What makes Sarapiqui a unique travel destination?

Sarapiqui is a unique paradise known for its abundant wildlife, including the rare Great Green Macaw, monkeys, and sloths, making it ideal for bird-watchers and nature lovers. It also offers thrilling whitewater rafting and is home to the renowned La Selva Biological Station.

What types of tours can I experience in Sarapiqui?

Sarapiqui offers a diverse array of tours, including guided nature walks, half-day hikes at La Selva Biological Station, tranquil riverboat tours, and specialized tropical bird photography. Adventure seekers can also enjoy whitewater rafting and canopy zipline adventures.

Is Sarapiqui suitable for wildlife viewing and photography?

Absolutely. Sarapiqui is a prime destination for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, and numerous bird species. Specialized tours like Tropical Bird Photography and Reptile and Frog Photography Full Day cater to those looking to capture its rich biodiversity.

Sarapiqui Tours: Wildlife, Rafting & Rainforest Adventures

Sarapiqui is the perfect paradise for bird-watchers and whitewater rafting enthusiasts and its abundance of wildlife will leave your breathless

Sarapiqui Tours

Good to Know

Sarapiqui, a Costa Rican gem, offers an unparalleled paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the rare Great Green Macaw, monkeys, and sloths, it's a prime destination for birdwatching and immersive rainforest experiences. Visitors can explore its rich biodiversity through guided hikes at La Selva Biological Station, tranquil riverboat tours, or thrilling whitewater rafting adventures.

One of the remaining habitats for the rare Great Green Macaw, Sarapiqui draws a number of birding enthusiasts, as well as nature lovers who come for a chance to see monkeys, sloths, and other tropical forest animals. La Selva Biological Station is world renowned as a rainforest research center providing education to tourists and scientists alike. The thriving wildlife diversity found here is due in no small part to the additional number of private protected reserves in the area. On one such reserve, you can take a quiet riverboat sightseeing trip along the Sarapiqui River excellent for birdwatching. Or just enjoy being out on a comfortable boat gliding over water observing parts of the jungle unreachable by land. Whether hiking or boating you’re likely to see an abundance of wildlife including the many rainforest orchids unique to this area.

Guided Nature Walk

Sarapiqui

Guests staying at the Selva Verde Lodge may choose to take a guided tour of the private rainforest reserve consisting of 570 acres along the Sarapiqui River. With comfortable trails, some accommodating guests in wheelchairs, this easy-going hike and knowledgeable naturalist guide will bring you up close and personal with many jungle inhabitants. Be sure to have your camera with you to capture the often colorful, always interesting wildlife. This tour includes a professional, bilingual guide and park entrance fee. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available in the lodge at all times during the day. There is no transportation provided as the approximate 2 hour guided nature walk is only available to guests already staying at the Selva Verde Lodge. Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring along binoculars, your camera, bottled water, insect repellent and rain gear.

Half Day Hike at La Selva Biological Station

Sarapiqui

Embark on a guided half-day hike at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, for an immersive rainforest encounter teeming with biodiversity. Led by expert naturalist guides, these 2-3 hour tours offer a manageable yet insightful exploration of primary and secondary rainforests, freshwater lagoons, and riparian zones along well-maintained trails. The highlight is undoubtedly the wildlife sightings, including toucans, parrots, monkeys, sloths, and a plethora of insects, amphibians, and reptiles, all expertly located and explained by your guide. Gain a deep understanding of rainforest ecology, conservation, and the vital role these ecosystems play in preserving global biodiversity. Safety is paramount, with guidance on navigating the rainforest safely. While specialized gear isn't mandatory, it's advisable to bring comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, a water bottle, and rain gear if needed. A visit to La Selva promises an educational and awe-inspiring adventure, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers in Costa Rica.

Sarapiqui Riverboat Tour

Sarapiqui

This leisurely 2 hour riverboat ride down the Sarapiqui River in an eco-friendly, quiet boat allows an up close look at an abundance of nature living in and around the river. Perfect for family members of all ages or birdwatching groups, a naturalist guide will point out various forms of wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, otters, and crocodiles as well as a wealth of tropical birds. The rare Tiger Heron and White Hawk have been spotted here among many other species of birdlife. You’ll pass changing landscapes offering a variety of habitats to explore. This tour includes a professional, bilingual guide, on-board safety equipment, bottled water and transportation from your hotel in Sarapiqui. One way transport can take from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on where you are staying. The total time for this boat tour and round trip transportation typically takes from 3 to 4 hours. Please wear non skid shoes and bring sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, and a camera. This is a great learning experience for people of all ages as you share in the gifts that nature provides.

