1 day

About this activity

The tour starts by going to a private area where the cute and well known white faced monkeys come to play every day. It is a great chance to see wildlife at its purest state. After being enchanted by these amazing creatures, you will be taken to the “fruit towns”, an area where the sweetest and best tropical fruits are produced. Try them from the hands of smiling farmers proud to share their crops with the visitors.

Once you try the soft and fresh tastes of the tropics you will be taken to the wild side. Getting on a safe and comfortable pontoon you will be gliding on the Tarcoles River. This well known waterway holds the largest population of American Crocodiles in Central America. But it is not only about these fantastic dinosaur like creatures! It is a great tour for pure naturalists, birdwatchers and photographers. You will enjoy, among several other species of birds, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills and other wonders like iguanas and basilisks (Named also Jesus Christ lizards for their ability to walk on water).

After all this excitement, it is time for lunch! You will try one of the best local restaurants in the coastal region. With fresh meats, vegetables and fruits your lunch will not only be nourishing but also totally delicious! After lunch, you will get to do some shopping. The products are excellent and the prices are great. Clean and well distributed, this store is diverse and the prices are affordable.

You will end the shopping experience by going to a real Costa Rican supermarket where you will be able to buy local coffee. To end this great day you will be taken through the city of Puntarenas, the first port Costa Rica ever had in history, you will be taught about its traditions and its particular culture and this as well is the place where your cruise will be waiting for you.At the end of this fantastic day, you will feel like your visit to Costa Rica was much longer and deeper than one day only… for all you will see and live!

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Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Food tasting
Lunch
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Infant seats available
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

Features

Tourism

100%

Cultural

70%

Aquatic

30%

Reviews

4.8

14

f

flubuggy

5 | 2018-08-21

Had a wonderful time getting close to the animals especially the monkeys. Tour guide and driver are very professional, friendly and helpful.

R

Robert G

5 | 2018-07-13

Our Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion was the best of our Cruise. Our pickup was just off the ship and our tour guide (Jesus) was extremely knowledgeable about the country, the wildlife, the local people and history. The trip started with a stop to a local

c

carrollshroyer

5 | 2018-05-09

This was an excellent tour! They have two brand new buses that are very comfortable. Our guide was Pablo and he was excellent. We visited some monkeys, stopped at a fruit stand and had some fruit, along with a taste of sugar cane and rum. Then on to the River Tour. Our ship was late getting into port so we did not get to eat at the top of the hill. Instead it was a buffet style place by the river. But very good none the less. It was our overall favorite tour during our Panama Canal cruise. Highly recommend.

C

Carol P

5 | 2018-03-29

Pablo our guide was wonderful. He met us right at the ship and drove us off the pier in his van. For most other tours, you had to meet the vans outside the port pier. He took us to a private area to view the white faced monkeys and other wildlife which were roaming freely. Then he took us to a fruit stand where he gave us different fruits to taste. Then he took us to a wonderful viewpoint high in the mountains. We had a good lunch at a local restaurant. Next we went on the river cruise where he pointed out crocodiles and many kinds of birds. All the van rides between sites he explained much information about Costa Rica government. military, economics,family life, education. He also had many actual examples to show us such nuts, different coffee beans, candies, flowers that they use for perfumes which really added to our understanding of Costa Rica and the culture. He really put a lot of extra effort into helping us learn about his country

J

James R

4 | 2018-01-08

The river boat ride and seeing so many Crocs was a great experience. The tour guides were extremely courteous and helpful. Unfortunately, two cruise ships docked within a hour of each other and all passengers were delayed for safety reasons for 2 hours. This delayed the tour and at the end the darkness prevented us from seeing the monkeys except by flashlight and the town. We did get a very nice lunch at 3:00 PM.

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eamoncanney

5 | 2017-11-04

Wonderful insight into Costa Rican ecology and wildlife - mangroves, crocodiles, iguanas, capuchin monkeys, Jesus Christ lizards, hawks,macaws etc etc. The boat tour guide was so knowledgeable and seemed to be at one with the environment. The guide on the bus gave us a comprehensive overview of the social, economic and cultural life in Costa Rica

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