Palo Verde Boat Safari
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Palo Verde National Park's rich biodiversity
- Spot crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds
- Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Tempisque River
- Learn about local flora and fauna from expert guides
- Capture stunning photos of Costa Rica's natural beauty
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided boat tour through Palo Verde National Park
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tamarindo
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Hotel Pick up You will be picked up from your hotel journey one hour through the back roads of Guanacaste’s Sabanero (Cowboy Country) Province to Palo Verde National Park. 2 Hour Boat Safari on Tempisque River After a scenic guided drive, you will then hope into your boat and spend 2 hours on the Tempique River that borders the Palo Verde National Park, best known for its murky water and spectacular wetlands. Your naturalist guide will help to spot wildlife in the dry forest vegetation and mangroves. There are over 600 different species of birds, both local and migratory. Appropriately, this tour is a real treat for bird watchers, as you’ll have the chance of spotting a wide range of fowl that includes storks, egrets, spoonbills, grebes and more. Also be on the lookout for monkeys, iguanas, scarlet macaws, anteaters, crocodiles and caimans, which can often be seen lingering along the banks of the river. Costa Rica Style Lunch After your boat safari, you will be taken to eat a plentiful Costa Rican style meal called a Casado with rice, beans, salad, plantains, choice of meat, and more. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Guaitil Pottery Village Before heading back, we will visit the Guaitil Pottery village that is famous throughout Costa Rica and the rest of Central America for its pre-Columbian Chorotega style. They will show you how they make the pottery and there is an opportunity to buy some if you like!
Pass by: 7:20 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 6:30 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Pass by: 7:00 am
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible; participants should be able to navigate uneven terrain.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a boat ride.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a camera or smartphone to capture wildlife sightings and scenic views.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- 2 person minimum - if you are a single traveler, contact us to see which dates are open
Traveler reviews
Wildlife nature boat experience
The experience was fantastic. I highly recommend. We saw about 30 crocodiles, 15 monkeys and many different birds. The monkey almost jumped in our boat! My 2.5 year old loved it too! Defintely possible for all ages 0-100. No fitness levels needed. Bring your camera!
Ok Tour
Early start for the long drive to this location from our hotel. Driver was friendly and safe. Once arrived at the boat safari and loaded, our trip was somewhat chaos due to other tours getting on and off our boat after we had already left and done a portion of the tour on the river. We did see birds and monkeys and maybe that is why the boat driver only had us out for 45 minutes. We were expecting a longer boat ride of at least double that. Lunch was good. Very local food and cooked well. Return trip to hotel went as planned.
Palo Verde National Park River tour
Local company to Tamarindo. Kevin our tour guide and Alberto our driver were great, stopping to see some interesting spots off the beaten track. Very informative. Boat driver knew all the spots for birds and wildlife along the way. Very authentic lunch, cooked by lovely local women. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.
A+ Experience with Natives Way for our Costa Rica vacation
Absolutely A+ experience. We booked 2 tours with them (a private sailing trip for a day and a day trip to Palo Verde National forest) as well as all of our Airport Transfers. All the tours were great, with really friendly staff and punctual drivers. The Palo Verde river cruise was particularly excellent, we saw tons of wild life and the whole family had a great time. They also were great at handling our changing itinerary with flights. Absolutely recommend them!
Great wildlife and plenty...
Great wildlife and plenty of birds and monkeys to see :) and the crocodiles and the lunch was very good! And Carlos was awesome! Very nice and had alot of good information and great guide :)