Things to do & places to visit in Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Province of Puntarenas #2 destination in Costa Rica 2023. The average rating score is 4.61 based on 76.1k traveler reviews, of 453 attractions. Timezone: America/Costa_Rica, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 17:40.

Province of Puntarenas Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

86°F - 74°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, humid but cool

Feels like

77%

Chance of rain

957.0 millimeters

Amount

7.4 mph

Wind speed

81%

Humidity

12.6

Daylight length

5:17 AM

Sunrise

5:52 PM

Sunset

17%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (36)

Top destinations in Province of Puntarenas 93

See more 81 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Costa Rica Jade Tours (4.606 reviews)
- Excellent Tour for Animal Watching
Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Night Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Excellent tour if you want to see animals at the park. We probably would only spot 1-2 by ourselves, versus Royin, our guide, who spotted 20+ species, each time in just seconds. He is a fantastic, super knowledgeable guide and we highly recommend him!! His periscope was an absolute game changer as you can see animals close up and he offers to help take amazing photos for everyone. Such a PRO! P.S. make sure to bring cash for the payment, we didn't know and got charged transaction fee via the booking system. See more..
5.0 Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (940 reviews)
- So happy we signed up for a tour
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I have so many nice things to say about this experience. Firstly, it was incredibly enjoyable for our group (adults, children, and teenagers), with some people even saying it was their favourite activity all trip. It was amazing to see the animals and learn about them, as well as find out how they can be protected. The price was completely reasonable considering the quality of the experience and the costs that must be met to keep such an important organization running. So happy that we got to have this experience. See more..
5.0 Pineapple Tours (899 reviews)
- A wonderful kayaking experience
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Surfing & Windsurfing • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

A group of us went on the Mangrove forest kayaking trip and it was wonderful. I was concerned about my physical ability to paddle for several hours, but it was not a problem. The water is calm and the current is light and we just floated along. Our guide Nego was terrific, very knowledgeable, good a spotting wildlife and letting us know about them. Would recommend for all ages over 8. Bring sunscreen to reapply after about an hour as it got washed off. See more..
5.0 Jungle ATV Quad Tours (830 reviews)
- Crazy Fun!!!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

Husband and I were ATV first timers. Our guides, Luis and Guillermo, explained patiently the "do's" and "don'ts". It was crazy fun. I think our tour was a level 10 in terms of adventure. I had to change vehicles in the middle because I am short and my hands are very small, but then I felt like Indiana Jones in the temple of doom. We saw waterfalls, crossed various rivers, battled rocks and mud uphill and downhill, and had a few impressive mountain views stops. Since I was a bit afraid Guillermo would tell me what was coming up so that I wouldn't worry too much about the unknown. He also pointed out birds, animals and interesting facts about the place and its surroundings. Here, though, is the best part. My husband lost his cell phone during the trip and Luis immediately asked when was the last time he remembered having it, jumped in an ATV and looked for the phone like a needle in a haystack. I was hopeless, but HE. DID. IT!!!! He found the phone. He is awesome. The staff and owners are super cool. We love Uvita and their people! See more..
5.0 Del Soul Surf School (585 reviews)
- Another Amazing Experience!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 AM Sports Camps & Clinics • Surfing & Windsurfing

This was our second time time in the last 18 months taking surf lessons from Del Soul Surf School. I can honestly say it was once again an amazing experience for our entire family. My wife and our kids who are 16, 13, and 12 all took about 4 lessons from Del Soul and it's a time we'll never forget. Amit and his guides treated us like family and they helped us quickly become better surfers. I would highly recommend using Del Soul if you've never surfed or are an experienced surfer. I'd also recommend taking lessons if you are 5 years old or 75 years old, you wont regret it. Our goal is to get back to Santa Teresa as soon as possible. Thank you Amit, you have a lovely family and amazing guides! See more..
5.0 The Riding Adventure (538 reviews)
- An Amazing time with our friend Gustavo
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours

I went with a group of 8 and boy did we have an amazing time! Our guide was Gustavo, he was nothing short of being the sweetest man. The more we rode the more you could tell how these horses truly loved and listened to him. We wanted nothing less than to ride on the beach and it was perfect. We had all different level riders in our group and they accommodated us perfectly, giving us the right horse to best suit our riding experience. Overall a great experience! I must come back to do the sunset tour. See more..
5.0 Dominical Adventures (537 reviews)
- Family tour for all ages with a personal touch
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Surfing & Windsurfing • Kayaking & Canoeing

