[MikeG]

I'll be heading to Costa Rica in December where we'll have about a week to paddle. I'm planning on sticking around Turrialba for the duration to maximize paddling and minimize traveling. I'm running into some difficulty finding an outfitter who will just rent boats without signing on for a whole guided tour (read: $$$$). Anyone know of someone who rents down there or even a great shuttle driver?

 

[Gary E]

:

Mobile Number:506.8368.9092Other:506.2273.7647For Boat rental and possibly a guide. Ferdinand

Cacho for place to stay and shuttle driver. He is the man.

 

[C12Charles.Nobles]

I'm going to be down there the 19th throught the 28th... buy the book Chasing Jaguars if you haven't yet.. its awesome and gives details on just about anything you could think of

 

[ckspaddler]

Costa Rica Rios Aventuras used to rent boats for the day or week and did shuttles. They are under new ownership from when I was there so I don't know if they do that anymore.
Costa Rica Adventure Travel, Kayaking and Canoeing Trips.

The Interamericano in Turrialba is a hub and it's easy to meet other paddlers there. You could probably find a shuttle driver there.not sure about a boat though.
Hotel Interamericano

 

[Matt J]

there are a half a dozen guys in turrialba with boats for rent

many will even take a trade for gear

ask around for diego rodriguez, the last number i have for him is 8360-2468

no matter who's boat you end up in make sure you inspect it closely especially if you're going anywhere remote - and definately bring your own sponge - you'll need it

 

[MikeG]

Gary, thanks for all your phone beta. Very useful.

Jaguars is good but much of the outfitter info is out of date (they don't exist or don't rent boats anymore. It also seems that Latin American guidebooks just can't keep up with all of the quirks of those countries.

Thanks to all who have posted.

 

[lmyers]

there are a half a dozen guys in turrialba with boats for rent

many will even take a trade for gear

ask around for diego rodriguez, the last number i have for him is 8360-2468

no matter who's boat you end up in make sure you inspect it closely especially if you're going anywhere remote - and definately bring your own sponge - you'll need it

I have a couple of friends who are over there (staying with Diego) right now, doing construction and paddling. Diego is defnitely the man to get in touch with. Jeff Flora is my buddy who is easiest to get in contact with - email him at: [email protected], tell him Logan gave you his email, he can set you up with Diego, and probably paddle with you too (he plans to be there through Feb.).:mrgreen:

 

[MikeG]

Thanks again all.

 

[Sean]

Have you thought about taking a boat down? I took one down a couple years ago. I disguised a Pyranha S6 to look like surf boards by taping towels to the narrower parts of the bow and stern. I then put it into a surf board bag and it looked like several surf board from the outside. I recommend checking with your chosen airline to see what their policy on surf boards is first.

 

[MikeG]

Have you thought about taking a boat down? I took one down a couple years ago. I disguised a Pyranha S6 to look like surf boards by taping towels to the narrower parts of the bow and stern. I then put it into a surf board bag and it looked like several surf board from the outside. I recommend checking with your chosen airline to see what their policy on surf boards is first.

It's definitely a consideration and I've had luck getting boats through in the past but I've also heard horror stories of people showing up at the airport and being denied. The bigger piece is that we have other place to go after the week of paddling- boats would make that tricky.

 

[Costa Rica Descents]

We are a rafting company in La Fortuna called Costa Rica Descents. Don't hesitate to contact us for any questions (boat rental, shuttle service, tour organisation etc.). Discounts are always available.

www.costaricadescents.com