Puntarenas Rainforest, Hanging Bridges and Crocodile Boat Tour

Duration5h

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 rainforest floor, among the treetops, and along the wildlife-rich Tárcoles River—all in one five-hour shore excursion.

Follow a naturalist guide through the tropical forest and across three hanging bridges, then board a boat to search the riverbanks and mangroves for American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Finish at the Crocs Skywalk for one final elevated perspective over the river.

Together, the rainforest walk and river cruise offer a closer look at two remarkable ecosystems—and several distinct perspectives on Costa Rica’s biodiversity—in a single port day.

What's included

Fresh seasonal fruit snack.
Bottled water
Admission to Villa Santa Lucía Rainforest Reserve & Hanging Bridges.
Guided Tárcoles River Crocodile Boat Tour.
Admission to the Crocs Skywalk observation platform.
Professional bilingual naturalist tour guide
Round-trip transportation from Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera Cruise Port.

Meals & Additional Beverages
Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Gratuities

What to expect

Santa Lucia
2h 30m

Meet your guide outside the Puntarenas or Puerto Caldera cruise pier and travel through Costa Rica’s countryside to Villa Santa Lucía Rainforest Reserve.

Follow your naturalist guide on a 60- to 90-minute walk through the tropical forest and cross three hanging bridges suspended above the forest floor. Along the way, learn about the region’s ecosystem and watch for tropical birds and other wildlife among the vegetation. The trail includes gravel, stairs, inclines, and uneven natural surfaces.

After the walk, enjoy a fresh seasonal fruit snack before continuing to the Tárcoles River.
Tarcoles
2h 30m

Board a boat for a 45- to 60-minute cruise through one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland ecosystems. Navigate the Tárcoles River while searching for American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, iguanas, herons, roseate spoonbills, and other native wildlife. Your naturalist guide will help identify the species encountered and explain the region’s biodiversity.

Continue to the Crocs Skywalk for an elevated perspective over the river. Take in the surrounding scenery, observe crocodiles from the platform, and browse Costa Rican handicrafts or purchase snacks and refreshments before returning to Puntarenas or 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

Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Physical Requirements: Guests must be in good physical condition and able to complete a 60- to 90-minute rainforest walk and independently enter and exit the boat.
What to Wear: 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 food, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
Tropical Climate: Conditions may be hot and humid, particularly during the rainforest walk. Guests should remain hydrated throughout the tour.
Wildlife: Crocodiles and other wildlife are observed in their natural habitat. Specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Trail Conditions: The rainforest trail includes gravel, stairs, inclines, hanging bridges, and uneven natural surfaces.
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.