The coastal hub of Puntarenas serves up several worthwhile boat excursions that won’t disappoint. My favorite picks include the Rainforest Hanging Bridges & Skywalk Tour – perfect for nature enthusiasts who want to see the canopy up close – and the peaceful Damas Island mangrove tour, where you’ll spot incredible wildlife. The standout is the Tortuga Island day cruise departing from either San José or Puntarenas, offering what I consider the region’s best beach experience with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Each tour includes transportation, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local meals. Let’s explore the top boat tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Rainforest Hanging Bridges & Skywalk Tour offers an intimate nature experience with close wildlife encounters and knowledgeable guides.
- The Tortuga Island Cruise Experience provides a full-day adventure with whale sightings, entertainment, and mixed traveler feedback.
- The Damas Island Boat Tour offers a serene mangrove exploration with lunch or early dinner and knowledgeable guides.
- The Tortuga Island Cruise from San José includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and optional water activities, although it may face long wait times and crowded conditions.
- Puntarenas shore excursions explore lush rainforests, Tarcoles River, and provide opportunities for spotting wildlife and souvenir shopping.
Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Skywalk & Tarcoles River Eco Cruise
Departing from the main gate entrance of the pier in Puntarenas, this shore excursion whisks passengers away to explore the lush rainforest and iconic Tarcoles River.
After a scenic drive, visitors embark on a 1.5-mile skywalk, traversing three suspended bridges high above the canopy to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
Then, they cruise along the Tarcoles River, renowned for its abundant crocodile population.
The tour also includes a stop in the quaint village of Santa Lucia for souvenirs and tropical fruit.
With a maximum of 200 travelers and exclusive access for cruise ship passengers, this excursion offers an immersive nature experience in the heart of Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Skywalk & Tarcoles River Eco Cruise Review
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Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Hanging Bridges, Skywalk Tour & Boat Tour
This Puntarenas shore excursion takes guests on an unforgettable journey through the lush rainforest and along the iconic Tarcoles River.
Beginning at 8 am, the tour includes a visit to the Rainforest Hanging Bridges, a Skywalk Tour, and a boat tour. Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours, the excursion is priced from $125 per person with a maximum of 50 travelers.
Highlights include close encounters with wildlife, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views of the rainforest.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems, the tour requires a moderate fitness level. Guests can enjoy bottled water, snacks, and tropical fruit during the experience.
Read our full review: Puntarenas Shore Excursion: Rainforest Hanging Bridges, Skywalk Tour & Boat Tour Review
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Tortuga Island Cruise From Puntarenas
For a full-day adventure, travelers can embark on the Tortuga Island Cruise from Puntarenas. The tour includes lunch, snacks, and beverages, as well as a knowledgeable guide and transportation from Puntarenas hotels.
While the overall rating is 4.0, some travelers have complained about late pickups, high drink prices, and disappointing breakfast quality. However, the boat ride and island experience are generally praised, with highlights like whale sightings and entertainment from the guide.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Tortuga Island Cruise From Puntarenas Review
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Damas Island by Boat Tour From Manuel Antonio
What better way to explore the serene mangrove forests of Damas Island than by taking a boat tour from Manuel Antonio? This 4-hour excursion operates with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 25 travelers.
Lunch or an early dinner is included, as well as a knowledgeable guide and transportation from your Manuel Antonio hotel. While gratuities and alcoholic beverages aren’t covered, souvenir photos are available for purchase.
Just be aware that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level.
With a 4.0 rating based on 2 reviews, the Damas Island boat tour is worth considering for your Puntarenas adventure.
Read our full review: Damas Island by Boat Tour From Manuel Antonio Review
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Tortuga Island Cruise With Lunch From San José
Travelers seeking a relaxing day trip from San José can embark on the Tortuga Island Cruise. This guided tour takes visitors to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Tortuga Island, located off the coast of Puntarenas.
The 5-hour experience includes round-trip transportation, a tour guide, lunch, snacks, and optional water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
While the overall rating is 4.5 stars, some customers have noted long wait times, crowded conditions, and additional costs for certain activities.
The Tortuga Island Cruise offers a scenic escape with its picturesque natural setting and variety of included amenities, making it a popular choice for day-trippers from the capital city.
Read our full review: Tortuga Island Cruise With Lunch From San José Review
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Recap
Puntarenas offers a variety of exciting boat tours and cruises. Explore the rainforest on a skywalk or hanging bridges tour, cruise down the Tarcoles River, or take a day trip to Tortuga Island. Damas Island is another popular destination accessible by boat from Manuel Antonio. With so many options, visitors can find the perfect water-based adventure to suit their interests.