The Best Things to Do on Peninsula Papagayo

If you're our guest staying on Peninsula Papagayo and wondering what to do beyond the pool, you're in the right place. Papagayo Explorers runs the peninsula's official adventure program — and the range is wider than most guests realize. From ziplining through a protected dry forest to floating through glowing bioluminescent bays, there's something worth doing every day of your stay.

Here's a full rundown of every experience they offer, organized by category.

On the Water

Snorkel + Outrigger Canoe — This is one of the best-value experiences on the peninsula. You paddle a traditional outrigger canoe through the turquoise waters of Bahía Culebra, then snorkel a marine sanctuary where rays, sea turtles, and tropical fish are regularly spotted. 2.5 hours. Ages 5+. Shared from $125 / Private from $850 for up to 5.

Water Bikes — Pedal-powered bikes designed for the ocean. Silent, stable, and surprisingly fun — great for scanning the reef below. No real experience needed. 2 hours. Ages 15+ (5'0" min height). Shared from $125 / Private from $450 for up to 3.

Magical Mangrove — One of the more peaceful options. You float through the Palmares mangrove waterways by boat — a kind of slow, floating safari through a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. 2 hours. Ages 5+. Shared from $155 / Private from $950 for up to 5.

Bioluminescence — Only available during the new moon, when conditions are right for plankton blooms in the Golfo de Papagayo. When it works, it's genuinely otherworldly — the water glows with every stroke. If the timing lines up with your stay, book it. 1.5 hours. Ages 5+. Shared from $125 / Private from $850 for up to 5.

Coral Restoration — A hands-on conservation experience. You attach coral fragments to your own frame, which a divemaster then places in Bahía Culebra — you can follow the coral's growth over the following year. Certified divers can go deeper: visiting active nurseries and transplanting mature coral to the Guiri-Guiri reef. 1.5 hours. Ages 5+. Private only from $1,500 for up to 4.

In the Trees

Aerial Adventure (Zipline + Obstacle Course) — The signature experience. Seven ziplines, a massive weeping fig tree, and 21 suspended obstacles — hanging bridges, cargo nets, swinging logs — all 30 feet up in the tropical dry forest canopy of Palmares Preserve. Expert rope team, continuous double-connection safety. 2.5 hours. 4'3" min / 250 lb max. Shared from $170 / Private from $1,200 for up to 5.

Aerial Adventure After Dark — The same course, run after sunset, ending with a freefall jump into the dark. Private groups only. An experience most guests don't know exists. 2.5 hours. 4'3" min / 250 lb max. Private only from $790 for up to 5.

On the Ground

Wilderness Exploration — A guided hike through hidden trails in Palmares Preserve — a 200-acre protected area that's home to one of the most biodiverse corners of the peninsula. Great for all ages. 2.5 hours. Ages 3+. Shared from $95 / Private from $650 for up to 5.

Night Walk — The same preserve, explored after dark. Nocturnal wildlife, sleeping birds, fireflies. A completely different feel from the daytime hike. 1.5 hours. Ages 5+. Shared from $95 / Private from $650 for up to 5.

Off-Roading (UTV) — Drive a side-by-side UTV through Palmares Preserve out to the northern peninsula, finishing at Playa Zapotillal — a secluded beach with no road access, only reachable by water or UTV. 2.5 hours. Ages 5+. Driver must be 18+ with a valid license. Private only from $1,200 per vehicle (up to 5 riders).

On Two Wheels

E-Biking — A relaxed, beginner-friendly ride through Palmares on full-suspension electric-assist mountain bikes. Covers forest trails, estuaries, and mangroves. No experience necessary. 2.5 hours. Ages 14+ (5'0" min). Shared from $155 / Private from $495 for up to 3.

Mountain Biking — For riders who want more challenge. Rugged single-track terrain through the same preserve, on the same high-quality e-assist bikes. 2.5 hours. Ages 14+ (5'0" min). Shared from $155 / Private from $495 for up to 3.

Wildlife & Nature

Bird Watching — Over 150 species call Palmares Preserve home, from tiger herons and black hawks to motmots, manakins, and trogons. Led by an expert naturalist with binoculars and a telescope. Good for wildlife photography too. 2.5 hours. Ages 5+. Private only from $650 for up to 5.

Looking for Monkeys — A golf cart tour with a naturalist guide, in search of the peninsula's 15+ monkey troops across three species: howler, white-faced, and spider monkeys. Easy on everyone — great for families. 2 hours. All ages. Shared from $95 / Private from $650 for up to 5.

For Kids

Junior Scouts — Built specifically for younger guests. Kids use magnifying glasses, a digital endoscope, animal tracking, and bird call headphones to explore the preserve like real naturalists. Each child gets a Papagayo Explorers Passport to record their sightings and complete challenges throughout the trip. 2 hours. Ages 5–10. Private only from $495 for up to 5.

For Groups

Archery Competition — A guided session with instruction for beginners and a team scoring challenge for groups. Set against the backdrop of Palmares Preserve. Good bonding activity for corporate retreats, family reunions, or bachelor/bachelorette groups. 1.5 hours. Ages 7+. Shared from $85 / Private from $495 for up to 5.

How to Book

As guests of The Smart Villas, we're happy to help you plan and coordinate any of the above ahead of your arrival. Our concierge can help coordinate any activity before your stay and we'll make it happen.