
Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise worth booking?
Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise is a 6-hour experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, from $235 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $235 per person
Your breathtaking adventure begins with a pickup from the pier and a relaxing drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or mini bus. In our adventure center, before you begin your journey, you will receive instructions and then take a test run on our specially designed private track. From here on, your guide will lead you along the jungle trails, crossing rivers sometimes-bumpy, dirt paths real rainforest, viewpoints and 1 waterfall, where you can swimm if you want. After this great adventure, our tour will continue with a short drive to Tarcoles River, where a 60 minutes Eco boat tour will allow you to enjoy the abundant wildlife of the area, including the huge crocodiles, multiple aquatic birds, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and other amazing tropical species. We have Buggys for up to 6 people and 1 buggy must be shared per booking. Minimum 2 peope per buggy.
What you get
About this experience
Your breathtaking adventure begins with a pickup from the pier and a relaxing drive through the wonderful Costa Rican countryside on an air-conditioned transportation and recent model deluxe vehicle or mini bus. In our adventure center, before you begin your journey, you will receive instructions and then take a test run on our specially designed private track. From here on, your guide will lead you along the jungle trails, crossing rivers sometimes-bumpy, dirt paths real rainforest, viewpoints and 1 waterfall, where you can swimm if you want. After this great adventure, our tour will continue with a short drive to Tarcoles River, where a 60 minutes Eco boat tour will allow you to enjoy the abundant wildlife of the area, including the huge crocodiles, multiple aquatic birds, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and other amazing tropical species. We have Buggys for up to 6 people and 1 buggy must be shared per booking. Minimum 2 peope per buggy.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Visit the local souvenir stores
- Boat Tour in Tarcoles River for enjoy the rich wildlife
- 2 hours Buggy Tour
What you'll see and do
Carara National Park
This tour is operated in the sourroundings of Carara National Park and Tarcolitos River. Once at our operations center, you will be received by a local tour guide who will explain the use of the Buggy and provide the rules and safety instructions. Buggys are for 2 or 4 passengers and must be shared by each party. The tour includes a journey along small rivers, plantations, rainforest and beautiful beaches. For all those how want to swimm, a 30 minute stop can be make an one of the beaches.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Puntarenas
Puntarenas is one of the most important tourism regions in Costa Rica. Its coastline is full of islands, inlets, beaches, and very beautiful natural treasures, all which make it an excellent tourist destination. There is a multitude of attractions based around the beaches, as well as protected areas, both land based and around its islands. The area’s center is located at Puntarenas which acts as a place for lodging, distribution, port of call, and excursions. The city of Puntarenas is rich in history, traditions and customs. Historically, it was the most important port in the Costa Rican Pacific, through which the main exports that allowed the development of the country during the 19th century and part of the 20th century took place. Due to its coastal position, it was an important center for the arrival of immigrants towards the middle of the 20th century. Its boom as a tourist destination dates back to 1940.
30 minutes here
Tarcoles
Enjoy a pleasant boat tour with a professional naturalist tour guide and enjoy its rich and abundant wildlife. It is a habitat for American crocodiles, while the marshes located at the river's mouth have many waterfowl and wading birds. Among the many herons and egrets are the boatbill and bare-throated tiger heron, and other birds found here include double-striped thick-knee, mangrove warbler and American pygmy kingfisher. The total list known of birds well exceeds 320 species including the little known Guacalillo Canals. The avian biodiversity is substantial including rare birds such as Agami Heron, Rufous-necked Woodrail, Jabiru, Yellow-billed Cotinga and recently found an Orinoco Goose. It's also home of Howler and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys. Less commonly seen are Silky Anteater, Sloths, Grinson, Jaguarundi, River Otter and Northern Tamandua
90 minutes here
El Jardin
El Jardin de Orotina is a beautiful complex where tourists will find the best souvenirs for bring home. It offers an excellent restaurant as well with a delicious buffet with typical Costa Rican meals.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Puntarenas
Main entrance of the Pier. Main Gate
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Main entrance of the Pier. Main Gate
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Greenway Nature Day Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers. If you are not arriving by cruise ship please do not book this tour
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great time
Even with the rain at first, it was a great time. The buggy was easy to handle, and the terrain made for an adventurous ride.
via Viator
Great Way to get the most of your Port Day in Costa Rica!
