Top Puntarenas Day Trips

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.

Explore the vibrant underwater world at Tortuga Island with this full-day snorkeling adventure. Begin with a scenic 50-minute boat ride where you may spot playful dolphins and majestic rays. Once on the island, dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with beautiful marine life, including angelfish and spotted eagle rays. Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on the stunning white sand beach before your afternoon of relaxation or adventure. Whether you choose to hike, swim, or rent a kayak, the day promises to be filled with fun under the sun. - Full-day snorkeling tour including transportation from Mal Pais, or Santa Teresa - Bilingual guides and all snorkeling gear provided - Enjoy a BBQ lunch featuring fresh fish, chicken, or veggies - Relax on the beach or engage in various activities after snorkeling - ZumaTours official operator

The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Soar over 11 waterfalls on this thrilling zipline adventure, less than one hour from the Puntarenas cruise port. Experience 18 zipline cables, a Tibetan bridge crossing, waterfall rappelling, and a refreshing dip in a natural pool. With stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya, blends of adrenaline and nature in a short time frame that's ideal for cruise ship passengers.

Escape the crowds and discover Isla Tortuga. While others go straight to the island, we take you on a wildlife adventure to spot Spider Monkeys, magnificent frages birds and dolphins before relaxing on exclusive private beach spot on Isla Tortuga. Includes a gourmet lunch, unlimited refreshments! Spend 5 hours on the island with one hour of snorkeling tour. Zero Stress: From the lighthouse to the lunch table, everything is handled by the expert crew.

Experience the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and natural beauty, without the logistical hassle, on this full-day shore excursion from Puntarenas. Look for white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, and birds on a boat cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of Puntarenas port, taste fresh tropical fruit, enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, and shop for authentic Costa Rican coffee.

Marvel at one of Costa Rica's most impressive volcanoes and get close to its enchanting wildlife on this 2-in-1 combo tour. Stand above the steaming fumaroles and lake-filled crater of Poas Volcano with direct summit access, and then admire smaller-scale natural wonders at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a beautifully landscaped animal sanctuary. A typical Costa Rican lunch and hotel pickup complete this all-inclusive tour.

Spend a day exploring Costa Rica’s beauty away from the beach on this guided shore excursion from Punta Arenas. Head out with a guide and a small group of 15 people or fewer to discover the region’s highlights, including the tropical fruits grown in nearby “fruit towns,” a wildlife area known for its population of white-faced monkeys, and a sail down the lush Tarcoles River. Tour includes entrance fees and all transportation with port or hotel pickup and drop-off.

Get your heart racing on this cloud forest adventure on a private reserve in Monteverde. Ride ziplines over the forest canopy, rappel down to the forest floor, climb inside of a tree, and more, for a family-friendly excursion that brings you closer to nature.

Witness the enchanting beauty of Costa Rica's coastline on the Sunset and Bioluminescence Tour. As the sun sets over the Pacific, embark on a magical evening where shimmering waters come alive with bioluminescent organisms. This tour combines natural wonder with a serene atmosphere, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a unique experience. Enjoy knowledgeable insights from expert guides, ensuring a memorable adventure as you explore the vibrant marine ecosystem. - Experience a stunning sunset followed by a captivating bioluminescence display - Ideal for nature enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic outing - Led by experienced guides providing insights into local ecology - Tour duration includes both sunset viewing and nighttime exploration

Begin your experience exploring the jungle where you will be surprised by the monkeys' mischief in their natural habitat. You will be able to observe his family dynamics, agility and incredible wit. Then, the tour continues with an exciting boat ride through the mangroves and rivers where you will meet majestic crocodiles. You’ll see these impressive reptiles in their natural surroundings, while the expert guide tells you all about their behavior. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique combination of wildlife and breathtaking scenery! Book now and be amazed by nature at its finest.

Instead of dealing with the hassle of planning your own day trip to Tortuga Island, booking this tour means an expert has sorted everything out for you—from what you’re eating to the best local spots for swimming to how you’re getting from A to B and back again. But your day isn’t micro-managed—there’s plenty of time to relax on the island too.

