Uvita, Sierpe and the Osa Peninsula are home to Costa Rica’s best wildlife tours: snorkeling with sea turtles at Caño Island, humpback whales from December to March, the Corcovado jungle with a certified guide and crocodiles in the country’s largest mangrove. Here are all our tours with prices, and how to book directly with local captains and guides.
All our tours at a glance
| Tour | Departs from | Duration | Price / person | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caño Island snorkeling | Sierpe / Uvita | Full day | $145 | Snorkeling, marine life |
| Whale watching | Uvita | Half day | $120 | Families, photographers |
| Corcovado with a certified guide | Sierpe / Drake Bay | Full day | $145–155 | Nature, hiking |
| Sierpe mangrove boat tour | Sierpe | 3 hours | $70 | Families, kids |
| Mangrove kayaking | Coronado (Ojochal) | 3 hours | $90 | Couples, active travelers |
| Offshore sportfishing | Uvita | Half day+ | $210 | Anglers |
Caño Island snorkeling $145
Two 40-minute snorkel stops in a biological reserve: sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and schools of jacks. Beach lunch and a mangrove ride back. Gear included. Scuba diving: $220.
Whale watching $120
Boat tour off Marino Ballena National Park to see humpback whales (December–March and July–November) and dolphins. Private boat for up to 4: $350.
Corcovado with a certified guide $145–155
Costa Rica’s wildest park, certified guide required: tapirs, scarlet macaws, four monkey species. San Pedrillo: $145, Sirena: $155.
Sierpe mangrove boat tour $70
A relaxed ride through Costa Rica’s largest mangrove: crocodiles, caimans, monkeys, sloths and birds. Birdwatching: $75. Mangrove + beach: $105 (4 people minimum).
Mangrove kayaking $90
Paddle a double kayak with a local Boruca guide through the quiet channels of Coronado, 10 minutes from Ojochal. Away from the crowds.
Offshore sportfishing $210
Sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna off the South Pacific coast. Billfish are catch-and-release. Private charters on request.
Why book your tours on the South Pacific coast?
It is the wildest, most wildlife-rich region of Costa Rica. In a few days from Uvita you can swim with sea turtles and reef sharks, see humpback whales, hike one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and cruise a Ramsar-listed mangrove — with far fewer crowds than Manuel Antonio or Arenal.
When to book
December to April is the dry, high season: calmer seas, better visibility, and whales arriving from December. Caño Island and Corcovado have daily visitor caps: for the holidays, book several weeks ahead.
July to November is the green season: fewer people, lush scenery and the second whale season, with mothers and calves.
How booking works
- Send us your dates and group size on WhatsApp (US, Costa Rican or French number).
- We check availability directly with the boat or guide and confirm fast.
- Transfers available from Uvita, Dominical or Ojochal: $50 per person.
- If the sea is too rough, your tour is rescheduled or refunded.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tours in Costa Rica?
On the South Pacific coast: Caño Island snorkeling, whale watching in Uvita (December–March and July–November), Corcovado with a certified guide and the Sierpe mangroves.
How much do tours cost in Costa Rica?
With us, from $70 (Sierpe mangroves) to $155 (Corcovado, Sirena station) per person. Caño Island is $145, whale watching $120, offshore fishing $210.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes in high season (December to April): Caño Island and Corcovado have daily visitor limits. For Christmas and New Year, book several weeks ahead.
Are the tours family-friendly?
The Sierpe mangroves and whale watching are great for families. Caño Island suits kids who are comfortable in the water; Corcovado (Sirena) is a long day, better for older kids.