puerto limon costa rica tours

THE 10 BEST Puerto Limon Tours & Excursions

Puerto limon tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour

2. Tortuguero Canals Including Playa Bonita and Puerto Limon Highlights

3. Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion

4. Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

5. Sloths Lovers Tour. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

6. Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon

7. Tortuguero Canals Tour and Puerto Limon Highlights PRIVATE

8. Maratopia. The tropical jungle garden in Puerto Limón.

9. Snorkeling! & Cahuita national park Private Sightseeing Tours

10. Shore Excursion: Caribbean Highlights Tour from Limon

11. Zipline Canopy Tour & Tortuguero Canal Boat tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

12. Jaguar Rescue Center & tortuguero canal

13. Chocolate tour in indigenous area BriBri & Cahuita National Park

14. Sloths Lovers - Highlights and Culture of Limon Combo Tour

15. Private Transfer Puerto Viejo Limon To San Jose hotels or airport

16. Shore Excursions to butterfly garden and Tortuguero Canals

17. Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion from Limon

18. Adventure Combo Tour: Zipline adventure and Tortuguero Canals

19. City tour and beautiful beach

20. Highlights 7 in 1 combo tour tortuguero canals - Shore Excursion

21. Cahuita National Park

22. Cahuita National Park plus Waterfalls

23. Zipline adventure & Rainforest Hanging Bridges-Skywalk

24. Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour Shore Excursion from Puerto Limon

25. Combo Tour from Puerto Limon

26. Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

27. Zipline and Canal Tour

28. Full-Day Jaguar Rescue Center and Cahuita National Park Tour

29. BriBri Indigenous Village Chocolate Tour, Cahuita and Waterfalls

30. Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

What travelers are saying.

• Tortuguero Canals Including Playa Bonita and Puerto Limon Highlights
• Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour
• Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon
• Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion
• Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion from Limon
• Syltravel Day Tours
• Relax Day Tours
• Your Lucky Tour
• Greenway Nature Day Tours
• Tortuguero Wildlife Tour
• Ride The Rainforest Costa Rica

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Puerto Limon is a popular cruise ship port on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Central America. It is a popular travel spot for vacationers and cruisers interested in eco-adventures and local Costa Rica Shore Excursions. Due to the lush jungle and rainforest surrounding the city of Limon, tours, and cruise shore excursions that involve flora and fauna along with outdoor activities are numerous. Puerto Limon started as a port for the exportation of those famous Costa Rico coffee beans.

Top 6 Puerto Limon Excursions

• National Park & Nature Combo ($109.99)
• Highlights & Shopping. 6-in-1 ($127.99)
• Half Day ($64.99)
• Tortuguero River & Zipline ($164.99)
• Rainforest & Banana Plantation ($99.99)
• Puerto Limon Tortuguero and Banana ($104.99)

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• Round-trip transportation from your Puerto Limon cruise ship terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured shore excursion transportation!
• Trilingual (English, Spanish, German), Naturalist local excursion guide!
• Entrance fee to the Cahuita National Park!
• Boat ride down Tortuguero Canal!
• Fresh, tropical fruit samples!

• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified shore excursion guides!
• All entrance fees are included!
• Guided sightseeing and highlights in Limon!
• Shopping, sightseeing, highlights, rainforest, and much more!
• See and do it all in this one Puerto Limon Costa Rica cruise shore excursion!

• Multi-lingual (English, Spanish, German), Naturalist local Puerto Limon excursion guide!
• Boat ride on the Tortuguero Canal!

• English-speaking shore excursion guide!
• All entrance fees and zipline equipment are included!
• 11 great Costa Rica jungle zip lines!
• Tortuguero river cruise!
• Puerto Limon City sightseeing is included!

• English-speaking certified shore excursion guide!
• A unique insight into Costa Rica's rainforest, flora, and fauna!
• Educational and entertaining!

• English-speaking certified guide!
• Tortuguero River boat ride!
• Guided visit to the Del Monte Banana Plantation!
• Fresh fruit sample!

• Round trip transportation from your Puerto Limon cruise ship terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed and insured transportation!
• English speaking certified guides!
• River Rafting!
• All necessary safety equipment (shin pads, helmet, life vest, etc)!
• Delicious picnic lunch served at the river bank!
• Complimentary bottled water and seasonal fruit!

A RELAXING CHOICE

Seamless experience, back on time guarantee, satisfaction guaranteed, small groups, tour packages.

Cahuita National Park Excursion

Around Limon Excursion

Zip Line and Tortuguero Canals Excursion

Tour reviews.

Relax Tour was amazing. Larry was our tour guide showing all of Costa Rica. Our 7 hours tour was great. From banana plantation to fruit stand. Water boat on the canal showing us a close-up views of sloths and taking pics with our camera. Then off the beach to get something to drink and eat . Then stopped at a hotel with murals. We even stopped at a pharmacy to get a passenger some needed meds. Highly recommend this tour. Frederic was great getting right back to us when we lost the time and meeting place for our tour. Thank you.

Our group of 9 ladies had a fabulous, entertaining, educational and fun-filled day with Larry as our awesome guide and Giovanni as our awesome bus driver! All correspondence with Federico was quick, complete and professional. He was patient with all my questions and provided precise instructions with a map for meeting in the port area. The well organized tour featured the highlights of the the Limon area and included a lovely visit to a fruit stand where we were given free samples and had the opportunity to purchase local produce, food, drinks, and coffee to take home for souvenirs. We also walked through a lovely banana plantation, saw monkeys, sloths and a wide variety of birds on the Tortuguero Canal. Our boat driver and Larry were great at spotting wildlife and maneuvered the boat so that all could have a good view and take photos. We also enjoyed a stop at Playa Bonita where we enjoyed mojitos, margaritas and local beers. Some took a brief swim but most just walked along the lovely beach. We had frequent rest stops and several opportunities for brief souvenir shopping. It was a perfect day in lovely Limon thanks to our Guide Larry who made sure everyone was safe and had a good time. Larry was everything we like to see in a guide: informative, entertaining, attentive and well organized. And as an added bonus he was funny and he could sing! If you are wondering what you should do while in Limon, now you know! Relax Day Tours!

Larry was awesome, knowledgeable and entertaining. Best excursion during our Panama Canal cruise. Worked well with the adults as well as the one young man in our group. If your not sure what to do in Limon, do this.

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SHORE EXCURSIONS FOR Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

*Shore excursions are based on availability, and may not be available based on your cruise dates and itinerary.

