Costa Rica’s port of Limon serves up authentic experiences that go beyond typical tourist stops.
The standout excursion combines the Veragua Rainforest with Tortuguero Canals, offering maximum wildlife spotting with minimal hassle. I’m especially fond of the Zipline and Canal combo tour – it’s perfect for active travelers who want to experience both the rainforest canopy and waterways in one efficient outing.
The Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise paired with a banana plantation visit provides excellent value, blending nature with local agriculture. These waters are teeming with wildlife, and the guides really know their stuff.
Cahuita National Park, though less visited, is a gem for spotting sloths and tropical birds in their natural habitat.
Let’s explore the best shore excursions that make the most of your time in Limon.
Key Points
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The Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals tour is a highly-rated nature and wildlife experience, with a 90% recommendation from previous travelers.
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The Zipline Canopy Tour & Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour offers a thrilling 2-hour zipline adventure and a 1-hour canal boat tour, catering to cruise ship passengers.
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The Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation tour provides an immersive nature experience with a jungle canal cruise and a visit to a banana plantation.
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The Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour is a full-day excursion that covers Cahuita National Park, a banana plantation, and a Tortuguero canal boat tour.
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The Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour offers a personalized, full-day experience that includes a Limon city tour, a coastal drive to Cahuita National Park, and visits to various plantations.
Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Shore Excursion
Exploring the lush Veragua Rainforest and tranquil Tortuguero Canals is a popular shore excursion for visitors to Limon, Costa Rica.
This highly-rated tour offers an immersive experience, with a 90% recommendation rate from 52 travelers. At €72.39 per person, the tour includes transportation, refreshments, and a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals.
While the Veragua Rainforest admission fee isn’t included, the tour promises sightings of diverse wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and butterflies. Experienced guides like Ernesto, Esteban, and Rupert lead the way, providing valuable insights.
However, some guests found the canal portion less engaging, suggesting a greater focus on the rainforest for a more in-depth experience.
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Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion From Limon
For those seeking a more comprehensive exploration of Costa Rica’s Caribbean side, the Caribbean Highlights Shore Excursion from Limon provides an engaging full-day experience.
Operated by GioToursLimon, the tour includes a boat safari along the Tortuguero Canals to spot wildlife, a visit to a banana farm for a tropical fruit tasting, and time to relax at Playa Bonita beach.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 64 reviews, the excursion offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s natural and cultural highlights.
While some travelers reported minor issues like air conditioning problems, the knowledgeable guides and diverse activities make this a popular choice for cruise ship passengers docking in Limon.
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Zipline Canopy Tour & Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour. Shore Excursion From Limon
The Zipline Canopy Tour & Tortuguero Canal Boat Tour shore excursion from Limon promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure combined with a serene wildlife encounter. Exclusively offered to cruise ship passengers, this 3-hour tour includes a 2-hour zipline experience through Veragua Rainforest Eco Park and a 1-hour boat tour along the Tortuguero Canal.
Soaring through the treetops on 12 platforms and 11 cables, guests can admire the lush rainforest from up to 263 feet (80 meters) in the air. The canal tour then offers a chance to spot crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
While the tour requires moderate fitness, it’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with medical conditions. This shore excursion provides an exhilarating and immersive Costa Rican experience.
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Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion From Limon
In contrast to the adrenaline-fueled zipline and serene canal boat tour, the Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the region’s diverse attractions.
Priced from $135, this full-day excursion covers key highlights like Cahuita National Park, a banana plantation, and a boat tour through Tortuguero’s canals, all with the convenience of an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guide.
Though some travelers found the rainforest hike overly warm, the tour generally earns strong reviews for its immersive experiences and wildlife sightings.
Just note that refunds aren’t issued for missed departures, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Puerto Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Combo Tour. Shore Excursion From Limon Review
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Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion
Offering a captivating introduction to Tortuguero National Park, the Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation shore excursion from Puerto Limon promises an immersive nature experience for cruise ship passengers.
Travelers can observe diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans, during a 1-hour jungle canal cruise. The tour also includes a visit to the Del Monte Banana Plantation, where participants can learn about banana cultivation and enjoy a tropical fruit snack.
With a small-group size limited to 15 participants, this shore excursion provides an intimate and personalized experience. Highlights from past travelers include knowledgeable guides and engaging activities, making this a top choice for nature lovers seeking a memorable half-day adventure.
