Tarcoles River
The Tarcoles River is one of the most popular rivers among travelers in Costa Rica. Its fame centers on one controversial crossing: the Crocodile Bridge.
Seeing hundreds of crocodiles gathered can be awe-inspiring—or terrifying.
No matter your take on the crocs, know that they’re not the only reason to explore this extraordinary waterway.
What Is The Río Grande de Tarcoles (The Tárcoles River)?
The Tarcoles River starts on the slopes of the Cordillera Volcánica Central mountain range. From there, it flows southwest to Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, covering 819 sq. miles of land. It ultimately empties into the Gulf of Nicoya.
Tárcoles forms the northmost border of Carara National Park, and it’s one of the most important river systems—both ecologically, and to the country’s economy.
Tárcoles’ Crocodile Bridge: Beauty & Controversy
Ecologists believe an over 2,000-member-strong group of crocodiles have adapted to life in the river, with congregations of up to 40 crocs in the most popular square-mile stretches. It’s not unusual to see a dozen crocodiles or more on the riverbanks from the bridge’s vantage point.
The size of the group is unusual enough to draw critical eyes.
Crocs Eat Human Food, Pose Greater Risks
Certain biologists believe the crocs are gathering in far larger numbers than they ordinarily would because humans are feeding them.
While crocs are naturally social, they’re also naturally solitary. Yet, in the Tarcoles, crocodiles live close to each other in large numbers. Thus, they engage in violent fights for territory far more often than they do elsewhere.
Secondarily, the food humans feed them often isn’t part of crocs’ natural diet. It could be bad for them in ways we don’t yet understand.
Over time, feeding puts humans at risk. As crocodiles learn humans are a source of food, they approach us more frequently and aggressively.
Fortunately, attacks are rare. There are also effective safety measures visitors can take.
Smart, Safe Crocodile Encounters
It’s important to be cautious. Watching from a safe distance is good for your own safety. It’s also better for the crocs’ long-term wellbeing.
Taking pictures from the bridge is completely safe and harmless. There’s even a safety guardrail.
But, tossing fish over the bridge’s edge is risky. Instead, try setting up a chair or camera tripod and enjoying the view.
Mangrove Forests & Other Wildlife of The Rio Tarcoles
Boating on The Rio Tarcoles takes you among the region’s surreal mangrove forests.
Navigate through the tunnel-like formations of the mangroves’ long roots by boat. Eagle-eyed visitors might be able to spot macaws, white-faced monkeys, and ocelots.
Cruise Along The Tárcoles River With Caravan
Take a trip, and let us do the planning!
Join one of our Costa Rica Tours, and experience eight days of adventure in a tropical paradise, wondrous wildlife encounters, and coffee fresher than anything you’ve ever tasted before.
To learn more, call us at 1-800-CARAVAN. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to get your ticket today.