10 Things About Costa Rica Wildlife Tours That You Don’t Want to Miss
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. With stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, this Central American country offers some of the best wildlife touring opportunities in the world. From exotic birds to prowling jaguars, you’ll find incredible biodiversity across Costa Rica’s national parks and protected areas.
If you’re planning for the Costa Rica wildlife tours, here are ten things you definitely don’t want to miss:
1. Spotting Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica Drake Bay Tours
The vibrant scarlet macaw is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic birds. With their bright red, blue, and yellow plumage, these large parrots are a magnificent sight in flight. Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park tours on the remote Osa Peninsula is one of the best places to spot these endangered birds. As you hike through the park’s primary rainforest, listen for their raucous squawking and watch the canopy for a flash of color.
2. Seeing Four Types of Monkeys in Costa Rica Corcovado National Park Tours
Costa Rica Corcovado National Park is home to four types of Costa Rican monkeys – squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and the endangered Central American spider monkey. The park’s many fruit trees draw vast numbers of monkeys, making it one of the best places for monkey spotting. Rise early to see energetic troops of squirrel and capuchin monkeys foraging in the trees.
3. Spotting Sea Turtles on the Beaches of Tortuguero
Giant green sea turtles haul themselves onto the beaches of Tortuguero National Park from July to October to lay their eggs. Joining a night turtle tour allows you to witness the magical spectacle of sea turtles coming ashore under the moonlight. Make sure to watch quietly and keep the lights off so as not to disturb the nesting turtles.
4. Seeing Crocodiles on a Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Gliding silently through Tortuguero’s extensive network of canals, you’ll spot many birds, monkeys, sloths, and caimans lurking along the water’s edges. Keep your eyes peeled for the crocodiles sunning themselves along the canal banks. The endangered American crocodile and spectacled caiman both inhabit these waters. A knowledgeable local guide will help you spot their ridged tails amongst the reeds.
5. Watching Migratory Birds at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Northern Costa Rica’s Caño Negro Wetland is a key stopover point for migratory birds traveling between North and South America. Embark on an early morning boat tour between July and November to see hundreds of migratory bird species gathered around the marshy waters. Watch for jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, herons, and egrets amidst the floating water hyacinths.
6. Seeing Dolphins on the Osa Peninsula During the Costa Rica Wildlife Tours
Get out on the water in Osa Peninsula tours near Drake Bay to spot some of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures – bottlenose dolphins. Around 200-300 dolphins live in the area year-round. Cruise along the calm waters, watching for their dorsal fins breaking the surface as the dolphins play and socialize in pods. Early mornings tend to be best for dolphin sightings.
7. Going on the Sirena Station Overnight Tour
Escape to the untamed jungles of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula on an unforgettable expedition. As you navigate the luxury coast, prepare to discover hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, snaking rivers, and trails buried deep in jungle canopies so thick they block out the sun. Your journey includes stops at two unique ranger stations, each with their own wildlife wonders. Spot exotic birds and monkeys at Sirena station, home to the peninsula’s most biodiverse rainforest. Hike the area’s most stunning trails in San Pedrillo and sleep to the mesmerizing sounds of the jungle right outside your tent. This expedition offers an intimate look at one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and wild regions. Adventure awaits in the Osa’s untouched paradise – You can book your Sirena Station overnight tour today with 5-Star operators like Sukia Travel!
8. Seeing Resplendent Quetzals in San Gerardo de Dota
The spectacular resplendent quetzal, with its vibrant green and crimson coloring, is one of the most sought-after birds for many wildlife watchers. Head to San Gerardo de Dota between March and May when these endangered birds breed. Get up early to stake out fruiting avocado trees, where you may spot a male quetzal with his distinctive long tail feathers.
9. Watching Sea Turtles Lay Eggs at Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Olive ridley sea turtles swarm the beach at Ostional Wildlife Refuge between July and December for mass nesting called arribadas. Joining a night tour allows you to watch hundreds of sea turtles laying eggs in the sand. Ensure to keep lights off and noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the nesting turtles during this special event.
10. Going on a Night Walk to See Nocturnal Wildlife
Many of Costa Rica’s most intriguing animals are nocturnal, including frogs, bats, tarantulas, and kinkajos. Joining a guided night walk around parks like Manuel Antonio gives you the chance to spot wildlife only active after dark. Walk quietly with a flashlight and see what fascinating creatures you can discover under the cover of night.
Planning Your Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
The best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing is during the dry season between December and April, when foliage is less dense, and animals congregate at dwindling water sources.
Be sure to hire experienced local guides or tour operators like Sukia Travel to help you find and identify wildlife. Many animals in Costa Rica’s rainforest can be tricky to spot!
Pack binoculars, a zoom lens camera, and gear like hiking boots and rain ponchos to fully enjoy your wildlife-viewing adventure. Staying at eco-lodges adjacent to national parks allows easy access to wildlife hotspots on early morning walks.
Visiting Costa Rica’s incredible national parks and wildlife refuges will bring you close to exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, whales, sea turtles, and so much more. As one of the most biodiverse places on earth, Costa Rica offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Use this list to help plan your own unforgettable Costa Rican wildlife tour!
Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica Wildlife Tours
What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Costa Rica?
The driest months of December to April are best for wildlife viewing. Foliage is less dense, animals congregate at water sources, and reptiles and birds are more active.
What wildlife can you see on the Costa Rica Corcovado National Park Tour?
Corcovado is renowned for scarlet macaws, Baird’s tapir, and four monkey species, including the endangered squirrel monkey, peccaries, anteaters, sloths, and endangered jaguars.
What should you pack for a Costa Rica wildlife tour?
Essential gear includes binoculars, a zoom lens camera, hiking boots, a poncho, sun protection, mosquito repellent, a flashlight for night walks, and field guides.
What is the best way to get close to wildlife safely?
Always keep a safe distance from wildlife and follow your experienced guide’s lead. Move slowly and keep noise to a minimum.
What are the best parks in Costa Rica to see sloths?
Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Tortuguero provide excellent sloth spotting opportunities, though sloths can be seen throughout Costa Rica.
Are there any ethical concerns with wildlife tourism in Costa Rica?
Ensure tour companies follow responsible practices like limiting group sizes, keeping distance from wildlife, and avoiding feeding/baiting. Follow park rules.