Embark on a journey led by local naturalist guides who possess an intimate knowledge of Punta Uva. This tour provides an ethical approach to wildlife observation and a serene, authentic method for spotting sloths in their natural environment.
Our dedicated Costa Rican team, including Elmer, Esteban, and Juanito, blends professional expertise with extensive field experience. You will gain insights into the intricate connections between the rainforest ecosystem and the rich culture and history of Talamanca as you explore secluded beaches, forest paths, and the vibrant turquoise coastline of Punta Uva.
On most excursions, we have the pleasure of observing both sloth species, alongside turtles, monkeys, and a variety of colorful tropical birds. Each tour is designed to be a relaxed, educational, and completely wildlife-respectful experience, free from cages, feeding, or forced interactions.
Designed for small groups, this tour offers a personal and eco-friendly adventure that champions local nature guides and delivers the most genuine experience available on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Early booking is recommended due to limited group sizes.
✓ Kayak equipment✓ Expert local guide fluent in English and Spanish✓ Travel insuranceActivity Schedule
2 h 45
Navigate the tranquil jungle waterways by kayak, seeking out sloths, monkeys, and turtles. Conclude with a leisurely stroll along the beach and through the jungle to reach the picturesque viewpoint of Punta Uva on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast. Absorb knowledge about the region's distinctive ecosystem and the Talamanca culture from your amiable local guides, while sloths observe from above and toucans call from the canopy.
This original Sloth & Kayak experience, conceived by naturalist Roberto Lynch, has inspired numerous tours now available in Punta Uva. Our guides, Elmer, Esteban, and Juanito, are Costa Rican professionals with practical field experience and a profound understanding of the local wildlife. Their insights stem from years spent in nature and growing up exploring this very region, offering authentic knowledge rather than fabricated tourist tales.
We maintain small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, enhance safety, and improve wildlife viewing opportunities. Our commitment is to genuine observation of animals in their natural habitat, with no cages, no feeding, and no forced encounters.
This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, families, and travelers yearning for an authentic, eco-conscious adventure on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Given the small group sizes, securing your spot early is advised.
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted for entry. One ticket is required per booking.
Your meeting point is at Pachos place in Punta Uva. Upon reaching Punta Uva, turn right and look for the second beach hut, identifiable by its Rasta colors. Please be aware and do not confuse this location with 'Sloth Point'.
Pachos Place Kajac and Surfing
Contact: 6009 1870
Directions: View on map
Your meeting point is at Pachos place in Punta Uva. Upon reaching Punta Uva, turn right and look for the second beach hut, identifiable by its Rasta colors. Please be aware and do not confuse this location with 'Sloth Point'.
Pachos Place Kajac and Surfing
Contact: 6009 1870
Directions: View on map
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Service animals are permitted on this tour. Specialized infant seats can be provided upon request. This activity is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle
Book in advance due to small group sizes. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Stay hydrated; bring a reusable water bottle. Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 357495P2
Activity offered by Caribe Sur via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature lovers Families Eco-conscious travelers Adventure seekers Ethical wildlife viewing in natural habitat Guided by knowledgeable local naturalists Kayak through serene jungle waterways Discover sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds Small group sizes for a personal experience Supports local guides and eco-tourism
Population 470,383 (2022)
Elevation 51 m
Currency Costa Rican colón
Official language Spanish
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city San José Average temperatures 24° Jan 24° Feb 24° Mar 25° Apr 25° May 25° Jun 25° Jul 25° Aug 25° Sept 25° Oct 24° Nov 24° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Sloth and Kayak Tour? + The tour lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes.
What wildlife can I expect to see? + You can expect to see both species of sloths, as well as turtles, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds.
Are there any restrictions on wildlife interaction? + Yes, the tour emphasizes ethical encounters with no cages, no feeding, and no forced interactions. Animals are observed in their natural habitat.
What is the maximum group size? + The maximum group size is 8 participants, ensuring a personal experience.
What languages are the guides fluent in? + The guides are fluent in English and Spanish.
What should I bring on the tour? + It is recommended to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Comfortable clothing and footwear are also advised.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience
Fearless68140532017, October 2026
We had an amazing canoe tour with our guide, Esteban! We were in a two-person canoe and absolutely loved the experience. It was wonderfully relaxing, and we got to see so much wildlife, including three sloths, countless turtles, iguanas, and monkeys. Esteban was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the animals, plants, and local history. He also had a great eye for spotting wildlife!
One of the highlights was when he picked and prepared two fresh coconuts for us, along with some small wild bananas. After the canoe tour, we also went for a walk to the viewpoint, which was a beautiful addition to the experience.
We enjoyed ourselves so much that the tour ended up taking considerably longer than planned. This was absolutely no problem for us, and Esteban was very relaxed about it too, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
All in all, it was a fantastic experience and definitely worth the money. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Esteban as your guide!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Kayaking tour with Dani
tristanom2026, October 2026
The river kayaking tour with Dani was great! We got a to see toucans, sloths and all different types of plant species. It was a very relaxing way to see nature.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Best kayak Tour In Costa Rica!!
ayuupa2026, October 2026
This was the highlight of my Costa Rica trip! Esteban was our tour guide and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide! He’s so knowlsgedhe and passionate about wildlife and conservation, we learned so much for him. Would 100% recommend to anyone interested.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great Kayak and Hike tour!
950suchitrar, October 2026
We had such a great time kayaking through the beautiful waters with Stevan! He was amazing with our kids and patiently answered every single question they kept asking. We got to see so much wildlife, and the short hike at the end made the whole experience even more worthwhile. It was the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and fun for the whole family. You won’t be disappointed — we highly recommend this experience!
**Pura Vida!** 🌿🛶
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excellent Tour with Elmer
christophercK3586MF, October 2026
My wife and I were lucky enough to get a one-on-one kayak/hike experience with our awesome guide, Elmer! We saw sloths, tons of turtles, an iguana, toucans, howler monkeys, bats, crabs, and army ants. He was very patient with us taking photos and knew how to answer every question we asked him. We would definitely recommend him and this cool experience!
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Free cancellation