Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 155 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion worth booking?
Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion is a 7-hour experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, from $78 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 155 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (155)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $78 per person
This tour will allow you to really take a glance at Costa Rica. It encompasses a lot of learning from fantastic, knowledgeable, fully bilingual tour guides; possible wildlife glimpses; a great boat ride; delicious food s
What you get
About this experience
This tour will allow you to really take a glance at Costa Rica. It encompasses a lot of learning from fantastic, knowledgeable, fully bilingual tour guides; possible wildlife glimpses; a great boat ride; delicious food served on a full buffet; rainforest sightings; fruit tasting; affordable and diverse shopping; and a close and personal encounter with the Costa Ricans, famed to be the happiest people in the world. *Please acknowledge that while we strive to provide opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The presence of animals can vary based on numerous factors, including time of day, weather conditions, and their natural behaviors. We encourage you to enjoy the journey and appreciate the beauty of nature, even if wildlife encounters may not occur during your visit. *
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Lunch
- Fruit tasting
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Gio Tours - Day Tours
Upon disembarking, walk or take the available shuttle to the landside entrance gate, where you’ll see our staff holding a clearly visible sign with the GioTours logo and your name. Please have your booking confirmation ready for quick check-in.
15 minutes here
Tarcoles
We will take you on an exciting Boat Tour through the Tárcoles River, a place filled with aquatic wildlife!
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- GioTours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time
- Please acknowledge that while we strive to provide opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The presence of animals can vary based on numerous factors, including time of day, weather conditions, and their natural behaviors. We encourage you to enjoy the journey and appreciate the beauty of nature, even if wildlife encounters may not occur during your visit.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 157 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
157 verified traveler reviews for Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing snapshot of Puntarenas
This is our second Costa Rica tour using GioTours, first time in Limon (Atlantic coast) back in 2019 and now on in Puntarenas on the Pacific coast. Juan was our tour guide and Antonio our driver. Such talent from both in spotting wildlife from the bus that most of us would never even see. Juan's enthusiasm and passion for his country just bleeds in his conversations. He has so much character for the job! Our group size was 10 people. We stopped at a small fruit stand to sample a variety of native fruits. Tasty! En route to the Tarcoles River, Antonio pulled the bus off the road as he spotted a pair of macaws in a tree. Very pleasant surprise! Off to the Tarcoles River to hop on a Crocodile Man boat where Juan continued to serve as our tour guide and pointed out several different forms of wildlife including a variety of birds (both small - think swallows, and large - think vultures), crabs, monkeys and of course, named crocodiles (Lady Gaga, J.Lo, Torpedo, etc.), which we viewed from just a few yards away. Antonio then drove us to El Jardin where we enjoyed a traditional Costa Rican lunch and had some free time to shop, see a short presentation on making chocolate, stroll through a butterfly garden and taste Costa Rican coffee. Then back to the port in plenty of time before ship departure. Overall a great day! I wouldn't hesitate to book again with GioTours - we did.
Response from the operator: Dear 257DavidC257: Thank you very much for taking the time to write us a review! It is awesome to hear that this was your second time with Gio Tours. Thank you so much for trusting your vacations to us! Also, it is great to hear that you enjoyed the time watching several animals, tasting local food, and, in general, having a good time during the tour, and that Juan and Antonio made this a rich experience for you. We will be sure to let them know. If you ever come back to Costa Rica again, don't hesitate to let us know. We would be pleased to show you every detail of this beautiful country! Best regards GioTours
via Tripadvisor
A great eco tour shore excursion from Puntarenas
We had driven across the Tarcoles River four years ago en route to Los Suenos but didn’t stop to enjoy the wildlife. This time we took a cruise that stopped in Puntarenas, so we decided to tour the Tarcoles River with Gio. In total, there were 10 folks who had signed up from our ship, but two didn’t show. The comfortable mini-bus had plenty of room for us to spread out. First and foremost, our guide Juan and driver Antonio were fantastic. Juan kept us informed and entertained while Antonio kept a sharp lookout for macaws and other wildlife en route to the river. The first stop at the fruit stand was a very nice touch. The mangos, papayas, pineapple, and apples were sweet and refreshing. We also tasted a Costa Rican fruit from palm trees that is boiled and mushed up. The flavor and texture was like a cross between a potato and chestnut. Although scheduled for an hour, the river boat captain took us around for 90 minutes. We saw perhaps a half dozen crocodiles, a lot of different kinds of birds, and even some monkeys. Lunch provided a good selection of typical Costa Rican food. We spent a little time to learn about the chocolate production process and taste some samples. There was also a butterfly garden and souvenir shop on site.
Response from the operator: Dear castriker888: Thank you very much for taking the time to write us a review! We are happy to hear that you had an amazing time watching several animals, tasting local fruits, and getting to know the Costa Rican culture. Also, it is great that Juan and Antonio made this a rich experience for you. We will be sure to let them know. If you ever come back to Costa Rica again, don't hesitate to let us know. We would be pleased to show you every detail of this beautiful country! Best regards GioTours
via Tripadvisor
Small group seeing Costa Rica
We made a wonferful tour with a small group. Best of Puntarenas. Out tour guide Juan was excellent. Very knowlegeable and open to all questions. Made different stops at a fruitstand with fruit tasting. Mango, passionfruit, pineapple, guave and poor mens steak, and a river tour to see wild crocodiles in their natural habitat. Had great lunch, shopping opportunities and a tour through downtown Puntarenas.
Response from the operator: Dear Wolf P: Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We are pleased to hear you had such a great time with Juan while in our tour through Puntarenas. If you ever come back to Costa Rica again, don't hesitate to let us know. We would be pleased to show you every detail of our beautiful country! Best regards GioTours
via Tripadvisor
Best tour to explore Puntarenas!
Best tour ever!! Charlie and Juan were great!
Response from the operator: Dear 378angelah: Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our tour with Charlie and Juan. If you ever come back to Costa Rica again, don't hesitate to let us know. We would be pleased to show you every detail of our beautiful country! Best regards GioTours
via Tripadvisor
A special day in Punta Arenas, Costa Rica
Literally just finished our full day tour of Costa Rica’s west coast. Several first impressions……. The beauty of the country and the wonderful hospitality. As wonderful as the sights were, it was surpassed by the knowledge, personality and kindness of Juan and Gustavo. Clearly, Juan is proud of his native country. This was conveyed with pride and a blend of exceptional humor. Thank you for a wonderful day and I feel as though friendships were made. Pura Vida CG
Response from the operator: Dear colingK2280EF: Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. This is the type of comments that fills our heart! We are so glad to hear that you had such a great time and enjoyed our tour. If you ever come back to Costa Rica again, don't hesitate to let us know. We would be pleased to show you every detail of our beautiful country! Best regards GioTours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 54
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Puntarenas.
How much does Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion cost?
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Prices start at $78 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 Highlights Shore Excursion take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Highlights Shore Excursion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 155 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 Highlights Shore Excursion?
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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 Highlights Shore Excursion suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion?
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Around 54 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puntarenas Highlights Shore Excursion 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, Small Group Night Walking Tour in Monteverde, Half day surf and adventure in Montezuma. 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.
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