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Highlights of Limon Tour

Puerto limon costa rica.

Tour Information

Location: Limon, Costa Rica

Approx Duration: 6 hours Departure time: 8:00 AM

Price: $115.00 Adults  / 86.00 Children

Activity Type: Ecological & Educational Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Restrictions: NO

Note: All our tours have 8:00 AM as departure time. However, if your ship arrives at 8:00 AM, we will move the Pick Up time to 9:00 AM. For ships arriving late, we will adjust and confirm by email.

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Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is the biggest city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the capital of Limón province, and a hardworking port that sits removed from the rest of the country. Cruise ships deposit dazed-looking passengers here between October and May, but around these parts, business is primarily measured by truckloads of fruit, not busloads of tourists. Aside from the cruise crowd, Limón can be a good base for adventurous urban explorers.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Puerto Limón. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Playa Bonita

Located 4km northwest of Limón, Playa Bonita has a pleasant sandy beach and a couple of happening bar-restaurants. .

The sea wall offers pleasant views of the rocky headland and the mesmerizing waves crashing against the concrete jetty. After dark this is a popular make…

Parque Vargas

The city’s waterfront centerpiece won't ever win best in show, but its decrepit bandstand, paths and greenery are surprisingly appealing, all shaded by…

A retro architectural landmark in the center of town.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Costa Rica

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Puerto Limón with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Top Tours in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Puerto limon tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour

2. Tortuguero Canals Including Playa Bonita and Puerto Limon Highlights

3. Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion

4. Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

5. Sloths Lovers Tour. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

6. Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon

7. Tortuguero Canals Tour and Puerto Limon Highlights PRIVATE

8. Maratopia. The tropical jungle garden in Puerto Limón.

9. Snorkeling! & Cahuita national park Private Sightseeing Tours

10. Shore Excursion: Caribbean Highlights Tour from Limon

11. Zipline Canopy Tour & Tortuguero Canal Boat tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

12. Jaguar Rescue Center & tortuguero canal

13. Chocolate tour in indigenous area BriBri & Cahuita National Park

14. Sloths Lovers - Highlights and Culture of Limon Combo Tour

15. Private Transfer Puerto Viejo Limon To San Jose hotels or airport

16. Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion from Limon

17. Adventure Combo Tour: Zipline adventure and Tortuguero Canals

18. City tour and beautiful beach

19. Highlights 7 in 1 combo tour tortuguero canals - Shore Excursion

20. Cahuita National Park

21. Shore Excursions to butterfly garden and Tortuguero Canals

22. Cahuita National Park plus Waterfalls

23. Zipline adventure & Rainforest Hanging Bridges-Skywalk

24. Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour Shore Excursion from Puerto Limon

25. Combo Tour from Puerto Limon

26. Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour. Shore Excursion from Limon

27. Zipline and Canal Tour

28. Full-Day Jaguar Rescue Center and Cahuita National Park Tour

29. BriBri Indigenous Village Chocolate Tour, Cahuita and Waterfalls

30. Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

What travellers are saying.

• Tortuguero Canals Including Playa Bonita and Puerto Limon Highlights
• Cahuita National park & tortuguero canals and more!! 6 in 1 tour
• Full-Day Tour to Cahuita National Park from Puerto Limon
• Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion
• Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion from Limon
• Syltravel Day Tours
• Relax Day Tours
• Your Lucky Tour
• Greenway Nature Day Tours
• Tortuguero Wildlife Tour
• Ride The Rainforest Costa Rica

• Costa Rica Home
• Arenal and La Fortuna
• Corcovado & Osa Peninsula
• Dominical & Uvita
• Manuel Antonio
• Nicoya Peninsula
• Puerto Viejo
• Shore Excursions

Transportation

• Top 5 Shore Excursions

Puerto Limon

Puerto limon shore excursions, puerto limon shore excursions from puerto limon cruise ship terminal.

• ** All Puerto Limon Shore Excursions from Puerto Limon Cruise Ship Terminal

Puerto Limon Highlights Tour (6 in 1)

Tortuguero Canals Tour + Cahuita National Park Hike

Sloth Lovers Excursion - Tortuguero Canals + Cahuita

Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour + Limon Banana Plantation

Cahuita National Park Hike + Limon Banana Plantation

Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion Puerto Limon

Veragua Rainforest Park from Puerto Limon Cruise Ship Terminal

• ** All Veragua Rainforest Park from Puerto Limon Cruise Ship Terminal
• Puerto Limon Zipline Adventure
• Veragua Rainforest Eco-Adventure Shore Excursion Puerto Limon

Puerto Limon Eco Adventure Combo

Costa Rica Aerial Tram + Tortuguero Canal Shore Excursion

Private Shore Excursions in Puerto Limon

• ** All Private Shore Excursions in Puerto Limon

Private Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

Caldera & Puntarenas

Caldera & puntarenas shore excursions, full day shore excursions departing puntarenas & puerto caldera cruise ship ports.

• ** All Full Day Shore Excursions Departing Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports
• Puerto Caldera & Puntarenas Highlights Tour
• Costa Rica Hanging Bridges + Tarcoles River Cruise
• Puntarenas Eco Adventure
• Villas Lapas Eco Reserve by Wagon + Tarcoles River Eco Cruise
• Horseback Riding on the Beach + Tarcoles Crocodile Tour
• Tortuga Island Tour

Dune Buggy & ATV Shore Excursions From Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports

• ** All Dune Buggy & ATV Shore Excursions From Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports
• Rainforest & Rivers ATV Adventure + Tarcoles Crocodile Safari
• Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park Shore Excursion Costa Rica
• Off Road Buggy + Tarcoles Crocodile Safari

Private Shore Excursions From Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports

• ** All Private Shore Excursions From Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports
• Private Puntarenas Shore Excursion
• Private San Jose Sightseeing Tour
• Private Manuel Antonio Express Tour
• Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Express
• Private Poas Volcano Express Tour
• Private Arenal Volcano Tour Express

Half Day Public Shore Excursions Departing Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports

• ** All Half Day Public Shore Excursions Departing Puntarenas & Puerto Caldera Cruise Ship Ports
• Costa Rica Horseback Riding on the Beach
• Express Hanging Bridges Shore Excursion Costa Rica
• Tarcoles River Crocodiles Half Day Shore Excursion
• Half-Day Rainforest & Rivers ATV Adventure Costa Rica
• Express Puntarenas Zip Line Adventure
• Villas Lapas Eco Reserve by Wagon

Airport Transportion

• Liberia Guanacaste Private Transfers
• Liberia Guanacaste Shared Shuttle Transportation
• San Jose Private Airport Transportation
• San Jose Shared Airport Transportation

Ground Transportation

• Caribbean Shuttles - Costa Rica to Panama
• Hotel + Car Rental Package (Free Pass)
• Hotel + Shuttle Tranportation Package (Free Pass)
• Hotel to Hotel Private Transportation
• Hotel to Hotel Shared Shuttle Transportation
• Multi Destination Transportation (Flexipass)

Costa Rica Domestic Flights

Smart connection tour deals.

