Horseback Riding & Crocodile Safari in Puntarenas

Saddle up in the rainforest, then spot crocodiles from the water

A guided horseback riding tour through Costa Rica's rainforest on a private property, followed by a 60-minute boat safari on the Tarcoles River. You ride gentle, well-trained horses along maintained trails through primary and secondary forest, then board an eco-boat to watch American crocodiles, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and aquatic birds in their habitat. Pickup from the pier, professional guide in English or Spanish, and bottled water are included.

The Experience

The day starts at the pier with an air-conditioned minibus ride through the Costa Rican countryside to the ranch. Once there, you're paired with a gentle horse suited to your experience level—first-time riders and experienced ones both ride the same trails. The 2-hour ride winds through the private 80-acre property, moving through lush primary and secondary forest where the canopy keeps the heat down. Your guide points out the flora and fauna as you go, and the trail itself is well-maintained, so the focus stays on the rainforest around you rather than footing.

After the ride, a short drive takes you to the Tarcoles River. You board an eco-boat for 60 minutes navigating one of the region's most biodiverse waterways. American crocodiles rest on the banks and in the shallows—massive ones, often motionless until the boat passes. Scarlet macaws call from the canopy, howler monkeys move through the branches, and the river itself holds a variety of aquatic birds. The boat is built for wildlife watching, so sightlines are clear and the pace lets you use a camera without rushing.

The tour wraps with a stop at a souvenir store before the return drive to the pier. Total time is around 6 hours from pickup to drop-off. The guide is a professional local who speaks English or Spanish, and bottled water is provided throughout.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• air-conditioned minibus pickup and drop-off at the pier.
• 2 hours of horseback riding on a private 80-acre property.
• 60 minutes on the Tarcoles River by eco-boat.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a stop at a souvenir store.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours

Is this one for you?You're riding for 2 hours on maintained trails at a steady pace, so moderate fitness and comfort in the saddle matter—this is not a walk-through tour. The boat portion requires no physical effort, making the day manageable for riders who tire easily on horseback.

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Top questions

What's the horseback riding like if I've never ridden before?

The horses are gentle and well-trained, and the guides pair you with one suited to your experience level. The trails are well-maintained and the pace is steady, so first-time riders move through the rainforest without wrestling with the horse or the terrain.

How close do you get to the crocodiles on the boat?

The Tarcoles River is full of American crocodiles, and the eco-boat navigates close enough for clear views and photos. The boat's design keeps sightlines open, and the 60-minute tour gives you time to watch them without a rushed pace.

What animals will I actually see on the Tarcoles River?

American crocodiles are the main draw, but the river also holds scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and a variety of aquatic birds. The river is one of the region's most biodiverse areas, so wildlife sightings are frequent.

Is this tour available if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes—this tour is designed for cruise ship passengers, with pickup from the pier and timing built around ship schedules. If you're not arriving by cruise ship, this specific tour is not available.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the pier, air-conditioned transport, the 2-hour horseback ride with a professional guide, the 60-minute boat safari on the Tarcoles River, bottled water, and a stop at a souvenir store. Gratuity for the guide is optional and paid separately at checkout.

How long is the whole experience?

The tour runs about 6 hours total, including pickup from the pier, the drive to the ranch, the 2-hour ride, the drive to the river, the 60-minute boat safari, and the return to the pier.