The Sloth and Kayak Tour - Ethical wildlife encounters

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

2 hours 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Led by local naturalist guides who know Punta Uva by heart, this tour offers ethical wildlife encounters and a calm, authentic way to see sloths in the wild.

Guided by Elmer, Esteban, and Juanito, our friendly Costa Rican team combines professional training with real field experience. You’ll learn how the rainforest ecosystem connects with the culture and history of Talamanca while exploring hidden beaches, forest trails, and Punta Uva’s turquoise coastline.

On most days we see both species of sloths, plus turtles, monkeys, and colorful tropical birds. Every tour is relaxed, educational, and 100% respectful of wildlife, no cages, no feeding, no forced encounters.

Small groups only, for a personal, eco-friendly adventure that supports local nature guides and gives you the most authentic experience in Costa Rica’s Caribbean.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Paddle through calm jungle waters in search of sloths, monkeys, and turtles, then enjoy a relaxed walk along the beach and through the jungle to Punta Uva’s scenic viewpoint on Costa Rica’s South Caribbean coast. Learn about the area’s unique ecosystem and the culture of Talamanca from friendly local guides as sloths rest above and toucans call in the distance. Created by naturalist Roberto Lynch, this is the original Sloth & Kayak experience that inspired many of the tours now offered in Punta Uva. Our team, Elmer, Esteban, and Juanito, are Costa Rican guides with professional training, real field experience, and a deep understanding of local wildlife. What you’ll learn comes from years in nature and growing up exploring this region—not stories made up for tourists. We keep our groups small for personal attention, safety, and better wildlife viewing. No cages, no feeding, no forced encounters—just genuine observation of animals in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature lovers, families, and travelers seeking an authentic, eco-friendly experience in Costa Rica’s Caribbean. Small groups so book early to secure your spot.

What‘s Included

Kayak

Professional local guide (English & spanish)

Insurance

Options

Sloth and Kayak Tour in Punta Uva Beach and Jungle

Reviews

4.90

246 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

232

Awesome experience, BOOK IT!
Chris B,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Esteban was great and the whole crew were very professional and caring. Book this, you will not regret it! We saw many types of wildlife including several reptiles/turtles, sloth, monkeys, birds plus much of the native flora/fauna. We felt blessed to have this experience and want to bring family back to experience it.
Best way to explore and learn about the jungle and its animals
Jrn S,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Elmer was our guide and he was very engaged, patient, knowledgeable and his love for the nature and animals was contagious. We had the 8:00 tour, and found this the best way to start the day while it still was cool and before too many others enter the river. We spotted and observed a lot (8!) of sloths, both near and far. Also iguanas, toucans, turtles and monkeys. So much, that we spent three hours without noticing that time flew by. Really amazing. But watch your expectations, it is not guaranteed the animals will show themselves. We recommend arriving relieved and only drinking water before, as there are no toilets at the beach. Also, you'll want to wade in the water so footwear for this is recommended. Else bring a sun hat and a good camera, as hopefully you'll need them! Enjoy!
Kayaking with sloths
B301WUstewartm,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such a nice time exploring the river by Kayak. Our guide Elmer was really knowledgeable and was able to spot lots of wildlife we wouldn’t have been able to see. Highly recommend these guys if you’re looking for a kayak tour!
Great, relaxing day!
Kristin D,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very relaxing, beautiful scenery, and just an all around great experience with our two 19-year old teenagers. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took his time pointing and discussing the various animals that could be seen. I highly recommend this tour!
Exciting & Fun
Excursion40796791765,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very exciting experience for me and my girlfriend. Saw sloths, monkeys, otters and more. Well worth the price !!!!!!!!!
Well worth it!
lasanimasdogr,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took an early morning tour and it was very nice and relaxing and our guide Juanita Brown was very informative and we saw lots of animals and I would highly recommend this tour. Beautiful to glide up the river in the kayaks, watching monkeys in the trees sloths, turtles and different birds.
100% satisfaction
ter077,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a tour at 8am. I think it’s best to go there early. (Less people->more animals) We saw everything what We hoped and much much more!! Thanks to our guide Elmer!!!🙏 11/10 one of the best tours what We’ve ever done!
Caribbean always if
stephaniemV9782DS,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I loved this morning’s tour with Elmer from Caribe Sur PV Tours, not only because of his charisma, but because from the beginning he made us feel comfortable. He made sure to show us a lot of animals that he wouldn’t normally have encountered and, in addition, gave us more context about the nature we observe. He even told us about the country’s endemic fruits. We even saw a boa! Five stars for Elmer and his team.
Great!
L5637GGkristab,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful kayak trip on the river made with Esteban. Had a lot of knowledge about all flora and fauna and could explain this well to us. Then a short walk in which he told a few things about history. After kayaking we were allowed to drink from a coconut. Energetic and enthusiastic man.
The best tour ever!!!
976alonsov,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The best tour ever! Went with my family and we all enjoyed. Thanks to the amazing guide Lynch. The experience is unique and the sloths are now my favorite animal.