Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion
When your cruise ship docks at the port of Puntarenas, meet your driver and guide at the pier, and climb aboard an air-conditioned bus with room for up to 20 passengers. Travel through the Costa Rican countryside past traditional farming villages and mango and citrus plantations to reach Villa Lapas. Straddling the country’s unique tropical and dry forest ecosystems, this nature reserve is home to hundreds of bird species plus an array of other wildlife like raccoons, monkeys, anteaters, and poison dart frogs. Explore this incredible biodiversity on a SkyWay tour along suspended bridges and walkways. Head next to Santa Lucia, a replica of a Spanish colonial settlement nestled against a river and the rain forest. Enjoy free time here to shop for local goods like gourmet coffee and small painted oxcarts. Refresh with a snack of fresh fruit and iced tea here before continuing on to the Tarcoles River. Hop aboard a river boat for a cruise down the waterway famous for its population of large American crocodiles. Keep an eye out for the jaw-snapping crocs and soak up scenic views along the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. After the boat tour, you’ll have a chance to pick up more souvenirs at the El Jardin store and restaurant and get a glimpse into coastal culture with a short sightseeing tour of Puntarenas city. Your tour concludes with drop-off back at the cruise pier.
Highlights
- ✓Combo shore excursion from Puntarenas
- ✓Experience the best of the Gulf on Nicoya with a diverse itinerary
- ✓Pass farming villages and sugar plantations on a drive through the Costa Rican countryside
- ✓Explore the rain forest on a hanging bridges tour at a nature reserve
- ✓Shop for souvenirs at a recreated Spanish colonial village
- ✓See wild crocodiles on a cruise down the Tarcoles River
- ✓Stress-free way to make the most of your day at port
What you'll see & do
- ✓Puntarenas is one of the most important tourism regions in Costa Rica. Its coastline is full of islands, inlets, beaches, and very beautiful natural treasures, all which make it an excellent tourist destination. There is a multitude of attractions based around the beaches, as well as protected areas, both land based and around its islands. The area’s center is located at Puntarenas which acts as a place for lodging, distribution, port of call, and excursions. The city of Puntarenas is rich in history, traditions and customs. Historically, it was the most important port in the Costa Rican Pacific, through which the main exports that allowed the development of the country during the 19th century and part of the 20th century took place. Due to its coastal position, it was an important center for the arrival of immigrants towards the middle of the 20th century. Its boom as a tourist destination dates back to 1940.
- ✓Carara National Park is an extraordinary ecological gem where the dry tropical forest of the north meets the lush rainforest of the South Pacific, creating a unique transition zone brimming with incredible biodiversity. World-renowned as a vital sanctuary for one of the last remaining wild populations of the brilliant scarlet macaw, the park is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike. Furthermore, its highly accessible trail system and its proximity to the famous Tárcoles River—home to massive American crocodiles—make it an essential, captivating destination for anyone looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife in a single, convenient stop.
- ✓The Hanging Bridges of Villa San Lucia Our journey begins with an ascent into the emerald heart of Villa San Lucia. Here, you will embark on a half-mile guided exploration through a lush rainforest sanctuary. The highlight of this trail is the crossing of three majestic hanging bridges that soar above the treetops. This "bird’s-eye view" allows you to peer into the secret life of the canopy, where orchids bloom and tropical birds nest far above the forest floor. Note on Accessibility: To ensure your comfort, please be advised that the trail consists of gravel paths and involves navigating several sets of stairs. The walk is conducted at a gentle, leisurely pace (taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes) but may be challenging for guests with limited mobility. During the summer months, the tropical climate can be quite warm, so light clothing is recommended.
- ✓Enjoy a pleasant boat tour with a professional naturalist tour guide and enjoy its rich and abundant wildlife. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river's mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the boatbill and bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler and American pygmy kingfisher. The total list known of birds well exceeds 320 species including the little known Guacalillo Canals. The avian biodiversity is substantial including rare birds such as Agami Heron, Rufous-necked Woodrail, Jabiru, Yellow-billed Cotinga and recently found an Orinoco Goose. It's also home of Howler and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys. Less commonly seen are Silky Anteater, Sloths, Grinson, Jaguarundi, River Otter and Northern Tamandua
- ✓The Crocs Skyway: A Modern Finale Before returning to your ship, we make a sophisticated final stop at the brand-new The Crocs Skyway. This premier tourist complex offers an elevated aerial platform providing a safe and spectacular vantage point over the river’s wildlife. During this 30-minute interlude, you can: • Enjoy a refreshing iced coffee or a cold local beverage. • Browse the Grand Souvenir Gallery for high-quality Costa Rican crafts. • Sample authentic local flavors at the snack bar or chocolatier.