My family did a rafting tour and we had 2 children age 10 and 7. They did an amazing job of teaching us about the local plants and creatures we encountered. Our family was treated like we were on a private tour even though we did not book one. I felt like they tailored the trip to what our girls enjoyed. My girls are very adventurous so we hit all the rapids possible as fast as we could paddle. However, it was possible to go at a slower more reserved pace and I have no doubt the ride would’ve been so if we had wanted it. I saw tours by other companies cramming 12+ people into one raft with a single tour guide after getting off a bus which was packed. So there are other tour companies offering the same rafting tour as this isn’t the only place to go. However, if you want a personal tour crafted for you and your family then I highly recommend this company. See more..
5.0 Costa Rica Surf Camp (512 reviews)
- Riding waves
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Nature & Wildlife Tours

This little surf shop was so easy to work with and has a great friendly vibe! All of the instructors are knowledgeable and really want you to improve. We were a party of 8 with lots of moving parts but they managed to keep us all on task and enhance or surfing skills. Friendly, professional, sincere and a whole lot of fun! Highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Odyssey Day Tours (505 reviews)
- Trip to Costa Rica
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Bus Tours

Byron is amazing! He went above and beyond: he has helped us with everything and made our whole trip go smoothly by taking the stress of planning our excursions and transportation. Alberto was our guide in Manuel Antonio Park; he was very informative, and was so patient with all our questions. We appreciated his knowledge and friendly personality.Hugo was our driver and he drove us safely. I would 100% recommend Byron and this company! See more..
5.0 Raindrop Spa (500 reviews)
- Uniquely beautiful and talented
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

What a beautiful, serene and peaceful setting! My husband and I had a 90 minute couples massage followed by a chocolate body scrub! The massage therapists are among the best I have ever had. There were also beautiful touches such as fresh pineapple juice before and fresh fruit and water after. Please make this part of your trip!! See more..
5.0 Gio Tours - Day Tours (479 reviews)
- Great Tour - Worth the money!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Sightseeing Tours

Our tour guide met us right outside the terminal building, got us to the nearby van, and got us on our way quickly. He spoke English well and was very accommodating to the various requests of the passengers. The tour was very interesting, and we returned to the terminal more than two hours before departure time. See more..
5.0 Uvita Surf Lessons with Bodhi Surf + Yoga (422 reviews)
- There are "instructors" and there are surf teachers like Travis....
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

I booked a private lesson with Travis to further improve as an intermediate surfer. In those two hours, Travis did not only give tailor-made advice to further improve my surfing, but also showed gently the wisdom that surfing and the ocean bring to people. After paddling into a wave with a very determined (or rather grim) face, he came to me and said: “Surfing is 90% paddling and hard work, and only 10% is actually spent surfing. It’s a little bit like life… if you are not able to enjoy also those 90% of grinding, you might not enjoy the other 10%. Thus, smile while you paddle.” I would highly recommend everyone either to stay at Bodhi Surf and Yoga or if that is not an option to at least book a 2hrs clinic with them. The learnings will stick with you. See more..
5.0 Costa Canyoning (417 reviews)
- Amazing experience ans guides! Don’t miss it
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

Our family of two adults and two kids 15 and 10) stayed in Costa Rica for a month. We did lots of exciting things, but Costa Canyoning was one of the best! Owner and our guide Carlos was a pleasure to communicate with from start to finish. He and his partner made us feel safe, encouraged and excited to progress through the course of 4 increasingly larger waterfalls. The setting is idillic, as you walk along the river in the jungle paradise. We had no previous experience but could all complete the course, including our 10 year old. Carlos takes tons of pictures for you. They ended the tour with some snacks and fruit. *You need to be in decent shape to do the tour as you will be hiking along the river, often stepping on slippery rocks. See more..
5.0 Tiquicia Tours (412 reviews)
- Amazing experiences with Tiquicia Tours!
Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We highly recommend hiring Tiquicia Tours from the beach at your resort. Tour owners, Victor Hugo and Grevin Um are nice, local folks supporting families. Hiring from the beach cuts out the middleman, saving you money. We went on the tour to the Monkey house, where a $3 donation provided bananas to feed the monkeys, which climb on you to get and eat the bananas. They were pleasant capuchin monkeys, not at all smelly; think "organ grinder" monkey. We went to a place overlooking the rainforest, then on a river boat to watch the guides feed the crocodiles, which was up close and amazing! We got great photos of amazing experiences on this tour! See more..
5.0 Thumbs Up Tours (402 reviews)
- Brilliant Tour & Guide
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Thoroughly enjoyed the small group tour of Puntarenas. There was 9 of us from our cruise ship on the tour. Our guide and driver were great at pointing out things and stopping for photos. Our guide had a telescope which he set up and took photos through for us. We saw mainly birds on the boat trip but saw crocodiles from a bridge and fabulous views from the restaurant where we stopped for lunch. Fantastic value which included lunch. Would highly recommend this company and this tour. See more..
5.0 Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons (376 reviews)
- They were patient professional and gave us and gave us a memory that will last a lifetime!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 AM Sports Camps & Clinics • Surfing & Windsurfing

