Palo Verde National Park wildlife tour: boat and dry forest

Spot crocodiles and macaws on the Tempique River instead of a guided walk

A 5-hour boat tour of Palo Verde National Park starts at 7 a.m. and travels the Tempique River through dry forest and mangroves to watch American crocodiles, macaws, herons, howler monkeys and dozens of other species. The tour includes a live guide in English or Spanish, pickup from Conchal Beach, air-conditioned transport and local organic food; children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife and cultural river tour

• Pick up clients at Conchal Beach
• Pick up clients at second location
• Boat tour on Tempique River
• Explore Palo Verde National Park wildlife
• Observe sugar cane fields and dry forest
• Watch various bird species and animals

The Experience

The boat leaves at 7 a.m. and stays on the water for most of the morning, which is when the animals are most active. You'll move through the Tempique River surrounded by dry forest and mangrove habitat—the landscape itself is part of what you're seeing, since the vegetation is what draws the wildlife. The guide points out birds as they move between the trees and across the water: macaws, herons, tiger herons, wood storks, jabiru birds, kingfishers and wild turkeys show up regularly. American crocodiles rest on the banks, and if the timing is right, you'll see them.

Beyond birds, the river tour brings you close to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and common basilisks. The guide also explains the sugar cane fields you pass—they're the livelihood of many people in Guanacaste, so this is a cultural tour as much as a wildlife one. You're not hiking or climbing; you're sitting on the boat and watching the landscape move past you, which changes what you can see and how long you can stay in one spot.

Pickup happens at Conchal Beach, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Local organic food is included, so you're not stopping to buy lunch separately. The whole tour runs about 7 hours from pickup to return, though the boat time itself is the 5-hour core.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Spanish.
• air-conditioned transport with pickup from Conchal Beach.
• local organic food.
• gratuities.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by ATV Beach Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to watch wildlife from a boat instead of on foot—the river gives you a different vantage point and lets you stay longer in one spot without moving. It works well for small groups and families with children from age 5 up, since nobody has to keep pace on a trail.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

8 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What animals will I actually see on the Palo Verde boat tour?

American crocodiles, macaws, herons, tiger herons, wood storks, jabiru birds, kingfishers, wild turkeys, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and common basilisks are all common sightings. The guide will also point out local and migratory bird species as they move through the dry forest and mangroves.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is included from Conchal Beach. If you're staying elsewhere in the area, confirm your exact location when you book.

Can I bring my young children on this tour?

Children from age 5 are welcome. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes the boat, a live guide in English or Spanish, air-conditioned transport to and from Conchal Beach, local organic food and gratuities.

Why start at 7 a.m. instead of later in the day?

The animals are most active in the early morning, especially birds and monkeys. Starting at 7 a.m. puts you on the river when sightings are most likely.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You spend most of the time on the boat, so there's no hiking or strenuous walking required.