Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari
4.5
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English, Spanish
More
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tamarindo/Langosta area
- National Park fees
- Bottled water
- Local guide
What's not included- Gratuities
- Transportation from Playa Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero, Las Catalinas
- Transportation from JW Marriott/Hacienda Pinilla
- Transportation from RIU Hotels/Playas del Coco/Hermosa/Panama
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Option 1Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Province of GuanacasteHotels, Condos, & Houses in Tamarindo/Langosta area
- Option 2Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa RicaIf you do not need transportation from your hotel in Tamarindo/Langosta, please meet us at the entrance to the Estuary - We can arrange pick up from other areas such as Conchal/Flamingo/Potrero for an extra fee if you like.
Pickup details- We include transportation from hotels, condos and private residences in the following areas: - Langosta - Be ready 30 MINUTES before the start time of the tour - Tamarindo - Be ready 20 MINUTES before the start time of the tour Pick up times above are an estimate. Please be ready outside 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time, but it can take up to 10 minutes longer depending on the day's pick up schedule and traffic. If you need transportation from another location, contact us for more information.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- Native's Way Costa Rica - Tours and Transfers, 200 meteres south of Diria, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17279P30- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 17279P30
From
$45.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Join us for the beautiful safari boat tour in Las Baulas National Park to explore the flora and fauna of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica. We will take you on a two hour tour through the mangroves of the National Park with the chance to see howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds, iguanas and more. Enjoy the amazing landscape and nature on a relaxing trip with our local tour guide. The boat is shaded, ideal for days when the sun is extra hot! Tour time is dependent on high tide, and your pick up time will be sent to you upon booking. • Includes Water • Includes Hotel Pick up in Tamarindo and Langosta area • Great for kids and those with limited mobility • No long bus ride! Starts at the rivermouth in Tamarindo!Pass byPlaya LangostaTamarindoTamarindo Beach
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 539margaretev0 contributionsIf you’re going to CR… this is a MUST DO!Totally recommend!! this excursion made our entire Costa Rica trip. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The activities were so much fun!! We absolutely loved the tubing trip and the hot springs. The zip lining was also incredible. The buffet lunch was absolutely delicious. My family cannot say enough great things about how spectacular this place wasWritten September 4, 2024
- nickoE5101BK0 contributionsSloth Tour Rio CelesteManny is a great guide with great insight on where and when to go for sloths and toucans we saw two sloths and much more! I Would 100% recommend Manny!Written September 4, 2024
- nikolew6690 contributionsWonderful experience!I had a fantastic day on this excursion! Everything was well-organized and clearly communicated. Tubing was my favorite part! It was so enjoyable to spend the day surrounded by beautiful nature, with the river and waterfalls. Make sure to bring dry clothes and a swimsuit. My only minor complaint is that it can be a bit inconvenient to switch between dry clothes and a swimsuit multiple times during the trip, although they do provide a nice changing room. All of the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. Overall, I had a wonderful time!Written September 2, 2024
- Q2611GGkaylac0 contributionsBeautiful ExcursionMy friend and I truly enjoyed our day in Nicaragua!! They picked us up at 5:30 from our Airbnb and the tour went as scheduled. Keep in mind you are touring another country in less than 12hours. SOO MUCH TO SEE, so little time lol Everything was definitely speedy but nonetheless now I have to go back. This was truly a sneak peak of Nicaragua. - Food was DELICIOUS -Tour director and drivers were so nice -WiFi on the drive -Even let me charge my phone in the front of the van. -Small group (I like this)Written September 1, 2024
- sarahbH4793EQ0 contributionsMagical ExperienceAlejandro was an incredible tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and made the entire experience fun and exciting. The coffee and chocolate making was unique and the results were very impressive! Alejandro was great at finding sloths that I don't think anyone in our party would have spotted without him and made sure we all got pictures if we wanted them. The hike to the waterfall is more than worth it! It's a stunning and magical experience. I can't say enough good things about this tour and our amazing guide Alejandro.Written August 31, 2024
- 261bessl0 contributionsGreat experienceOur guide Isaac was very organized and gave us a great taste of Costa Rica on our first visit as a family. Learned a bit of history on Costa Rica during the drive which made the travel time go by quickly . He was able to find sloths and white the special lens he had was able to take photos for us. The coffee and chocolate tour was as terrific as well. Learned about the process. The lunch was very tasty as well. Very authentic CR food which elevated our experience. Highly recommend as there is something for everyone.Written August 30, 2024
- tbradva0 contributionsfriendly, funny, fantastically knowledgeable tour guideFive stars, totally recommend ! Alejandro was a friendly, funny, fantastically knowledgeable tour guide and we loved every minute of our hiking, wildlife viewing, and waterfall tour! What a great way to see some of CRs amazing natural beauty and learn about its wildlife and incredible biodiversity. Thanks Alejandro, you made our day so memorable!Written August 29, 2024
