Tall coconut palms line a sandy beach beside a rocky shoreline under a blue sky with white clouds.

Beyond the surf

Things to Do in Pavones, Costa Rica

There's more to Pavones than its famous waves. Explore nature tours, outdoor adventures, birdwatching, yoga, fishing excursions, and opportunities to connect with local people and traditions.

Whether you're here to surf, unwind, or discover the surrounding area, Una Ola offers a welcoming base for exploring southern Costa Rica. From activities around the property to excursions with local guides, we can help you discover experiences that suit your interests and the rhythm of your stay.

Explore Pavones Activities

Close to home

Around Una Ola

Coconut milk and local craftsmanship

Learn how fresh coconut milk is made with Joseph, using coconuts from the property. The milk makes a delicious addition to coffee, while the remaining coconut can be used to make homemade bread. Joseph also crafts stand-up paddleboard paddles from local hardwoods.

Bicycles and exploring Pavones

Explore Pavones by bicycle, from nearby restaurants and shops to the surrounding neighborhood. Complimentary bicycle use is included with Una Ola surf camp packages, while accommodation guests can rent bicycles, subject to availability.

Boxing training

Interested in boxing? Training with Una Ola's owner may be possible during your stay. Boxing equipment is available for guests to use. Ask about availability.

Stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling

Explore the water beyond surfing. Stand-up paddleboards are available to rent at Una Ola, and we can help arrange guided SUP outings. Snorkeling equipment is also available, with opportunities depending on ocean conditions.

Four people stand-up paddleboarding together on calm water.

Private skatepark

Una Ola has a private skatepark where guests can enjoy some time on their boards between surf sessions. Whether you're an experienced skater or just looking to have fun, the skatepark may be available for guest use, weather permitting. Ask about availability.

A skateboarder rides Una Ola's painted outdoor skate bowl, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Yoga in Pavones

Enjoy independent practice using Una Ola's yoga space and mats, or explore classes at two nearby studios: Shooting Star Yoga and Swaha Yoga at Casa Swaha, both just steps from the property. Yoga can also be incorporated into a customized Yoga Bliss stay.

Woman practicing yoga on the coastal rocks in front of Una Ola in Pavones, Costa Rica.

Outdoors in Pavones

Nature Tours and Outdoor Adventures

Explore the natural beauty surrounding Pavones, from tropical forests and waterfalls to horseback rides along the coast. We can help connect you with local guides for outdoor excursions suited to your interests and the conditions during your visit.

Horseback riding

Experience the coastline and surrounding countryside on horseback with local guides. We can help arrange riding excursions based on availability.

Two people riding horses on a sandy beach beside rocks and breaking waves.

Waterfall tours

Discover waterfalls tucked into the lush landscape around Pavones. Local guides can help you explore these beautiful natural settings, with outings depending on weather and trail conditions.

Nature hikes

Explore the forests and trails surrounding Pavones with local guides, discovering the landscape and wildlife along the way.

Guests swimming in a pool beneath a waterfall surrounded by rocks and green vegetation.

Birdwatching in Pavones

Pavones is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, and you don't have to venture far to enjoy them. Many species regularly visit Una Ola's property, making birdwatching part of everyday life here. For guests interested in exploring farther afield, we can also help arrange guided birdwatching tours with local experts.

Aracari perched on a papaya tree at Una Ola in Pavones, Costa Rica.

Scarlet macaw flying through the trees at Una Ola in Pavones, Costa Rica.

Nocturnal wildlife tours

Experience a different side of the rainforest after dark. Guided nighttime outings may offer opportunities to observe wildlife that is less active during daylight hours.

Local culture and community

Learn from Local People

Discover another side of Pavones through experiences shared by local families, artisans, and communities. From traditional crafts to chocolate making and farming, these opportunities offer a closer connection to the people and traditions of the region.

The Ngäbe Community of Altamira

Through our relationships with members of the Ngäbe Indigenous community in Altamira, we can help arrange opportunities for guests to learn about local traditions and craftsmanship, including basket weaving. These experiences are shared by participating community members and depend on their availability.

People gathered beside a young coconut palm and a wooden shelter in Altamira.

Chocolate making

Learn about chocolate making with a local artisan who produces and sells handcrafted chocolate. We can help arrange an opportunity to discover the process and meet someone whose craft is part of everyday life in the region.

A visit to a local farm

Visit a campesino family whose roots in the hills above La Hierba stretch back generations. This locally arranged experience offers a glimpse into rural life, farming traditions, and the family's connection to the land.

Community trails and conservation

The Senderos Costeros trail network reflects local efforts to maintain and improve access to the area's natural landscapes. Guests interested in community involvement may occasionally have an opportunity to participate in trail maintenance alongside local volunteers, depending on current activities and availability.

Fishing and boat excursions

Time on the Water

Explore the waters around Pavones and the Golfo Dulce through locally arranged fishing excursions and boat trips. Whether you're interested in fishing or discovering surf breaks farther along the coast, we can help connect you with experienced local captains.

Sport fishing in Pavones

The waters around Pavones offer exciting opportunities to fish for species such as yellowfin tuna, red snapper, and dorado (mahi-mahi). Head out with an experienced local captain to explore the rich fishing grounds of the Golfo Dulce, surrounded by beautiful tropical scenery. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying ocean fishing for the first time, we can help arrange a trip with knowledgeable local guides and the equipment needed for a memorable day on the water.

Surf boat trips to Cabo Matapalo

Explore the surf breaks around Cabo Matapalo by boat with local captains. These excursions offer an opportunity to experience a different stretch of Costa Rica's southern Pacific coastline, with trips arranged according to ocean conditions and captain availability.

Fishing can sometimes be incorporated into a surf boat trip, with surfing remaining the main focus. Let us know what interests you so we can help explore the options.

People fishing from a covered blue boat, with rods extended over the water.

Surfers traveling by boat with surfboards along the tropical coastline near Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica.

More ways to unwind and explore

Other Activities Around Pavones

Massage

Take time to relax during your stay. We can help connect you with local massage providers, subject to availability.

Ziplining near Golfito

For a different kind of adventure, ziplining is available in the Golfito area. This excursion is generally most practical for visitors with their own transportation, given the distance from Pavones.

Make the most of your stay

Arranging Your Pavones Adventures

There's no need to plan every activity before arriving in Pavones. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, waterfalls, yoga, fishing, or exploring local culture, let us know what appeals to you. We can help you discover possibilities that fit your interests and your stay.

Some activities and equipment are available directly through Una Ola, while others are provided by independent local guides and businesses. We can help make introductions and arrangements, with payment for independently provided experiences normally made directly to the provider.

Activities depend on local availability, weather, conditions, and scheduling. Many can be arranged after you arrive, although boat trips and certain excursions may benefit from advance planning.

Ask About Experiences