When you dock at Puerto Caldera you can take a Tarcoles River cruise through one of twelve different ecosystems in Costa Rica. Here you'll see some of the rich biodiversity of the country and encounter some giant crocodiles. You will half the other half of your day free afterward!
Your air-conditioned transport will pick you up at your Puerto Caldera cruise ship terminal. On your drive to the Tarcoles River, you can relax and enjoy the rich countryside. The soil supports a variety of crops like mangoes, citrus fruits, sugarcane and coffee. The roadside is dotted with fruit stands where you can purchase fresh goods. Your driver will make a few photo stops along the way where you may spot some of the local wildlife like monkeys and the endangered Scarlet Macaw.
When you reach the town of Tarcoles, you'll board the boat to start a leisurely cruise on the river. At the mouth of the river, you will get to see the famous local reptilian residents. From the safety of your boat, get your cameras ready for the huge crocodiles swimming and sunning. This is the largest population of wild crocodiles in the world. They are amazing!
But this excursion is not just about the crocs. Your knowledgeable guide will point out and tell you about the plants and animals you'll see in this important ecosystem. Your cruise now takes you up a mangrove estuary where you'll see the shrubs and small trees that live in the saline waters. Keep your eyes open to spot some of the 50 varieties of birds like the Scarlet Macaw, Panama Flycatcher, Mangrove Vireo, Mangrove Warbler, American Pygmy Kingfisher, hawks, parrots, toucans, herons, and egrets. You may also see some of the animals who inhabit this shoreline like monkeys, anteaters, sloths, iguanas and bats.
After your cruise, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Puerto Caldera. There will be a stop to let you shop some souvenirs at a local gift shop. As this excursion is only 4 hours, you will have the other half of your day free to do as you wish. The pier is in the center of town and you might like to do some sightseeing before returning to your ship.
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