- Corey J0 contributionsAwesome and BeautifulThis was so amazingly fun!!! The staff was all kind and very helpful and knowledgeable. River tubbing and zip line were through beautiful amazing areas. This trip was accessible to 76 year old mother. Her favorite was zip line. Horse ride was ok. Lunch was a very good buffet. Are guide that picked us up was very friendly and kept all our safe on the van. Great trip!Written August 29, 2024
- GoPlaces49288943020 contributionsGo for the hot springs aloneNot going to lie, I booked this on a whim. No clue what I was signing up for but I’m so glad I did it. The water fall and hot springs were my favorite parts. I would go back on my own to both. I could spend all day in the hot spring. The hike was also a lot of fun. It was very easy and we saw a lot of cool plants and trees. I highly highly recommend it, not too long of a day either!Written August 28, 2024
- dchung060 contributionsAmazing day for the family!The day started off with a prompt, on time private pick up from the W playa conchal, where we were taken to a meeting point with a larger bus in Tamarindo. Once on the bus, Kevin, the tour guide gave an overview of the day, and things to expect or look out for. Upon arriving, we were immediately given time to use the restroom and change to go straight to ziplining! They offered a photography package that would provide all photos for the family for $80 - note that if you say yes, they won't hold you to it, but you will have the photographer coming along and taking pictures and you can decide later! The family loved the ziplining! They were extremely cautious and safe, and my 6 year old was taken care of and allowed to go down almost all the lines with me. The rappelling part of the day is during zip lining and completely optional so don't worry about that. After ziplining, we were shuttled to horseback riding! It's a very leisurely ride taken through the forest. Nothing extreme about it. Easy peasy. From ziplining, you have the chance to change and head to river tubing! You're taken on another bus to the tubing start. My 6 year old and 9 year old were OK on it - was probably III-IV level at best, and there are areas where you have to swim/paddle or wait for a guide to give you a push. 2 guides stayed with my 6 year old and helped her through it, they were wonderful. After ziplining, you're taken back to the main building for a buffet lunch. Food wasn't bad, and hit the spot after so many activities. You can go look at your pictures and purchase them after lunch. Finally, the hot springs! These were great - very rustic feeling, some (optional) suspension bridges to cross, and very hot water. Being able to use volcanic mud was a nice bonus. There are pools that cascade hot water down to lower temperatures, and you can also take a dip and relax in the river as it is right beside the springs. All in all, we had an amazing trip. Kevin was an amazing point man, and the guides and workers at the park were friendly and helpful.Written August 28, 2024
- wendypS6853ZO0 contributionsFRANK THE TANK- excursionWhile staying at the beautiful resort, Rio Palace in Costa Rica we did an excursion with the most amazing group, Frank the Tank Tours. Diago was our driver who always ensured everyone’s belongings remained safe and secure while Manuel was our very own tour guide and photographer. He was extremely knowledgeable about the plants, insects and all things nature related during our adventure. He went above and beyond buying the group of us native fresh fruit to try and ensuring we had a sample of the sweetest and most organic pineapple Costa Rica had to offer. After my daughter took a tumble during one of the hikes he ensured she was A OK with her very own coconut water! This excursion was to hike to the Rio Celeste waterfalls and to view sloths up close and personal and WOW… he sure made this happen. To add to the amazing day we clued up with a coffee/cocoa plantation tour and sampling experience. If you are visiting Costa Rica and looking to book an excursion I would highly 10/10 recommend Frank the Tank… hopefully you are all lucky enough as well to get Manuel and Diago.Written August 27, 2024
- BayleeStrayed0 contributionsDefinitely Recommend!The staff was great and the experience was fantastic. Swimming in a cove and a lunch that was perfect for a day on the water. We even stopped to watch some whales!Written August 27, 2024
- mckenzies9970 contributionsGreat excursion right in Tamarindo!We did a morning kayaking and snorkeling excursion with Native's Way, and it was amazing! We got to see cool sea creatures, including starfish, tropical fish, and more! The guides were very knowledgeable and made us feel very safe and welcomed!Written August 24, 2024
- yesfreilyr0 contributionsGood tripThe animals we got to see were really cool. We got to see poisonous snakes and frogs, cool flowers and plants. Swimming in the river was our favorite. You can’t swim in rio Celeste which was disappointing. Our tour guide was funny and entertaining. Also, in the sloth sanctuary you only see sloths from afar which was a little disappointing because we wanted to hold them but it was cool and I would recommend this trip. The hike was very tiring though.Written August 24, 2024
- 779faizab0 contributionsUnmissable experience in Nicaragua!Long trip, but well worth it. Going through the border was handled well, in my case they flagged taxes that wasn’t paid, it was handled promptly. The food included (Breakfast and Lunch) was local and excellent. There was no visit to the Volcano as this has been closed for quite some time but is still listed in the itinerary so should be amended as it is misleading. I would have liked more engagement during the ‘free time’ in Granada but I would still recommend this company and the trip 100%. Do it, you won’t regret it.Written August 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
185 reviews
Excellent
129
Very good
34
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Jankathi
Chelan, WA30 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Ivan did a nice job on the tour and was very informative about the animals we spotted,
The problem was the front office as the tour was originally scheduled for 7:30am then changed to
11;30 which was fine as they gave us several days
notice, Three days prior to the tour I called and checked the pickup time again still 11:30. So when poor Ivan showed up 9:30 as I was heading out for swim we obviously were upset about their lack of coordination.
