Tárcoles Crocodile Bridge
Puente de los Cocodrilos
A bridge on Route 34 along the coast that spans the Tárcoles River. Dozens of large American crocodiles gather on the riverbanks below, making it a free viewpoint along the Pacific route.
The Crocodile Bridge is the road bridge on Route 34 that crosses the Tárcoles River, about 5 km north of Carara National Park. The river is home to a high density of American crocodiles, which often reach 4 to 5 m. From the sidewalks on either side of the bridge, you can look down at them basking on the mudflats. Viewing is free, and 15 to 30 minutes is enough. The bridge end has a parking lot, a small shop, and souvenir stalls. Park in the paid lot, and do not leave valuables in your car. For a closer look, you can join a roughly 2-hour crocodile and mangrove boat tour in the town of Tárcoles, about USD 35 per person, where you may also see herons, spoonbills, and other waterbirds. Only watch from the sidewalk, and do not approach the riverbank.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bijagual Waterfall
- Carara National Park
- Playa Blanca (Punta Leona)
- Vista Los Sueños Canopy
- Playa Herradura
- Los Sueños Marina
- Avenida Pastor Díaz
- Playa Jacó