If you want to see crocodiles in Costa Rica, then you have to stop at the crocodile bridge of the Tarcoles River. This river is one of the most well known rivers and places in the country because of the crocodiles.
It’s a popular tourist stop for those heading to Jaco, Manuel Antonio and the South Pacific.
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A Little Information About Tarcoles River
The entire river watershed covers over 2000 kilometers (1242 miles) and empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Additionally, Tarcoles River begins at the point where two different rivers meet creating the border of the Carara National Park.
Unfortunately, Tarcoles River is one of the most contaminated and polluted rivers in Costa Rica. Despite the contamination, an abundance of wildlife depends on the river for survival due to its key location.
Furthermore, the river also helps irrigate agricultural lands and generates electricity.
The government and local community has implemented programs to clean up the river but it already has many years of contamination so it will take a long process to clean. It is considered an unsafe place to swim obviously.
It is best to check it out from a distance, especially because of the sheet amount of crocodiles in this river!
So when you’re driving to the South Pacific, don’t miss the crocodile bridge in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge
The crocodile bridge in Costa Rica is a great stop to stretch your legs. It’s such a popular stop that there are souvenir stores, restaurants, ice cream shops and bathrooms right at the bridge.
If you’re driving, you can park on either side, there are spaces to park in front of the shops or restaurants.
We highly recommend taking turns to the bridge, so that one person can stay with the car at all times if you have luggage in the car. Car theft can occur here so take your valuables, roll up windows and lock your doors. Try to park where all the other tourist buses are.
After you park your car, walk onto the bridge. There is a pedestrian barrier running the full length of the bridge but be careful if crossing the street since cars drive very fast on the bridge.
The crocodiles move around sometimes so they’ll be on the right or left hand side, straight down.
Peer down slowly and you will be blown away by the sheer amount of huge crocodiles laying right under the bridge.
The amount of American crocodiles in this river is simply astounding.
So much so that this river is considered to have the highest population of crocodiles in the world. And these guys are massive.
Thanks to the large numbers of these feisty reptiles, the crocodile bridge is a fascinating stop. People love to see these animals in the wild!
If you book a private shuttle, you can ask the driver to stop at the crocodile bridge. Shared shuttles and public buses don’t stop.
Contact us to book your private transfer!
If you decide to stop and walk onto the bridge, PLEASE do not do anything stupid like pretend to hang off the bridge, climb over the railing or drop food down into the river. Be a responsible tourist please!
How to Get to the Crocodile Bridge
You have to pass this bridge if you are going to Jaco, Manuel Antonio, the South Pacific or Osa Peninsula via the Costanera Sur Highway(Route 34).
The crocodile bridge is in the small town of Tarcoles, about a 20 minute drive north of Jaco.
From San Jose Airport, you will get on the Route 1, then Route 27 and exit at “Jaco.” Continue driving down south on this road, the Route 34 for about 45 minutes before reaching the bridge.
Tarcoles River (Crocodile Bridge) Location
The Costa Rica crocodile bridge is 73 kilometers (45 miles) from San Jose, about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive.
On Google Maps, enter “Crocodile Bridge” and make sure it is the one going over River Tarcoles, near Hacienda NOSAVAR.
Another nice stop close by if you have some more time is the Peñon de Guacalillo. It is a coastal viewpoint with picnic tables, bathrooms and a very cool view.
More posts on beaches/attractions in the area
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Jay Meyer says
Today our car was broken into just minutes after we parked our car to see the crocodiles at the Tarcoles River bridge. Car doors were locked but they still found a way to get in and steal our credit card and $400 cash. They rummaged through all of our packs and tried to zip it all back so we would be unaware of the theft. The only reason we knew something was up was because they threw my camera lens into the back seat and forgot to put it back into my camera bag. To our surprise, they left our computers, phones and camera equipment and only took our money and Credit card. Within 90 minutes, they had made $3000 in purchases at the local Walmart. We asked locals why were were lucky with our valuable items and they said their main goal is money and NOT stuff. Once they found the credit card, their main goal was buying time to rack up purchases… which is why they didn’t steal our stuff. I’m a veteran traveler, traveling outside the US 3+ weeks a year and still fell victim. Warning! Don’t leave cars unattended in Costa rica for any reason… and take valuables out with you.
Paula Gimbel says
While visiting in February 2018 we stopped here to use the restrooms n grab a drink. I was astonished to find out and see that these crocodiles live under the bridge. What a Amazing time! These creatures were mesmerizing to watch! There was a Tico that was telling us story’s about how this guy was flying his drone over them, of course to capture up close videos. He said one of the crocodiles jumped up out of the water and caught the drone n that was the end of his drone people think they are slow moving Nope!! It’s a fun place to stop and take Beautiful pictures. I’m happy we stopped to use the restrooms! Happy Crocodile watching, it’s worth the stop Pura Vida Costa Rica
Rod says
Any idea why they hang out there? Just asking for a friend.
Sammi says
The locals fed the crocodiles to get them to stay right under the bridge
Sam says
Just letting you know and any one else stopping by that the Hacienda NOSAVAR is no longer there. There’s two larger restaurants on both sides of the highway and lots of little shops afterwards but none that look like they have a view of the river. Crocs are still there 😀
Sammi says
hi Sam, thanks for the feedback, looks like they moved the restaurant onto the other side.
Monica says
Can you suggest any other good places to stop at when travelling from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio?
Thank you!
Sammi says
Jaco is a good stop for food as it has a ton of options
Ninno says
No. Only that bridge!