Jungle Crocodile Adventure
A safari-style boat tour on the Tárcoles River to see wild American crocodiles, some over four meters long, up close and safely.
* Rack rates before Costa Rica's 13% VAT. Includes hotel pickup & certified bilingual guide. Book now, pay later.
The experience
A 20-minute drive from Jacó brings you to the Tárcoles River, home to one of the densest crocodile populations anywhere in the world. From a stable river boat you get close to these animals in the wild, with a guide who reads their behavior and knows the water.
It is more of a relaxed wildlife cruise than a white-knuckle ride, which is why it works for families. The crocodiles are the headline, but the river is thick with birds and other wildlife too.
Your guide points out the mammals, birds, and reptiles that thrive in this mangrove and river system as you cruise. From October to April the migratory birds arrive, and you can spot ospreys, gulls, terns, cormorants, pelicans, and frigates working the water.
There is no shortage of photo opportunities, so keep the camera ready. When the tour wraps, transport is waiting to take you back to your hotel. This pairs well with a day at Carara National Park, which is just up the road and famous for its scarlet macaws.
Highlights
- Wild American crocodiles seen up close from a safe, stable boat
- One of the highest crocodile concentrations in the world, on the Tárcoles River
- Waterbirds in numbers: herons, roseate spoonbills, ospreys, pelicans, and more
- Seasonal migratory species from October to April, including terns and cormorants
- A short, easy outing that fits between other plans
- An expert naturalist guide who knows the river
What's included
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
- The guided river boat tour and equipment
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide
- Park entrance fee
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and a snack
What to bring
- Light, comfortable clothing and shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Hat or visor
- Binoculars and camera
A typical day
- Hotel pickup in Jacó or Herradura (8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, or 3:30 PM)
- Short 20-minute drive to the Tárcoles River
- Guided boat tour to view crocodiles and river wildlife
- Birdwatching along the banks and mangrove channels
- Return drive to your hotel
Departures & pickup
- Departs from Jacó and Herradura, about 3 hours round trip, from $87 per person.
- Four start times daily: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
- Migratory birds are most varied from October to April.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You view them from a stable boat at a safe distance, with a guide who has years of experience on the river and knows the animals' behavior.
The Tárcoles has one of the highest crocodile concentrations in the world, so seeing several, some very large, is typical.
Yes. The tour is more educational than scary, though younger children should be comfortable on a small river boat.
Waterbirds such as roseate spoonbills, herons, and pelicans, plus iguanas and occasionally monkeys along the bank.
Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Light clothing is best for the boat.
About 3 hours door to door from Jacó, including the short drive each way.
Ready to book Jungle Crocodile Adventure?
Free hotel pickup, certified bilingual guides, book now and pay later.
Prefer just your group? Take this tour private →
