If you want to see crocodiles in Costa Rica, then you have to stop at the crocodile bridge at the Tarcoles River. This river is one of the most well known in the country, largely because of the crocodiles.
This post was updated October 15, 2019.
Tarcoles River (Crocodile Bridge) Location
Costa Rica crocodile bridge map
The Costa Rica crocodile bridge is 73 kilometers (45 miles) from San Jose, about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive.
How to get there
You have to pass this bridge if you are going to Jaco, Manuel Antonio, the South Pacific or Osa Peninsula if you plan to drive on the Costanera Sur (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.
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 has already had many years of contamination and 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!
The Bridge
You’ll know you have reached the bridge when you see lots of cars, a hotel, small market, several souvenir shops and lots of people walking around.
After you park your car, walk onto the bridge and make sure to use the handrail. Be VERY careful when you walk on this bridge because there is no dedicated pedestrian lane and cars drive fast! The railing is also not the highest so don’t rush or run.
The best side to see the crocodiles is on the left (coming north from San Jose). 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 and 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.
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!
Another Viewpoint
We aren’t huge fans of walking on the Tarcoles bridge but lots of tourists like to do it to see the crocodiles. For a safer experience, we recommend to visit the restaurant right next to the bridge called Hacienda NOSAVAR. It’s actually now owned by the Doka Coffee Estate and they offer coffee and food. Their breakfast is very good and the restaurant has an exclusive view point below the bridge for clients.
There is a barrier between the river and you can see the crocodiles very well.
This is a nice place to stop for food, bathroom and photos.
Connie Hough says
What a ride! We saw beautiful birds, but the amount and size of the crocodiles was amazing! Keep your hands in the boat!!!
Micky says
I am in Monteverde and want to go to the beaches (Manuel Antonio etc) next. I also would love to see these crocs. They offer a shuttle including the tarcolis for $159,- That is 109,- more then the just the shuttle to Manuel.
I figured it might be cheaper to go from Manuel to the crocs myself. Do you have any suggestion?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Is that with a tour down the Tarcoles river? Or you just want to stop at the bridge and see the crocs because an extra $109 just to stop and see the crocodiles is a lot. The river boat tour down Tarcoles river is $55 with transportation when you book the tour with the company like Jose’s Crocodile Tour. You could take the bus instead which is cheaper and take the bus from Monteverde to Puntarenas, Puntarenas to Jaco and then take the crocodile river tour from Jaco. And then you can take a bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio easily.
Jim Wei says
I read in the news that someone fell( or jump) off the bridge and was met with the unthinkable fate of eaten alive by the crocs. Not a place I want to hang out for long. Sorry to hear about this person’s misfortune.
yeison says
Hi Mr Wei,
Yes it was a Nicaraguan that was very drunk, very sad news but honestly I don’t know what what this guy had in his mind. Swim with crocs humm not a good idea.
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy says
I’d love to see all these crocodiles in the wild! They always *seem* harmless because they hardly move…yes, i really just said that haha
Sammi says
Haha I agree, they are cool to look at… from a distance lol
Globalmouse says
Oh my goodness they are SO scary!!! I would love to see them in the wild like this but I would be so scared….those terrible little teeth!! Your photos are brilliant.
Sammi says
Thanks! I know the upclose picture of the one with all their teeth hanging out… I would not want to be in between those!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs says
Wow, the crocodiles! So many in one place! Would love to see that!
Sammi says
It’s pretty cool!
Katie @ From Shores to Skylines says
I love that picture of the croc walking – it looks so awkward, but you know its deadly! The rest kind of remind of one of those Indiana Jones movies with all the crocodiles waiting at the bottom of the river to gobble you up. I can’t believe the guides get out and feed them – that sounds about as safe as a swim would be.
Sammi says
I know right? They are crazy! But I guess they love it and it does give a great thrill. No thank you for me though, I will be watching several (hundred) feet away!
Erin says
Scary, scary, SCARY. Amazing that they have endured since prehistoric times.
Sammi says
I know isn’t that crazy? All those teeth… scary!
Jim says
I hate to pick on your number but I have to say 25/mxm is not possible but more like 25/kmxkm. They sure look big in your photo. Each is probably over 2 meters long and weighs more than 100 kilos. Amazing sight to see so many crocs in one place. I am glad I was not there to do bridge survey when the bridge was built.
Sammi says
Thanks Dad 🙂