Tourism is starting to comeback in Costa Rica and
I certainly would have the right people in front office
so you wouldn’t have to receive these kind of reviews.
BTW front office never apologized.
The problem was the front office as the tour was originally scheduled for 7:30am then changed to
11;30 which was fine as they gave us several days
notice, Three days prior to the tour I called and checked the pickup time again still 11:30. So when poor Ivan showed up 9:30 as I was heading out for swim we obviously were upset about their lack of coordination.
Tourism is starting to comeback in Costa Rica and
I certainly would have the right people in front office
so you wouldn’t have to receive these kind of reviews.
BTW front office never apologized.
Written February 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sebastian O
1 contribution
Jan 2023
The kayak tour through the mangroves was nice, and we saw a lot of birds. The tours are done at low tide because there is more wildlife to see at this time. In our case, the tour started at 8 a.m. (1h before low water), which was comfortable. At first we thought two hours to be a little short (also given the price), but in the end, it turned out to be enough because the sun really started to burn in the end. So we can recommend doing the tours in the early morning if tides admit it. The guide talked a lot and also gave us some interesting information on the plants and birds, but was in total much less competent in wildlife than other guides that we have experienced. If you have paddling experience and would like to get twisted paddles it might help to express this wish at booking time; they are more oriented to complete beginners and usually have straight, untwisted paddles.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Santa Fe, NM267 contributions
DO NOT go on this tour. I’ve been in Costa Ica for 3 weeks and this by far my worst experience. The guide (Ivan) was late, and on the tour was just going through the motions.
The guide stopped along the way and cut up a pineapple to share with the group (yum) but then tossed the peels and uneaten pineapple onto the shore and into the mangrove roots. This is a fragile and protected ecosystem and not for discarding waste. Also, such a bad example for the children on board.
There was no safety briefing at the beginning of the trip and no life jackets on board. There was a big rusty sharp anchor in the bow that passengers had to climb over to get in/out of the boat when the guide stopped onshore to show monkeys.
The guide kept making/taking phone calls during the trip.
The guide stopped along the way and cut up a pineapple to share with the group (yum) but then tossed the peels and uneaten pineapple onto the shore and into the mangrove roots. This is a fragile and protected ecosystem and not for discarding waste. Also, such a bad example for the children on board.
There was no safety briefing at the beginning of the trip and no life jackets on board. There was a big rusty sharp anchor in the bow that passengers had to climb over to get in/out of the boat when the guide stopped onshore to show monkeys.
The guide kept making/taking phone calls during the trip.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,138 contributions
Mar 2020
If you have a car, drive to the estuary and organize a boat as it is much cheaper. Go early as it is hot and wildlife is more prevalent early in the day, although even though we started early, we did not see as much as we did in estuaries in other parts of CR. The boat ride is approximately 2 hours; we did learn about the estuary and the mangroves. It was a nice way to spend the morning.
Written April 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken S
2 contributions
Dec 2021
I went on this trip w/ 4 other people. There was another couple that only spoke Spanish. David, our guide was excellent. He gave the whole tour in both English & Spanish. His ability to spot wildlife from 40-50yds away was unbelievable to all of us.
We saw several cranes/birds/ and eagles. About 10-15 monkeys in a tree, including mothers & babies. Crocodiles, crabs, fish, and about 3-4 types of Iguanas, anywhere from 1 foot to about 5 feet.
I would highly recommend this trip for the price.
We saw several cranes/birds/ and eagles. About 10-15 monkeys in a tree, including mothers & babies. Crocodiles, crabs, fish, and about 3-4 types of Iguanas, anywhere from 1 foot to about 5 feet.
I would highly recommend this trip for the price.
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara M
7 contributions
From start to finish, this excursion could not have been better! Great communication from the company, all the way from immediate confirmation of our reservation to notification of time change due to tide, to pickup time at our location. Ivan was our shuttle driver and boat tour guide; he was very friendly and so informative about the estuary and wildlife. He's an expert at spotting crocodiles, and took us on a short trail walk to see howler monkeys. I totally recommend this beautiful tour!