Hike at La Selva Biological Station

Sarapiqui

Today you meet at the world’s leading rainforest research center, La Selva Biological Station, to go for a guided hike. Throughout your hike, you’ll be surrounded by the rich rainforest environment as many unique species of plants and wildlife will be pointed out to you. You will also learn about the various research studies and programs available at the center. This hiking tour includes admission plus a bilingual naturalist guide and will take from 3 to 5 hours depending on the size of the group. Transportation is not included. When driving from your hotel to La Selva Biological Station, please remember to give yourself plenty of extra driving time because traffic in San Jose can be very congested. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring along your camera, binoculars, rain jacket, bug repellent, sunscreen and a bottle of drinking water. This is a great family friendly adventure exploring the inhabitants of the rainforest together while learning positive ways you too can contribute to a healthier planet.

Guided Tree Planting Tour - Family-Student

Sarapiqui

Planting a Tree provides a rewarding experience that can last a lifetime for both the participant and the forest! This tour is designed for students, families, and the eco-friendly tourist to help our planet with reforestation. The tour begins at Dave and Dave’s Nature Park. You will meet with one of the owners who will talk to you about reforestation. Then you will be given a small tree and guided into the forest to plant your tree. The 1 to 1.5-hour tour includes a bilingual guide and a fresh cup of coffee. Please wear enclosed hiking shoes and bring insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars and your camera if you like. Transportation is NOT provided for this tour. In addition to this being a reforesting tour, it can also be a memorable experience for children, students, and adults participating in a small act that can give back lasting benefits to the planet.

From

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Reptile and Frog Photography Full Day

Sarapiqui

Today you be picked up and taken to the Snake Garden sanctuary to see and take professional quality photographs of rescued Costa Rican reptiles including 40 different snake species. This is a perfect opportunity to add new wildlife photos to your portfolio as well as observe these creatures first hand since they are difficult to find out in the wild. This tour includes admission, a bilingual naturalist guide who will assist with photographs of up to 15 animals, use of professional set up equipment, snack, lunch, and transportation from Sarapiqui. One way transport to the Snake Garden takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on the location of your hotel. Combined time of tour and transportation ranges between 6 to 8 hours. Please wear fully enclosed hiking shoes and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, a bottle of water, camera and any other photography equipment.

Today you will meet at Braulio Carrillo National Park to go for a leisurely aerial tram ride for about 1.5 hours from the forest floor up to the mountain top and back again. Your bilingual nature guide will point out any wildlife along the way and share with you interesting information about the rainforest inhabitants. Please wear enclosed shoes, insect repellent and bring your camera and binoculars to fully appreciate the experience. This tour includes park activity fee, naturalist guide, and transportation and lunch.

From

$69

Per Person

What are the best tours in Sarapiqui, Costa Rica?

Sarapiqui in Costa Rica is a region known for its lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and vibrant biodiversity. Here are some of the best tours and activities to enjoy in Sarapiqui:

Sarapiqui River Rafting: Experience thrilling white-water rafting along the Sarapiqui River. Navigate through rapids of varying intensities while admiring the scenic landscapes and observing the abundant wildlife along the riverbanks.
Chocolate Tour: Visit a local cacao plantation and learn about the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. Engage in hands-on activities such as harvesting cacao, grinding the beans, and tasting the final product.
Canopy Zipline Adventure: Soar through the treetops on a canopy zipline tour. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and experience an adrenaline rush as you glide from platform to platform.
Birdwatching Tour: Sarapiqui is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to numerous bird species. Join a guided birdwatching tour to spot colorful tropical birds, including toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and more.
Rainforest Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the rich biodiversity of Sarapiqui on guided rainforest hikes and nature walks. Learn about the region's flora and fauna, spot monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife, and discover hidden waterfalls and natural pools.
Sarapiqui River Boat Tour: Embark on a leisurely boat tour along the Sarapiqui River, where you can appreciate the stunning scenery, spot wildlife like caimans and river turtles, and learn about the region's ecosystems from knowledgeable guides.
Cultural and Community Tours: Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of Sarapiqui through community-based tours. Visit indigenous communities, learn about their customs and traditions, and participate in cultural activities such as traditional cooking or crafts.

These tours in Sarapiqui provide an opportunity to connect with nature, experience adventure, and learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a serene exploration of the rainforest, Sarapiqui offers a range of exciting options for every traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sarapiqui a unique travel destination?: Sarapiqui is a unique paradise known for its abundant wildlife, including the rare Great Green Macaw, monkeys, and sloths, making it ideal for bird-watchers and nature lovers. It also offers thrilling whitewater rafting and is home to the renowned La Selva Biological Station.
What types of tours can I experience in Sarapiqui?: Sarapiqui offers a diverse array of tours, including guided nature walks, half-day hikes at La Selva Biological Station, tranquil riverboat tours, and specialized tropical bird photography. Adventure seekers can also enjoy whitewater rafting and canopy zipline adventures.
Is Sarapiqui suitable for wildlife viewing and photography?: Absolutely. Sarapiqui is a prime destination for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, and numerous bird species. Specialized tours like Tropical Bird Photography and Reptile and Frog Photography Full Day cater to those looking to capture its rich biodiversity.