Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Shore Tour from Limon

Summary

Wildlife Walks and Banana Farm Visit in Costa Rica’s Caribbean

If you want to see wild monkeys up close, stroll quiet beaches, and learn how bananas go from plant to port—all in one relaxed day—this tour’s for you. It’s easygoing but full of real Costa Rican moments.

What’s the experience like?

Right after stepping off the ship in Limón, the air hits you—warm, thick with that sweet smell of fruit stands and sea breeze. Our guide, Daniel, greeted us with a grin and a quick rundown of what to expect. The drive to Cahuita National Park is short but lively; reggae music drifts from roadside cafés, and you’ll catch glimpses of painted houses tucked between palm trees.

The park itself feels alive. We followed a sandy trail under tangled branches while Daniel pointed out howler monkeys overhead—honestly, they’re louder than you’d think. A sloth hung motionless above us for ages; I almost missed it until someone whispered and pointed. Iguanas darted across the path, blending into the leaves if you blinked. Every so often, we’d stop just to listen: birds calling out, waves rolling in close by. The sand here is soft and pale, not hot underfoot even by midday.

After the walk, we made a quick stop at a banana plantation right along the main road. You won’t go inside the packing house (that’s off-limits), but our guide explained how each bunch gets cut and sorted before heading out to supermarkets around the world. There’s something oddly calming about watching rows of banana plants sway in the breeze—plus you get why this crop matters so much here.

Back in Limón city, there’s time for a short tour—colorful murals everywhere, street vendors selling coconut water straight from the shell. The city buzzes with energy but never feels rushed. If you’re lucky, you might catch a bit of live calypso drifting from a corner bar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cahuita Park and Limon City Tour

• Walk Cahuita National Park
• Limon city tour

Top questions

Will I see animals like monkeys or sloths during the walk?

You’ve got a good chance! Monkeys are pretty active here and sloths are spotted often—our guide was great at finding them.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes—it’s an easy walk on mostly flat trails. Families and all ages will be comfortable.

Do we go inside the banana packing house?

No—the visit is just outside near the plantation facilities since those areas are restricted for safety reasons.

How long does the whole excursion take?

The tour fits comfortably within cruise ship schedules; usually around 5 hours including travel time.

What’s included

Your entrance to Cahuita National Park is covered, plus round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle right from your ship. A professional naturalist guide leads both the park walk and banana farm visit—so you’ll get real local insight every step of the way.