OUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
BEST BEACHES NEARBY
Playa Linda-quiet beach mostly locals, moderate surf, private jungle beach. 9/10
Playa Matapalo-one of the most underrated long walk beaches, beginner-medium surf, untouched jungle. 9/10
Playa Guapil (beside gas station)-secluded, moderate surf, untouched jungle, can
walk to the other side of the river in Domi. 10/10
Playa Dominical-rocky beach, advanced surf, busy, close to town and artisans. 6/10
Playa Roca Verde-walk south of Playa Domi, chill vibes, cool rocks, tide pools and scenic. 9/10
Playa Dominicalito-fishing bay, small waves, scenic, mountain views. 8/10
Playa Hermosa-long and open, moderate surf, can be crowdy in middle. 8/10
Playa Uvita-stunning, great swimming, great views, best sunsets. (go at low tide) 10/10
Hint: to avoid the crowds, walk as far south as you can and there's a small river flowing into the bay under shade.
Playa Arco: small hike in to hidden beach, could be the most beautiful beach in the area 10/10
Playa Ventanas: caves with smashing waves weaving through, absolutely stunning, great swimming usually 10/10
Hint: It is very busy on weekends which is a vibe in itself with vendors and mostly locals.
BEST WILDLIFE
Manuel Antonio-you will see a lot of wildlife here and stunning beaches, definitely worth the drive but it is very crowded.
Hacienda Baru-you will see almost all of the same animals (sloths are hard to spot but there are many of them) here with very few people. To increase your chances of seeing a sloth (if that's your goal), hire a guide but if not, do the self guided hikes and you will almost be guaranteed to see peccaries, coatis, agoutis, monkeys, toucans as well as many other bird species, insects, reptiles and amphibians. They also do a guided night hike to see all the nocturnal species that make the jungle come alive.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: you'll see animals of all kinds native to Costa Rica whom for one reason or another cannot be rehabilitated and provide guests an opportunity to learn about the animals and conservation as well as supporting a very important cause. Also has a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean with great food and drinks after you're done the tour.
Corcovado: if you're in the area for while and have the time, check out the tours section below for more info.
Sealife: also featured below, Cano Island is a top place to snorkel and scuba dive.
BEST WATERFALLS AND
SWIMMING HOLES
Portalon River: great swimming holes, small waterfalls (usually only locals there). 6/10
Eco Chontales: scenic drive in, moderate hike, stunning waterfalls and swimming holes. 10/10
Nauyaca: one of the most visited waterfalls in CR for a reason. Must do. Hint: Do the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park Entrance (longer drive but more of an adventure hike, botanical gardens and far less crowds and access to an amazing swimming hole the others don't have access to at the top section of the falls). 10/10
Rio Baru: many access points along river road with great swimming holes and seclusion. Note: crocs have been spotted at various times. 6/10
Poza Azul: picturesque jungle waterfall with a swing rope, usually at least a handful of people but close to road for easy access. 7/10
Natural Pools and Hidden Waterfall: less crowded, good swimming holes and a short walk to a large waterfall, great spot for a picnic. 8/10
Uvita Waterfall: a town favourite, scenic but crowded and not too many spots to sit and chill. Good for a quick visit and dip. 7/10
Ojochal Waterfall: private with small botanic gardens and waterfall dug into the jungle surrounded by the canopy. Not many if any people. 7/10
El Pavon: very scenic and unique waterfall where a boulder has rested between two rocks creating a beautiful split waterfall. Short walk off the road, can get busy on weekends. Hint, if there are too many people, take a quick pic and walk down the river to find your own swimming hole 9/10
ADVICE: depending on how much time you have, you can spend a day from south to north visiting Playa Ventanas, El Pavon, Uvita or another variety to your choosing. Map it out and enjoy
BEST LOCAL TOURS
Kayaking and Standup Paddleboards: we provide (with at least 24 hours notice) mangrove as well as sunset kayak tours. Ask Steve for info and availability as weather and tides play a factor. 10/10
Whale Watching: seeing these mammoth creatures is truly humbling and a very special experience. 9/10
Cano Island: Scuba and Snorkelling tour in a protected marine park. The best snorkelling in Costa Rica and almost guaranteed to see either whales and/or dolphins on the boat. 10/10
Surf Lessons: Ask us or walk down to the beach and ask around. For all levels and ages 7/10
Canyoning (Waterfall Repelling): a top of the line adrenaline filled day. 10/10
Whitewater Rafting: the Savegre River is class II-III so it's not extreme but it certainly is fun and safe
Ziplining/Canopy Tours: the south pacific isn't know for epic canopy tours but there are a few around if it's a must do in Costa Rica. Note: if you are heading north to Montezuma, wait and do it there. 6/10
Horseback Riding: jungle or beach options available 7/10
Paragliding in Dominicalito: sky high above the beach this is an epic experience for the adrenaline junkies. 10/10
Chocolate Tours: very informative and you get to try some delicious chocolate 10/10
Corcovado Park: one of the most bio-diverse places on earth, it really is one of the best spots in all of Costa Rica, spend a full day where National Geographic films a lot of their wildlife documentaries. If you're a wildlife lover, this is your must do in Costa Rica. 10/10
We're happy to answer any questions you may have about each tour or even what to do at your next destination. We've spend a lot of time exploring almost every corner of Costa Rica looking for those secret spots that make this beautiful country special.
LOCAL DINING
There are a multitude of great restaurants in the south pacific, tell us what you're looking for (type of food, beach, views, budget, ambiance and we'll be more than happy to direct you. Our local favourite is Ricar2/El Avion next door as well as La Junta, Moromo for pizza, our favourite soda is Su Raza, breakfast spot Mono Congo for American style (comes with the price) and for a typical tico breakfast El Rincon de Domi. Don't forget to try a ceviche from one of the ceviche stands or a casado and some patacones from a soda. Also, if you haven't heard of or tried a tres leche...You must.
OVERALL
At Kritajna, we encourage you to slow down and truly embrace the rhythm of Costa Rica. This isn’t a place to rush from one attraction to the next—it’s a place to unwind, breathe deeply, and let the experience come to you. Some of the most memorable moments here happen when you’re doing very little at all—watching the trees, listening to the sounds of the jungle, or sitting quietly by the pool. You may be surprised how often wildlife appears when you simply pause and allow nature to move around you.
We also invite you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit nearby sodas, fruit stands, and roadside food spots—these are where you’ll find some of the most authentic and delicious experiences. Try the fresh tropical fruits, enjoy simple, homemade meals, and take time to connect with the people and the place. Above all, embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle: practice gratitude, be present, and appreciate the beauty in each moment. That mindset will shape your experience far more than any itinerary ever could.