Costa Rica , Costa Rica

Caño Negro Eco Safari Boat Tour

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About this experience

Exploring the Caño Negro Wetlands and Wildlife Refuge gives you the chance to visit and learn about the wildlife that inhabits one of the most important wetlands in the world.

Join us in this unique adventure on the peaceful waters of the Frio River. Departure from La Fortuna to drive about 1,5 hours on a path surrounded by plantain, yucca, papaya, and other crops to meet at the Restaurant, where we expect a delicious snack. After that we continue our exploring this beautiful place on board, going down the river of the rain forest, without any noise, we will sail for around 2,5 hours, then go back to the restaurant, where a delicious typical lunch will be waiting for us. In the list of animals that can be observed on the trip we found, Monkeys, Iguanas, Bats, Jesus Christ lizards, Caimans, and Birds, a few meters for lovers and nature photographers.

Available options

Caño Negro Eco Safari Boat Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Equipment

Bottled water

Lunch

Snacks

Bilingual Naturalist Guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Arenal/La Fortuna only

Entry/Admission

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Caño Negro is the most scenic part of the Río Frío, flowing through wetlands that teem with fascinating species. This tour takes place in a boat with an electromotor, which allows the boat to make its way down the river in silence, optimizing your chances of seeing lots of wildlife. Your guide will be happy to help you get as close as possible to the animals for the chance to take stunning pictures.

During the river tour, you can keep a lookout for animals like Jesus Christ lizards, which are so named for their ability to walk on their hind legs across the surface of the water. Besides these fascinating reptiles, this is also an excellent place for bird watching. The trees near the banks of the river make popular places for monkeys to chatter, iguanas, and caimans loll on the banks, and bats hang from nearby branches. Your guides will be able to provide interesting, educational tidbits about this area’s native species, feel free to ask questions along the way.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and incredible biodiversity. It's a destination that combines eco-tourism with adventure, offering everything from zip-lining through the canopy to relaxing on pristine shores.

Top Attractions

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Costa Rica. It's an active volcano surrounded by lush rainforests and hot springs.

Nature Full day Free to hike, hot springs vary from USD 20-50

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde is a world-renowned cloud forest known for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Full day USD 25-50

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, offering stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.

Nature Full day USD 10-16

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice and beans, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Ceviche

A refreshing dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with vegetables, and served with tortilla chips.

Appetizer Contains seafood, gluten-free if served without chips

Popular Activities

Zip-lining White-water rafting Hiking Surfing Kayaking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season on the Pacific coast, offering sunny days and minimal rain. It's ideal for beach activities and wildlife viewing.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas and cities. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km from San José
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport • 10 km from Liberia

By bus

San José, San Carlos, Limón

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are generally safe and reliable, though schedules may be irregular in rural areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

San José La Fortuna Tamarindo

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park

50 km from San José • Half day

Poás Volcano National Park offers stunning views of the active Poás Volcano and its crater lake.

Irazú Volcano National Park

60 km from San José • Half day

Irazú Volcano National Park is home to the active Irazú Volcano, offering breathtaking views and unique geological features.

Tortuguero National Park

100 km from San José • Full day

Tortuguero National Park is a remote and pristine wilderness area known for its canals, wildlife, and sea turtle nesting sites.

Festivals

Fiestas de Palmares • January Carnaval de Limón • October Festival de las Luces • December

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and save money
Pack for both warm and cool weather, as temperatures can vary by region and elevation
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Use eco-friendly and sustainable tourism businesses to support conservation efforts
Be cautious of scams and petty crime, especially in tourist areas and cities