What is the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica?
Tarcoles Bridge in Costa Rica, also known as the Crocodile Bridge is a short drive from Jaco, and one of the easiest ways to see crocodiles in Costa Rica! Take a walk to the center of the Tarcoles Bridge in Costa Rica and dare to look down. Sitting below are usually about a dozen huge crocodiles sunbathing and enjoying a swim in the river. Once a precarious way to view these crocs, the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica has safety measures which will keep you a safe distance from the famous Tarcoles Bridge Costa Rica crocodiles.
How do you get to the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica?
If you are on your way to Jaco or Manuel Antonio, you are sure to pass the Tarcoles Bridge in Costa Rica and must make a stop along the way. While driving on Route 34, you will enter the town of Tarcoles on the Tarcoles River, while passing through the town, just pull along the side of the road just before you get to the bridge. The next step is just walking along the pedestrian path on the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica until you reach a good viewpoint to see the crocodiles. The sheer amount of crocodiles will astound any visitor and will live up to its name: ‘The Crocodile Bridge.’
Other places to see crocodiles in Tarcoles, Costa Rica
Tarcoles, Costa Rica is a small town a few miles from Jaco, Costa Rica, and is most famous for the Tarcoles Bridge in Costa Rica, better known as the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica. There are a couple ways that you can see these famous crocodiles, as we understand a high precarious bridge view may not be for everyone. Check out our three methods to see the intimidating crocs!
Crocodile Bridge Viewpoint
First the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica is the most popular and easily accessed. Making your way to the Crocodile bridge is free and easy. If you choose this way of seeing the crocodiles, you can spend as much or as little time as you want peering down at the crocodiles. Take many pictures, as you are sure to see at least a dozen crocodiles swimming below you! Please note, this is also a functional bridge where cars and trucks must use on their way to Jaco and Quepos.
Restaurants in Tarcoles, Costa Rica
Along both sides of the bridge you will find a couple eateries where you can stop for a great meal and still observe the crocodiles from afar. Whether you prefer for a short pit-stop along your journey at a cafe, or want to sit down for a full meal, the Tarcoles locals have provided a couple options for you. Our pick is Restaurante Los Cocodrilos, a full restaurant and bar that sits on the bank of the river, so no matter the fear factor, you won’t miss that perfect photo op of the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica.
Carara National Park
The third option is to really trek out into the Carara National Park, where spotting crocodiles is guaranteed. While walking the Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica is the most popular way to see the crocodiles, we understand you may want something more adventurous. Carara National Park is a short drive from Tarcoles Costa Rica with many walking paths for all abilities, where you can observe the native wildlife. Hire a local guide, so they can show you the best spots for spotting all of the flora and fauna you won’t want to miss, including the Tarcoles crocodiles. You’re sure to spot at least one up close, as they inhabit the Tarcoles River, which flows through the National Park.
Cover photo source: https://ticotimes.net/2014/04/30/search-continues-for-missing-man-eaten-by-crocodiles-in-costa-rica