I brought a retreat to Costa Rica and surf lesson was one of our excursions. We had 12 people ranging from their early 20s to their early 50s. Every single person was able to stand up and surf! The instructors were absolutely amazing. They took time to teach us while we were surfing at that spot, how to keep ourselves safe as well as everyone around us.One instructor to every two participants. They were patient professional and gave us and a memory that will last a lifetime! See more..
5.0 Dominical Surf School (368 reviews)
- Intermediate surflesson
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

Great surflessons with really helpful an precise tipps to improve my surfing. Thanks to the small group size (max.2), the teacher had alot of time to observe my surfing and help me. The whole team is so welcoming and has a great vibe so that you feel immediately confortable. They are really flexible and adjust to the conditions, so that you can make the best out of your time. See more..
5.0 Diamante Verde Tours (365 reviews)
- An excellent ATV adventure
Sightseeing Tours

Our family of 8 did the Nauyaca Falls Tour with James. Communication with both Trisha and James was excellent from the time I booked about 5 weeks prior to the completion of the trip. Safety was a clear priority which is important and we appreciated! James gave us an extremely thorough tour and what an excellent way to see areas of Costa Rica you wouldn’t normally see! James took us to see 3 different sets of falls and we made frequent stops to stretch. James also was very knowledgeable and shared a lot about the animals, plants and areas we drove through - he put a lot of effort into making sure we had an enjoyable day. We stopped for a great lunch in a perfect spot overlooking the tallest waterfall in CR and the beautiful valleys below. We all would highly recommend James, and this tour! See more..
5.0 Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge (360 reviews)
- A Bucket List Experience
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Equestrian Trails

I did a private sunset horseback ride with Hector and I will never forget the wonderful experience! We rode a little ways through the jungle to the beach and he pointed out some interesting trees and a howler monkey. Then we got to the beach just in time for sunset and I was able to gallop down the beach at the same time as the sun was setting. We rode all the way down to Hermosa Beach on a practically deserted beach! He let me gallop as many times as I wanted and even filmed me at the same time with my camera. The video came out amazing! I wish I could put it on here to show you. I enjoyed talking with Hector and learning more about the ranch, etc. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime! See more..
4.5 Playa Manuel Antonio (12.1k reviews)
- I'd pay the entry fee to enjoy the beautiful calm beach
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

One of Costa Rica's most popular beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio frequently hosts parties and festivals, and it is an ideal destination for avid surfers. See more..
4.5 Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (3.749 reviews)
- Monte Verde, Cloud Forest Private tours Pura Vida
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Booked this through Native's Way and our guide Gustavo was amazing. We highly recommend the private tour, it is worth the money because it makes the trip more than just a walk through the forest, it will be the building of a core memory. His degree in Ornithology was key in having a knowledgeable guide in the Monte Verde Cloud forest tour. There are an array of birds at Monte Verde and he is able to distinguish the difference in there calls and if you are lucky enough he will be able to track their location. He does a wonderful pace to make sure you are comfortable in the tour, so it leads to an enjoyable visit. He is also very funny and one of the most interesting people you will come across. Our driver, Miguel, was also very good. He is always ready to go and courteous and respectable. He will go out of his way to take you to the front of your destination. We also want to give a special shout out to Juan and Jose. Pura Vida See more..
4.5 Curi Cancha Reserve (1.678 reviews) from $33.00
- Lovely
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

To protect of natural resources of the planet operating through an economically and environmentally sustainable business that preserves local forests and biodiversity, benefits people of the area, and provides the highest quality experience for the visitor. Walk along beautiful natural trails with an experienced guide and see different species of birds and mammals. Learn about the amazing diversity of the cloud forest. See more..
4.5 Montezuma Falls (1.454 reviews)
- Go with Crazy Carlos - he’s not crazy
Waterfalls

Tried to find the Montezuma falls by ourselves, but got discouraged by the slippery, rocky, unmarked trail. The parking lot guy saw us leaving and said “Oh no, you must see the falls”. He guided us back and introduced himself as Crazy Carlos. He normally charges 30,000 per person for a booked tour, and we thought it well worth that! See more..
4.5 Corcovado National Park (1.306 reviews)
- A remote tropical rainforest accessible with guides
National Parks