• San Lorenzo Adventure Park (Lands in Love)
• Rio Balsa Class II/III
• Rio Pacuare Class III/IV
• Rio Sarapiqui Class III/IV
• Veragua + Canopy Tour
• Veragua Aerial Tram + Nature Park
• Tortuguero 2 Day
• Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
• Rafting, Hike & Indigenous Visit

LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP. YOU'RE JUST A CLICK AWAY

Costa rica shore excursions departing from puerto limon.

Visiting us for just one day on a Costa Rica cruise? Our amazing Puerto Limon Highlights tour packs in all the most popular things to do in Puerto Viejo and Limon into one amazing shore excursions in Costa Rica! Take a short historical tour of Puerto Limon, Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rainforest at the Cahuita National park.

Retail: $125.00

The Real Deal: $113.00

Retail: $100.00

The Real Deal: $90.00

Puerto Limon Highlights Tour deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $93.00 per Adult and $80.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Unlike most tours that advertise seeking out sloths up close & personal, this tour focuses on seeking out and observing sloths in their own natural environment rather than a confined reserve or sanctuary. If you love sloths and seeking out wildlife in general, this is the ultimate shore excursion in Puerto Limon for you!

Sloth Lovers Excursion - Tortuguero Canals + Cahuita National Park Tour deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $93.00 per Adult and $80.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

If you love chocolate as much as we do, then this is the shore excursion in Puertro Limon for you. The indigenous of Costa Rica have cultivated Cacao for centuries. You will walk the rainforest where the cacao is grown seeking out wildlife, visit the chocolate museum, learn the process of turning cacao into the delicious chocolate treats, then of course sample some of the best chocolate in Costa Rica.

Chocolate Lovers Shore Excursion Puerto Limon deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $93.00 per Adult and $80.00 per Child in cash must be paid the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Nature is culture in Costa Rica, so it is no surprise that one of the most popular shore excursions in Puerto Limon is a mix of both. Take a guided boat tour down the Tortuguero Canals seeking out monkeys, then visit a banana plantation to get to know more about that monkey’s favorite treat!

Retail: $99.00

Retail: $79.00

The Real Deal: $73.00

Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour + Limon Banana Plantation Combo Tour deposit is $15.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $75.00 per Adult and $63.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Nature and culture combine into one fabulous shore excursion in Puerto Limon. First, take a leisurely stroll through one of Costa Rica’s most wildlife intense reserves, Cahuita National Park. Then get to know a bit about the unique culture of the Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast with a tour of a banana plantation in Limon.

Retail: $95.00

The Real Deal: $86.00

Retail: $75.00

The Real Deal: $70.00

Cahuita National Park Hike + Limon Banana Plantation Tour Tour deposit is $15.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $71.00 per Adult and $60.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

This super combo combines a boat tour on the Tortuguero Canals with a nature walk through the Cahuita National Park. A true highlight of Costa Rica's passion for ecotourism at its best! If you love nature and seeking out wildlife, this is the ultimate shore excursion in Puerto Limon for you!

Sorry no longer available. If you are looking for something similar, we recommend our Sloth Lovers Excursion .

Tortuguero Canals Tour + Cahuita National Park Hike Tour deposit is $15.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $74.00 per Adult and $58.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Costa Rica is famous world-wide for 2 of its amazing eco-adventures, the original canopy tours, and the Tortuguero Canals. Wanna check both off your bucket list? The Limon Eco Adventure combines both amazing activities into one amazing shore excursion in Puerto Limon.

Retail: $165.00

The Real Deal: $148.00

Puerto Limon Eco Adventure Combo Tour deposit is $25.00 per Adult and $25.00 per Child. (The balance of $123.00 per Adult and $123.00 per Child must be paid in cash the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

One of the best nature tours in Puerto Limon for the whole family! Explore the rainforest canopy on an aerial tram in the Veragua Nature Park, then explore the wildlife hidden in the Tortuguero canals on a boat tour. This shore exccursion in Puerto Limon is your best chance for Nat Geo worthy photo ops!

Retail: $145.00

The Real Deal: $116.00

Costa Rica Aerial Tram + Tortuguero Canal Shore Excursion deposit is $25.00 per Adult and $0.00 per Child. (The balance of $123.00 per Adult and $116.00 per Child in cash must be paid the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Veragua Zipline Canopy Tour

If you are bit of a thrill seaker, this Puerto Limon shore excursion is for you. Visit the most famous zip line tour in Costa Rica, the Original Canopy tour at the Veragua Nature Park!

Retail: $135.00

The Real Deal: $121.00

Retail: $115.00

The Real Deal: $97.00

TEMPORARILY NOT AVAILABLE

Veragua Zipline Canopy Tour deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $101.00 per Adult and $87.00 per Child in cash must be paid the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Veragua Rainforest + Aerial Tram

If you're looking for a unique eco-adventure in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, look no further than our Veragua Rainforest Aerial Tram and Trails tour! Traverse the park's 3500 acres on an aerial tram in the rainforest canopy. Then explore the trails easly walkable nature trails of the Veragua Biological Research Station!

Retail: $130.00

The Real Deal: $120.00

Veragua Rainforest + Aerial Tram deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $10.00 per Child. (The balance of $100.00 per Adult and $80.00 per Child in cash must be paid the day of the tour) Departure times will be in your e - ticket.

Customize your perfect shore excursion in Costa Rica. You will have 6 hours to explore Costa Rica with a naturalist guide who will help you find the best places to eat, shop, and see all there is to see wihin reach of the Puerto Limon cruise ship port. Choose from a van for up to 6 pax, or a minibus for up to 16 pax!

Van up to 6 Pax:

Retail: $475.00

The Real Deal: $456.00

Minibus up to 16 Pax:

Retail: $875.00

The Real Deal: $806.00

Private Puerto Limon Shore Excursion deposit is $100.00 per vehicle. (The balance of $356.00 per vehicle in cash must be paid the day of the tour) Further instructions and pick up time will accompany your e-ticket.

