Planning a summer vacation to Hacienda Pinilla and wondering how to keep cool? From world-famous Tamarindo fishing and waterfall swimming to Guanacaste surfing and catamaran sailing, we have you covered for splish, splash, and all manner of water activities to cool off, chill out, and enjoy your summer getaway.
Catamaran Sailing
There is no better way to cool off than with fresh ocean breezes, cool ocean spray, and sailing into the sunset (literally). Without hyping you up too much, we will say that catamaran sailing is one of our personal favorites, offering an ideal way to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica’s coastline, stunning landscapes, incredible beaches, and amazing marine life.
We offer shared and private sails aboard several choices of catamaran, from an intimate 37’ perfect for smaller groups to our new 51’ Leopard Powercat with 3 levels, perfect for a celebration. Our catamaran tours can be booked with the standard or premium open bar – a great choice for a long afternoon! – paired with snorkeling tours (another great way to cool off), gourmet catering (snacks and full meals), and ocean equipment, including stand-up paddleboards and ocean kayaks (again, more great ways to cool down!).
>> Inquire
Tamarindo Fishing
Did you know that Hacienda Pinilla is located along a lucky stretch of coastline that houses one of the world’s most popular sport-fishing destinations? It’s no surprise, then, that Tamarindo fishing makes our list! We offer several tours to reel in a variety of inshore (roosterfish, snapper, grouper, and others) and offshore species (blue marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi or dorado, wahoo, and sailfish).
We operate a variety of Tamarindo fishing boats, each well-equipped and ideal for various types of sportfishing excursions. Our captains and crew are highly experienced, both in navigating the Pacific and in finding the right areas to throw in your line. Half, three-quarter, and full-day excursions are available on boats up to 48’.
>> Inquire
Guanacaste Surfing
We know, we just said that Tamarindo fishing is world-renowned – and now, we’re going to add that the Hacienda Pinilla area is home to Guanacaste surfing, also world-renowned! And the truth is that it really is, in both cases. So, when you’re thinking about how to stay cool in summer, we cannot recommend highly enough this can’t-miss, ever-popular opportunity to conquer our surf.
Not wanting to go it alone? Whether you’re very experienced or brand-new to surfing, and especially to Guanacaste surfing, we offer private, semi-private, and group surf lessons for all ages with our local, bilingual surf instructors who have years of experience! And, since a surfboard is not usually one of the things to bring to Costa Rica (unless you’re a serious surfer), we’re also happy to help you find a board rental, if you have the experience and drive to go it alone. Whatever you do, make sure you do surf while here!
>> Inquire
Hit the Beach – and the Beach Club!
Hacienda Pinilla’s Beach Club offers more than a luxury retreat to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. That’s because, as a guest of Hacienda Pinilla, it will also be your central headquarters for all things fun and leisure. Welcome to your vacation gateway to snorkeling and swimming, surfing and strolling, lounging and luxuriating in the lava rock pools.
But of course, it’s also central headquarters for all things fun and leisure. And if that means lying under the palms all day, or ordering food and drinks from the restaurant all day, or swimming in the oceanfront resort pool all day, or lounging in a hammock all day, or … well, whatever kind of day you want, then that’s a great way to spend a day!
>> Learn More
Volcano Hiking & Waterfall Swimming at Rincón de la Vieja
It’s no secret (not at all) that Rincón de la Vieja is one of our favorite national parks. It’s the embodiment of everything it means to be both cool and steamy (literally), with some serious flavor, spirit, and myth all rolled into one. And, we know – we promised ways to cool off, not ways to steam up!
At the heart of Rincón de la Vieja National Park is its eponymous, still-active (sometimes very active) volcano that fuels (again, literally) many of the park’s most astonishing attractions: boiling mud pots and steamy volcanic fumaroles, hot springs (most, too hot for humans) and mini-volcanos, plus waterfalls and scrubby moonscape, lush rainforest and other natural wonders.
Our Rincón de la Vieja National Park Tour options are varied, allowing you to choose the adventure that’s right for you: But if you want to cool off this summer, then we have to recommend a combination hike along the Las Pailas trail (home to startling volcanic sights), followed by a waterfall swim. Or river rafting. Or whatever sounds best to you.
>> Inquire
Scuba & Snuba Diving
Experienced diver? Or, never strapped on an oxygen tank? We got you! Our snuba and scuba excursions are available to both certified and non-certified divers, making this an underwater exploratory adventure suitable for anyone who’s ever hoped to be part of Ariel’s world. Or, you know – just to cool off in the Pacific’s watery depths.
Certified divers can tank-up for the Catalina Islands for a guided scuba dive at one of Costa Rica’s best dive sites: an underwater wonderland of incredible marine life, including giant manta rays with jaw-dropping wingspans up to 20 feet. If it’s the right season, bring your underwater camera because this is a sight for forever memories! Non-certified divers will begin with scuba training before heading out into the deep blue.
And if you’re non-certified and love the idea of exploring the Pacific, but want to skip the training, then welcome to snuba! This tour blends nature with adventure, equipping you with a floating raft of oxygen supply and an air-hose: dive in and explore the depths, thanks to your oxygen “leash” – all the fun of scuba, without the required certification or know-how!
>> Inquire
Ocean Kayaking
Fancy a challenge? Scenic exercise? Cool over-water activity? You can, indeed, have it all, on an ocean kayaking tour to Captain Island, located just offshore (about a 40-minute paddle) from Hacienda Pinilla.