This was the perfect cruise experience! We got to see the rainforest, have an adventure driving through it and across streams in our buggies, and have an opportunity to swim at the waterfalls. We also enjoyed seeing the birds and Crocs at the river. One of the best parts was that our driver Luis took great care of us E2E from the cruise port ensuring that we were picked up at the right location and dropped off at the cruise port on time, which is always a worry with 3rd party tour providers. We loved the entire experience and would highly recommend it!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share feedback following your recent tour with Greenway Tours. It is only through your valuable comments that we are able to excel and continue to deliver the extraordinary to our guests.
via Viator
SUPER
We recently did this tour. There is not much in Puntarenas. You really need to do a tour. It was a drive to a jungle hotel where we got on a “River buggy”, which was a tractor pulled trailer. It took us along a river through the jungle. Afterwards, we had drinks and fruit. Then we rode down further to the Tarcoles River to see crocodiles. We ended up seeing about 5-10. The guides were excellent spotting them. We had Josue, Luis, and Geiner as our guides. The drove all the way from San Jose to spend the day with us, a group of about 12. Afterwards, they even suggested a local restaurant close to the ship. We would definitely do again. Thanks!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your positive review about our tour and staff. We are so happy to hear that you enjoy your day with us.
via Tripadvisor
Unorganized
The most memorable thing was the driver and guide getting lost to the start of the buggy tour and taking time away from our ride. WTH!!?? We had 3 groups riding in the van and all 3 had trouble locating the guide at the cruise port because she was way off to the side holding a very small sign adding to our late arrival. Buggy ride was ok just a lot of flat ground riding. Never got the water bottle and they shorted us a half hour of time. The croc ride was a joke. Saw 2 babies and a larger one. Tide was out and the prop on the boat kept hitting the bottom of the river. He had to keep raising the prop to even move a little. Didn’t think we we’re gonna make it back.
Response from the operator: We always try to do our job in the best way, and we are sorry that you had this inconvenience today. We will try the best way to improve so that a situation of this type does not happen again. Our pick up times are listed in all vouchers as 30 minutes after ship arrival. Some times cruise ships are running late and for this reason all our customers can catch the tour without any inconvenience. Regarding the meeting point, all the instructions are listed in the confirmation and voucher and the area where we meet all our customes is really small and no way to get lost. Unfortunately if the instructions are not readed carefully, it will causa troubles. Regarding the wildlife spotting it is important to consider that we visit natural areas where the wildlife species are free in their natural habitat. Some days it is easy to see a lot but some not. It is a nature fact.
via Viator
Great day experience!
The buggy ride was dusty and wet, but fun! The guide found us monkeys to see and a sloth!🦥 saw a huge 9 foot crocodile. The main guide, Jose, was wonderful! He drove us in a nice new air conditioned van. Kept us on time and lots of water.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback. We really appreciate it and hope to serve you again in the near future.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours, who run 27 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.0.
See everything Greenway Nature Day Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puntarenas.
How much does Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $235 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Puntarenas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Puntarenas is not rushed.
Is Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Puntarenas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Puntarenas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Puntarenas and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Puntarenas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Puntarenas?
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On Outty we rank every Puntarenas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat, 3 Hour ATV Medium Waterfall Tour (Swimmable Pool), Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Puntarenas?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Puntarenas?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise?
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Included: Professional guide; Bottled water; Visit the local souvenir stores; Boat Tour in Tarcoles River for enjoy the rich wildlife; and 2 hours Buggy Tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Puntarenas. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Puntarenas. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Puntarenas Buggy Adventure & Crocodile River Cruise?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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