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Puntarenas Safaris & wildlife activities

Our most recommended Puntarenas Safaris & wildlife activities

From Puntarenas: Tortuga Island Full-Day Boat Trip

1. From Puntarenas: Tortuga Island Full-Day Boat Trip

Take a trip to Isla Tortuga, a island paradise with white sands and turquoise water. As a special treat, we will take you to the negritos Island wildlife refuge, island that is habited by spider monkeys. See dolphins and monkeys in their natural hábitat on way the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a private beach club and do snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters on this day trip from Puntarenas. Feel the ocean breeze in your face, take a panoramic photo of the Nicoya Stone Arch. This tour, is all day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, offers a lot in one package.

Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

2. Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

Tour the best locations of the Arenal Volcano area and learn about the nature of this unique destination. Swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, hike over lava trails, visit a look-out point to get the best views of the volcano on clear days, and soak in the hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano. Take the scenic route to the Arenal Volcano area and visit La Fortuna Waterfall, the most iconic of Costa Rica. Swim in its refreshing waters and admire the beautiful rainforest vegetation that surrounds this natural wonder, where wildlife can sometimes be observed. Stop for an authentic Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located near the town of "La Fortuna." Then, prepare to take a hike over the lava trails from the volcano’s big eruption of 1,968. Take in the views at the volcano’s main look-out point and get the best views of this beautiful conic-shaped mountain on clear days. Arrive at “Paradise Hot Springs and Gardens” and relax for a couple of hours in the multiple hot spring pools surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, which also provide great views of the volcano on clear days. Finish this great adventurous day with a delicious dinner on the route back to your hotel.

Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

3. Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

Discover the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park from the water on this catamaran cruise. Search for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife as you cruise past tropical islands and white sand beaches. Enjoy lunch, fresh fruit, and soft drinks and fruit juice as you sail.  Be picked up from select hotels in a comfortable bus and transfer to a spacious catamaran that is equipped with bathrooms, waterslides, beach chairs, and snorkeling gear.  Set off on your cruise and discover interesting facts about Quepos and the Manuel Antonio park from the Costa Rican crew members that are eager to show you the best of Costa Rica. Look for spotted dolphins, humpback whales migrating, sea turtles, and manta rays.  Gaze out at mysterious islands, craggy cliffs, and unusual rock formations as you travel along the Manuel Antonio National Park's coastline. Keep an eye out for pelicans, boobies, and ibises which have breeding grounds here.  Be fully engaged as your guide answers your queries, points out interesting sites, and provides a brief overview of the area's history. Anchor in a safe location within the picturesque Biesanz Bay. Where you can snorkel thorugh schools of colorful fish.  Come back on board once you've finished snorkeling and savor an exquisite lunch which includes grilled fish brochettes with onion and green pepper, pasta salad with vegetables, fresh tropical fruits, and natural fruit drinks.  Conclude with a return trip to the Quepos marina and the opportunity to witness a dramatic tropical sunset on the way to the harbor (during summer afternoon tours). Transfer back to your pickup point by bus. 

Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

4. Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

During the 40-minute drive to the town, your guide will share interesting information about the history of Quepos and the area in general. Once you reach Londres, you will set foot on a picturesque property, where you can find restrooms, stables, a corral and an open-air waiting area. You will receive riding instruction, safety tips, and also get some practice time before heading out to explore the Costa Rican rainforest. This tour allows you to learn the exotic secrets that lie within primary rainforests, riding at a maximum altitude of 600 meters (1900 ft). The ride lasts about 2.5-hours (round-trip) and will be highlighted by amazing valley views, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is the beautiful Shaman waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. Lie on the grass or take a swim, or even both! After the break, you will return riding the same trail. At the end of your horseback riding tour you will be taken back to the riding center, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients and enjoy a little conversation before heading back to your hotel.

From Puntarenas: Bioluminiscence Boat Tour with BBQ & Drinks

5. From Puntarenas: Bioluminiscence Boat Tour with BBQ & Drinks

Embark on a bioluminescence boat tour and see millions of glowing plankton. This tour start at 3:30 pm and end at 10:00 pm, sunset tour is included. After, chill on the beach we will enjoy a BBQ dinner in escondida beach club. At the night grows dark, get ready for a personal encounter with the bioluminescence phenomenon. See how the microscopic plankton produce natural light at the touch of your hand. Explore these organisms up close as your guide takes you on a journey, and even go and swim. At the end we will arrange your drop-off at you hotel or airbnb near puntarenas town.

Frequently asked questions about Puntarenas

What top attractions are a must-see in Puntarenas?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Puntarenas

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What people are saying about Puntarenas

This was a relaxing and enjoyable excursion. Riding peacefully through the lush landscape was nice, then we got to stop at a waterfall and play in the water for a bit before we rode back. Horses are well trained so good for first time riders. Guide was very nice but I can’t remember the name. He was the one for 4/26 at 8 am.

We were fortunate to be the only ones on the tour, and our driver Enrique stopped along the way to show us all sorts of plants, from cinnamon to menthol. Our trail guide Cesar was also great, and we had a really nice ride. It was one of the best excursions we’ve been on!

Great experience with Fernando! Wonderful time swimming in the waterfall, hanging out in the hot springs while it poured and delicious food!