See All Tours In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

If you have your own transportation, or if you have a group of 4 or more, many activities in Puerto Viejo are available to cruise ship passengers for an additional transportation cost. Check out all the things to do in Puerto Viejo and contact us for a quote!

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Limon Shore Excursion

Howler Monkeys, Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

Limon Shore Excursion – Get to Puerto Limon

We arrived in Puerto Limon or Limón on the Coral Princess  in November for our Limon Shore Excursion. The November weather was sunny, hot and humid with early morning heavy clouds. Only about 70,000 live in Limón. It’s a poor town on the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica. Most people earn a living working for Dole and Delmonte, who export large volumes of bananas and pineapple. Organized land based Costa Rica tours usually don’t include Limón. Those tours head north from San Jose to Monteverde and then visit places on the Pacific Coast. Most tourists visit mainly from cruise ships that stop as part of Panama Canal voyages.

Banana Plantation Harvest

Limon Shore Excursion – Banana Plantation Visit

The first stop on our Limon Shore Excursion was a banana plantation visit. As the tour bus left the harbor, we drove through the open market area beside the port. The level of poverty was a bit shocking. After a short drive we arrived at the banana plantation. Our guide provided a tour of the harvest and processing of bananas right through to the final preparation for shipping. The main point I remember is that our guide explained that green bananas taste the best, but Americans don’t like to buy green bananas. Workers harvest the bananas so that the bananas will turn yellow just as they arrive on the shelves in the United States. Our guide thought it was very sad that most people don’t get to eat green bananas.

Tortuguero Canals, Puerto Limon Shore Excursion

Limon Shore Excursion – Train Ride

The second part of our Limon Shore Excursion was a train ride. The train ride itself wasn’t very impressive. The train cars were small and old. The route for the train ride skirted industrial areas of Limón. We received a pleasant surprise though when we reached an area of thick rainforest. Howler monkeys were making loud noises in the tree branches above the train. The engineer stopped the train ride and shut down the engine while we listened to the howler monkeys. You could also step out between the train cars to get a good view of the excitement above. The howler monkeys totally changed our opinion of the train ride.

Blue Heron, Tortuguero Canals

Limon Shore Excursion – Tortuguero Canals

The third part of our Limon Shore Excursion was a boat ride in the Tortuguero Canals. Limón is on the flood plain / delta created from the rivers generated by the mountains to the west. The  Tortuguero Canals are a series of man-made and natural waterways that extend many miles up the coast between Limón and Tortuguero National Park. The southern portion of the canals terminates at few miles north of Limón, so that’s where our Limo Shore Excursion headed. You have the chance to see sloths, crocodiles, river turtles, iguanas, green basilisk lizards, monkeys (howler, spider and white-faced capuchin), bats and many varieties of birds.

Jesus Christ Lizard, Green Basilisk, Tortuguero Canals

Jesus Christ Lizard

On the short bus ride to the Tortuguero Canals, we saw signs along the coast line of the 1991 earthquake. Reefs were permanently raised slightly above sea level, which made the bay look like rumble from an ancient ruin. On our boat cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, we were fortunate enough to see a sloth high up in the rainforest canopy. I was surprised by all the birds, which you can get quite close to. The blue heron was a beautiful dark blue, which was far more colorful than the grey blue of herons in North America. My favorite sighting was a Jesus Christ Lizard or green basilisk lizard, hiding behind a palm branch. Jesus Christ Lizard’s get their name because their light flat bodies allow them to scurry quickly over the surface of water. They “walk on water” just like Jesus Christ.

Tortuguero Canals Cruise Boat

Other Things to do in Limon

For those who have more time than just a shore excursion, there are lots of other things to do in Limón. You can find turtles or tortugueros along the Caribbean coast. The egg laying season is from April to May for leatherback turtles and July to October for green turtles. Visit a sloth sanctuary near town. Travel north to Tortuguero Village at the mouth of the Tortuguero River in Tortuguero National Park . Or go rafting on the Reventazon River. If you arrive in Limón in October you can watch the  Carnaval del Caribe , which is an annual one week celebration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

Limon Shore Excursion Slide Show

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Home » Destinations » Caribbean Coast » 15 Fun Things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

15 Fun Things to do in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: January 7, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica is one of the largest cities in Costa Rica and definitely worth your time to explore! It’s a beautiful port city, also known as Port Limon, located on the eastern coast of the country. Limon is also a destination location for many cruise ships, so there are always things happening at Port Limon. 

As the capital of Limón Province, Puerto Limón is the hub of activity and has a good mix of tourism and culture. All around the Limón Province, you will find everything Costa Rica has to offer from ziplining to river cruises, great food to amazing beaches, and everything in between. There are so many things to do both culturally and recreationally in Puerto Limón that you will not want to miss this amazing Caribbean city!

In this blog, we have gathered up the top 15 things to do in Puerto Limón that will give you all the best parts of Costa Rica in one centralized location! 

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our list of absolute favorite things to do in Limón!

• Snorkel the reef at Cahuita National Park.
• Go ziplining through the rainforest canopy!
• Relax in the sun and the sand at Playa Bonita.
• Spend the day on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Pacuare River.
• Search for sloths at Vargas Park.

Things to do in Limón, Costa Rica

1. explore cahuita national park .

When visiting Costa Rica, spending time in nature is a must! A hike in Cahuita National Park will show you some of the best of the wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer . Spot monkeys in the trees, snakes, and lots of rare birds of Costa Rica .

Cahuita National Park is located just south of Cahuita town around 45 minutes south of Puerto Limón. The park is open every day from 8 am to 4 and the park asks for a $5 USD entrance donation (cash only) per person to keep the park beautiful and preserved.

Exploring Cahuita is done by walking the 5-mile (8-kilometer) hiking trail (one way) through the park. Visitors can walk as far as they want before turning around. Along the trail, there are stunning beaches to explore as well as lots of wildlife.

One of the main attractions of the park, and the reason it was created in the first place, is the snorkeling on the reef. With that said, the reef was damaged during an earthquake in 1991 which lifted the seabed 10 feet (3 meters.) You need to book a tour in order to snorkel the reef as a permit is now required.

While you can visit and explore this park on your own, there are multiple guided tours you can choose from to have a more in-depth experience.  This tour will give you an amazing wildlife experience  along with the fauna of the park. It includes transportation to and from your hotel and even snacks! 

