Palo Verde Boat Safari

From$130
3 hours
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

About this activity

Experience the rich biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on a guided boat tour from Tamarindo, offering wildlife sightings and expert insights into Costa Rica's natural beauty.

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

Discover the wonders of Costa Rica's wildlife on the Palo Verde Boat Safari. This guided tour takes you through the lush landscapes of Palo Verde National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity. Glide along the Tempisque River, where you'll have the chance to spot crocodiles basking on the banks, playful monkeys swinging through the trees, and a variety of exotic birds soaring above. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the park's unique ecosystem, enhancing your appreciation of this natural paradise. With hotel pickup and drop-off from Tamarindo, this half-day adventure offers a convenient and immersive way to connect with Costa Rica's wildlife. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and memorable moments of this unforgettable journey.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided boat tour through Palo Verde National Park
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tamarindo
  • Meals and beverages

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

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

4.6
160 reviews
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Educational & Interesting Tour in Costa Rica!

I will be honest and say that I didn't go in to this tour expecting a lot. I had read mixed reviews. However, I found it to be exceptional. We had Frank as a driver and Kevin as a guide and they were both amazing. Kevin gave us so much helpful information about Costa Rica, and even stopped to buy us fruit at a stand when my MIL asked what it was! One caution: If you experience motion sickness, be sure to take your medicine and/or bring it along. The final road to the park is essentially a rocky riverbed and is really bumpy! They do provide lunch and it was fine. The pottery demonstration was fine too--I knew to expect it. It was an enjoyable way to spend the day and learn a lot. We also got to see crocodiles (babies and adults), monkeys (also babies and adults), lots of birds, bats and more.

PSUEmilyJul 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR

The tour was really well....

The tour was really well. The boat captain did everything he could to see us the most wildlife possible and he allowed me to come up front to get pictures. Our guide was great with calling a local man to explain how the original tribe made pottery.

Amanda_BJun 20, 2026VIATOR

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!

Passport565043Apr 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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.

ID_Sun_ChaserApr 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

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.

Canadian905Apr 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

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