Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park Excursion, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Explore the pristine Cahuita National Park while boating, snorkeling, and hiking in the jungle

Overview

Discover the natural beauty of Cahuita National Park on this action-packed half-day excursion. You'll start your adventure at the beach, climbing on board a boat for a scenic 20-minute cruise to Cahuita Point. If conditions allow, you'll have the chance to snorkel just off the coast near the park's most extensive coral reefs, spotting tropical fish, stingrays, octopuses, and nurse sharks. Take a snack break with tropical fruit before heading off on a guided hike through the rainforest. The chances are good that you'll see monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs, and more.

Highlights

  • Explore Cahuita National Park on a guided excursion
  • Boat, swim, and hike in the park's wilderness
  • Snorkel around a coral reef with colorful fish, stingrays, and sharks 
  • Spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more on a nature hike

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
A snack is included

What you'll do

Take a short drive from your accommodations to Cahuita National Park. Meet your guide and hear a safety briefing before you board a boat for a 20-minute cruise to Cahuita Point.

If the sea conditions are favorable, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy two snorkeling sessions off the coast near the park's largest coral reefs, looking for tropical fish, stingrays, octopuses, and nurse sharks. The best time of the year for snorkeling is from July to October, as the sea is typically too rough between December and March. Still, regardless of the time of year, the boat ride is a great way to approach Cahuita Point and start your exploration of the park. 

Fuel up with a spread of tropical fruit on the beach before heading out on your one-hour guided hike through the coastal rainforest. Since the region is home to an abundance and diversity of wildlife, the chances are good that you’ll see monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs, and other creatures.

After the hike, you are transferred back to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where the journey ends.

Start times

  • Daily
    7:00 am

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Safety gear and equipment
  • Snack
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fees

Traveler reviews

M
Marcin B.
Petaluma, CA | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023
A great kayaking trip up the river. Lot of wildlife, gets very quite after a while (once you are past the howler monkeys) Read more

A great kayaking trip up the river. Lot of wildlife, gets very quite after a while (once you are past the howler monkeys)

Tips for future travelers

Take a good camera with you

Quality of Experience
Lot of wildlife in a short time
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guy was often more interested in taking pictures on his own vs letting us get closer to the animals
Transport
on time

Itineraries with Cahuita National Park Excursion

Costa Rica Wildlife Road Trip - 8 Days

This self-drive tour is ideal for families who love animals and exploring the outdoors. You'll spot plenty of the country's adorable mammals like sloths and monkeys, as well as rare species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and tropical fish. Along the way, stay at unique eco-lodges

Caribbean Coast Adventure - 9 Days

On this 9-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs.  This itinerary is ideal for travelers going to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during these rainy months. It's also the best time to see turtles nesting on the beaches in Tortuguero National Park (July-October).

Wildlife, Rainforest & Beach Adventure - 14 Days

Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy "pura vida".

Caribbean Coast Adventure Tour - 11 Days

On this 11-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs.  This itinerary is ideal for travelers going to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during these rainy months. It's also the best time to see turtles nesting on the beaches in Tortuguero National Park (July-October).

Coast to Coast Cycling Adventure in Costa Rica - 15 Days

This 15-day Costa Rica adventure involves a 154-mile (248-km) crossing from one coast to the other. It's ideal for those who thrive in different physical disciplines, which on this trip includes mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. It's a physically demanding route that traverses mountains, rivers, and rural villages as you cross the Continental Divide and make your way to the Caribbean coast.