Animal Sightseeing Boat Tour in Palo Verde National Park
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Palo Verde National Park in Costa Rica, part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area, spans 45,492 acres in Guanacaste Province, safeguarding the Tempisque River valley.
It's vital for preserving floodplains, marshes, and limestone ridges from encroaching civilization, protecting diverse ecology like evergreen forests and mangrove swamps.
The park hosts a ranger station, offering amenities and access to the Palo Verde Biological Station.
Renowned for bird diversity, it shelters species like scarlet macaws, white ibis, and wood storks.
During the dry season, it becomes a haven for birds due to water scarcity elsewhere, notably Parajos Island, a prime nesting site for black-crowned night-herons, contributing to the park's preservation of one of Central America's last tropical dry rainforests.
Established as a wildlife refuge in the 1970s, it later gained national park status and international recognition for its ecological importance.
Available options
Pickup Tamarindo Area
Conchal, Westin, Wyndham Tamarindo, Best Western Tamarindo, Tamarindo Diria, Los Altos De Eros, etc.<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Hacienda Guachipelin Restauran<br/>Bus/Van dep. on Group Size<br/>Pickup included
Self Driving Rate
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Rest. Hacienda Guachipelin: You will also enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the La Hacienda Restaurant.
Pickup Playas de Coco Area
Duration: 7 hours<br/>Hacienda Guachipelin Restauran<br/>Van/Bus dep. on Group Size<br/>Pickup Playas de Coco Area : Riu, Secrets Papagayo, Costa Smeralda, Occidental Papagayo, Allegro Papagayo, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Planet, etc.<br/>Pickup included
Pickup Playa Flamingo Area
Margaritaville Beach Resort, Flamingo Marina Resort, Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa, Hotel Brasilito, Casa Cielo Azul, etc.<br/>Duration: 7 hours<br/>Hacienda Guachipelin Rest.: Typical Lunch Buffet, Coffee, Tea, Water, Fruit Juices included; Soda Pops and alcoholic beverages extra.<br/>Bus/Mini Van: Bus/Mini Van depending on group size.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Purified water provided at operators facility at no cost.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Typical Lunch
All safety equipment provided by the insured operator.
Detailed itinerary
1
Palo Verde Boat Tour and Restaurant with Typical Lunch cooked on wood fired stove by the owners family. Enjoy the typical flavor of a local home cooked meal.
The traditional Costa Rican recipes will almost always feature rice, black beans, salad, fried plantains and a meat like chicken, beef, pork or fish. Often they also include patacones, a vegetable hash called picadillo and other sides.
2
Stop 2
Boat Mooring, start and end of boat tour.
The most common animals you will see on the Palo Verde National Park boat tour are iguanas, crocodiles, white face monkey, howler monkey, herons and birds.
Incredible resources Over 750 species of plants have been identified, including the palo verde, pochote, Spanish cedar and the Guanacaste tree. In addition, 5 of the 6 species of mangrove present in the country can be found in the park.
What's not included
Age restriction by law is 18yo. It is legal for passengers to consume alcohol.
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Pickups - All locations: Transfer time to activity location is up to 2 hours one way. The evening prior you’ll get the drivers name and the unit plate number. The driver will send you a message on WhatsApp when at the pickup location and share his location with you again. The van will have a sign with the company name on it. The driver will scan your reservation from your electronic device and confirm pickup.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, Comfortable clothes, Mosquito repellent, Raincoat or Umbrella (rainy season)
Travel time is already included in the total duration
Meeting point
Palo Verde Boat Tours and Restaurant is the Meeting Point to start the tour. Our guide will be ready for you at the reception inside.
About Guanacaste and Northwest
Guanacaste and Northwest Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning Pacific beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant cultural heritage. This region offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Costa Rican experiences, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and rich traditions.
Top Attractions
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
This national park is home to the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano and offers a variety of eco-tours, including hiking, mud baths, and waterfall jumps.
Nature
Half to full day
USD 10-15 for entrance
Las Baulas National Marine Park
This park is a critical nesting site for the endangered leatherback sea turtles. Visitors can witness nesting season from October to February.
Nature
2-3 hours for a guided tour
USD 15-20 for a guided tour
Santa Rosa National Park
This park is known for its historical significance in Costa Rica's fight for independence and its diverse ecosystems, including dry tropical forests.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 10 for entrance
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, peppers, and spices, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Ceviche
A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, cilantro, and sometimes tomatoes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack consisting of a base of rice, beans, and pork or chicken, topped with pico de gallo and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Popular Activities
Zip-lining
Waterfall rappelling
Hiking
Surfing
ATV tours
Beach lounging
Yoga
Spa treatments
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season, offering ideal conditions for beach activities, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures. The weather is sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (especially in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Guanacaste is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport • 10 km from Liberia
By bus
Liberia, Tamarindo, Santa Cruz
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are reliable but can be crowded during peak times.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Tamarindo
Nosara
Liberia
Day trips
Playa Conchal
20 km from Tamarindo • Half day
A stunning beach known for its unique shell-covered shoreline and clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Palmares Wildlife Refuge
30 km from Nosara • Full day
A beautiful wildlife refuge offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic views of the Pacific coast.
Hacienda Guachipelin
30 km from Liberia • Full day
An adventure park offering a variety of activities, including zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and horseback riding.
Festivals
Fiestas de Guanacaste • July
Tamarindo International Film Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June, September-November) for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Hire local guides for a more informative and authentic experience, especially when exploring national parks and wildlife refuges
- Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture
- Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen, as the region's climate is warm and sunny year-round
- Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
