Puerto Limon Shore Excursion to Cahuita Park & Tortuguero Canals
5.0 / 5 · 1 traveler reviews
The most memorable wildlife encounters are not staged—they happen beneath the rainforest canopy and along the quiet banks of jungle waterways. Built around your ship’s schedule, this Puerto Limón shore excursion takes you into two of the Caribbean coast’s richest natural settings. Walk the shaded shoreline trails of Cahuita National Park, where the rainforest meets the sea, then change perspective aboard a boat through the Tortuguero Canals, often called Costa Rica’s Amazon. Look through the treetops and along the water for sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, crocodiles, and other wildlife living freely in their natural habitat. There are no animal shows or handling—only the anticipation of discovering what the rainforest reveals. Two distinct ecosystems in one port day, offering a responsible encounter with Costa Rica’s biodiversity as it truly exists: free, unpredictable, and wild.
Your experience
Stop 1
Your adventure begins just outside Puerto Limón Cruise Port, where you’ll meet your guide at your confirmed departure time. Set off along Costa Rica’s scenic Caribbean coast, passing colorful communities, tropical countryside, and coastal scenery on the way to Cahuita National Park. At the park, follow your guide on an approximately 45-minute nature walk along a flat, shaded trail where the rainforest meets the Caribbean Sea. Search the treetops for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, colorful frogs, and other wildlife while discovering the remarkable ecosystem protected within Cahuita.
Stop 2
Continue through Puerto Limón’s countryside and pause at a local shop, where you can browse Costa Rican souvenirs. Then board a boat for an approximately 60-minute cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, often called Costa Rica’s Amazon. Glide beneath the rainforest canopy while watching the riverbanks and treetops for sloths, howler monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas, aquatic birds, and other wildlife. After the cruise, enjoy fresh tropical fruit before returning to Puerto Limón Cruise Port approximately five hours after departure.
What’s included
- Boat tour through the Tortuguero Canals
- Puerto Limón and Caribbean countryside sightseeing
- Round-trip transportation from Puerto Limón Cruise Port
- Fresh tropical fruit and bottled water
- Professional bilingual tour guide
- All required admission fees
- Guided wildlife walk in Cahuita National Park
Not included
- Gratuities
- Additional food and beverages
Meeting and pickup
Meet your guide outside the main entrance to Puerto Limón Cruise Port at 8:00 AM or 30 minutes after your ship arrives, whichever is later. Your guide will hold a sign with your name. No pickup is available inside the terminal. Provide your ship’s name and arrival time when booking.
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Meeting Point: Your guide will wait outside the main entrance to Puerto Limón Cruise Port. Pickup is not available inside the cruise terminal.
- Cruise Ship Information: Provide your ship’s full name and scheduled arrival time when booking.
- Wildlife Sightings: Animals live freely in their natural habitat, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- This tour focuses on observing wildlife in the wild and does not visit sanctuaries, rehabilitation centers, or facilities that handle wildlife.
- No Port, No Pay: Receive a full refund if your cruise ship does not call at Puerto Limón.
- Meeting Time: Meet at 8:00 AM or 30 minutes after your ship arrives, whichever is later.
- Tour Duration: The approximately five-hour duration includes transportation and travel time between stops.
- Food & Drinks: Fresh tropical fruit and bottled water are included. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, rain protection, and cash for personal purchases.
- Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
- Late Arrivals & No-Shows: Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable.
- Activity Level: This easy tour includes an approximately 45-minute walk along a mostly flat, shaded trail. Guests must also be able to board and exit the boat.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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