If you have your own transportation and can meet the guide at the entrance,  this tour is an excellent walking tour of the park .  

2. Explore Veragua Rainforest

Veragua Rainforest  is located about an hour west of Limón and is one of the best places to see a sloth and other wildlife near Limón. Along the hiking trails through the park, you can see amazing biodiversity including frogs, butterflies, monkeys, and of course, sloths.

There is also an ariel tram that takes you up into the trees and up close with all the amazing animals living there!

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, and standard admission which includes the walking trails and aerial tram, is $62 USD. If you have your own vehicle, you can just drive out to the park and purchase your ticket, exploring on your own.

This guided tour costs $153 USD  and will provide transportation from Puerto Limón, your entrance ticket to the park, and a ride on the aerial tram. You’ll also get to explore the stunning trails that wind their way around the forest and visit a waterfall. The best part is, with a guide, you’ll see a lot more wildlife!

3. Cruise the Tortuguero Canal

The Tortuguero Canals are known as Costa Rica’s Amazon. A part of Tortuguero National Park , these canals are a true maze of waterways that run down the coast of Costa Rica. They are rich with wildlife and the views are spectacular.

The park was set up in 1971 to protect the rare wildlife here which includes the Green Turtle and the best way to travel these canals is to take an open-air boat tour. 

This tour  will provide transportation both ways to and from Port Limón. It also includes a guide that will be able to point out the amazing animals that live along the riverfront. Tours start at only $107 USD and start running early in the morning until late. 

If you have your own transport to Tortuguero then you can simply purchase tickets for the boat tour and meet at the Almonds Dock.

4. Go ziplining 

If you want to get up close and personal with the rainforest surrounding the Tortuguero Canal, take a zipline and canopy tour! A trip to Costa Rica is not complete until you are soaring through the canopy of the rainforest, and Tortuguero Canal is one of the most beautiful places to experience it. 

This tour is a great combination adventure  of both the Tortuguero Canals river cruise and zip line tour. It’s perfect for those short on time. You will see animals in the rainforest and the water as well as get a great introduction to the area. The tour starts at 8 am and leaves from Puerto Limón.  

5. Relax at Playa Bonita

The name itself, Playa Bonita or Beautiful Beach, should convince you to visit this amazing beach. It is located on the north side of the Limón region in a little inlet that allows for great surfing, relaxing on the beach, or playing in the sand. 

This beach can be reached by taxi if you plan to visit on your own and spend as much time as you would like. If you are looking for a quick visit to the beach but still be able to walk on the sand, you can  take a combination tour like this one  that will give you the best of the beaches as well as the entire Puerto Limón including a banana plantation. The tour costs around $60 USD and lasts upwards of 4 hours.

6. Go snorkeling 

One of the most unique spots in Limón, Costa Rica is located just off the coast, and snorkeling is the best way to see it all. Cahuita, Playa Bonita, Playa Cieneguita, as well as others along Puerto Limón offer excellent snorkeling spots and scuba diving where you will get the chance to see beautiful coral reefs, amazing fish, and other wildlife. You may even get to encounter turtles swimming by!

If you travel further south to Puerto Viejo , you can take a snorkeling tour out to see a shipwreck sight. It is a beautiful and adventurous way to get in the water and get in touch with nature. 

This specific Cahuita National Park snorkeling tour  is an excellent option if you are looking for a basic, private snorkeling tour that is safe and has all the gear included and will take you to see amazing coral reefs and creatures.

It’s a private tour too so only your group will go which means you’ll have more opportunity to learn from your guide and ask questions.

Related Read: Want to spend more time in Puerto Viejo? Check out the best hotels in Puerto Viejo !

7. Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting down Pacuare River is a must-do for adventure seekers. This river is located about 60 minutes north of Limón and is accessible by taxi or through a guided tour. 

The Pacuare River is considered one of the most scenic and beautiful rivers in all of Costa Rica and offers a range of rapids all in one trip. You will get to see lots of wildlife and amazing plants while on your trip down the river, as well as paddle over level III-IV rapids. 

It should come as no surprise that this is one of the best places to go whitewater rafting in all of Costa Rica !

Check out this tour  for an all-day whitewater rafting adventure priced at $132 USD. You will travel over 18 miles of river, and transportation from Limón is included in the package.

8. Visit a Banana Plantation

Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest exporters of bananas , which means there are many places to see them growing and harvested. There are several plantations near Limón. 

You can visit one on your own or  tour a plantation with a guide like this experience . It includes a cruise on the Tortuguero Canal with a tour through the Del Monte banana plantation along the way. You can learn about how bananas are grown, watch how the very skilled workers harvest the bananas, and even purchase fresh bananas to enjoy! 

9. Head to Puerto Viejo

This cute town is located down the coast from Limón and is excellent for spending a day in town, on the beach, or both! Puerto Viejo arguably has some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Costa Rica! 

From the black sand beach of Playa Negra to the crystal blue waters of Playa Puerto Viejo, it is a must-see when visiting Limón Province. But Puerto Viejo offers many more things to do than just beaches ! 

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting a wildlife refuge (more on that below, #13 in this blog) as well as snorkeling among the amazing sea creatures. For those a bit more adventurous, Puerto Viejo offers amazing surfing and even a dive into a sunken ship off the coast. 

There is so much to do in Puerto Viejo you may need to make it a separate trip!

10. Make chocolate the traditional way

When you think chocolate, you probably don’t think of Costa Rica first, but you will now! Costa Rica has a rich culture and many indigenous tribes throughout the country. You can escape the more touristy areas of Costa Rica and visit a village of the Bribri tribe to learn how to make chocolate in a very traditional way. 

This experience will get you to the village and back , as well as experience making chocolate, and learning all about the Bribri tribe including their language and lifestyle. It is a unique and very memorable way to experience the culture of Costa Rica. 

11. Visit Vargas Park

This park is located just off the coast in Limón near the port itself. While it is not a very large park, it is a great balance of culture, tourism, and wildlife. It is free to enter and does not close, but you will want to go during the day. This is when food vendors are there, and you are more likely to see sloths hanging in the trees. 

Enjoy a walk around the park, take pictures in the iconic gazebo or with the many other art installments, or just sit on one of the many benches and enjoy searching for sloths. You may have to convince a local to help point them out to you though, as they can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what you are looking for! 

This park is a great choice if you have an hour or two of extra time in downtown Limón. 

