Ziplining Puntarenas: 18 cables over 11 waterfalls

Fly across a canyon on 18 cables while waterfalls drop below you

Ziplining near Puntarenas takes you 45 minutes from the cruise port to a rainforest canyon where you fly across 18 zipline cables strung over 11 waterfalls, cross a Tibetan bridge, rappel down a cascade, and swim in a natural pool. The whole outing runs about five hours with transport, and a bilingual guide leads groups of at least two people through the course.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfall zipline adventure near Puntarenas

• Travel 45 minutes from Puntarenas port
• Take 4x4 ride to first zipline platform
• Enjoy views of Gulf of Nicoya and rainforest
• Zipline across 18 cables over 11 waterfalls
• Cross Tibetan bridge
• Rappel down a waterfall
• Swim in natural pool at waterfall base

The experience

The adventure starts with a 4x4 ride up into the lush mountains to the first platform, where you get views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the rainforest spreading out below. From there you clip in and begin the descent: 18 cables carry you across the canyon, each one strung between platforms cut into the rock face. You'll cross a Tibetan bridge suspended over the gorge, then rappel down one of the waterfalls themselves before dropping into a natural pool at the base of the cascade to cool off.

The whole zipline section takes about two and a half hours, and the route is designed to fit cruise ship schedules. You get picked up at Caldera port and returned in time to reboard. Your guide speaks English and Spanish and stays with the group throughout. Bring a bathing suit under your clothes, wear closed-toe shoes, and come ready to move: this is not a slow walk through the forest. The weight limit is 260 pounds, and you need at least a moderate level of fitness to handle the rappelling and the physical demands of moving between platforms.

Bottled water is provided, and the air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable on the drive back to port. Children as young as six can go if an adult accompanies them, though the activity is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or serious cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Port pickup and drop-off from Caldera.
• professional bilingual guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• bottled water.
• all safety equipment and harnesses.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “✅Pick-up time is typically at 8:00 am. If your ship arrives later, the pick-up will be 30 minutes after docking. ✅ We will be waiting for you in Puntarenas at the pier entrance, or in Caldera at the harbor entrance.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Adventure Park and Hotel Vista Golfo

Is this one for you?This activity demands sustained physical effort (you're moving between platforms, rappelling, and handling your own weight on cables for two and a half hours), so it suits travelers who are comfortable with exertion and water entry, not a leisurely walk through scenery.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Under 6: 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 24h before the start.

How much time do I actually spend ziplining versus traveling from the ship?

The zipline section itself runs about two and a half hours. Add 45 minutes each way for the drive from Caldera port to the Adventure Park, plus time for gearing up and the natural pool break, so the whole outing is roughly five hours from port to port.

What happens if my ship leaves before the tour can get me back?

At booking, you provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time. The tour is scheduled to have you back in time to reboard, but confirm those details when you reserve so the operator can confirm the fit with your ship's schedule.

Do I need to be an experienced climber or athlete to do this?

No climbing experience is needed. The ziplines and platforms do the work. You do need at least a moderate level of fitness because you'll be moving between platforms, rappelling down a waterfall, and handling your own body weight on the cables. The weight limit is 260 pounds.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable sport clothes with a bathing suit underneath and closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Bring nothing else. The guide provides all safety gear, and bottled water is included. You'll have a chance to swim in the natural pool, so plan on getting soaked.

What's not included that I should budget for?

Gratuities for your guide and any alcoholic drinks are not included in the price. Drinks are available to purchase at the site.