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Things to do in Puntarenas

Our most recommended things to do in Puntarenas

From Puntarenas: Tortuga Island Full-Day Boat Trip

1. From Puntarenas: Tortuga Island Full-Day Boat Trip

Take a trip to Isla Tortuga, a island paradise with white sands and turquoise water. As a special treat, we will take you to the negritos Island wildlife refuge, island that is habited by spider monkeys. See dolphins and monkeys in their natural hábitat on way the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a private beach club and do snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters on this day trip from Puntarenas. Feel the ocean breeze in your face, take a panoramic photo of the Nicoya Stone Arch. This tour, is all day from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, offers a lot in one package.

Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

2. Jaco: Arenal Volcano, Fortuna Waterfall, & Hot Springs Tour

Tour the best locations of the Arenal Volcano area and learn about the nature of this unique destination. Swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, hike over lava trails, visit a look-out point to get the best views of the volcano on clear days, and soak in the hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano. Take the scenic route to the Arenal Volcano area and visit La Fortuna Waterfall, the most iconic of Costa Rica. Swim in its refreshing waters and admire the beautiful rainforest vegetation that surrounds this natural wonder, where wildlife can sometimes be observed. Stop for an authentic Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant located near the town of "La Fortuna." Then, prepare to take a hike over the lava trails from the volcano’s big eruption of 1,968. Take in the views at the volcano’s main look-out point and get the best views of this beautiful conic-shaped mountain on clear days. Arrive at “Paradise Hot Springs and Gardens” and relax for a couple of hours in the multiple hot spring pools surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, which also provide great views of the volcano on clear days. Finish this great adventurous day with a delicious dinner on the route back to your hotel.

Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

3. Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

Discover the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park from the water on this catamaran cruise. Search for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife as you cruise past tropical islands and white sand beaches. Enjoy lunch, fresh fruit, and soft drinks and fruit juice as you sail.  Be picked up from select hotels in a comfortable bus and transfer to a spacious catamaran that is equipped with bathrooms, waterslides, beach chairs, and snorkeling gear.  Set off on your cruise and discover interesting facts about Quepos and the Manuel Antonio park from the Costa Rican crew members that are eager to show you the best of Costa Rica. Look for spotted dolphins, humpback whales migrating, sea turtles, and manta rays.  Gaze out at mysterious islands, craggy cliffs, and unusual rock formations as you travel along the Manuel Antonio National Park's coastline. Keep an eye out for pelicans, boobies, and ibises which have breeding grounds here.  Be fully engaged as your guide answers your queries, points out interesting sites, and provides a brief overview of the area's history. Anchor in a safe location within the picturesque Biesanz Bay. Where you can snorkel thorugh schools of colorful fish.  Come back on board once you've finished snorkeling and savor an exquisite lunch which includes grilled fish brochettes with onion and green pepper, pasta salad with vegetables, fresh tropical fruits, and natural fruit drinks.  Conclude with a return trip to the Quepos marina and the opportunity to witness a dramatic tropical sunset on the way to the harbor (during summer afternoon tours). Transfer back to your pickup point by bus. 

Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

4. Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

During the 40-minute drive to the town, your guide will share interesting information about the history of Quepos and the area in general. Once you reach Londres, you will set foot on a picturesque property, where you can find restrooms, stables, a corral and an open-air waiting area. You will receive riding instruction, safety tips, and also get some practice time before heading out to explore the Costa Rican rainforest. This tour allows you to learn the exotic secrets that lie within primary rainforests, riding at a maximum altitude of 600 meters (1900 ft). The ride lasts about 2.5-hours (round-trip) and will be highlighted by amazing valley views, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is the beautiful Shaman waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. Lie on the grass or take a swim, or even both! After the break, you will return riding the same trail. At the end of your horseback riding tour you will be taken back to the riding center, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients and enjoy a little conversation before heading back to your hotel.

Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

5. Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip

Discover the flavors of Monteverde on this day trip from Monteverde or Santa Elena. Enjoy a day in the countryside and have the opportunity to taste local coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane on this tour to Costa Rican plantations. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up by a comfortable and spacious bus at your hotel in Monteverde or Santa Elena. Soak up the lush countryside on the way to a coffee plantation, which is situated in one of Costa Rica's top 8 coffee-producing regions. Learn about how this area has the ideal weather, required altitude, and volcanic soils to produce a fine cup of gourmet coffee. Sip on some coffee that is grown on site before hopping back on the bus and heading to chocolate farm. Complement your coffee tasting with a visit to the chocolate farm. Find out how to produce high-quality chocolate products. Indulge your sweet tooth as you try some fine Costa Rican chocolate. Continue to the sugar cane plantation to learn about its history, growing conditions, and processing. Have the opportunity to sip on some handcrafted sugar cane juice. Return to your accommodation at the end of your day trip.

From Puntarenas: Bioluminiscence Boat Tour with BBQ & Drinks

6. From Puntarenas: Bioluminiscence Boat Tour with BBQ & Drinks

Embark on a bioluminescence boat tour and see millions of glowing plankton. This tour start at 3:30 pm and end at 10:00 pm, sunset tour is included. After, chill on the beach we will enjoy a BBQ dinner in escondida beach club. At the night grows dark, get ready for a personal encounter with the bioluminescence phenomenon. See how the microscopic plankton produce natural light at the touch of your hand. Explore these organisms up close as your guide takes you on a journey, and even go and swim. At the end we will arrange your drop-off at you hotel or airbnb near puntarenas town.

Frequently asked questions about Puntarenas

What top attractions are a must-see in Puntarenas?

The must-see attractions in Puntarenas are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Puntarenas

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What people are saying about Puntarenas

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 13 reviews

The experience is mainly the horse back riding. The waterfall wasn’t much of a waterfall at all (although our guide did mention it was not in season) the height was disappointing. That being said it was such a cool experience! Great expedition for those who want something different. I went with a group of friend and we have great memories of this trip. Our guide was kind and made sure we were comfortable and safe. Highly recommend you don’t have any prior injuries since you will be on a horse and need to be healthy and of the weight limit. Thanks again! Pura Vida !

Nice walk along a beautiful river in a lush forest. Swimming in the Shaman's waterfall. The horses we ride are very docile and very gentle. We enjoyed our experience very much. Our host took pictures of us on horseback worthy of the most beautiful postcards .. Very pleasant experience :-) I recommend!

These folks have their act together! Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. The tour was very informative and interactive. It was one of the best things we’ve done in Costa Rica.

Very nice and informative tour. Would I book again, it was very worth it.

Super Tour und super Guide… I would recommend it to everyone