We reserved our trip to Costa Rica with the best outfitter who takes guests to this remote location. We stayed at the closest lodging to it, and this park met all our expectations. We had a guide who works on jaguar research take us through the park each morning. We were given “Wellies” to wear by our lodge to comfortably accomplish several wet crossings and some muddy trails. You know you are in a remote wilderness once there. Coati troops traveled along beside us because their predators fear humans. The plants and birds were unlike other places we visited. If you are fit and interested, a trip here is remarkable. See more..
4.5 Playa Biesanz (1.239 reviews)
- Beautiful Beach
Beaches

A beautiful beach located on a scenic cove on Quepos Point. Water is calm. No motorized craft. Good for swimming, splashing in the waves, and kayaking. Not much snorkeling here. Umbrellas and chaise lounges can be rented, and prices will vary but are negotiable and there is a bar set up for drinks and snacks. There is a moderately steep 5-minute trail from the road down to the beach and it can be a workout when climbing back up. There is also no parking lot, but many cars are parked along the road. Be aware that there is an unofficial local who will insist on payment to park along the road and that is not negotiable. It is also important to point out that this is no hidden gem. The beach can get very busy. It is quietist early in the day. Also important as I discovered is that much of the beach isn't available during high tide so plan your time here accordingly. Your sandy spot might become a lake if you hang around long enough. See more..
4.5 Playa Santa Teresa (1.058 reviews)
- Casual, rough road, beachy town
Beaches

Chill beach town, casual and friendly people. Great beach, we tried surfing but theh swells were too rough and we couldn't hang LOL. Lots of potholes, roads aren't the greatest, not what we're used to in the US but loved it just the same. Coming from Liberia, we expected something like a highway but it was twisty, steep, and pothole roads. Supermarkets are small but we got by with what we needed. The cheapest thing was surfboard rental, $10 for 1/2 day. Most meals were close to $10 pp from what we experienced. Loved the town and would love to come back! See more..
4.5 Cano Island (1.055 reviews)
- Excellent diving spot. White tip sharks.
Islands • Nature & Wildlife Areas

We went with Osa Divers and they were extremely professional. We met at 7am and it took us 45 mins to arrive at the dive spot. We saw sharks in each dive. My wife chose to snorkel and she also saw a shark, a turtle and lots of fish. Loved the dive and our dive master Eric was incredible. Had huge passions for diving and sea life. On the way back we saw dolphins which was incredible. The crew also were looking for humpback whales but we were not able to see one. See more..
4.5 Tortuga Island (1.019 reviews)
- A must do!!! avoid crowds.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Alcatraz and Tolinga—two tiny islands that make up Tortuga Island, off the Costa Rican coast—make for a perfect day trip in the Puntaneras region. Take a catamaran tour from Montezuma to spot dolphins frolicking in the ocean on your way to the islands. When you get there, you can snorkel with fish in the turquoise waters or relax on Isla Tortuga’s white-sand beaches. There are plenty of rum cocktails for grownups to sip on. More adventurous travelers can go kayaking or hiking through the jungle. Beat the crowds by getting there in the early morning. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Zuma Tours (931 reviews)
- So much fun! Tortuga Island Excursion
Saturday: Scuba & Snorkelling • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I had my wedding in Montezuma in July, and we booked a trip out to Tortuga Island for my entire wedding group (about 30 people) through Ylang Ylang Beach Resort/Zuma Tours. It was an incredible experience! The waves were massive the day that our trip was booked (which is totally out of Zuma Tours control) but they shuttled our group to a calmer launch site and we felt completely safe. Jose and his team made the experience so much fun! The captain even dove down and found a starfish for us to see during the snorkeling part of the trip. The drinks were great, the food was great, Zuma Tours was great! They were very knowledgeable and friendly and we had a blast with them! Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas) (899 reviews)
- Go HERE! Not Selvatura
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gardens

The Monteverde Butterfly Gardens has been teaching people about the marvels of insects and arachnids for over 20 years. Our mission has always been to change the way people view these small but fantastically diverse animals. It is not hard either- with 4 different butterfly habitats housing up to 30 species of butterfly, a leaf cutter ant colony and over 20 species of live Costa Rican insects and arachnids in our nature centre we have something that will melt the heart of even the most devout bug crusher! A dedicated and passionate group of staff and volunteers will guide you on a tour through our three acre facility where you will see just some of the amazing insects and arachnids Costa Rica has to offer! The property is lush and full of other Costa Rican favourites such as capuchin monkeys and agoutis! Birders will not be disappointed with wrens galore and common visits from Keel Billed toucan, blue crowned motmot and the occasional appearance of the famed bell bird. We are open 365 days a year, so drop by whenever you can! See more..