Cahuita National Park Snorkel & Rainforest Hike, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Explore the pristine Cahuita National Park while boating, snorkeling, and hiking in the jungle.
Super fun day of snorkelling (even though the visibility was poor) and guided walk though Cahuita National Park. Our guide was great and we got to... Read more
Loved!
Highly recommend this tour! The boat ride and snorkeling were amazing. There is so much aquatic life to see and we went to a few spots.... 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)
Overview
Experience the natural beauty of Cahuita National Park on this action-packed half-day guided excursion. Begin with a scenic 20-minute boat ride to enjoy snorkeling sessions, if conditions allow, among vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and perhaps even spot a harmless reef shark or stingray. Afterward, relax with a fruit and snack break at Punta Cahuita before embarking on a guided hike through the coastal forest, home to monkeys, sloths, and colorful frogs. This activity offers a perfect blend of aquatic exploration and wildlife viewing, ideal for fans of nature and a little adventure.
Highlights
- Snorkel among Costa Rica's largest system of coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life
- Enjoy some beach time as you snack on fresh fruit with a (Caribbean Sea) view
- Hike through a coastal forest to spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and poison dart frogs
- Benefit from knowledgeable guides who share insights about the park's diverse ecosystems
Know before you go
4 hours
8 years old & up
Small group
A snack is included
What you'll do
Begin your adventure with a convenient early morning pickup that starts in Manzanillo and works its way up the coast to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, where you'll be greeted by your driver and guide. As you journey to Cahuita National Park, your guide will share fascinating insights about the local area, setting the stage for the wonders you'll encounter. Upon arriving at the park entrance, you'll receive a thorough safety briefing to prepare you for the day's activities.
By 8:30 am, you'll embark on a scenic 20-minute boat ride that takes you to two prime snorkeling spots in the largest coral reef system of Costa Rica. Equipped with snorkeling gear, you'll plunge into the vibrant underwater world, home to six species of coral and an array of colorful tropical fish. Keep an eye out for the occasional harmless reef shark or stingray gliding gracefully by. These snorkeling sessions provide a spectacular opportunity to witness the rich marine biodiversity in crystal-clear waters.
After your underwater exploration, the boat drops you off at Punta Cahuita, where you'll relax and enjoy a refreshing fruit and snack break on the beach before it's time to hike through the coastal forest (about an hour). Your guide will point out the endemic wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs, iguanas, and various bird species.
By 11:00 am, you'll return to the van for a short break before heading back to your hotel, arriving by noon.
Start times
-
Daily7:00 am
What's included
- Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Safety gear and equipment
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
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Get startedSee alternatives
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Private Surf Lesson at Salsa Brava
Learn to catch a wave at Salsa Brava, one of the Caribbean's most legendary surf breaks! Located near the colorful town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this area offers some of Costa Rica's best surfing conditions. Enjoy a private two-hour lesson that is both family- and beginner-friendly, with options for travelers of all ages. After a 15-minute intro on the beach, you'll head into the water with your surf instructor. Even first-timers can usually stand up on their surfboards and ride their first waves by the end of the class. Note that participants must be able to swim.
Kayak Adventure & Rainforest Hike in Punta Uva
Enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica from land, ocean, and river! During this half-day adventure, you'll hike in the rainforest and kayak at one of the most beautiful beaches on the country's Caribbean coast, Punta Uva, known for its calm reef-protected water and white sand. Paddle along a coast lined with cliffs, caves, and dense forest, then continue along the river at Rio Punta Uva, spotting monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, river turtles, bats, and iguanas. Head back to the beach for a swim in the sea and a fresh fruit snack break on the sand. Finally, join your naturalist guide for a short hike into the rainforest.
Jaguar Rescue Center, BriBri Chocolate, & Waterfall Tour
Start your day at the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center and witness the incredible work done by Encar and her team. Learn about the rehabilitation of wild animals and the Center's dedication to protecting the South Caribbean's diverse wildlife. Next, visit a Bribri family farm and discover the traditional process of chocolate-making. End your day with a refreshing dip at a stunning waterfall hidden within the lush jungle.
Traveler reviews
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4.7
Super fun day of snorkelling (even though the visibility was poor) and guided walk though Cahuita National Park. Our guide was great and we got to experience and interact with a ton of monkeys, racoons, and birds. Even saw an eyelash viper
The guided hike though Cahuita National Park is one you won't want to miss. We had up close encounters with so many animals and birds during our guided walk.
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
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