Costa Rica · Beach & Island

10-Hour Punta Leona Beach and Wildlife Tour from San José

10 Hours Round trip from San José Province Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Observe massive American crocodiles at the Tárcoles River bridge
  • 02 Access Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas at Punta Leona Resort
  • 03 Snorkel at Costa Rica's first coastal reefball art installation
  • 04 Explore tropical forest trails and visit the butterfly garden
  • 05 Relax in calm, emerald-green waters ideal for families and leisure

Embark on a full-day tour from San José to Costa Rica's Pacific Central Coast and experience a blend of beach time, wildlife, and tropical nature. Stop at the Tárcoles River to observe massive American crocodiles in their natural habitat before continuing to Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort, set within a private tropical forest reserve. Enjoy access to Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas, swim in emerald-green waters, snorkel at Costa Rica's first reefball art installation, and explore forest trails and the butterfly garden. A scenic buffet lunch at the resort and free time for leisure activities round out the day before your return to San José in the evening.

View large American crocodiles, some reaching up to 19 feet, resting along the riverbanks.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
City San Jose
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Punta Leona Beaches, Crocodiles, and Tropical Nature

7:30 AM - Hotel Pickup in San José

  • Get picked up from your hotel in San José or nearby locations by an air-conditioned shuttle.
  • Join a small group of up to 10 travelers with a bilingual local guide.
  • Begin your journey toward the Pacific Central Coast.

8:30 AM - Tárcoles River Crocodile Viewing

  • Stop at the Tárcoles River bridge for a short wildlife observation.
  • View large American crocodiles, some reaching up to 19 feet, resting along the riverbanks.
  • Learn interesting facts about these prehistoric reptiles from your guide.

9:30 AM - Arrival at Punta Leona Resort

  • Arrive at Hotel Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort, set within a private tropical forest reserve.
  • Gain access to two beautiful white-sand beaches: Playa Blanca and Playa Mantas.

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Beach and Nature Activities

  • Relax on soft white sands with beach chairs and umbrellas provided.
  • Swim in calm, emerald-green waters or snorkel at the underwater reefball art installation, the first of its kind in Costa Rica.
  • Walk well-marked nature trails through tropical forest and visit the butterfly garden.
  • Spot exotic birds and local wildlife as you explore.

1:00 PM - Buffet Lunch at the Resort

  • Enjoy a scenic buffet lunch at the resort's open-air restaurant.
  • Savor a variety of local and international dishes while overlooking the coastline.

1:45 PM - Leisure Time and Resort Amenities

  • Take part in resort activities such as ping-pong, foosball, volleyball, and soccer.
  • Continue exploring nearby trails or return to the beach for more relaxation.

3:30 PM - Optional Guided Nature Walk

  • Join an optional nature walk through the resort's private reserve.
  • Look out for sloths, monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and over 300 species of tropical birds.

4:30 PM - Departure to San José

  • Board the return shuttle and begin the journey back to San José.

5:30 - 6:00 PM - Hotel Drop-Off in San José

  • Arrive back at your hotel, with estimated timing depending on road conditions and traffic.
Tárcoles River crocodile viewing, Playa Blanca, Playa Mantas, Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Where this trip takes you

Tárcoles River crocodile viewing, Playa Blanca, Playa Mantas, Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from San José Province 1 city · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in San José
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) guide
  • Exclusive access to Punta Leona's white-sand beaches
  • Beach chairs with umbrellas
  • Snorkeling gear for the underwater art museum
  • Buffet lunch
  • Entrance to the butterfly garden, nature trails, and recreational amenities (sports courts, pools)
  • Crocodile viewing stop at the Tárcoles Bridge

What's Not Included

  • Towels: Day passes do not include towel service. You must bring your own towel.
  • Spa treatments or massages: Even if the resort offers spa services, these are not included in the day pass; they are extra.
  • Extra beverages outside included meals: While lunch is provided buffet-style, additional snacks or drinks, especially alcohol, are not included unless explicitly stated.
  • Tips or gratuities: Usually expected but not included, for example for the guide, driver, or resort staff.
  • Transport to Playa Blanca: The day pass does not include parking or vehicle access to Playa Blanca; guests must use the internal resort shuttle or walk.

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sun block
  • Insect repellent
  • Shorts
  • Sandals
  • Towel
  • Swimsuit
  • Water shoes

Know before you go

  • Please note that the driver can only wait for up to 5 minutes at the pickup location. We kindly recommend that you be ready on time to ensure a smooth and timely departure.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
Tour start
San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in San José Province.

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