Tours and Activities > Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and Ocotal Tours > Palo Verde River Boat Tour
Cruise down the Tempisque River inside Palo Verde National Park to see one of Costa Rica's most fascinating and precious ecosystems: the dry tropical forest. On this riverboat safari cruise, your guide will spot wildlife such as herons, crocodiles, and monkeys and share interesting facts about the region’s unique biodiversity and essential cultural history.
Duration
6 hours
Transportation
Included
Certified
Bilingual Guide
Mytanfeet
Customer Service
Palo Verde River Boat Tour
The Palo Verde River Boat Tour is one of the best half day experiences to do from the Guanacaste coast.
This leisurely tour combines sightseeing and wildlife watching all in one, so you can learn about the precious tropical dry forest, the Tempisque Valley and River and its cultural importance and see unique wildlife.
Your day begins with a scenic drive through rural Guanacaste, past sugarcane and melon plantations, small towns and open countryside, leading to the banks of the historic Tempisque River. Your guide will share the cultural and economic importance of the Tempisque River, and you'll get a glimpse of this local tradition still taking place in this modern day and age (only available for those getting transportation).
Afterwards, you'll head to the river boat dock, to board a comfortable covered river boat to begin the cruise. Your trusty local boat captain will drive the boat down the river, while your expert bilingual naturalist guide points out flora and fauna along the way, explaining the crucial insights about the park’s rare dry tropical forest and wetland habitats.
Animals you may see are crocodiles, caimans, bats, monkeys, herons, kingfishers and iguanas.
This experience is ideal for visitors of all ages, ideal for seniors and young children as it requires minimal walking and no strenuous movement.
Starting $110
per person
Free cancellation
if cancelled before 24 hours of start time
Full cancellation policies below
Palo Verde River Boat Tour Highlights
- Scenic river cruise down the Tempisque River in Palo Verde National Park.
- Wildlife viewing opportunities to see crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, birds and more.
- Minimal walking. Easy level.
- Well maintained dock for easy on and off boarding.
- Private service, only your group is with the guide.
Watch Our Video of the Palo Verde River Boat Tour Below
What is Included?
Additional Information
- Tour must be prepaid in full to book and confirmation will be sent upon booking.
- Half day tour, usually operating in the morning (~7 AM) with return in the early afternoon (~1230 PM).
- The riverboat is covered and has seats with plastic seat backs.
- No swimming involved.
- The tour is suitable for guests of all ages, including young children and seniors.
- Restrooms and shaded waiting areas available at the river boat dock site.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing and shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Binoculars (optional) and camera (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
If we have our own transportation, how do we meet the guide?
If you have your own rental car, you will meet your guide in Filadelfia, and then follow them in your car to the river dock. The meeting time is normally 8 AM for the afternoon tour. If you wish to have an afternoon tour, please let us know in the comment section, the meeting time is usually around 11 AM.
Is there a difference in the tour with transportation vs no transportation?
The tour with transportation includes a stop by the Tempisque River river to see the local areneros en rÃo y
boyeros, the local river sand collectors and traditional oxcarts for transportation. This is not included in the tour without transportation.
For both the tour with and without transportation, there is a short presentation of traditional Guatil pottery.
For those doing the Palo Verde river boat tour with transportation, the guide will also stop along the drive if they spot special birds like Scarlet Macaws.
What kind of wildlife can we see?
It is possible to see corrensponding wildlife that live in the wetlands and dry tropical forest such as crocodiles, howler monkeys, white faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, herons, egrets, kingfishers and storks.
You do not see sloths on the Palo Verde river boat tour as they do not live in this type of ecosystem. If you wish to see sloths in the wild, the Guanacaste rainforest sloth tour is the best option.
How long is the boat tour itself?
The river cruise typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.
What are the driving times?
Zone 1 is around 1 hour to Palo Verde.
Zone 2 is around 1.5 hours to Palo Verde.
Palo Verde to the lunch spot is about 10-15 minutes.
Is this tour suitable for kids and seniors?
Yes, definitely. The only physical activity required for the Palo Verde river boat tour is walking from the shuttle to the boat dock and boarding the boat.
Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible, as participants cannot bring their wheelchair onto the boat. They must be able to walk on the dock which has handrails, onto the boat.
The guide and driver will assist anyone who may require some assistance walking on the dock and boarding the boat.
You will be sitting on the boat for the whole cruise, and the boat is covered.
Do we need binoculars?
Binoculars are not required but highly recommended if you wish to do your own wildlife spotting and to see the animals closer. The guide will not be able to provide a viewing telescope due to the boat logistics.
Will there be other people on the boat since we have a private tour?
Yes. The private service means that it will be only your group in the shuttle bus and only your group with the guide. There may be others on the same boat as your group, but the guides will space the groups out as much as possible. No one else will join your group to be with your guide.
What should I wear?
We recommend lightweight, comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. You do not need hiking boots or shoes, as there is minimal walking. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses as the strong is very strong.
Is breakfast included?
No. Only lunch is included which will be after the boat tour. You will need to get your own breakfast.
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