The Crocodile Man tour gives visitors to Costa Rica an opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the largest crocodiles in the world - up to 18 feet long!
The Tarcoles River is a wide, marshy mountain waterway running almost 70 miles across the southern part of Costa Rica’s volcanic range before spilling into the Pacific Ocean. Here can be seen hundreds of American crocodiles, and a large variety of shore birds, both native to Costa Rica and migrant birds from the North.
Best of all, people of all ages can participate in this tour as it requires no physical activity and takes place on a comfortable motor boat, with covered roof. Your bilingual guide will take you to the areas that are most populated by crocodiles and introduce you to the interwoven mangroves that live at the mouth of the Pacific Ocean.
The boat was specifically designed to cruise leisurely down rivers for nature observations including crocodile viewing. The sides are open so you can see the Tarcoles River crocodiles but extend high enough to keep a safe distance from them! The roof helps to cover you from the sun or light rain, and the built-in seats are aligned so you can sit beside those with whom you are traveling.
Your experienced and knowledgeable nature guide will point out all the visible wildlife helping you to identify them. Although crocodiles are the main feature of this tour, birds and other interesting creatures like monkeys and iguanas will probably make an appearance as well.
The river wraps up at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya where it meets the Pacific Ocean. In this area mangrove trees populate the shores, giving you front row seats to this unique wetland ecosystem. You will know you’ve reached the mangrove area when you see the distinctive root systems emerging high above the waterline. This interesting plant species harbors fish nurseries in its web of roots, as well as nesting areas in its branches for countless numbers of shore birds, creating a wonderful place for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
At the end of the river, you’ll head back the same way before being returned to your hotel.
Included in this tour is transportation, bilingual guide, and bottled water. One way transportation from Jaco is typically between 20 to 45 minutes; from Manuel Antonio about 1.5 hours. Depending on where you are staying the total time for tour and round trip transport to your hotel will be between 5 and 7 hours. It is recommended that you wear lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen, plus bug repellent. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars too. Some people enjoy filming with a video camera from the comfort of the very stable boat.
The Crocodile Man Tour is available from Jaco
All Ages
Latitude: N 9° 48' 3.93"
Longitude: W 84° 36' 5.73"
09/09/2023
Everything was fine. The guide was great. unfortunatley we were rained out.
12/25/2018
This was the only disappointment of the trip. The guide spend most of his time talking to one of the passengers. We saw two crocodiles that were fed and spend the rest of the time just riding around. They also tried charging us for the lunch of our driver even though it was included.
07/28/2016
My son loved this very much and we got to touch the Croc's tail.
12/31/2015
This was one the best tours in all of our trip! Loved it! Will recommend it to friends.