Top Costa Rica Wildlife Encounters - page 2

Experience the best of La Fortuna on a full-day combo tour that blends nature, adventure, and relaxation—the perfect way to check plenty off in one go. Begin with a visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Journey down a 500-step jungle trail for a refreshing swim in the fall's crystal-clear pool (weather permitting). Continue to Arenal Volcano for a guided hike through lush trails in the Ecological Park, and gain insight into the region’s unique geology. Finally, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch and unwind in the soothing waters of El Choyin hot springs. This all-in-one tour promises incredible landscapes, local flavors, and natural wonders.

Adventure-seeking travelers will love going off-road on a private ATV tour at Witch's Rock Canopy Tour WRCT Adventures in Guanacaste. After getting set up with safety gear and learning to drive, you’ll explore parts of the Costa Rican landscape inaccessible by other means. Be prepared to get a bit dirty while having fun and seeing the sights. Hotel pickup and transfers from select hotels are included.

Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this guided natural history hike, ideal for travelers who want to explore one of Costa Rica's most fascinating and biodiverse ecosystems. Accompanied by an expert local naturalist guide, you'll hike along carefully selected trails within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, renowned worldwide for its extraordinary ecological richness. During the hike, you may spot tropical birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, and, with a bit of luck, the famous Resplendent Quetzal. You might also encounter insects, amphibians, reptiles, and an impressive diversity of plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and giant ferns, that characterize the cloud forest. Thanks to the guide's expertise and the use of professional optical equipment, your chances of observing wildlife are greatly enhanced. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers.

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

The KSTR day volunteer program offers a unique and immersive experience within Manuel Antonio's wildlife sanctuary. Unlike traditional wildlife tours, participants actively engage in conservation efforts, from creating enrichment activities for sanctuary animals to assisting with meal preparations. The day begins with an informative guided tour, providing insights into the sanctuary's residents and conservation initiatives. Throughout the experience, volunteers interact with dedicated staff, interns, and long-term volunteers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, KSTR is deeply committed to its conservation mission, ensuring that participants not only support the sanctuary financially but also contribute directly to its efforts. Overall, the program provides travelers with a meaningful opportunity to connect with nature, make a positive impact, and leave a lasting legacy of conservation in Costa Rica's lush landscapes.

Tamarindo - Playa Minas, this is one of the most important nesting places in Costa Rica, a high number of turtles sail to this place from October to March. Get away from the usual and come and live this amazing experience alongside sea turtles, there is the opportunity to see from baby turtles, to three different types, this is one of the most intimate nature experiences one can have.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Go birdwatching in the Curi-Cancha Reserve in the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a half-day tour led by a naturalist guide and spot more than you would going alone. Look out for resplendent quetzals, silvery-fronted tapaculo, toucans, hummingbirds, and more—identify up to 60 species. Enjoy exploring the mountainous forest trails without the risk of getting lost. Monteverde-area transfers can be provided for an extra fee.

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

Nature lovers will enjoy this guided hike and wildlife-spotting excursion in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Hike through the tropical rainforest to the Oropendola Waterfall, where you can refresh and enjoy a swim in the turquoise plunge pool. Next, warm up and soothe any body aches with a soak in the Rio Negro hot springs. A tasty buffet lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.

Immerse in an authentic Costa Rican horseback riding adventure with an exclusive farm tour. Guided through the breathtaking Papagayo dry forest, you’ll encounter a vibrant array of wildlife and livestock in their natural surroundings. Watch out for grazing cows and horses alongside native creatures like frogs, iguanas, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and vibrant butterflies. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting colorful species in the trees. This unforgettable ride offers a close-up view of Costa Rica’s stunning biodiversity and serene landscapes.

Scan the treetops from a suspended bridge hanging over the rainforest canopy during this full-day adventure that includes a white-water rafting trip. The combo tour includes lunch, followed by a paddle down Class II-III rapids on Rio Balsa with your guide. Family fun amid nature is the goal.

Hiking on Arenal Volcano is the best way to appreciate the volcano’s power and beauty alike. This guided tour takes you down a network of paths ranging from easy to difficult—talk to your guide to choose the path that’s right for you. No matter what you pick, your guide shares stories and information about the volcano throughout the hike and points out features like wildlife and dried lava flows that you might miss on your own.

Our multilingual guides specialized in night tours will take you looking for the exceptional biodiversity in the Tamarindo area, northwest Costa Rica. Night walk is the perfect option to see unique wildlife! Are you excited to discover the extraordinary night life that takes place in the jungle while the village is fast asleep? Curious to see the strange world that has always inhabited your dreams and fantasies? Or is it just the desire to meet up with one of the many animals living in the forest, to experience an unforgettable face to face? At 6pm your guide will have the pleasure of greeting you. We will provide you quality headlights. If you don't have a car we can organize additional transport (extra cost). Tour duration: approx 2 hours

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

Discover the wildlife and scenery of Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided nature tour designed to help you see more than you might on your own. Use professional optical equipment to get closer views of wildlife while learning about the ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it. Combining guided interpretation with rainforest, beach, and coastal scenery, this is an engaging way to experience one of Costa Rica's best-known national parks.

We are among the first to offer Flying Dress photoshoots in Guanacaste, specializing in natural outdoor locations that highlight Costa Rica’s beauty. More than a photoshoot, this is a fully curated private experience. From dedicated round-trip transportation to sunrise timing for the most flattering light, every detail is thoughtfully planned for comfort. We select scenic beaches with lighter crowds and coordinate locations near your resort to maximize photo time. During the session, enjoy refreshing drinks and fruits, with time to relax between shots. If you bring a companion, they can wait comfortably while you enjoy your moment. Your bilingual photographer and support team use professional photo and video equipment to ensure smooth guidance and beautiful results. Our editing style focuses on natural color correction, preserving skin tones and true landscape colors. An intimate, detail-focused experience designed to feel effortless from start to finish.

Spend your day on a hiking adventure through the Arenal Volcano National Park with a small group. Experience the natural beauty of La Fortuna as you navigate the trails and passes that wind through its stunning landscapes. When the day is done, relax and unwind with a dip in a natural hot water river before returning to your hotel.

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Jose on an evening bus tour. Starting from your hotel, board a comfortable double-decker bus with a welcome drink. See over 25 of the city’s landmarks as you take a bus tour, and stop for bilingual guided tours at key locations, including the Costa Rican Art Museum. Enjoy an included dinner of local cuisine before drop-off back at your hotel.

Turtles are a big see on Costa Rica beaches, but if you don’t know where to find them, you may miss spotting them in their natural habitat. This Turtle Watching Tour from Tamarindo takes you to a popular beach where turtle nesting happens yearly for six months straight. Your guide knows the specific areas to visit to see these shelled creatures. Plus, pickup from Tamarindo is included.