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Wildlife & Waterways: Jaguar Rescue & Tortuguero Canals Tour

Puerto Viejo · Caribbean Coast

Wildlife & Waterways: Jaguar Rescue & Tortuguero Canals Tour

4.2from 5 traveler ratingsup to 7h

Ratings aggregated by Viator and Tripadvisor. ToursCR does not collect its own reviews.

About this experience

Explore the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in one full day. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center to see rescued animals up close, taste local coffee and cacao, and discover handmade crafts. Cruise the Tortuguero Canals, spotting sloths, monkeys, caimans, and tropical birds in their natural habitat. End the day at Playa Bonita, enjoying the ocean and Caribbean flavors at your own pace. A hands-on experience of wildlife, local culture, and coastal life.

Description supplied by the tour operator via Viator.

Getting there

Hotel pickup in Puerto Viejo

Picks up at 14 listed locations, including:

  • Colina Secreta Glamping And Villas
  • Manzanillo Caribbean Resort
  • Olinca Boutique Hotel
  • aWa Beach Hotel
  • Terrazas Del Caribe Hotel
  • Namu Hotel Garden Spa
  • +8 more

Pickup details are confirmed with the operator during booking.

Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

Where

Banana Plantation Tour And Gift Shop

What you'll do

  1. Jaguar Rescue Center is a temporary home for sick, injured, and orphaned animals. With a focus on monkeys, sloths, other mammals, birds, and reptiles, the JRC provides veterinary services, 24-hour care, and comfort to animals that might not otherwise survive in the rainforest or Caribbean waters.

    1.5h hereAdmission included

  2. Explore a local souvenir shop with authentic Costa Rican crafts and enjoy a complimentary tasting of freshly brewed coffee and flavored cacao (like caramelized or cinnamon). When available, a short 15-minute walk through the adjacent garden showcases tropical plants such as pineapple, cacao, cinnamon, ylang ylang, and noni. The highlight is a live demonstration of how a banana plantation processing system works, an engaging look at one of Costa Rica’s most important exports.

    30 min here

  3. One of the top highlights of the tour, this peaceful boat ride takes you through the Tortuguero Canals, often called the "Amazon of Costa Rica" for their rich biodiversity. As you glide along the calm waters surrounded by lush vegetation, your guide will help you spot wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and a wide variety of tropical birds. The boat features a roof, comfortable seats, and life jackets, making it an ideal experience for guests of all ages.

    1h hereAdmission included

  4. Our final stop is at Playa Bonita, a relaxed and scenic spot where you can unwind by the ocean. Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical smoothie, a cold beer, or a Caribbean cocktail, this is your moment to relax and soak in the view. Feeling hungry? We recommend trying the famous Rice and Beans cooked in coconut milk, or patacones, the crispy green plantain chips beloved across Costa Rica. It’s the perfect ending to a day full of culture, flavor, and discovery

    40 min here

  5. As we drive through the heart of Puerto Limón, your guide will share engaging stories about the city’s history, culture, and Afro-Caribbean roots. You’ll pass landmarks like Parque Vargas, the lively Municipal Market, the Limon Cathedral, and colorful neighborhoods that reflect the unique rhythm of this coastal city. It’s a panoramic and informative ride that brings the spirit of Limón to life.

    Drive past, no stop

What's included

Included

  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Professional guide
  • Fresh fruits
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
2 more included
  • Port pick up and drop off
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (only from Limon)

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Tips (optional)

Good to know

  • Moderate fitness needed

Guided in en, es.

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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