Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion

Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 75 travelers

Overview

Experience Costa Rica’s Central Pacific from the forest floor, the treetops, and the water—all in one port day.

Walk beneath the rainforest canopy, cross hanging bridges for a different perspective over the forest, and cruise the Tárcoles River in search of American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and other wildlife. Then observe the river from above at the Crocs Skywalk while your naturalist guide connects each landscape to the region’s remarkable ecosystem.

By combining active exploration, wildlife viewing, and scenic discovery, this 6-in-1 shore excursion offers a remarkably complete introduction to Costa Rica’s wild Central Pacific coast.

What's included

  • Fresh seasonal fruit snack
  • Bottled water
  • Professional bilingual naturalist tour guide.
  • Admission to the Crocs Skywalk observation platform.
  • Guided rainforest walk at Villa Lapas Reserve, including hanging bridges.
  • Round-trip transportation from Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera Cruise Port.
  • Panoramic Puntarenas City Tour for guests whose ships dock in Puntarenas
  • Tárcoles River wildlife boat tour.
  • Meals and additional beverages.
  • Optional lunch at the Crocs Skywalk restaurant.
  • Souvenirs and personal purchases.
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Puntarenas
    2h 30m
    Meet your guide outside the Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera cruise pier and set off through Costa Rica’s scenic countryside toward a private rainforest reserve near Carara National Park.

    Follow your naturalist guide on a 90-minute walk along a one-mile trail, crossing three hanging bridges suspended among the treetops. As you move through the forest, learn about the region’s tropical ecosystem and watch for colorful birds and other wildlife. The trail includes gravel and natural surfaces, inclines, and several sections of stairs.
  2. Tarcoles
    2h 30m
    Board a boat for a 45- to 60-minute cruise along the Tárcoles River, known for its large population of American crocodiles. Scan the riverbanks, mangroves, and treetops for scarlet macaws, monkeys, iguanas, herons, roseate spoonbills, and other native wildlife.

    Continue to the Crocs Skywalk, where an elevated observation platform provides another perspective over the river and its crocodiles. You’ll also have time to browse Costa Rican handicrafts, coffee, chocolate, and souvenirs or purchase a local meal or refreshing drink.
  3. 1h
    Guests whose ships dock in Puntarenas will finish with a panoramic drive through the city, passing local landmarks and the waterfront Paseo de los Turistas before returning to the cruise pier.

    This final sightseeing portion is not available for ships docking at Puerto Caldera.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside the main entrance to the Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera cruise pier. Meeting time is 8:00 AM or 30 minutes after your ship arrives, whichever is later. Please provide your ship’s full name and scheduled arrival time when booking. Pickup is not available inside the pier.

End point

Meet your guide outside the main entrance to the Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera cruise pier. Meeting time is 8:00 AM or 30 minutes after your ship arrives, whichever is later. Please provide your ship’s full name and scheduled arrival time when booking. Pickup is not available inside the pier.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Cruise Ship Information: Please provide your ship’s full name, scheduled arrival time, and arrival port—Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera—when booking.
  • Meeting Time: The tour departs at 8:00 AM or approximately 30 minutes after your ship arrives in port, whichever is later. Your exact departure time will be confirmed after booking.
  • Meeting Point: Meet your guide outside the main entrance to your cruise pier. Pickup is not available inside the cruise terminal.
  • What to Wear: Comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended.
  • What to Bring: Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain protection, a camera, and cash or a credit card for lunch, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
  • Optional Lunch: Time is provided to purchase lunch at the Crocs Skywalk restaurant. Meals are not included in the tour price.
  • Wildlife: Crocodiles and other wildlife are observed in their natural habitat. Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
  • Puntarenas City Tour: The panoramic city tour is available only for ships docking at Puntarenas. It is not included for ships docking at Puerto Caldera.
  • Late Arrivals & No-Shows: Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable.
  • No Port, No Pay: If your cruise ship does not call at the scheduled port, you will receive a full refund.
  • Rain or Shine: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
  • Tour Order: The order and duration of activities may vary due to weather, traffic, wildlife conditions, or operational requirements.
  • Trail Conditions: The rainforest trail includes gravel, earth, inclines, uneven natural surfaces, and several sections of stairs.
  • Accessibility: This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$199.00 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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