The Jungle & River Wagon Expedition in Puntarenas offers a thrilling half-day adventure for cruise ship passengers. Travelers can explore the picturesque Tarcolitos River canyon on a scenic wagon ride, spot crocodiles on a boat tour of the Tarcoles River, and enjoy swimming and birdwatching. With knowledgeable local guides and comfortable amenities, this flexible tour showcases Costa Rica’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. Those seeking an exciting and memorable shore excursion won’t want to miss the opportunity to discover Puntarenas’ natural wonders.
Good To Know
- Offers a half-day tour in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, for cruise ship passengers, featuring a wagon ride through Tarcolitos River canyon and crocodile spotting on the Tarcoles River.
- Includes unique experiences like swimming, bird watching, and a visit to Carara National Park and El Jardin for souvenirs.
- Provides amenities like bottled water, snacks, and air-conditioned transportation, as well as knowledgeable local guides.
- Flexible pickup times and locations near the cruise ship, ensuring a smooth start to the jungle and river adventure.
- Caters to a maximum of 50 travelers, offering an intimate experience, though not wheelchair accessible.
Overview and Details
The Jungle & River Wagon Expedition is a half-day tour in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, designed exclusively for cruise ship passengers.
With a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews, the tour offers a unique experience, including a wagon ride through Tarcolitos River canyon, swimming, bird watching, and a boat trip to spot crocodiles on the Tarcoles River.
The tour also includes a visit to Carara National Park and El Jardin for souvenir shopping.
Lasting approximately 4 hours, the tour provides bottled water, snacks, and fruit, as well as an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.
Pricing starts at $145 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puntarenas.
Itinerary and Activities
The tour kicks off at 8:00 AM, though the start time may be adjusted to align with the cruise ship’s arrival.
Guests will ride in a 24-seater wagon through the scenic Tarcolitos River canyon. Along the way, they’ll have a chance to spot birds and swim in a pool.
Next, they’ll embark on a 1-hour boat tour to observe crocodiles on the Tarcoles River.
The excursion wraps up with a visit to Carara National Park and El Jardin, where travelers can browse for souvenirs.
In total, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including the 1-hour boat ride and 1-hour rainforest wagon tour.
Included Amenities
As part of the Jungle & River Wagon Expedition, travelers enjoy a range of included amenities to enhance their experience. The tour provides bottled water, refreshing snacks and fruit, and comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Travelers can also expect:
- Entrance fees and taxes covered
- Knowledgeable local guides to lead the way
- Boat ride to spot crocodiles on the Tarcoles River
- Opportunity to explore Carara National Park and El Jardin
- Flexibility with pickup times adjusted for cruise ship arrivals.
These thoughtful inclusions ensure a seamless and immersive shore excursion for guests.
Pickup Information
Cruise ship passengers can conveniently access the Jungle & River Wagon Expedition from two pickup locations in Puntarenas – Muelle Nacional and Antigua Capitanía de Puntarenas.
The pickup locations are within a short walking distance from the cruise ship. Upon arrival, guests will be met by a guide holding a sign with their name.
The default pickup time is 8:00 AM, but it may be adjusted based on the cruise ship’s arrival schedule. This ensures a seamless start to the half-day jungle and river adventure.
Accessibility and Capacity
The Jungle & River Wagon Expedition isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the tour.
The tour caters to a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Key information about accessibility and capacity includes:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Maximum of 50 participants
- Designed for a small group setting
- Suitable for travelers who can navigate uneven terrain and climb in and out of the wagon
This shore excursion in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers a unique opportunity to explore the jungle and river by wagon, boat, and on foot, with a focus on wildlife viewing and culture.
Cancellation Policy and Price
The Jungle & River Wagon Expedition offers flexible cancellation terms, allowing travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. This policy provides peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their plans. The tour is priced from $145.00, with a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers receive the best value for their money.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour |
Price | From $145.00, with a lowest price guarantee |
Pickup Locations | Muelle Nacional, Puntarenas; Antigua Capitanía de Puntarenas |
Pickup Details | Short walking distance from cruise ship, guide will hold a sign |
Customer Feedback
Reviewers have largely praised the Jungle & River Wagon Expedition, with positive feedback on the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to spot crocodiles.
However, some travelers have noted issues with last-minute tour cancellations due to weather conditions. In these cases, an alternative excursion was provided, though not the original booking.
- Positive reviews on guide expertise and crocodile sightings
- Complaints about unexpected tour cancellations due to weather
- Substitute excursions offered, but not the originally booked tour
- Overall high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 3 customer reviews
- Feedback highlights both strengths and areas for improvement
Exploring Puntarenas
Puntarenas, the Pacific port city in Costa Rica, offers a wealth of opportunities for travelers to enjoy the region’s natural wonders and cultural attractions.
This vibrant city is the starting point for the Jungle & River Wagon Expedition, a popular shore excursion that takes cruisers on a journey through the lush rainforest and along the Tarcoles River.
Visitors can explore Carara National Park, spot crocodiles on a boat tour, and browse local artisanal crafts at El Jardin.
With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Puntarenas provides an unforgettable experience for adventure-seeking travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Wildlife Are Commonly Seen on This Tour?
Travelers on this tour commonly see a variety of wildlife, including colorful birds during the birdwatching activity and crocodiles spotted along the Tarcoles River boat ride. The diverse rainforest ecosystem provides ample opportunities to observe the local fauna.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Boat Ride?
There is no option to extend the duration of the boat ride. The tour itinerary specifies a 1-hour boat ride to spot crocodiles on the Tarcoles River, and the overall tour duration is a half-day excursion.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Beverages on the Tour?
No, travellers cannot bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour. The tour package includes bottled water, snacks, and fruit, so additional outside food and drinks are not permitted. The tour provider handles all catering for participants.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Participants?
The tour has no age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. There are no specific participant requirements. However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues as it’s not wheelchair accessible.
How Often Does This Tour Run Throughout the Week?
The tour runs daily, with multiple departures scheduled throughout the week to accommodate cruise ship arrivals. Exact departure times may vary based on cruise schedules, but the tour typically operates 5-7 days per week.
The Sum Up
The Jungle & River Wagon Expedition in Puntarenas offers a thrilling half-day adventure showcasing Costa Rica’s natural wonders. With a scenic wagon ride, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and a boat tour, this tour provides a unique and memorable experience for cruise ship passengers. Knowledgeable guides, comfortable amenities, and a flexible schedule make this an excellent choice for exploring the region’s rich biodiversity.
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