Cahuita National Park Snorkel & Rainforest Hike, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

5.0 (4 reviews)
Explore the pristine Cahuita National Park while boating, snorkeling, and hiking in the jungle.

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

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
8 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
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

  • Daily
    7:00 am

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
  • Guide
  • Safety gear and equipment
  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fees

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Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 4 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.3
Transport
4.7
Cara
Cara A.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2025

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

Tips for future travelers

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.

E
Elizabeth Koshy R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024
Loved! Read more

Loved!

Tips for future travelers

Go!

Quality of Experience
Beauty and friendly guides
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
K
Kate R.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024
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. The hike after was also great. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the park, animals and was really friendly. Read more

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. The hike after was also great. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable about the park, animals and was really friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
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

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Itineraries with Cahuita National Park Snorkel & Rainforest Hike