
Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari worth booking?
Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari is a 6-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $150 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Palo Verde River is a migratory sanctuary for tropical birds and the perfect tour for all ages. Year-round it is home to crocodiles and three types of monkeys, herons, egrets, king fishers, scarlet macaws and nesting ground for crocodiles. Your tour begins in the morning, with pickup from your Guanacaste beach hotel. Driving an hour and a half, you will pass melon and papaya fields, grown for export from Costa Rica. Once on the river you will spend a couple of hours looking for wildlife and taking photos. After the boat tour, if on the AM tour you will stop to enjoy a typical lunch. If you are on the afternoon tour, you will return to your hotel. Return to your hotel.
What you get
About this experience
Palo Verde River is a migratory sanctuary for tropical birds and the perfect tour for all ages. Year-round it is home to crocodiles and three types of monkeys, herons, egrets, king fishers, scarlet macaws and nesting ground for crocodiles. Your tour begins in the morning, with pickup from your Guanacaste beach hotel. Driving an hour and a half, you will pass melon and papaya fields, grown for export from Costa Rica. Once on the river you will spend a couple of hours looking for wildlife and taking photos. After the boat tour, if on the AM tour you will stop to enjoy a typical lunch. If you are on the afternoon tour, you will return to your hotel. Return to your hotel.
What's included
Included
- Hot Typical Lunch with natural fruit beverage (*AM TOUR OPTION ONLY)
- Wildlife River Boat Tour
- Round trip ground transportation from Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, RIU, Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo, Portrero, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta hotels.
Not included
- Transportation from hotels outside Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, RIU, Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo, Portrero, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta hotels. Please contact us before booking, we may pick up for the same price or additional charge, but check first.
- AFTERNOON BOAT TOUR - LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED
What you'll see and do
Bill Beard's Costa Rica
Tour down Tempisque River toward Palo Verde in motorized boat. Best chance to view white-faced and howler monkeys, crocs and birds in the Guanacaste region. Lunch and entrance included.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
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
- Bill Beard Costa Rica
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum of 2 persons needed
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Weather permitting. Crew reserves the right to determine if necessary to cancel. If crew cancels, refund or alternate tour will be provided, dependent upon availability
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for wheelchairs
- Not responsible for damage to personal items brought on tour. Bring personal items at your own risk.
- Please be ready and waiting in the lobby of your hotel 15 minutes prior to reconfirmed departure time
- Drivers will not be able to wait for guests who are not ready when they arrive, and tour cost will be forfeited.
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Boat tour
The river boat tour was amazing! Our guide Eric made the drive out and back part of the adventure. He was awesome! He educated us on the area, culture, flora and fauna. The tour included a delicious authentic Costa Rican lunch!
Response from the operator: Exciting & accurate review, thank you. This is one of the best tours in Costa Rica if you want to see animals in their natural habitat, white face capuchins, howler monkeys, scarlet mccaws toucans, crocodiles & Jesus Christ lizards, hundreds of birds and our favorite lunch and the opportunity to learn about this area and the country, It just doesn't get any better than this. We can't thank you enough for the wonderful review and letting others know. Pura Vida.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
After 5 great days of scuba diving, my wife and I went on the Tempisque River monkey and wildlife boat safari. Our tour guide, Jose, was incredibly knowledgeable and informative. It was a great way to end our week in Costa Rica.
Response from the operator: Wonderful, thank you for the review. We are so happy that you have enjoyed the diving and the wildlife adventure tour. we too think it is the perfect way to end a scuba diving tour with us. We agree Jose is a great guide and he will be happy that you acknowledged him. Hopefully you will return soon and enjoy more that Costa Rica has to offer. Thank you again & Pura Vida
via Tripadvisor
HEY, WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR RIDE?
I received messages all week to be ready for pickup at our hotel. But, when the time came, no one showed to pick us up. When we called, there was no recollection of our trip. Some one eventually picked us up, but, I don't think we will book through trip advisor any more.
Response from the operator: Your ride was late and we are truly sorry about that and I will try and explain what happened. You had signed up for a "shared ride" and the clients that were to be picked up ahead of you were not ready and the driver opted to wait for them causing a delay in picking you up. You called at 8:05 to notify us that the driver was not there so we contacted the driver and he said he would be there in 5 minutes, which he was. You can see by our many 5 star reviews that this just doesn't happen with us. Spring Break crowds have caused delays and everything has been taking more time due to that. Thanks to your review we will make adjustments during Spring Break to start a little earlier and allow more time for our pick ups. On the up-side, you gave the tour 4 stars and we really appreciate that as this is one of our most popular tours and our travelers always enjoy seeing the animals in their natural habitat. Thank you very much for the review and the feedback as that is the best way for us to get information directly from our clients. We hope that you will opt for some of our other tours and learn about our "Pura Vida" lifestyle. Thank you again and warm regards.
via Tripadvisor
Great trip to Palo Verde
Great day. The guide was nothing short of fantastic. Very knowlwdgable and enthusiastic. Monkey's, crocs and many birds were seen. Monkeys even entered our boat. Van was very comfortable. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review. Those of us that were not on the tour are jealous. We all love this tour on the Tempisque River. It is always exciting and each time we go we see something different in the river and trees and the typical lunch is unsurpassed. Thank you again, we are so happy that you were able to experience some of the animals of Costa Rica in their natural habitat. Pura Vida
via Viator
Wonderful experience
We are very grateful to be guided by the professional tour guide and captain. Thanks to their passionate expertises, we learned so much.
Response from the operator: You are welcome and thank you for touring with us and taking the time to write a complimentary review. We appreciate it. This is one of our favorite tours for anyone but particularly multigenerational families and groups. Where else can you see this large amount of wildlife that is not behind cages and you do it all from a leisurely boat ride on the beautiful Tempisque River with one of our English speaking naturalist guides. Thank you again and please hurry back. PURA VIDA
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
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bill Beard Costa Rica, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.2.
See everything Bill Beard Costa Rica runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.
How much does Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari cost?
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Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Hermosa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari 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 Playa Hermosa is not rushed.
Is Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Hermosa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari?
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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 Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari 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 Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari?
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Around 2 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 Playa Hermosa 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 Playa Hermosa and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari 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 Playa Hermosa 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 Playa Hermosa?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Hermosa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day, White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal, Guachipelin Zipline, River Tubing, Horseback Ride, Hot springs & Lunch Combo. 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 Playa Hermosa?
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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 Playa Hermosa?
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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 Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari?
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Included: Hot Typical Lunch with natural fruit beverage (*AM TOUR OPTION ONLY); Wildlife River Boat Tour; and Round trip ground transportation from Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, RIU, P. Not included: Transportation from hotels outside Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, RIU, Play; and AFTERNOON BOAT TOUR - LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1 listed pickup location in and around Playa Hermosa. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari 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 Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari?
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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 Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for wheelchairs. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa Hermosa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Tempisque River Monkey, Crocodile and Tropical Birds Boat Safari?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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