Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Isla Tortuga Catamaran Day Trip
The most popular day trip from Puntarenas City — a full-day catamaran sail to the uninhabited Isla Tortuga. Crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand beach, excellent snorkeling, banana boat rides, and a buffet lunch included. Dolphins are frequently seen on the crossing.
Highlights: Turquoise water and white sand beach · Snorkeling over coral and colourful fish · Dolphin sightings on the crossing · Banana boat and waterslide · Lunch included on catamaran
Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge and Carara National Park
A classic Costa Rica day trip combining the free Tárcoles crocodile bridge stop (dozens of huge crocodiles visible from above) with a guided walk through Carara National Park — the best place in Costa Rica to see scarlet macaws in the wild.
Highlights: American crocodiles up to 5 metres visible from the bridge · Scarlet macaw flock flyovers at dawn/dusk · Over 330 bird species in Carara · Riverside trail with caiman and herons · Optional boat tour on Tárcoles River
Nauyaca Waterfalls Horseback and Hike
An unforgettable full-day adventure to the spectacular Nauyaca (Santo Cristo) Waterfalls — two tiered falls dropping into a deep natural swimming pool surrounded by primary rainforest. The horseback portion covers the flat 7 km to the trailhead; the last 2 km is hiked in.
Highlights: 45-metre main waterfall · Deep natural swimming pool · Rainforest wildlife on the trail · Horseback riding through jungle · Complete remoteness and solitude
Marino Ballena National Park and Whale Watching
A day trip to the Whale Tail at Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, combined with an offshore whale watching boat tour. The park protects humpback whale breeding and calving grounds — some of the best whale watching in the Americas.
Highlights: Walk the Whale Tail sandbar at low tide · Humpback whale sightings (Jul–Oct and Dec–Mar) · Dolphin encounters on the boat · Snorkeling over coral reef · Sunset at the Whale Tail
Corcovado National Park Day Tour from Drake Bay
The ultimate wildlife day tour in Costa Rica — a boat transfer from Drake Bay to Corcovado's San Pedrillo entrance, followed by a 6-hour guided hike through primary rainforest. This is where you can see Baird's tapirs, giant anteaters, all four monkey species, and possibly big cats.
Highlights: Primary rainforest — the most biodiverse on Earth · Baird's tapir sightings · Giant anteater (rare and exciting) · All four monkey species · Scarlet macaw colonies · Pristine wilderness far from crowds
Monteverde Zip-line and Cloud Forest Day Trip
An exhilarating day trip from the coast to Monteverde combining a cloud forest walk, zip-line canopy tour, and hanging bridges. The zip-lines above the cloud forest canopy are world-class — some of the longest in Central America, with Arenal Volcano views on clear days.
Highlights: Cloud forest canopy zip-lines (some 1km+ long) · Hanging bridges at treetop level · Cloud forest walk with wildlife guide · Possible quetzal sightings · Panoramic Arenal Volcano views (weather permitting)
Curú Wildlife Refuge and Isla Tortuga Kayak Tour
A fantastic day combining the ferry crossing to Paquera with a visit to the private Curú Wildlife Refuge — one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets for wildlife viewing. Toucans, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and deer are almost guaranteed. Then kayak across to Isla Tortuga for snorkeling.
Highlights: Scarlet macaw and toucan sightings at Curú · Kayak to Isla Tortuga · Snorkeling in turquoise waters · Gulf of Nicoya crossing (dolphin sightings) · Sea turtle nesting site at Curú
Río Tárcoles Crocodile Boat Safari
A flat-bottomed boat tour along the Río Tárcoles getting up-close to massive American crocodiles in their natural habitat. See them basking on sandbars, hunting along the banks, and swimming alongside the boat (a safe distance). Also great for birds.
Highlights: American crocodiles at water level (very close) · Herons, kingfishers, and ibis · Mangrove forest scenery · Scarlet macaw flight overhead · Sunset tours available
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.