Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour: Crocodiles on the Tempisque River

Palo Verde National Park is one of Costa Rica's best places to see wildlife, and the easiest way to explore it is by boat along the Tempisque River. If you love crocodiles, monkeys and birds, this is the tour for you.

Where is Palo Verde National Park?

Palo Verde protects a huge area of wetlands, marshes and dry forest where the Tempisque River meets the Gulf of Nicoya, about 1.5 hours from Tamarindo.

What you'll see on the boat tour

On our Palo Verde wetlands boat tour, a naturalist guide steers you along the Tempisque River and points out wildlife along the banks:

• American crocodiles, some over 4 metres long

• Howler, white-faced and spider monkeys

• Iguanas and basilisk lizards

• Herons, storks, roseate spoonbills and other waterbirds

A birdwatcher's paradise

Palo Verde is a protected wetland of international importance and one of the top birdwatching spots in Central America, with hundreds of resident and migratory species.

How much does the Palo Verde tour cost?

The Palo Verde boat tour from Tamarindo starts from $155 per person.

Best time to go

The dry season (December to April) is the best time for birdwatching, when migratory birds gather around the shrinking water. Crocodiles and monkeys are easy to spot all year.

What to bring

• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

• Binoculars and a camera with zoom

• Insect repellent

• Light, breathable clothes

Similar wildlife tours

Short on time? The Tamarindo estuary boat tour leaves right from town. For sloths, try the Río Celeste and sloth tour.

Book with a local Tamarindo team

Book directly with Ohana Rental & Tours and get help on WhatsApp. Book your Palo Verde wetlands boat tour here.