Day Trips · Morning · River Safari
Tempisque River Safari: Palo Verde Wildlife Tour
A private boat safari through Palo Verde National Park, home to Costa Rica's largest concentration of American crocodiles, monkeys and hundreds of bird species.
About This Trip
Private River Safari in Palo Verde
See Costa Rica's most spectacular wildlife on a private river safari through Palo Verde National Park, one of the most biodiverse wetlands in Central America. After a scenic 90-minute drive through the Guanacaste countryside, you'll board a covered riverboat for a 2-hour safari on the Tempisque River, home to the largest concentration of American crocodiles in Costa Rica and over 250,000 birds during peak season.
Transportation is completely private: your group, your vehicle, your pace, from hotel pickup in Playas del Coco to a traditional Costa Rican lunch and back. It's perfect for families, wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
On the River
What You'll Experience
-
Private Scenic Drive Through Guanacaste
A private air-conditioned transfer through rural Guanacaste, past sugarcane, watermelon and cantaloupe farms, with your bilingual naturalist guide sharing the history and culture of the region.
-
2-Hour Tempisque River Safari
Cruise the protected wetlands of Palo Verde National Park in a covered motorboat. Your guide moves slowly through the river's wildlife-rich channels for close-up encounters and photos.
-
Guaranteed Wildlife
Crocodiles, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys and giant green iguanas live here year-round. In the dry season, roseate spoonbills, scarlet macaws, herons, egrets, kingfishers, wood storks and hundreds of migratory species gather along the banks.
-
Traditional Costa Rican Lunch
After the safari, sit down to a traditional casado (rice, beans, fresh plantains, salad and your choice of protein) cooked fresh in a wood-fired kitchen.
Trip Information
- Duration
- Morning tour, with 2 hours on the river
- Pickup
- 7:30 AM pickup, back about 1:30 PM
- Difficulty
- Easy, no hiking required
Private air-conditioned transport, about 90 minutes each way. Round-trip hotel pickup included from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, RIU Guanacaste, RIU Palace and Gulf of Papagayo resorts.
Prices
- 2 people (private) $350
- 3 people (private) 0
- 4 or more, per person 0
Prices in US dollars. Groups of 6 or more: contact us for group rates.
Trip Highlights
- 2-hour Tempisque River wildlife boat tour
- Crocodiles, monkeys and iguanas, sightings guaranteed
- Best birdwatching in Guanacaste
- Expert bilingual naturalist guide
- Private air-conditioned transport from Playas del Coco
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch included
- Family friendly, no hiking required
What's Included
- Private round-trip air-conditioned transport from Playas del Coco and surrounding resorts
- Expert bilingual naturalist guide
- 2-hour covered riverboat wildlife safari
- Palo Verde National Park entrance fees
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch and water
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes and light clothing
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars, if you have them
- Camera or smartphone
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us online, by phone or on WhatsApp and we'll reserve your spot. Transportation is available from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal and many Gulf of Papagayo resorts.
Yes. It's one of the best wildlife experiences in Guanacaste, with crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and hundreds of bird species along the Tempisque River.
Absolutely. It's one of the most popular trips for visitors who want to see Costa Rica's wildlife and wetlands away from the beaches, and you're back at your hotel by early afternoon.
The Tempisque is home to crocodiles, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, iguanas, bats, herons, egrets, kingfishers and dozens of other bird species, with sightings year-round.
Yes. The boat tour is comfortable, relaxing and suitable for all ages, with no hiking required. Kids especially love seeing the crocodiles and monkeys.
Yes. Transportation is available from RIU Guanacaste, RIU Palace Costa Rica, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and many Gulf of Papagayo resorts.
Plan Your Day
Ask About a Day Trip
Tell us which trip, your date and how many people, and we'll confirm availability and pickup details.
"*" indicates required fields
Book Your Palo Verde Wildlife Tour
Crocodiles, monkeys and tropical birds, just 90 minutes from Coco Beach, with private transport, an expert naturalist guide and a traditional lunch. You're back at your hotel by about 1:30 PM, with plenty of time left for the beach.
Message Us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)