Trip Preparation Documents

• Packing List & Sample Checklist
• Preparation Tips – Independent
• Preparation Tips – Guided
• Participant Release Form

Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting, Duckies & Kayaking

White water rafting and white water duckies (one or two-person inflated kayaks) or traditional whitewater kayaks (hard shell, with skirt closure) require moderate upper body strength, good balance, and the ability to work as a team. Your whitewater raft guide will brief you on safety procedures, but you should be aware that, before committing to a whitewater raft trip, it is possible that participants will fall out of the raft, and sustain minor injuries (such as bruises, bumps, scrapes, blisters), swallow a bit of river water, and generally get tossed about. This is part of the fun of white water rafting!

For the river, you need footwear that has closed toes and rubber or cork soles (no coral-walking scuba shoes, Velcro-closed shoes, or TIVA-style shoes. Tennis shoes or shoes made specifically for walking in whitewater ARE BEST). You’ll appreciate the closed-toe shoes when we start hiking in the jungle where we may meet a few of the multi-legged natives. No blue jeans or heavy pants/sweatshirts on the rafts; if you want to wear long pants, be sure they are lightweight, designed for river wear, and dry very quickly (wet suits are not required in our warm waters). You will be wearing a protective helmet, and many people like to wear the visors on the helmet (we provide them if requested) or a baseball cap under the helmet (you provide this). Sunglasses are not as useful when you have a visor to protect your face. But, don’t forget SUNSCREEN — even if it is cloudy you will get a serious burn without it! No sunscreen above the cheeks unless it is “baby face” for kids because it will get in your eyes and it stings.

Costa Rica Mountain Biking

Standard biking clothes are suitable but remember it will get very hot in the direct sunshine. When we are in dense forest, the sun is blocked but so is the breeze. No loose pants for biking! We have helmets and gloves and all the gear, but if you have your own that fits well, then please feel free to bring it.

Costa Rica biking is quite steep so please be open about your skill level so we can best prepare you for the activity. We can give even experienced road bikers a few pointers about mountain biking to avoid a tumble off the bike (usually when you are braking and going down something pretty steep). If you are not accustomed to clip pedals, don’t try to learn this here. Of all the activities Serendipity does, the one which has created the MOST injuries has been biking, usually when the bikes have been nearly completely stopped. So please, don’t withhold information on your skills or your reluctance.

Costa Rica Trekking & Hiking

Hiking in Costa Rica can get pretty vertical. You need to wear good protective boots (they will get wet), plus a fanny pack or backpack to carry your own water and snacks. If it is a multi-day hike, you’ll need your own (comfortable) backpack large enough to carry your sleeping roll mat and sheet (we’ll provide these to you) and personal equipment. We’ll also provide machetes and porters for big equipment. If you are in any doubt, please speak directly with your Serendipity leader when you are doing multi-day hikes with us.

While hiking, the opportunity to meet multi-legged or legless creatures is increased. We want you to know what to do when you encounter snakes, etc., before we start off into the forest. Serendipity does NOT carry snake antivenin (antivenin can kill as fast as the snake) but our staff are trained on how to handle snake bites. To date, we have not needed to use our snake bite treatment training, so please don’t break our record. Listen carefully to your guide on how to introduce yourself to a snake, and how to know which snake is which.

Costa Rica Treeclimbing, Canyoning & Rappelling

For these activities, you’ll need shorts, a T-shirt (made of fast-drying materials), and strong shoes that can get wet (such as tennis shoes). In the jungle, you’ll be climbing in the trees, so insect repellant is recommended. Tree climbing often puts you face-to-face with animals you are unlikely to encounter in your own garden so, if you are prone to panic, please let us know. We provide helmets, harnesses ropes, carabiners, etc. and we use a double system of equipment for climbing and rappelling activities, but nothing works better than paying attention to the guide. So far, everyone who has gone up with Serendipity has returned to the earth safely. One client did pass out from insulin shock; she didn’t let us know her diabetic condition before the trip. But we rescued her, anyway, and now she enjoys climbing in a gym in Chicago.

Costa Rica Horseback Riding Adventures

For horseback riding, please wear long pants, a long-sleeved lightweight light-color loose-fitting shirt, plus tennis shoes (NB everything gets WET when you swim in rivers). Gloves (preferably leather) and a hat that protects the face and neck are your best options to protect yourself from the sun and don’t forget SUNSCREEN.

Second to mountain bikes, horses present the biggest opportunity for injury. We provide helmets but if you decide not to use them it is at your own risk. The horses are well trained, but they can’t see gopher holes in fields and they can trip, just like you or me. So, when you are riding with us, please, don’t run off ahead of the guide in an open pasture — we can run the horses where we know the tractors have smoothed all the gopher holes. For jousting, we select only wilted sugar cane, and no aiming at the head of your opponent.

And all the other things…

From sea kayaking to duckies on a gentle river, from eating shellfish to bee stings. We need to know if you have any medical problems, can’t swim, or have basic fears that might make you panic.

DON’T FORGET sunscreen, insect repellent, a few bandages & antibiotic cream, anti-itch cream (like Cortaid), a small flashlight, a (baseball) cap or hat, and, if you wear glasses or sunglasses, a strap to keep them in place (preferably one that also floats). If you wear contacts, bring an extra pair of disposables. If you want to bring a camera on the raft or horseback or hiking, investigate the underwater/waterproof bags available from good camera shops, or get a waterproof camera. Everything will get WET on many of the adventures, no matter how many plastic bags you put things in. Camera bags need desiccant to keep condensation out of the mechanism (and you can’t buy that in Costa Rica).

Not scared off by the above? The first step to enjoying a Serendipity adventure is to contact us.

Notice to Participants

While Serendipity Adventures avoids unnecessary risk, there is nonetheless risk involved. Please understand that our Costa Rican insurance covers injuries sustained in our operation, under the National Health Plan. We recommend that you also check your personal medical insurance for coverage outside the United States.

Car theft is possible all over Costa Rica. Please avoid carrying extra “things” and then leaving them in the car when away from your hotel. Serendipity is not able to buy insurance in Costa Rica on vehicle contents or mysterious disappearances from vehicles, hotels, etc. Serendipity must therefore limit its liability to no more than $100 per person for the loss of personal possessions.

Serendipity recommends travel insurance for lost or stolen luggage, trip cancellation, and medical emergencies available through your travel agent or Travel Insurance Services, (800) 937-1387 or (925) 932-1387 or www.travelinsure.com or www.travelguard.com

Please note that all participants will be required to sign and return our release form prior to departure.