Fun Activities and Excursions
There are planned activities and then there are those wonderful things that you don’t even know about until you get there. We are there a long time so we get to do a lot of both.
Meals are more than just eating. They signify the end of another wonderful day and the start of a wonderful evening. We can catch the sunset across the Pacific Ocean from our dinner table about 5-5:30 p.m. many days.
We will go out to dinner as a group most nights, especially at the start in a new location. Sometimes we will eat in-house at the Selina restaurant or within walking distance. I have been to many of the restaurants we will visit. We will get reservations where we think it is necessary. Some places require 10 to reserve.
Group Cooking Night and Pool Party
Some group members have expressed interest in cooking dinner as an activity. Selina has a group kitchen with pots, pans, plates, utensils, a refrigerator, storage and more. This means fun grocery shopping in Costa Rica!
We have lots of options for where to actually eat our creations, like at the pool or in the restaurant/bar. Many travelers cook at least part of their meals to save a little money, eat something familiar, and to meet other travelers. It’s part of the experience, particularly at dinner.
We will be spending a lot of time by the pool and that means more than one Pool Party!
Other Activities
Rent bikes for the day and explore the town. This is in La Fortuna.
Enjoy a free wellness class in the morning or afternoon. I found out that I don’t really bend so well anymore. I tried the hula hoop class at La Fortuna. Great way to meet others and get some exercise.
Preparing yourself for activities
Many of the daily activities and the excursions will test your body a bit. There are elevations and things to see all over. You’ll want to be able to walk greater lengths than you would at home. You’ll need good mobility and stamina.
That said, it’s best to get started with fitness BEFORE you go. Take some time to picture yourself on a beach or taking long, uphill walks. It isn’t hard.
A treadmill is really helpful to help you build up some leg strength and heart stamina. The “circuit” at the gym will help stretch muscles you might be using on the trip, but not at home. You will wish you had done this if you are not exercising regularly.
Here is my treadmill at home, where I work and film video on occasion. I wrote this website while walking and dictating to a Google Doc.
Live Music
Selina brings in musicians and people from all over come to enjoy. Selina entertainment is open to the public. This is Bryan Sanchez. I saw him play four times on my trips to various cities.
Live music is all around and Selina brings in musicians to play right where we are.
You are sure to hear “Hotel California” and “Another Brick in the Wall” on the trip.
Late Night
Excursions
Each Selina hostel has a special desk and employee where you can go and book excursions. We have 2 group excursions planned – a Catamaran Sunset Cruise for Manuel Antonio and a day at the Hot Springs in La Fortuna.
The more popular, bigger excursions are listed below (prices vary a bit; listed in USD). All prices are per person.
● Catamaran Sunset Cruise, family-friendly, includes food and drink, Noon-7:30pm, $85
● Zip Lining, among the trees, many locations, ½ day. $75
● Manuel Antonio wildlife preserve, family-friendly, ½ day, $25
● ATV Trail Tour, ½ day, $75
● Sea Fishing, all day, $150
● Snorkeling, ½ day, $60
● Scuba Diving, ½ day, $200
This is the Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Tamarindo with all you can eat and drink.
Zip Lining is the ultimate experience in Costa Rica. ATV tours are super cool,too.
The Manuel Antonio Nature Preserve is adjacent to Selina Manuel Antonio.