Cruise Costa Rica Excursion | ‘Jungle and Farm’ – for ‘Cruise Crew’

Puerto Limon Shore Excursion – Costa Rica Cruise Excursion ‘Bananito Special’ for ‘Cruise Crew’

• Embark on a scenic drive along the captivating Caribbean Coast, passing through Banana Plantations and quaint villages
• Visit (the banana plantation) at Bananito village, founded by the Dole Fruit Company
• Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, experiencing the diverse flora and wildlife of the Bananito Jungle
• Explore the ecological jungle farm, showcasing a variety of fruits and medicinal plants
• Get acquainted with making chocolate from pure ‘organic cacao’ from ‘Bean to Bar.’
• Unwind and savor fresh fruits,  a local Lunch Snack, and indulge in pure Chocolate made from 100% organic cacao
• Take a refreshing dip or swim in the Bananito River
• Lots of relaxation time, music and entertainment!
• Relax after the farm tour or get acquainted with the Bananito Villagers, or  upon your choice, discover one of the ‘hidden gems,’ a private waterfall nestled deep within the primary rainforest
• [Only If time, and upon group request, we make a stop to visit a souvenir store]

Why is this Costa Rica jungle tour perfect for cruise ship crew and staff? Chill, relax, swim and enjoy nature! Lots of Music and Entertainment!

Around 15 years ago, a group of Dutch adventurers bought an old cacao farm in the hills near Bananito village to cultivate organic crops, preserve nature, and live sustainably. After years of hard work, we’re thrilled to offer adventurous and fit travelers the chance to explore this hidden treasure. This off-the-beaten-path tour showcases the untouched beauty of our jungle and farm.

Our knowledgeable local guides are deeply connected to the land and passionate about sharing their insights. We keep group sizes small, ensuring a more personalized and immersive experience.

Scenic Drive to Bananito: Your adventure starts with a 30-minute scenic drive from the Caribbean coast to Bananito. You’ll also learn about the region’s rich history and culture. We’ll stop in Bananito village, once home to a thriving Dole fruit operation, providing a more intimate view of banana production than just passing by plantations.

Crossing into Nature’s Paradise: Our farm is across the Bananito River. We provide boots or Crocs for the short but exciting river crossing. Once on the other side, you’ll be greeted by locals who have lived here for generations.

Exploring Basecamp and the Farm: At our ‘basecamp,’ you’ll find a cozy kitchen with a wood stove and a large rancho for relaxation. Local families and friends love this gathering spot. After settling in, we’ll take you on a farm tour, where we grow organic bananas and plantains and tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, star fruit, and avocados. You’ll also taste unique fruits like Biriba, Cas, Cainito, and Guanábana.

In addition to fruits, we grow medicinal herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, pepper, and cilantro, offering a rich exploration as we walk through the farm.

The Cacao Experience: A highlight of the tour is visiting our cacao grove with over 200 trees. You’ll witness the entire chocolate-making process—from “bean to bar”—as cacao is harvested, fermented, and dried. Then, you’ll have the chance to roast, peel, and grind the beans to create your chocolate.

Wildlife and Conservation: Years of conservation efforts have allowed the rainforest on our property to thrive with wildlife. You’ll encounter a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making this a paradise for nature lovers. The region’s rich history, with signs of ancient human habitation, adds another layer to the experience, including ancient pottery found on the land.

Relaxation and Optional Adventure: Back at Basecamp, you can relax, enjoy local snacks, and even swim in the river. For those seeking more adventure, there’s an optional hike more profound into the rainforest. With its towering trees and higher humidity, this area is home to elusive wildlife like jaguars and Bushmaster snakes. Though the hike is strenuous, a hidden waterfall awaits those up for the challenge.

Easy Return: With our farm close to the port, you can enjoy the experience without worrying about missing your cruise. We’ll make sure a relaxed and timely return to the ship.

Note 1: The order of the excursion activities may vary to provide the best ‘cruise crew and cruise staff’ experience

Note 2: In case of too high water levels to cross the river and reach the ‘Hidden Paradise’ Bananito Jungle, the Jungle and Farm Tour ‘part’ of the tour will be replaced with Cahuita National Park, in combination with a ‘boat trip’ upon preference, if ‘weather’ and ‘current’ allow.

Bananito is a secluded village, far removed from the typical tourist path, where the focus is primarily on bananas. Significant companies like Dole, Chiquita, and Del Monte provide many low-skill jobs in the area. However, as you follow the Bananito River upstream, nature increasingly takes center stage.

Just 4 miles up the river lies the tiny village of Banaga, where most locals live off their farms, and tourism is almost nonexistent. Our meeting point is the local bar, Monterrey, from where we’ll cross the river to reach our property.

Here, you’ll find a true “green paradise,” spanning 300 acres, from the river’s edge deep into the primary rainforest. My neighbor, Johnny Abraham, who grew up on the opposite side of the river, is where I, known as “The Dutch Biologist of Cahuita,” first discovered the beauty of the Bananito area and jungle life. Johnny, whose father is Spanish and mother is from the Bribri indigenous group, comes from a family known for their farming expertise.

Over ten years, during my visits and stays, Johnny taught me how to build a house and grow food, and we spent many evenings reflecting on life beyond its material aspects. Eventually, I bought 80 acres of lush jungle next to his land, and now we guide visitors together on our combined 300 acres of rainforest.

Along the riverside, there’s a spot to barbecue or jump into the current from a nearby ridge. Johnny, his wife, and his daughter live in a large wooden rancho with a thatched roof, where you’ll be welcomed, meals will be prepared, and we’ll get ready for our first adventure.

From their garden, a trail leads into the secondary rainforest, farmland about 40 years ago but has since transformed into a thriving wilderness. Trees proliferate in this tropical climate, and the trail becomes narrower as the atmosphere denser.

As we venture further, the humidity makes you sweat, and the sounds of the jungle heighten your senses. If it rains, you’ll experience the rainforest in its true essence. Stay alert as we head toward the foothills of the Caribbean slope; anything could happen—perhaps even a glimpse of a jaguar.

In the distance, the sound of a waterfall grows louder, signaling that our destination is near. A refreshing plunge beneath the cascading water awaits.