Explore the magnificent Monteverde Cloud Forest across six spectacular hanging bridges. Then visit our Sloth Sanctuary, created with the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, featuring rescued sloths in a natural habitat. These gentle creatures, saved from poaching, habitat loss, illness, and accidents, now have a safe haven. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about these iconic mammals and their unhurried lifestyle. Observe them from a respectful distance as they move leisurely through the trees, offering a rare glimpse into their world where time slows down. This conservation-focused experience combines education with the opportunity to appreciate Costa Rica's beloved wildlife in their element.

Disfrute de lo mejor de isla Tortuga en esta excursión privada de día completo. Viaje allí en barco y no se pierda los delfines por el camino. En la isla, disfrute de un espacio privado en la playa, esnórquel, observar monos araña y visitar el espectacular arco de piedra con vistas a la isla y el océano. Será un gran día para familias o grupos de amigos.

Explore the Nicoya Península and Curu National Wildlife Refuge with this private guided tour from Santa Teresa. Visit secluded beaches and walk along nature trails to see all manner of wildlife that calls the reserve home. Your naturalist guide is there to help you spot creatures that range from howler monkeys and scarlet macaws to iguanas and coati. This private tour requires a minimum of two people.

Experience the mist-shrouded treetops and incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest on a shore excursion from Puntarenas. Travel from the Pacific Coast to the country’s higher altitudes, where you'll explore a vast array of tropical flora and wildlife while hiking across six suspended bridges. Recharge with included lunch, and then learn about the lifecycle of Costa Rica's most famous import on a coffee plantation tour.

Visit Carara Adventure Park on an action-packed day tour from Puntarenas. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to the privately owned reserve, which contains lush rain forest and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Experience the rain forest canopy up close as you fly down the zipline course, which features 12 cables and three hanging bridges. Then take a 1-hour boat cruise to look for crocodiles, monkeys, and more.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable natural wonders. With this tour, venture to the heart of the cloud forest on a self-guided trek and enjoy magnificent views of the Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles volcanoes. Cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch, and enjoy a short horseback ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde and Santa Elena are included for convenience.

Experience the Magic of Costa Rica’s Glowing Waters! Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars as we explore bioluminescence. Departing from Puntarenas, the boat tour takes you into the calm, dark waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, where millions of tiny organisms light up the sea with every movement. The tour begins at 3:30 PM, featuring a scenic boat ride and free time on the beach. Discover the exclusive Escondida Beach Club and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner with local flavors, included in your tour.

This exceptional activity allows you to fully customize your birdwatching experience in the remarkable Tilara mountain range. Thanks to its unique geographical location, this area has many bird species, many of which are endemic or native to this region. This adds a magical and distinctive flair to your adventure and enhances your opportunity to observe unique species from the enchanting, humid tropical forest, also known as the cloud forest.

This three-part tour makes for an excellent shore excursion. First, take a guided city tour as you make your way to Carara National Park, where you’ll enjoy a dune buggy ride through the rainforest and along scenic beaches. Finally, enjoy a eco-boat tour—look for aquatic birds, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, massive crocodiles and other tropical fauna.

Spend a day out in the natural beauty of Monteverde, and see how many types of plants, birds, and other animals that you come across. You’ll visit several places today, all organized by your guide, so you just need to enjoy being out in the cloud forest. You’ll visit the Biological Reserve, Treetopia Park (Sky Adventures), and the Wildlife Refuge all in one day’s tour.

Experience Costa Rica’s Central Pacific from the rainforest floor, among the treetops, and along the wildlife-rich Tárcoles River—all in one five-hour shore excursion. Follow a naturalist guide through the tropical forest and across three hanging bridges, then board a boat to search the riverbanks and mangroves for American crocodiles, scarlet macaws, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Finish at the Crocs Skywalk for one final elevated perspective over the river. Together, the rainforest walk and river cruise offer a closer look at two remarkable ecosystems—and several distinct perspectives on Costa Rica’s biodiversity—in a single port day.