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View →Rating8.7Rating8.1Rating8.7Rating8.1Included activities cover non-motorized water sports from the beach, pool programming, and evening entertainment. The beach access to Culebra Bay is the strongest asset — calm, nearly wave-free water well-suited for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Paid excursions to Arenal Volcano, Llanos de Cortés waterfall, and canopy tours are all accessible from Guanacaste; the concierge can arrange bookings.
Freeform lagoon-style pool at the center of resort activity. Aqua aerobics, volleyball, and daily programming happen here. Swim-up bar access. Moderate size — can feel crowded during peak occupancy. Adjacent to The Grill for convenient lunch access without leaving the pool area.
Circular pool with a wet bar and submerged relaxation beds in the shallow end. Genuinely calmer than the main pool in terms of noise and foot traffic. The better choice for guests who want to float without being pulled into activities. Smaller than the main pool.
Private beach at the base of the hillside. Fine sand, calm, nearly wave-free water — good for swimming and snorkeling. Chaise lounges and towel service available. Known shortcomings: beach furniture is old and sun umbrellas are limited, which is a problem under Guanacaste's full afternoon sun. Requires a shuttle or hillside walk to access. Water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling gear) are available here.
Launched from the private beach into Culebra Bay. The protected bay water makes this accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced paddlers. Included.
Gear provided at the beach. Culebra Bay has decent marine life close to shore — not a world-class snorkel site but solid for casual underwater exploration. Included.
Bay conditions suit paddleboarding well — low chop, calm surface. Best done in the morning before afternoon winds pick up. Included.
Scheduled in the main pool. Good option for staying active without leaving the water. Included.
Floodlit court available day and evening. Racquets and balls typically provided. Included.
Organized pool games by the entertainment team. Social rather than competitive. Included.
24/7 access to a fitness center with cardio and resistance equipment. Included.
Scheduled classes offered throughout the day. Included.
Led by the resort's entertainment staff. Casual and social rather than a serious dance program. Included.
Organized daytime programming by the pool and beach. Moderate energy level — this is not a high-animation resort. Included.
Evening shows at the amphitheater or lobby area. Quality varies night to night. Included.
Performed at the lobby terrace in the evenings. Good for winding down after dinner. Included.
On-site disco with full bar, open evenings. Works better at peak occupancy. Included.
Weekly event for socializing with other guests. Included.
Pacific dive sites in the bay with good marine diversity. Discover Scuba and certified courses available. Extra cost. One of the better dive locations in Guanacaste.
Coastal tours bookable through the concierge. Extra cost. Good for seeing the Papagayo peninsula from the water.
Deep-sea and inshore options. Pacific waters here support sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi depending on season. Extra cost.
Guided area tours. Extra cost. The terrain is hilly and the sun is intense — timing matters.
Regional tours bookable through the concierge. Extra cost.
Available at the Peninsula Papagayo Sports Centre off-site. Extra cost.
Coffee and chocolate plantation visits. Extra cost. Good half-day option for guests curious about Costa Rican agriculture.
Day trips to Arenal or Miravalles, typically including hot springs. Extra cost. Arenal is a full day from Guanacaste — plan accordingly.
Llanos de Cortés waterfall is the most accessible nearby option — a 30-minute drive and genuinely worthwhile. Extra cost.
White-water rafting, canopy zip-lines, and hanging bridge walks available through local operators. Extra cost.
Bird watching and wildlife tours in Guanacaste's dry forest. Howler monkeys, iguanas, and diverse bird species are common. Extra cost and a genuine draw for nature-focused travelers.