12. Eat at amazing restaurants in Limón

Since this region of Costa Rica is located on the coast it has been influenced by Jamaican culture so in turn, a lot of the food here is much different than in the rest of Costa Rica. Dishes are made with unique spices and Caribbean cooking methods.

If you want true Costa Rican food, there are many small restaurants called “sodas” are located on almost every block in Limón. These hole-in-the-wall places will serve you amazing Gallo pinto, Casado, plantains, chicken, and Arroz con Leche for a very good price. 

Some of the most amazing restaurants include:

Taylor’s Restaurant – This restaurant is a local favorite, and you can find all the typical Costa Rican foods here along with Caribbean dishes. It is open every day from 7 am to 6:45 pm and is highly rated. 

Maestros Wine & Grill – It has a cozy feel to it and offers a wide selection of wine and food. This upscale restaurant is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 10 am to 10 pm on Wednesday, 10 am to 11 pm on Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 10 pm on Sunday.

13. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center

Animal lovers or not, you will love to see amazing wildlife up close and in person at the Jaguar Rescue Center . Here, they care for all types of animals from sloths to toucans! 

You can learn about how they live, what dangers are facing these animals, why they are in the center, and how they are working to get these animals back in the wild. The aim of the game at all wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica is to release the animals back into the wild – and that’s just what they do at the Jaguar Rescue Center.

You can get there on your own by car or taxi from Puerto Viejo. Their 1.5-hour public tour costs just $24 USD and happens each day the center is open at 9:30 am and 11:30 am sharp. Private tours happen at 2 pm daily and cost $75 USD. Here is their website to learn more about their amazing work. 

You can also book a tour  that will provide transportation. This is a great choice for a few hours tour that includes pick up and drop off at Port Limón. Personally, it is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Limon.

14. Go shopping

As with any large city, there are always great places to shop and explore in the city itself. Limón offers a large central market that includes several different vendors, both food and other goods. 

You can barter for a good price and find amazing things from this market. There are also several little shops and boutique stores located all around town to explore. Spend some time and find amazing, handcrafted souvenirs walking from shop to shop in the streets of Limón. 

15. Go on a guided night tour

There is so much to see in Limón…even at night! There are amazing species of wildlife that only come out at night in the rainforests. Frogs, insects, and even big cats can be seen during a night tour. 

This guided tour  is a great option for a night tour leaving from Limón and costs just $45 USD. Any night tours should be done with a guide to make sure you stay safe and avoid getting lost in the rainforests!  

Getting to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Puerto Limón is about a 3-hour drive from the capital of San Jose. You can get there easily by bus or even taxi, depending on how much you want to spend. 

The cheapest way to get there will be to take the public bus from San Jose. The quickest way to get to Puerto Limón is to fly, as Limón is home to one of the four airports in the country. You can fly directly from locations outside of Costa Rica or take a short flight from San Jose to Puerto Limón. 

Another common way to get to Puerto Limón is to go by Cruise Ship. Port Limon is a major stopping point for many cruise ships and is a part of many affordable packages. Ships stop all along the port and vary in how long they stay and give you time off the boat. You can still experience a lot of what Limón has to offer with even just a day to explore and enjoy!

Note: Puerto Limon isn’t the safest place in Costa Rica , so you should take extra precautions while here.

Where to Stay in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica 

In Puerto Limón, there aren’t that many options for places to stay. To be honest, most people visit for the day from their cruise. However, if you are planning on spending a few nights in Puerto Limón, you can find an ideal place to stay. 

Casa Caribe – $

For budget travelers,   Casa Caribe  is a top choice if you don’t mind staying in a self-check-in apartment. They are clean, comfortable, and have great reviews.

The property is within walking distance of Playa Bonita, so the location is excellent. Options at Casa Caribe range from shared dorm rooms to private rooms and larger apartments perfect for a group. Rooms begin at around $60 USD per night. You can book on Booking.com or book on Hotels.com .

Hotel Playa Westfalia – $

If you have a rental car,  Hotel Playa Westfalia  is a good option. It’s located 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) south of Puerto Limón, but that means you’re closer to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo.

The hotel is also located right on the beach and has a pool! The rooms are air-conditioned. Plus, the hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar. Room rates at Hotel Playa Westfalia began at $74 USD per night. You can book this hotel on Booking.com or Expedia .

Stay in Cahuita Instead

Other than the couple of hotels mentioned above, most other options are either very similar to the above or not suitable to recommend. Instead,  consider staying in Cahuita ! You can find lots of nice places to stay there, such as  Wildlife Lodge Cahuita ,  Bungalows Aché Cahuita , and  Passion Fruit Lodge . 

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Puerto Limón, Costa Rica might not be the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see. As you can see from the list above, there are a ton of awesome things to do in Puerto Limón!

Thanks so much for reading! If you liked this blog then you’ll love some of our other guides. So, check them out below, and don’t forget to let us know if you have any questions about your trip to Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Best places to go kayaking in Costa Rica

Top ziplining tours in Costa Rica

Things to do in Jaco

Sunday 29th of January 2023

We are heading to Costa Rica for the 2nd half of February. Staying in San Jose and hope to do some bus tours to Arenal and possibly Limon. 3 of us, I don't see any packages with banana and coffee tours, etc. We were hoping for a 6-hour round trip and 6-8 hours of some sight seeing activities/highlights. Any recommendaitons?

Costa Rica Travel Life

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

That's fantastic. How long are you visiting for?

I am actually just in the process of writing a guide to the best coffee tours in Costa Rica and 3 of them are around San Jose. There is one that visits Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and a coffee plantation. You can view it here - https://www.viator.com/en-NZ/tours/San-Jose/Coffee-Tour-Poas-Volcano-and-La-Paz-Waterfall-Day-Trip-from-San-Jose/d793-36560P5?pid=P00057689&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=Coffee-tours

Also, check out this post - https://costaricatravellife.com/day-trips-from-san-jose-costa-rica/

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks Bailey

Monday 24th of October 2022

My girlfriend and I have 6 days in costa rica to explore Limon. Should we stay there all 6 days in Cahuita? How can we maximize our time?? We want to go to the beach, national park, and also want to explore the bars/clubs/nightlife. Stay in Limon all 6 days or should we do 3 days there and 3 days somewhere else nearby? Thanks!

Great question. I would split your time between Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. With 4 nights in Puerto Viejo and 2 nights in Cahuita. I would not stay in the city of Limon at all. Use the time in Cahuita to take it easy and explore the national park/ have some quiet beach days.

