Clear Kayak at Punta Uva: Paddle through jungle and reef

Paddle through the jungle, then glide over the reef

Clear kayaking at Punta Uva on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, where you paddle a transparent kayak through an estuary and open water to spot wildlife, with a guide in English or Spanish and all gear included. If ocean conditions aren't safe for paddling, the tour pivots to a jungle hike to a viewpoint and cave instead, so the adventure stays on either way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear Kayak Tour and Nature Exploration

• Glide on clear kayaks in Punta Uva
• Observe wildlife along the river
• Kayak in ocean or hike trail
• Visit scenic viewpoint and cave
• Learn about local history and nature

The experience

Punta Uva's clear kayaks let you see straight through the hull into the water below: the whole point of the equipment. You paddle through the estuary first, where the jungle closes in on both sides and toucans, iguanas, howler monkeys and river turtles move through the trees and water. The guide points out the plants and history as you move, and sloths sometimes appear in the canopy if you're patient. The paddle takes about two and a half hours total.

The second half depends on the ocean. From August through mid-November, when the Caribbean is calmer, you take the kayak out to the reef. The clear bottom shows you the underwater landscape: fish, coral structure, the whole ecosystem visible from above the surface. On rougher days or outside that window, you trade the kayak for a trail that climbs to a scenic viewpoint and a hidden cave, where the guide talks through the area's geology, wildlife and local history. Either way, you're on the water or in the landscape, not sitting still.

The tour runs with a live guide who speaks English and Spanish. Kids from age 5 can join. Younger children sit on an adult's lap. You get the kayak, a lifejacket and a dry bag to keep your phone and keys safe. The weight limit for a double kayak is 200kg (440 pounds).

What’s included

• Clear kayak with transparent hull.
• lifejacket.
• dry bag for personal items.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• jungle estuary paddle and wildlife spotting.
• ocean kayaking or jungle hike with viewpoint and cave depending on conditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Caribe Sur

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here. You'll move at the guide's pace through the estuary and either paddle or hike together, so the experience stays intimate and the wildlife spotting stays focused. Solo travelers and families with kids from 5 up fit equally well.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

62 verified traveler reviews

5 ★55

4 ★6

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see on the kayak at Punta Uva?

Toucans, iguanas, howler monkeys, spider monkeys and river turtles are common in the estuary. Sloths appear in the canopy sometimes, and when you paddle out to the reef from August through mid-November, you'll see reef fish and coral structure through the clear kayak hull.

What happens if the ocean is too rough to kayak?

The tour switches to a jungle hike to a scenic viewpoint and cave, where the guide explains the area's history, plants and wildlife. You still get the full experience. Just on land instead of water.

Do I need kayaking experience to do this?

No experience is required. The guide leads the whole tour and the clear kayak is stable and easy to paddle. You do need at least a moderate level of fitness, and it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What's included in the tour price?

The clear kayak, lifejacket and dry bag are all included. The guide is included too, speaking English or Spanish depending on the group.