The 15 best things to do in Puntarenas (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat

   Outty Ranking91

   Experience Tortuga Island with Costa Cat Cruises - All-Inclusive Fun from Los Sueños Marina Cruise with Costa Cat for a perfect day trip to the breathtaking Tortuga Island. Departing daily from the world-class Los Sueño. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 1,664 traveler reviews, 8h from $174, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. 3 Hour ATV Medium Waterfall Tour (Swimmable Pool)

   Outty Ranking88

   This adventure begins riding towards the mountain country side on mixed paved, gravel and dirt roads through different sceneries including hills, ocean views, cattle fields, small creeks, rivers, forest with diverse vege. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 459 traveler reviews, 3h from $100, free cancellation.

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3. 

   3. Turtle Island, from Puntarenas, snorkeling and lunch included!

   Outty Ranking86

   Experience a complete adventure from Puntarenas to Turtle Island. We searched the gulf for dolphins, then passed through Negritos Island to try to see spider monkeys in their natural habitat. Before arriving on the islan. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 144 traveler reviews, 6h from $95, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Half day surf and adventure in Montezuma

   Outty Ranking85

   Come and try the best thing to do in Costa Rica. Learn to surf in paradise! In this four-hour surf adventure you will experience amazing surf, enchanting locations, adventurous jungle trails(without carring the surf boar. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 86 traveler reviews, 4h from $70, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. 4 Hours ATV Exclusive Jaguar Waterfalls

   Outty Ranking85

   Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our exclusive tours, offering private access to breathtaking, grand waterfalls where you can take a refreshing swim in their crystal-clear waters. While we utilise portions of ru. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.9/5 from 297 traveler reviews, 4h from $130, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Small Group Wildlife Refuge Monteverde Night Walking Tour

   Outty Ranking84

   This excursion is an excellent opportunity to observe a large amount of biodiversity since 87 percent of the fauna is active at night, confident in the poor visibility that darkness offers them. In a normal visit there. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 88 traveler reviews, 2h from $29, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Small Group Night Walking Tour in Monteverde

   Outty Ranking83

   At dusk, most the diurnal Fauna look for the best place to rest. But it is also the time when nocturnal creatures begin to appear. Please note: Transport isn't included but can be arranged on request — just ask before y. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.8/5 from 393 traveler reviews, 2h from $73, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. 2 Hour ATV River Tour

   Outty Ranking82

   You will encounter nature with the fun of riding ATVs with our bilingual guides who provide the highest level of security while you ride and make sure at the same time you have the time of your life! Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 175 traveler reviews, 2h from $75, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Monteverde Night Walk: Sloths, Snakes & Nocturnal Wildlife

   Outty Ranking82

   Discover the hidden world of Monteverde after dark on a guided night walk led by an experienced local naturalist. As the forest comes alive, you'll search for nocturnal wildlife that most visitors never have the chance t. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.8/5 from 117 traveler reviews, 2h from $35, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Monteverde Night Walk: Guided Wildlife Tour

    Outty Ranking82

    This night hike in Monteverde is designed for travelers seeking authentic wildlife viewing in small groups, with an educational focus and personalized attention. During the tour, you may have the opportunity to observe:. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 50 traveler reviews, 2h from $28, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Isla Tortuga Premium: snorkeling, Monkeys & Private Beach Spot

    Outty Ranking81

    Escape the crowds and discover Isla Tortuga. While others go straight to the island, we take you on a wildlife adventure to spot Spider Monkeys, magnificent frages birds and dolphins before relaxing on exclusive private. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.9/5 from 65 traveler reviews, 8h from $105, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Private Isla Tortuga All included Full day Tour - Puntarenas

    Outty Ranking81

    Enjoy like a local a all-inclusive full-day tour to Tortuga Island, on a exclusive boat, with local experts. Escape the overcrowded commercial boats. Enjoy on a private beachfront spot, small groups, and 100% personaliz. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 124 traveler reviews, 7h from $125, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle

    Outty Ranking80

    Embárcate en un fascinante recorrido junto a nuestros guías naturalistas expertos mientras el sol se pone y el bosque cobra vida bajo la oscuridad. Esta es tu oportunidad de explorar los secretos del vibrante bosque de S. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 4.5/5 from 389 traveler reviews, 2h from $38, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. 2-Hour Surf Lesson in Montezuma

    Outty Ranking79

    2 hours of surf lesson with our local, young and fun surf instructors (100% from Costa Rica). We are certified lifeguard and ISA2 (International Surfing Association) to surf in safety. You are beginners or level advan. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 5.0/5 from 101 traveler reviews, 2h from $73, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. 10 in 1 Puntarenas Highlights tour

    Outty Ranking79

    Pick up at cruise terminal and/or hotels of Puntarenas area. We ensure a personal experience on small group tours, wildlife interaction as alllows by law of Costa Rica which is very into protecting wildlife and agree on. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.6/5 from 140 traveler reviews, 8h from $86, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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