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Mason, OH5 contributions
Feb 2022
First off I wanted to give a shout out to Ivan, our tour guide, he was fantastic. He was extremely knowledgeable on the estuary and its inhabitants. The day of our tour we saw many crocodiles, some monkeys and a wide variety of birds. Ivan was not only sharp but he was also very funny and kept everyone laughing and engaged during the trip. Our group highly recommends this trip and Ivan as the guide.
One thing I wished we had done in hindsight after the trip was drive down to the town of Tamarindo. It is supposed to be a really cool town, surfer town and very laid back. We did not do this as we were traveling from Papagayo region.
One thing I wished we had done in hindsight after the trip was drive down to the town of Tamarindo. It is supposed to be a really cool town, surfer town and very laid back. We did not do this as we were traveling from Papagayo region.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianna P
Norwalk183 contributions
Jun 2023
This 2 hour early morning tour through the estuary was highly informative. We learned all about the mangroves and the entire estuary ecosystem. We did see a baby croc, and numerous interesting birds and crabs. The highlight of our tour was going on a short walk to see numerous monkeys. I enjoyed this experience and we returned by 10am so I had the whole day ahead of me!
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
New York City, NY4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This was a wonderful tour for my wife and I on our honeymoon. Our host and tour guide Ivan was fantastic. Highly knowledgeable and friendly. Pickup and drop off at the hotel were easy. The tour itself was just about 2 hours and included the ride through the estuary with background and animal sightings. We ventured on to crab island and saw howler monkeys. Highly recommend this as an activity to take up just a portion of your day without being a full day commitment.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jasmine B
27 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We ran into a bit of trouble with this tour. We had booked for the 7am tour, but they canceled us via email 48 hours before the date, saying that the early morning tour wouldn't be possible because of high tides. We were invited to reschedule for the 1pm afternoon tour on the same day, which we did.
Unfortunately, wildlife is less active in the afternoon, so we didn't get to see as much animals as we would have liked. Various herons and one tiny baby crocodile is all we saw while on the boat. A brief walk in the jungle mid-tour allowed us to witness howler monkeys and iguanas, which was nice, but we still felt a bit cheated of the trip we were supposed to have.
While speaking with the guide, we learned that he had witnessed different animals while guiding the morning tour... what? There was a morning tour!? So why were we canceled? Overbooking? Or we were the only ones and they did not care to do a private tour? We'll never know...
Although we were disappointed by the situation and the company, it's important to note that our guide did a good job at finding birds for us. But I do wish he chatted less with the customers and paid more attention to spotting animals in nature.
Overall, an OK experience, but if I could do it again, I would try a similar tour with another company. I feel like I could have had a lot more for my money.
Unfortunately, wildlife is less active in the afternoon, so we didn't get to see as much animals as we would have liked. Various herons and one tiny baby crocodile is all we saw while on the boat. A brief walk in the jungle mid-tour allowed us to witness howler monkeys and iguanas, which was nice, but we still felt a bit cheated of the trip we were supposed to have.
While speaking with the guide, we learned that he had witnessed different animals while guiding the morning tour... what? There was a morning tour!? So why were we canceled? Overbooking? Or we were the only ones and they did not care to do a private tour? We'll never know...
Although we were disappointed by the situation and the company, it's important to note that our guide did a good job at finding birds for us. But I do wish he chatted less with the customers and paid more attention to spotting animals in nature.
Overall, an OK experience, but if I could do it again, I would try a similar tour with another company. I feel like I could have had a lot more for my money.
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jasmine!
We have reviewed your reservation and we see that at no time was the tour cancelled. We sent you a message two days before asking you to reschedule at different time due to a change in the ocean tides. We received an email from you confirming that you wanted to join the 1:30pm tour.
The message we sent said the following:
Hello Jasmine,
Thank you for booking the Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari Tour with Native's Way. Due to the change of the ocean tides, we are contacting you to adjust the start time of your tour so the boat can effectively maneuver through the estuary. The start time of the tour has been changed to 10:00 AM.
If that time change does not work for you, we have another tour on the same day @ 1:30 PM, or we can rebook you to another day.
Please confirm you received this change and we will send you your appropriate pick up time or self-drive meeting time/point.
---------------------------------------
We are sorry if the message was not clear enough but at no time did we lie about schedule changes.
Pura vida!
Written March 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have a reservation for March 7th already purchased thru trip advisor and requested a pickup at the house where we are staying but I haven't received and confirmation of our pickup time? WALKER - VILLA VISTA MAGNIFICA
Written March 6, 2022
What species of birds did you see on this tour? My husband and I are avid photographers and birders. We took a similar tour from our resort "Si Como No" in Manuel Antonio which was the highlight of our week's vacation. Thanks, Joan H
Written August 5, 2019
Can you see crocs on that boat tour?
Written December 22, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.