Crocodile River Adventure in Costa Rica!

Sometimes the best travel stories come from the experiences we didn't get to have ourselves. My daughter explored the Tarcoles River during her Costa Rica visit and shared her photos with me. Seeing her pictures of crocodiles sunning along the riverbanks and colorful birds flying overhead made me add this experience to my own Costa Rica wish list.

A Wildlife Adventure on the Tarcoles River

Some of the best travel memories come from getting outside and experiencing the wildlife that makes a destination unique. During her visit to Costa Rica, my daughter took a boat tour on the Tarcoles River, one of the country's most famous wildlife destinations.

The Tarcoles River is known for its large population of American crocodiles, but the experience is about much more than just crocodiles. The river is home to an amazing variety of birds, including herons, egrets, scarlet macaws, and other tropical species. Iguanas and other wildlife can often be spotted along the riverbanks as well.

Here are some highlights from her tour:

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In addition to the crocodiles, the river also supports more than 50 species of migratory, native and coastal birds, including a variety of heron and egrets, crested caracas, roseate  spoonbills, scarlet macaws and more.

 

  

  

 Iguanas can often be spotted scampering about the sides of the river as well.

Planning a Tarcoles River Tour

The Tarcoles River is located along Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast and is a popular stop for travelers heading between San José, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio. A river boat tour is a great way to see wildlife without a strenuous hike, making it a fun option for families and groups.

My daughter took her tour with Jose's Crocodile River Tour, which included a bilingual guide, a two-hour boat ride, and the opportunity to see crocodiles and a variety of tropical birds.

Location: Located in the town of Tarcoles, in Central Pacific Costa Rica.
17km north of Jaco and 15km north of Los Suenos Resort, Herradura.