Then, Puerto Viejo offers great bars and restaurants as well as beautiful beaches and, of course, the Jaguar Rescue Center. If you check out our Puerto Viejo blog, you'll find tons to do. It's a lively place with lots of fun people to meet and share drinks with.

I hope this helps!

Jamie Cartmell

Saturday 3rd of September 2022

We will be in Puerto Limon for a day in January 2023. Which park/river will give us the most animal watching experiences? We would li9ke to see monkeys, sloths, birds,etc. Thanks!

Tuesday 27th of September 2022

The best place would be Cahuita National Park.

Thanks Daniel

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Vintage railway journey, puerto limon, costa rica.

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Ride a restored vintage train into the spectacularly picturesque jungle while the guides describe the history of the railroad and the fascinating story of its construction.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy an enlightening drive to the Saborio Village, where you will board a vintage train for a wonderfully scenic ride through the countryside. The Atlantic Railroad or so-called “Jungle Train” was completed in 1890 to ship coffee and bananas directly to the sea for export, and it was a monumental feat of engineering.

As you chug along through some of the most stunning scenery in Costa Rica, you will hear the story of its arduous construction. The Costa Ricans, Chinese and Jamaicans that built the railway suffered unimaginable physical hardships until the route was finally opened.

More than 100 years later, the narrow-gauge railway is remembered mostly for the incredible scenery that it presents. You will ride over towering trestles, through seemingly endless jungle and past sprawling plantations that still grow bananas.

Because some of the terrain is so remote and difficult to access otherwise, you can expect to see all sorts of wildlife. Howler monkeys and two-toed sloths are often spotted in the tree tops, and various tropical birds are commonly seen, especially in the more elevated regions.

To enhance the experience, the guides will point out the most outstanding sights and answer questions you have regarding the flora, fauna and Costa Rican lifestyle.

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Rainforest and Banana Exploration

• Experience the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica with our popular Rainforest and Banana Exploration Tour
• Journey through charming villages to Cahuita National Park, home to Costa Rica's largest coral reef
• Stroll through the park to spot monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and even sloths
• Visit a thriving banana plantation, learning about the fascinating process behind the fruit's harvest, packing, and exportation
• Enjoy unbeatable prices and smaller group sizes

If you want to leave Costa Rica with incredible pictures and video of nature at its finest, you'll want to be a part of this rainforest and banana plantation tour.

After meeting your guide at the cruise pier, you will travel along scenic roads, passing quaint villages on your way to Cahuita National Park.

Stretch your legs on a 45-minute nature walk at Cahuita National Park. Cahuita, whose name comes from the indigenous words "kawe" (mahogany) and "ta" (point), and was created in 1970 to protect the country's largest coral reef. One hundred twenty-three species of fish have been listed here, along with a variety of corals and other invertebrates. The park also protects an example of the tropical moist forest, along with swamps, forest, and marshland. Cahuita is a perfect place for those who want to enjoy a beautiful tropical beach, the rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Walk down a flat and shady trail that runs along the shoreline, and enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, colorful frogs, and many other species are very common to see during this tour. This is a very easy walk for all, from kids to seniors.

After your nature walk, you will visit a banana plantation, where you will hear many interesting facts about this amazing fruit and its harvesting, processing, packing, and exportation. Costa Rica is the second-largest banana producer in the world; 80% of the plantations are located in the provine of Limon, making it one of the most important economic activities in the region. All in all, it's a truly interesting cultural experience that you can't miss.

Please Note: The packing house and working areas at the banana plantation are restricted areas, and will not be visited on the tour. This tour takes place in a rainforest. During the rainy season (usually from September to November), please bring a raincoat. This tour operates rain or shine.

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Ziplining in Costa Rica | What to Know + 6 BEST Costa Rica Ziplining Tours

C osta Rica is an adventure seeker’s playground. The country is world-renowned for its adrenaline-pumping zip-lining courses over the dense rainforests surrounding the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde region.

A popular activity in Costa Rica, ziplining allows you the unique opportunity to soar through the lush rainforests of this beautiful country.

With its diverse ecosystems and abundance of wildlife, Costa Rica offers numerous options for ziplining tours that cater to thrill-seekers of all levels. However, before embarking on your high-flying journey, there are a few essential things you should know to ensure an unforgettable experience.

This guide covers the top ziplining destinations in Costa Rica and provides you with valuable information to make the most out of your upcoming tour.

If you are considering ziplining in Costa Rica , here are a few things you should know before you book your tour.

About ziplining in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country made up of rainforests. In fact, 90 percent of the native animals in Costa Rica and 50 percent of the plant species native to the country live in the canopies, or upper levels of the rainforest. For this reason, the best way to see Costa Rica and experience its incredible ecosystem is from above!

Zip lining in Costa Rica dates back to the late 1970s , when it was primarily used as a means of exploration by researchers in the jungle. However, canopy tours are now a huge tourist draw for thrill-seekers in Costa Rica.

COMPARE ALL ADRENALINE-PUMPING ZIPLINING TOURS IN COSTA RICA AND BOOK A TOUR HERE .

Our personal experience zip lining in Costa Rica

We visited Costa Rica when our daughter was just a baby. Despite being a thrill-seeking destination, Costa Rica is also a great destination for families .

Although we were traveling with an infant, our daughter was able to stay with grandparents, who were along for the adventure, while we went zip lining in Costa Rica – a bonus to planning a multigenerational vacation !

We zip lined at Sky Adventures in the Arenal Rainforest, just outside of La Fortuna, one of the best destinations to visit in Central America . It was such an incredible experience, and the views were unmatched!

You feel like you’re flying high above the ground, buzzing through the trees, and reaching speeds of about 30-40 miles per hour. Zip lining in Costa Rica is exhilarating, but honestly not as scary as you may think.

In our small zip lining group, we had children as young as six years old as well as older people, and all of them loved it. The system they use in Costa Rica is very safe and the guides are there to assist.

The Costa Rica zip-lining guides are also very friendly and funny which makes the experience even better, particularly for those who are apprehensive or scared going into the canopy tour.

VISITING THE ARENAL AREA? BOOK YOUR ZIPLINING CANOPY TOUR HERE .

Is ziplining in Costa Rica safe?

Short answer: yes. Zip lining in Costa Rica is extremely safe.

Regardless of where you go, you’ll find knowledgeable and funny guides there to assist you with your harness, slow you down or stop you if you go too fast, and make you feel comfortable before you zip off into the clouds.