And, trust us: There’s something incredibly special about being thisclose to multiple bodies of water, all of which urge you to get out of the house – even when that house is as beautiful as your luxury Hacienda Pinilla vacation rental!
Anyway, back to water and paddling: When you stay at Hacienda Pinilla, you’ll probably feel the urge to get out on the water. And when that urge hits, grab a kayak and take to either sea or mangroves on a kayaking tour: a challenging paddle that cuts either through the Pacific or leads into Tamarindo’s famed and wildlife-rich mangroves. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to discover a new reason to fall in love with Costa Rica.
>> Inquire
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
Whatssssssup? SUP, that’s what! Truth be told, stand-up paddle boarding is one of our favorite full-body challenges (and a great way to spend your day) and a perfect way to cool down whenever the mood strikes; the ocean is a toe away, so jump on in!
If you’ve never practiced the fine art – and fine balance – of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), then know that it’s one of the world’s best workouts, offering a full-body challenge that engages legs, core and shoulders, with some pinch-hitting from arm coordination. Need a break? Want to relax? Fancy some sightseeing? Sit down on your board, dip your feet into the sea, and enjoy.
Think of it as part balancing, part kayaking, part surfing – and all fun. During a two-hour lesson, we’ll ferry you to one of the calmest and most beautiful beaches near Hacienda Pinilla, where you can get up, get steady, and get paddling, even if it’s your first time on SUP. Big upside: If you wobble, the Pacific will catch your fall. And it’s never bad to fall into the Pacific, especially during the summer months. Welcome to paradise!
>> Inquire
Where to Stay at Hacienda Pinilla
When you’re looking to cool off between Tamarindo fishing, waterfall swimming, Guanacaste surfing, and other excursions, we encourage you to look to your own backyard. Literally! Because here in Hacienda Pinilla, your vacation escape is likely minutes to the beach and, often, hosts your own private backyard pool – at least one with a waterfall and waterslide. Ahh, summer!
Casa de los Monos
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 11 Guests
Exactly what you’ve hoped to find, Casa de los Monos delivers a gem of tropical luxury, surrounded by palms and draped in jungle foliage.
You’ll want to spend all your time outdoors, where every shade of green cozies up to the sparkling private pool – its own superlative, this time blue. Say hello to your next favorite place to cool off. Of course, at some point, you’ll eventually wander indoors and into the embrace of this stunning home, where sliding doors blur the line between inside and out, where a custom dining table becomes a work of art, and where each bedroom has a private bath and small open-air courtyard.
>> Inquire
Casa Bonita Beach
6 Beds | 6 Baths | 19 Guests
For discerning travelers who value a 5-star experience and you-can-only-have-them-here amenities, Casa Bonita Beach is located just 600 yards to a secluded beach and has the kind of whimsy that works best when you’re on vacation: a mix of elite beach house ambiance, a touch of modern design, and all the personality of your favorite fun uncle.
Here, where sleek lines join calming colors and custom details meet expansive glass, you’ll also enjoy a shaded outdoor living-dining area, grill, sun terrace, and a spectacular private pool, complete with a waterfall and waterslide. Yes, we said waterslide! And a waterfall. Because sometimes, those 5-star touches lean into a little bit of a wow factor. And summer chill.
>> Inquire
Villa Uana
6 Beds | 6 Baths | 16 Guests
With a nod to minimalist design and a modern aesthetic, Villa Uana is an honest-to-goodness oasis for your Costa Rica wanderings and journey to summer relaxation. Because here, as much as you want to explore outside, you’ll also want to stay home a bit. Or a lot.
Relax, put your feet up, and enjoy the villa’s walls of glass and double swimming pools – yes, plural. There are two private pools! And thanks to outdoor night lighting, they’re also the perfect spot for breezy dinner and drinks beneath the stars. To outdoor showers (two of them, of course!) and easy access to Hacienda Pinilla’s skatepark and basketball court, among other amenities.
>> Inquire Now
Casa Savanna
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 13 Guests
Sometimes, vacation isn’t about doing everything on the agenda but rather, doing almost nothing at all. In our busy world, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily life and packed-to-the-gills schedules, vacation can be a time for escape – for reading books by the poolside and taking time to prepare a meal together, for long conversations and morning coffee on the terrace.
Outdoors, Casa Savanna’s focal point sparkles – literally! Families love the gorgeous private pool, bordered by lounge chairs and bathed in sun. Or not. Because, just adjacent: shaded terraces and an outdoor grill, to whip up a feast as you relax, swim, and spend sun-dappled afternoons chilled out and ensconced within your own private paradise.
This is Casa Savanna, an elevated vacation home that values your privacy. Because here, within these meticulously designed four walls, this lovely home delivers ample social areas paired with four independent bedroom-bathroom suites: spaces carved out for your time together and your solo time to recharge.
>> Inquire
Looking to Cool Off with Tamarindo Fishing, Guanacaste Surfing & More?
Elevate your vacation at one of our select Costa Rica luxury rentals with elite-level service and our 5-star concierge.
When you book with us, we’ll get in touch to help you plan all the details of your stay. Our job is to get to know you, so we can help you plan the trip of your dreams. Whether you just need help arranging transportation or would like a full itinerary – everything from your airport shuttle to a full trip’s worth of activities, private chef services, and golf cart rental – we’re happy to help.
Even better, our concierge services are always free. So, why wait? Get in touch and let’s get started!
The post How to Stay Cool in Summer? 8 Water Activities for Your Guanacaste Vacation appeared first on Hacienda Pinilla.
