This blog is part of our Costa Rica Travel series. If you want to catch up on our back story and other adventures, you can go to:
Pink Bear’s Retirement Journey
When most people think of Costa Rica wildlife, they imagine monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. We were about to discover a different side of Costa Rica—one ruled by massive crocodiles, hidden among the muddy waters of the Tarcoles River.
Pink Bear may hang out with snakes and monkeys, but she draws the line on Crocodiles! She decided to sit out the Crocodile excursion down the Tarcoles River and hang out with her other friends at home
While Pink Bear stayed behind to hang out with her friends, the “gang” set off in search of crocodiles.
After extensive research, Pink Bear recommended Crocodile Man Tours for this adventure. Crocodile Man tours have been around since 1992 in the town of Tarcoles, so they are a very experienced tour operator. They provide an authentic experience and are environmentally conscious.
Since Pink Bear did her online research, we purchased tickets online. Tickets can also be purchased at their tour office in Tarcoles. It is 5 minutes from the tour meeting point near the boat ramp. This company did not offer private tours, but since May is the shoulder season, the boat was not crowded there were only two other couples besides our group.
Our GPS sent us to the tour office, not the boat ramp, but the receptionist directed us down the road to the meeting point. We waited in their covered waiting area. There was a snack bar, but it was closed. They had coffee and water for us while we waited.
We saw a couple of interesting sights while we waited
We met our very entertaining guide, who escorted us to the boat ramp. He was funny and high-energy from the jump.
We were all very excited to see some crocodiles, and he promised us we would see them and much more. The Tarcoles River is teeming with life. As we started our journey down the river, we were overwhelmed by the natural surroundings.
Here we go. Laura, Diane, Tony, and Kathy are always up for pictures. Tom, on the other hand, I often end up with a back-of-the-head picture.
Not long after we started, we began seeing many birds and waterfowl. We tried to identify them with the cards we were given, but our tour guide was always first.
What started for us as a search for crocodiles evolved into a beautiful journey into nature.
But as we journeyed farther, we saw our first crocodile. When our guide pointed toward the muddy riverbank, I was shocked by how large the crocodile was. Pictures never prepare you for seeing one just a few feet away from the boat.
Our funny guide tried to take a picture of me with the crocodile, but he ended up with a selfie! Ha ha ha!
As we meandered down the river, we saw many more crocodiles. These guys look like they are ready to bite, but they keep their mouths open to keep cool and regulate their body temperature. I found it very interesting to gaze down the mouth of a croc.
We were then treated to the sight of some baby crocodiles.
As we journeyed farther down the river, we saw a few more interesting sights. A few more crocodiles and a turtle sunning itself near a rock.
We also came across this little guy, often called “Jesus Christ Lizard” for its ability to walk across water.
Our final sighting was of this very big and very old crocodile. Our guide said he is reported be about 94 years old, but who really knows. But he looked really old and really big.
The tour was very cost-effective. It was not a private tour, therefore it was rather inexpensive. Plus, if visiting in the shoulder season, we practically had the boat to ourselves. The beginning of May is a great time to visit Costa Rica. The rain has not begun in earnest yet. Mornings are sunny and dry with only a few brief afternoon showers. It is a calm tour that is perfect for retirees and anyone looking for a comfortable wildlife experience. It is a calm tour, great for us retired people. It also provides a great opportunity to see a great deal of Costa Rican wildlife from the comfort and safety of a boat. Crocodile Man tour on the Tarcoles is a great choice for people of all ages.
As we journeyed back to the dock, we felt in awe of this amazing place, where crocodiles, birds, waterfowl, turtles and lizards roam, as well as many other things we could not see below the surface As the last crocodile disappeared beneath the muddy waters of the Tarcoles River, we realized this adventure had given us much more than crocodiles—it had given us a front-row seat to one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating ecosystems.
Retirement Tour Rating:
⭐ Retirement Comfort Level: 10/10
⭐ Adventure Level: Calm
⭐ Pink Bear Approved: Yes, but not for her; she is not fond of crocodiles
Tips for Tarcoles Crocodile Adventure
- Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing; it is warm on the river
- Bring your camera — many photo opportunities