What's included
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Visit to The Crocs Skywalk Souvenir Store & Restaurant
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Nature Walk at Santa Lucia Hacienda Hanging Bridges and Trails
- ✓1 hour boat tour in Tarcoles River
- ✓Fresh Fruit Snack
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Alcoholic Beverages
- ✓Lunch
Good to know
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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 tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour
This tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour. Tour operate only when we have cruise ships in port. Pick up is at the main gate entrance of the pier. It is a very short walking distance from the cruise ship. Once at the entrance of the pier, you will see a Greenway Tours Guide holding a sign with your name. SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PICKUP TIME All our pickup times are set to 8:00 AM by default. HOWEVER: If your ship arrives after 8:00 AM, the Pickup will be 30 minutes after ship arrival. You can book your tour and we will adjust the time accordingly with your ship arrival. If you ship is late, our staff will wait for you till the ship dock and allow you disembark. We operate all our tours accordingly with the ship´s arrival.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion
When your cruise ship docks at the port of Puntarenas, meet your driver and guide at the pier, and climb aboard an air-conditioned bus with room for up to 20 passengers. Travel through the Costa Rican countryside past traditional farming villages and mango and citrus plantations to reach Villa Lapas. Straddling the country’s unique tropical and dry forest ecosystems, this nature reserve is home to hundreds of bird species plus an array of other wildlife like raccoons, monkeys, anteaters, and poison dart frogs. Explore this incredible biodiversity on a SkyWay tour along suspended bridges and walkways. Head next to Santa Lucia, a replica of a Spanish colonial settlement nestled against a river and the rain forest. Enjoy free time here to shop for local goods like gourmet coffee and small painted oxcarts. Refresh with a snack of fresh fruit and iced tea here before continuing on to the Tarcoles River. Hop aboard a river boat for a cruise down the waterway famous for its population of large American crocodiles. Keep an eye out for the jaw-snapping crocs and soak up scenic views along the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. After the boat tour, you’ll have a chance to pick up more souvenirs at the El Jardin store and restaurant and get a glimpse into coastal culture with a short sightseeing tour of Puntarenas city. Your tour concludes with drop-off back at the cruise pier.
Highlights
- ✓Combo shore excursion from Puntarenas
- ✓Experience the best of the Gulf on Nicoya with a diverse itinerary
- ✓Pass farming villages and sugar plantations on a drive through the Costa Rican countryside
- ✓Explore the rain forest on a hanging bridges tour at a nature reserve
- ✓Shop for souvenirs at a recreated Spanish colonial village
- ✓See wild crocodiles on a cruise down the Tarcoles River
- ✓Stress-free way to make the most of your day at port
What you'll see & do
- ✓Puntarenas is one of the most important tourism regions in Costa Rica. Its coastline is full of islands, inlets, beaches, and very beautiful natural treasures, all which make it an excellent tourist destination. There is a multitude of attractions based around the beaches, as well as protected areas, both land based and around its islands. The area’s center is located at Puntarenas which acts as a place for lodging, distribution, port of call, and excursions. The city of Puntarenas is rich in history, traditions and customs. Historically, it was the most important port in the Costa Rican Pacific, through which the main exports that allowed the development of the country during the 19th century and part of the 20th century took place. Due to its coastal position, it was an important center for the arrival of immigrants towards the middle of the 20th century. Its boom as a tourist destination dates back to 1940.
- ✓Carara National Park is an extraordinary ecological gem where the dry tropical forest of the north meets the lush rainforest of the South Pacific, creating a unique transition zone brimming with incredible biodiversity. World-renowned as a vital sanctuary for one of the last remaining wild populations of the brilliant scarlet macaw, the park is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers alike. Furthermore, its highly accessible trail system and its proximity to the famous Tárcoles River—home to massive American crocodiles—make it an essential, captivating destination for anyone looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife in a single, convenient stop.
- ✓The Hanging Bridges of Villa San Lucia Our journey begins with an ascent into the emerald heart of Villa San Lucia. Here, you will embark on a half-mile guided exploration through a lush rainforest sanctuary. The highlight of this trail is the crossing of three majestic hanging bridges that soar above the treetops. This "bird’s-eye view" allows you to peer into the secret life of the canopy, where orchids bloom and tropical birds nest far above the forest floor. Note on Accessibility: To ensure your comfort, please be advised that the trail consists of gravel paths and involves navigating several sets of stairs. The walk is conducted at a gentle, leisurely pace (taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes) but may be challenging for guests with limited mobility. During the summer months, the tropical climate can be quite warm, so light clothing is recommended.
- ✓Enjoy a pleasant boat tour with a professional naturalist tour guide and enjoy its rich and abundant wildlife. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river's mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the boatbill and bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler and American pygmy kingfisher. The total list known of birds well exceeds 320 species including the little known Guacalillo Canals. The avian biodiversity is substantial including rare birds such as Agami Heron, Rufous-necked Woodrail, Jabiru, Yellow-billed Cotinga and recently found an Orinoco Goose. It's also home of Howler and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys. Less commonly seen are Silky Anteater, Sloths, Grinson, Jaguarundi, River Otter and Northern Tamandua
- ✓The Crocs Skyway: A Modern Finale Before returning to your ship, we make a sophisticated final stop at the brand-new The Crocs Skyway. This premier tourist complex offers an elevated aerial platform providing a safe and spectacular vantage point over the river’s wildlife. During this 30-minute interlude, you can: • Enjoy a refreshing iced coffee or a cold local beverage. • Browse the Grand Souvenir Gallery for high-quality Costa Rican crafts. • Sample authentic local flavors at the snack bar or chocolatier.
What's included
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Visit to The Crocs Skywalk Souvenir Store & Restaurant
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Nature Walk at Santa Lucia Hacienda Hanging Bridges and Trails
- ✓1 hour boat tour in Tarcoles River
- ✓Fresh Fruit Snack
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Alcoholic Beverages
- ✓Lunch
Good to know
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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 tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour
This tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour. Tour operate only when we have cruise ships in port. Pick up is at the main gate entrance of the pier. It is a very short walking distance from the cruise ship. Once at the entrance of the pier, you will see a Greenway Tours Guide holding a sign with your name. SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PICKUP TIME All our pickup times are set to 8:00 AM by default. HOWEVER: If your ship arrives after 8:00 AM, the Pickup will be 30 minutes after ship arrival. You can book your tour and we will adjust the time accordingly with your ship arrival. If you ship is late, our staff will wait for you till the ship dock and allow you disembark. We operate all our tours accordingly with the ship´s arrival.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.