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Sloths Lovers Tour. Puerto Limon Shore Excursion
For cruise passengers seeking a captivating encounter with Costa Rica’s remarkable wildlife, the Sloths Lovers Tour in Limon delivers an unforgettable experience.
Priced from $135, this 4-hour shore excursion takes visitors to Cahuita National Park and the Tortuguero Canals, where they can spot sloths, monkeys, and other native species.
The tour includes a nature walk, a boat tour with a naturalist guide, and visits to banana and chocolate plantations.
While reviews are generally positive, travelers should manage their expectations regarding wildlife sightings.
The tour is exclusive to cruise ship passengers and operates only when ships are in port, with a pickup at the Puerto Limon Cruise Terminal.
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Veragua Rainforest Walk, Tram & Tortuguero Boat Tour. Limon Shore Excursion
The Veragua Rainforest Walk, Tram & Tortuguero Boat Tour is a captivating shore excursion that allows cruise passengers to enjoy the lush biodiversity of Costa Rica’s Limon region.
Recommended by 94% of travelers, the tour features a Veragua Rainforest tram ride, a guided nature walk, and a boat tour along the Tortuguero Canals.
Accompanied by a professional naturalist guide, participants can expect to spot sloths, monkeys, and a variety of frogs.
While some reviews note longer transportation times, the informative narration and diverse wildlife sightings make this an excellent choice for those seeking an eco-adventure.
With a badge of excellence and free cancellation, this tour is a must-do for cruise passengers visiting Limon.
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Veragua Zipline Canopy Tour. Shore Excursion From Puerto Limon
Situated amidst the lush Veragua Rainforest, the Veragua Zipline Canopy Tour offers cruise passengers an adrenaline-fueled shore excursion from Puerto Limon.
Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours, the 2-hour zipline experience features 11 lines and 12 platforms, reaching heights of up to 262 feet. Guides ensure participant safety at each platform.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a 4.5/5 rating from 11 reviews, this tour provides an exhilarating way to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Passengers can also visit a banana plantation or take a river cruise, making this an exciting and versatile shore excursion option.
Read our full review: Veragua Zipline Canopy Tour. Shore Excursion From Puerto Limon Review
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Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour. Shore Excursion From Limon
Passengers seeking a comprehensive shore excursion in Limon, Costa Rica can consider the Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour.
This full-day private tour offers a diverse itinerary, including a Limon city tour, a scenic coastal drive to Cahuita National Park, a nature walk, and wildlife spotting.
Visitors will also explore banana and chocolate plantations and enjoy a boat cruise through the Tortuguero canals.
Priced from $250 and recommended by 91% of travelers, the tour is exclusive for cruise ship passengers and includes a private naturalist guide, transportation, and entrance fees.
With its wide range of activities and knowledgeable guides, the Limon Highlights tour provides an immersive experience of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.
Read our full review: Limon Highlights 6 in 1 Private Tour. Shore Excursion From Limon Review
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Cahuita National Park Walk and Banana Plantation. Shore Excursion From Limon
Visitors seeking an immersive nature experience during their Limon cruise stopover can consider the Cahuita National Park Walk and Banana Plantation shore excursion.
The 5-hour tour takes guests on a nature walk through the Brisas de la Jungla rainforest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
After the park visit, the tour includes a stop at a traditional banana plantation.
Priced from €91.69 per person, the excursion accommodates up to 15 travelers for a personalized experience.
With a 4.0 rating from 9 reviews, this shore excursion provides an engaging mix of nature, culture, and local flavor for cruise passengers visiting Limon, Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Cahuita National Park Walk and Banana Plantation. Shore Excursion From Limon Review
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Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour Shore Excursion From Puerto Limon
The Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour offers cruise ship passengers an engaging and immersive experience during their shore excursion from Puerto Limon.
This full-day guided tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families and seniors. Travelers will embark on a nature hike with a knowledgeable guide, spotting wildlife like monkeys and toucans.
The tour also includes visits to a banana and cocoa plantation, allowing participants to learn about local agriculture.
With the convenience of pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, this excursion provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural wonders and cultural highlights of the Limon region.
Read our full review: Cahuita National Park & Banana Plantation Tour Shore Excursion From Puerto Limon Review
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The Sum Up
Limon offers a wide range of exciting shore excursions. Visitors can explore the Veragua Rainforest, zipline through the canopy, cruise the Tortuguero Canals, and visit banana plantations. With so many options, travelers can find activities that suit their interests and energy levels. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, Limon’s shore excursions provide an opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.