Punta Uva Wildlife Kayaking & Hike: Sloths & River Wildlife
Paddle past wildlife and walk the jungle where sloths live
This wildlife kayaking and hiking tour in Punta Uva combines a guided jungle hike and a river paddle to spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, turtles and birds in their natural habitat. The tour runs 2 to 3 hours with a local guide in English or Spanish, kayaks and life jackets provided. The guide shares stories about shipwrecks, indigenous wisdom and the region's history as you move through beach trails and river viewpoints.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hike and kayak wildlife tour
- Hike to find sloths and animals
- Learn about local history and wildlife
- Take a break with snack
- Kayak on river to see wildlife
What’s included
- Kayaks and life jacket for the river section.
- local guide in English or Spanish.
- snack and break between the hike and paddle.
- access to jungle trails and river viewpoints around Punta Uva.
Times
- Monday to Saturday 09:00 14:00
- Sunday 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Morpho Caribbean Tours
Prices and times updated yesterday
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with a hike through the jungle trails around Punta Uva, where you walk the beach-side paths and different viewpoints looking for sloths and other animals in their natural setting. Your guide talks through what you're seeing (the species, their behavior, the ecosystem), while weaving in stories about shipwrecks, indigenous knowledge and the history of Puerto Viejo and Costa Rica. The pace is set to your interests, so the walk stays comfortable and the stops land where the wildlife is.
After the hike you head back to the meeting point for a break and a snack to cool down, then move to the kayaks for the river section. From the water you'll see sloths again, plus monkeys, iguanas, turtles and different bird species moving through the trees and along the banks. The kayak portion lets you reach animals and viewpoints the trail doesn't, and the guide stays with you the whole time, pointing out what's moving in the canopy and answering questions as they come up.
Kayaks, life jackets and a local guide are included. The tour runs in English or Spanish depending on your preference. Infants sit on an adult's lap during both the hike and the paddle, and the itinerary is flexible enough to match your pace and what you want to focus on, whether that's sloths, birds, the river itself or the stories behind the place.
Is this one for you?The 2- to 3-hour timeframe fits a morning or afternoon slot without eating your whole day, leaving room for other activities in the region before or after. The guide adjusts the pace to your interests and fitness level, so you're not locked into a set speed. You move at what works for your group and stop where the wildlife is.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).
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 animals will I actually see on the Punta Uva kayaking and hiking tour?
Sloths are the main draw and you'll look for them on both the hike and the river paddle. You'll also see monkeys, iguanas, turtles and different bird species from the jungle trails and from the kayak, depending on the time of day and what's moving through the canopy when you're there.
How long does the Punta Uva wildlife tour take?
The tour runs 2 to 3 hours total, with the hike taking up the first part, a short break and snack at the midpoint, then the river kayak section. The pace is adjusted to your group's interests, so the timing can shift depending on what you want to focus on.
Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?
No experience is required. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide leads you through the river section. A life jacket is provided and worn throughout the paddle.
What's included in the tour price?
The kayaks, life jacket and local guide are all included. You'll also get a snack and a break to cool down between the hike and the paddle. The guide speaks English or Spanish.
Can I bring my infant on this tour?
Yes, infants are welcome and sit on an adult's lap during both the hike and the kayak section. The tour is designed to be family-friendly and the pace is customized to your group.
Where do I meet for the Punta Uva tour?
You'll meet at a designated meeting point in Punta Uva. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them to reach the start location.
Punta Uva Wildlife Kayaking & Hike: Sloths & River Wildlife
2h–3h · EN · ES
from US$ 62 per person
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