Puerto Limon: Tortuguero Canals, Playa Bonita & Banana Farm

Summary

Puerto Limon canals boat ride plus fruit tastings and beach stop

You’ll drift through Tortuguero’s calm canals spotting wildlife, taste fresh tropical fruits at a roadside stand, walk banana fields near Puerto Limon with your guide sharing stories, and relax at Playa Bonita beach before heading back—simple moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the banana fields outside Puerto Limon to stretch so far — just green on green, with those blue plastic bags fluttering in the breeze. Our guide, Marlon, stopped the van and showed us how they wrap each bunch to keep out bugs. I tried to lift one and nearly dropped it (they’re heavier than you think). The air smelled sweet but earthy too — like rain-soaked leaves. Marlon laughed when I asked if he ever gets tired of bananas. He said, “Only when I have to carry them.”

The Tortuguero canals were quieter than I pictured. We glided under low branches while our boat captain pointed out a sloth curled up above us — I almost missed it, honestly. There was this moment where everyone just hushed up and watched a heron pick its way through the reeds. It’s not flashy, but that kind of stillness sticks with you. My shirt was already damp from the humidity by then; bring water — they give you a bottle but you’ll want more.

At the fruit stand, we tried something called mamón chino (I think it’s rambutan?), all spiky red skin and slippery inside. I fumbled peeling it open and got juice on my shorts — worth it though. There’s also coffee at the grocery stop later if you want to bring some home; prices seemed fair compared to what I’d seen in town markets.

Playa Bonita lived up to its name but not in an Instagram way — more like local families laughing under palm trees, music drifting from a beach bar, sand sticking everywhere. If you’re lucky with weather, you can swim or just sit back with a cold drink and watch ships come in. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Limon and Tortuguero Canals

• City tour around Limon town
• Visit viewpoint for panoramic photos
• Stop at local grocery store
• Visit rustic fruit stand and souvenir shop
• Stop at organic banana plantation
• One-hour Tortuguero Canals boat ride
• Relax at Playa Bonita beach

Top questions

How long is the Tortuguero Canals & Playa Bonita tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total.

Is pickup included for cruise ship passengers?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included.

What will I see on the Tortuguero canal boat ride?

You may spot wildlife like sloths, herons, and tropical plants along the canals.

Are food or drinks included during the tour?

You’ll get free fruit tasting at a rustic stand and bottled water is provided.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can use strollers.

Can I buy Costa Rican coffee on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a local grocery store where you can purchase coffee or other goods.

What should I wear for this Puerto Limon day trip?

Light, comfortable clothing is best; bring rainwear as weather can change quickly.

How big are the groups on this excursion?

The group size is capped at 18 people per booking.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off in Puerto Limon, an hour-long covered boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals with your guide pointing out wildlife along the way, stops at both an organic banana plantation and a rustic fruit stand for tasting local produce (with bottled water provided), time to relax or swim at Playa Bonita beach depending on weather, plus a visit to a local grocery store for coffee or souvenirs before returning to your ship or hotel.