TOUR DESCRIPTION: At only 40 minutes from Puntarenas Pier, Carara is a perfect introduction to tropical forest. The Carara National Park covers a low mountainous area of 4,700 hectares in a climate zone of transition from the dry north Costa Rican Pacific to the very humid coast of the south. It's a type of dry rain forest, where, in spite of the lushness of the vegetation, it has relatively clear undergrowth that makes it easy for a person to observe the abundant wildlife.

Mammals are very abundant. The most commons to see are Coatis, White-faced Capuchin, Anteaters, agoutis, Squirrels and armadillos. Carara protects important archaeological sites. Huetar-culture graves are being studied and beautiful stone, pottery and gold objects have been found in the park.

You will spend approximately three hours exploring the trails under the canopy of giant trees, marvelled at each step by the magnificence of the forest.

Combined with this nature walk, we will take the famous Jungle Crocodile Safari Cruise on the Tarcoles River. Famous for its large American Crocodiles, the Tarcoles River forms the Northern border of Carara Biological Reserve on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica . The Tarcoles is full of Crocodiles, Scarlet Macaws, Jesus Christ Lizards, and over 120 species of birds. But everyone comes to see the huge crocodiles - so big they have names like "Saddam Hussein" and "Mike Tyson!"

We board a custom-built, flat-bottom river boat at our private botanic garden. Then we glide along this placid river with our naturalist guide, who describes the birds, animals, and habitat in great detail. After visiting the river mouth, we venture up a mature mangrove estuary, where we stop to learn about this remarkable ecosystem. After enjoying fresh fruit and refreshments, we slowly return upstream to our native botanic garden, where our guide explains more about the native plant species of this transitional zone habitat before to return to the Pier.

DURATION: 5 hours

INCLUDES: Round trip transportation, naturalist tour guide, jungle cruise trip, National Park entrance fee and soft drinks.

DEPARTURES: From the Pier.
8:00 AM All Ships, All Cruise Lines.
10:00 AM for Carnival Liberty only.

PRICE: $89.00 per person.

WHAT´S TO BRING: Camera, hiking shoes, binoculars, sunscream and hat.

Costa Rica Ports of call by Greenway Nature Tours.