day. Expect a dramatic ocean backdrop and cave features that lead out toward the water.

Beach time here isn’t just free wandering. It’s built into the flow so you can dry off, reset your energy, and take a breath before the final stretch. In one experience, Playa Ventana was specifically called out as a highlight, right alongside the food.

If you like taking photos, bring a plan for quick shots without slowing the group down. Caves and ocean views look great, but you’ll still want to stay aware of the walking paths and slippery edges near the waterline.

The Included Lunch: Local Food in a Jungle Setting

The tour includes lunch, described as local and tied to an organic farm style stop in the highlights. At the same time, the day also mentions lunch at a restaurant located in the jungle. Either way, the point is clear: you’re eating in the middle of the scenery, not back in town between water stops.

This is valuable for two reasons. First, you’re not burning vacation time hunting for food. Second, you get a stronger sense of place when the meal happens as part of the route.

One traveler summed it up as the best lunch of their day, and that matches the way this tour is built: water first, then a real reset meal, then beach time. If you’re worried about energy crashing mid-day, the lunch timing helps a lot.

Practical tip: bring a small snack for the wait if you know your hunger runs early. The tour is an 8-hour block, and you’ll be active, so it’s smart to treat lunch as a welcome break, not something you have to sprint toward.

Guides Make It Work: Roberto, Ismael, Alejandro, and the Safety Factor

This is a guide-driven day. The paddleboarding part is short, but the way you’re coached determines whether you feel calm or panicky. That’s where the names from real experiences matter.

Roberto, nicknamed Rasta, was praised for being friendly, encouraging, and helpful—especially for a first-time SUP participant. In another case, Ismael led a full day that included paddleboarding, waterfalls, photos, lunch, and beach time. Alejandro and Roberto were mentioned together with a fun, camp-like vibe, and DK and Alonso also showed up during the waterfall segment.

What I take from those details is simple: the guides don’t just point the way. They manage pace, explain what’s possible, and help you feel supported in water activities that might otherwise feel intimidating.

Photos are also part of the experience. One solo traveler described Roberto taking great shots on their phone while they were on the board. That’s a nice touch if you don’t want to constantly hand your camera to someone or miss your own moment because you’re too busy holding your balance.

Price and Value for $185: Why It Adds Up Here

At $185 per person, this isn’t a “grab-and-go” add-on. But it also isn’t just one activity. You’re paying for an all-day route: SUP on calm water, three waterfall stops, a beach visit to Playa Ventana, and lunch included. You’re also paying for transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and guide time for both the coaching and the water safety.

The best value signal is how many moving parts are handled for you. If you tried to piece this together on your own—transport, entry logistics, and timing—you’d likely spend just as much (or more) while doing a lot more planning. Here, the day is already stitched together.

Also, the small-group cap of 20 helps keep the experience feeling personal. You get a chance to ask questions, and the guides can actually pay attention if someone is unsure about a jump or slide. That attention has real value when water is involved.

One consideration on value: because the SUP segment is shorter, this might not be your best match if you’re chasing a long paddle session. If your main goal is waterfalls and beach scenery, then the balance of the day makes a lot of sense.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This tour fits best if you want a day that mixes activity with scenery and you’re open to interactive water fun. It’s also great for groups of friends because different comfort levels can coexist. Some people can jump and slide, while others can swim behind waterfalls or simply watch and take photos.

It’s also a strong option if you like having a guide handle the hard parts. The descriptions emphasize safety and encouragement, which helps if you’re traveling solo or trying something new like SUP. The guide support seems to be a big part of why people rate it so highly.

You might skip this tour if you’re hoping for a leisurely day with minimal physical effort. With moderate physical fitness required and a full 8-hour format, it’s not a sit-and-sip kind of outing. It’s active by nature, even if you choose the easier options.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the tour duration?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:30am.

Where is the meeting point?

It starts near Iglesia Católica de Quepos, identified by CRHR+X33, on Ruta Nacional Treciaria 618 in Quepos, Puntarenas.

How many waterfalls are included?

You’ll visit 3 different waterfalls.

Is jumping or sliding required?

No. Jumping, sliding, and swimming are not mandatory. You can enjoy the scenery and setting instead.

What’s the SUP part like?

You paddleboard around the calm waters of Maracas Bay in Manuel Antonio, and the paddleboarding portion is part of a full-day flow toward the waterfalls.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and described as local, with an organic farm highlight and a jungle restaurant setting.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the tour physically demanding?

It notes a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Paddle Boarding and Waterfall Full Day Tour?

If your idea of a great Costa Rica day is calm-water SUP followed by real waterfall time—where you can jump, slide, swim, or just take it all in—this is a strong pick. The included lunch, Playa Ventana beach stop, air-conditioned transport, and small-group setup help this feel like a complete day, not a chopped-up activity list.

Book it if you want action with options. Skip it if you want lots of long paddling time or a low-effort outing. And if you care about safety and encouragement, this tour’s guide-led style is the reason it earns top marks.