Puntarenas Highlights w/Lunch & Boat Tour

Experience the best of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific on our Puntarenas Highlights Tour, a perfectly balanced shore excursion combining wildlife, local culture, coastal scenery, and authentic Costa Rican flavors. Designed especially for cruise ship guests, this tour offers a relaxed pace with a guaranteed on-time return to the port.

Your day begins right at the Puntarenas cruise pier, where your friendly, bilingual guide will welcome you aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

🌆 Puntarenas City Scenic Drive

Enjoy a guided scenic drive through the historic city of Puntarenas. Learn about its role as Costa Rica’s main Pacific port, observe daily local life, and enjoy beautiful coastal views along the Gulf of Nicoya.

🐒 Rainforest Wildlife Encounters

As we travel toward the rainforest areas near Carara, keep your eyes open for white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and colorful tropical birds in their natural habitat.

🦜 Scarlet Macaw Viewing Stop

Near the Tárcoles area, we stop where magnificent scarlet macaws frequently gather in almond trees — an excellent opportunity for close-up photos and unforgettable sightings.

🦋 Butterfly Farm at El Jardín Souvenir Shop

Visit the butterfly garden at El Jardín, where you can walk among stunning Blue Morpho butterflies and learn about their life cycle and importance in Costa Rica’s ecosystem. This stop also includes time to browse local souvenirs and Costa Rican coffee.

🚤 Tárcoles River Crocodile Boat Tour

Enjoy a scenic and educational boat tour on the Tárcoles River, famous for its massive American crocodiles and rich birdlife, including herons, egrets, and spoonbills.

🚗 Tárcoles Fishing Village Drive

After the river cruise, enjoy a drive through the traditional fishing village of Tárcoles, offering a glimpse into authentic coastal life and the local fishing culture.

🍽️ Traditional Costa Rican Lunch

Relax and enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant, including a refreshing beverage.

At the end of the tour, we return you comfortably to the Puntarenas cruise pier, filled with amazing photos and memories of Costa Rica’s wildlife and culture.