Selina Playa Venao

Selina Playa Venao is about three kilometres' walk from a viewpoint with excellent panoramas over the beach and surrounding forest. There's also a fishing company in town that can organise offshore experiences with guests who want to find out about what's swimming in this pretty part of the Pacific. La Tronosa Forest Reserve is a 40-minute drive along the coast. This exceptional tract of wilderness is full of rare animal and birdlife – make sure to find a reliable local guide before venturing into these highlands, though, as this spot is truly in the back of beyond… A 40-minute drive in the other direction is Pedasí, a scenic Colonial era town with architecture clearly inspired by the Spanish settlers. After chilling in town for a bit, head down to the coast and catch a ferry over to Isla Iguana island, a spectacular spot full of mangroves, beaches and crystal-clear waters where there’s great potential for snorkelling.