Prior to embarking on the zip lining course, you will go through a brief training session to make sure you understand and are willing to comply with their safety rules.

Additionally, aside from the zip lining harness, you are required to wear a helmet and gloves.

You are not allowed to take your hands off the handles to take a mid-air photo. This is not the case in some of the other countries in which we have zip lined, so we felt like zip lining in Costa Rica was much safer than many other places around the world.

Bottom line, Costa Rica takes zip lining safety seriously.

Costa Rica ziplining age limitations

Ziplining in Costa Rica is not an activity you can do with children under the age of five or six, depending on the tour operator.

So, if you are visiting Costa Rica with kids , please know very young children will not be able to participate, for obvious reasons. While many zip lining tours in Costa Rica require very little levels of physical fitness, the ability to hold on to the handles and follow basic instructions is a must.

Kids ages six and older can participate and will likely have a blast zip lining in Costa Rica, at least at most of the canopy tours!

For safety purposes, young children will likely be harnessed in and required to zip line with one of the experienced guides at most canopy tours.

Some of the more strenuous or extreme canopy tours in Costa Rica may even have a higher age limit for participants.

Fitness or physical limitations

Almost anyone of any fitness level can participate in a Costa Rica zip line adventure. You’ll be secured into a harness attached to a sturdy steel cable.

The most strenuous part of any canopy tour may actually be reaching the canopy. However, many of the Costa Rica ziplining tours have an aerial tram that takes you up to the treetops, so very little stair-climbing is required.

While we cannot speak for every zip lining tour in Costa Rica, the Sky Adventures zip line course that we did was not at all strenuous. In fact, there were very few stairs to climb, and most of the stairs were actually going down, not up.

People of most fitness levels can do this activity. Although it is important to note, zip lining in Costa Rica is not a handicap accessible experience, unfortunately.

What to wear when zip lining in Costa Rica

We would recommend wearing clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Additionally, long pants, and closed-toed shoes are a must. During the rainy season in Costa Rica, which falls between May and mid-November, zip line courses are still open and operating.

Although, they will stop the course if it is pouring rain and lightning, under most circumstances, a light rain will not result in a canceling or postponement of your activities. So be prepared and dress accordingly.

How scary is ziplining in Costa Rica?

The question we get asked the most about ziplining in Costa Rica is whether it is scary. While this is certainly an activity for the adventurous, we would not necessarily deem it “scary”.

Even my father, who is afraid of heights, loved ziplining in Costa Rica.

You may feel nervous when you approach the first platform to zip off into the clouds, but after just one zip line, you will quickly get over your fears or nerves, and be ready for more!

The best places to zipline in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has practically become synonymous with zip lining. Here are the top rated zipline and canopy tours in Costa Rica.

Sky Adventures Zip lining in Arenal

Once you start the zip line course at Sky Adventures, there is no turning back. There are approximately 7 different zip lines that will zig-zag back and forth across the Costa Rican rain forest, keeping you mostly above the canopy of the trees the entire time.

Ultimately, the course returns you to the starting point. It takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours to complete the course depending on the size of the group accompanying you in your time slot.

There is a stopping point halfway through where you can use the restroom, get a drink, and take a few photos. As you are approaching this platform, a professional photographer will also take your photo.

You can view and purchase that picture immediately afterward. You can also combine your zip lining tour with a hanging bridge tour which is equally as fun, and perhaps even more beautiful!

Zip lining in Monteverde

Monteverde is home to the longest zip line in Costa Rica. To experience the 5,220 foot-long (1590-zipline, you’ll need to book through Aventura Canopy Tour in Monteverde.

While this is the most popular zip line in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, it isn’t the only one.

For true thrill-seekers, the mega-mix adventure in Monteverde is sure to give you a dose of excitement and fun with activities beyond just zip lining.

Led by an experienced guide, you can test your balance during a high ropes course with 17 challenging elements, including logs, poles, and other structures suspended in air. The experience includes 8 zip line cables with panoramic mountain views. Followed by a rappel and a Tarzan swing through the jungle.

It ends with a Superman-style zip line that will have you flying through the air on your stomach for 2460 feet (750 meters) over the treetops.

Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour

Located in the southwestern region of Costa Rica near Manuel Antonio National Park, this canopy tour takes you from the jungle floor to the tree tops along a series of 20 platforms and 10 zip lines.

At the end of the tour you have the choice between one final zip line cable or rappelling and Tarzan swing. This is great for those who are in a party of mixed abilities and comfort levels.

For those more timid, they can conclude by taking the last zip line. And for those seeking a final dose of adrenaline, they can embrace their inner Tarzan or Jane and swing to the end.

This Costa Rica zip line tour includes a meal and drinks for the price.

Zip lining in Guanacaste

Guanacaste is known more for their beaches and all-inclusive resorts . While they do have some jungle-areas and at least one beautiful waterfall , the region is not really covered in dense rainforests like other parts of Costa Rica.

However, if vacationing in Guanacaste, you can take a half-day adventure that will take you to the nearest rainforest for a canopy zip line tour in Guanacaste.

It requires a short drive, but this guided zip line tour will take you through one of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forests, where you will be surrounded by high trees and nature.

The area is home to a lot of howler monkeys who you may spot during the canopy tour.

Zip lining near Jaco

One of the best zip lining tours in Costa Rica, the canopy tour near Jaco includes a bonus waterfall view from the aerial tram.

You’ll get a great look at a cascading 40-foot waterfall, as well as panoramic views of the ocean as you ride the Pacific RainForest Aerial Tram to begin your zip lining canopy tour.

The hour-long tram ascends to the top of the mountain where you will then soar down on a steel cable zip line.

This is one of the few zip lines in Costa Rica that do not require you to hold onto the cable, as it has a controlled braking system that lets you go hands free! The canopy tour includes 10 zip lines and 15 tree platforms.

Zip lining near Limon

For those visiting Costa Rica on a cruise that ports in Puerto Limon, this zip lining tour is for you.

A tour guide will pick you up from the pier and take you to a jungle biological reserve. With 9 zip-line cables and 12 platforms, you’ll soar through the air nearly 300 feet above the ground.

The tour also includes a 1-hour boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals. Known as Costa Rica’s Amazon, the Tortuguero Canal region is rich with exotic flowers and other plants.

You also may spot wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas and even crocodiles.

Looking for more information on things to do and places to stay in Costa Rica? Check out our guide and itinerary for visiting Costa Rica with kids .

Have a question or comment about ziplining in Costa Rica? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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