Top Costa Rica Bird Watching

Thrill-seekers will love white-water rafting on the class III and IV rapids on the Arenal River. Suitable for adventurous beginners and those who have been rafting before, the 8-mile (13-kilometer) stretch of river offers plenty of chances to paddle hard, get wet, and enjoy views of the surrounding jungle. Refuel after with lunch at a monkey park.

With its cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife, the Pacuare River is rightfully famous for its natural beauty. Paddle through the river gorge, navigating 52 Class II-IV rapids as you go, on this 12-hour trip from San Jose. Take in views of the tropical rain forest and wildlife such as sloths, parrots, and toucans as you ride the river (and your adrenaline rush) over the course of the day.

Explore the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest with a passionate guide with over 20 years of experience. More than a tour, it is an immersion in the essence of this natural paradise. You will learn to listen to the secrets of the forest, discover unique species of flora and fauna and live unforgettable moments as you walk paths full of life and mystery. My goal is to offer you a personalized, educational and exciting experience, where every step becomes an adventure and every detail tells a story. Come and live Monteverde like you never imagined before

Important Seasonal Information: This experience is offered primarily from March through July, with occasional departures in August, depending on the seasonal presence and activity of the Three-wattled Bellbird. Tour availability is based on the natural behavior of the species and may vary from year to year. This is a highly specialized birdwatching experience focused on one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and fascinating birds, the Three-wattled Bellbird. Our goal is not simply to check a bird off a list, but to provide a deeper understanding of the Three-wattled Bellbird and its role within Costa Rica’s unique ecosystems. Travelers will learn why this species is considered one of the most sought-after birds in the Neotropics and why its spectacular appearance and unforgettable call attract birdwatchers from around the world.

Get a taste of San Jose’s culture and cuisine on this walking tour that includes snacks. Explore Costa Rica’s capital alongside a guide who alleviates the hassle of navigating, and learn about the city’s history, architecture as you taste. Explore the produce stalls of two traditional markets and discover what makes Costa Rican coffee so delicious as you sample some local brews.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Get closer to nature while still experiencing thrills during a fun-filled day in the jungle at the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Atlantic eco-reserve. Your multi-pass gives you access to six different activities, so you can ride an aerial tram, encounter native critters at a butterfly and frog garden, cross a hanging bridge, and explore the jungle on a nature hike at your own pace. Get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through the treetops on ziplines, including one of the longest and fastest in the country.

Located atop the Continental Divide, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a haven of untouched jungle, where rare plant and animal species live among wisps of cloud and thick tree growth. This small-group hiking tour allows you to experience the full breadth of Monteverde’s flora and fauna, while your naturalist guide navigates and provides insight into the area’s rich biodiversity.

Ensure you don't miss any of the major sights at Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park by opting for a guided tour. Learn about the local wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and lizards, from a nature expert and get an up-close look thanks to gear like spotting scopes. Enjoy some free time at the end as the tour ends at the beach within the park.

Explore an ancient landscape that comes alive with bubbling mud pits, steaming volcanic vents, and the screeches of howler monkeys on this hiking tour through Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Learn about the diverse habitats of Guanacaste’s tropical forests from a naturalist guide while trekking, without worrying about getting lost along the way.

If you’re looking to escape the routine, connect with nature, and observe wildlife up close, this experience is perfect for you. During your walk, we’ll explore the main trails of the park, seeking a variety of animals while learning about each species and its role in the ecosystem. Join us in one of the most beautiful places in the world, where mountains meet the sea in a breathtaking display of natural harmony. This National Park is a unique blend of ecosystems, creating the perfect environment to spot a wide range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, and amphibians. The tour concludes at one of the most famous and pristine beaches in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. After the hike, you’ll have time to relax on the golden sands and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Throughout the tour, photos and videos will be taken and shared with you, so you can relive these unforgettable moments.

See the Costa Rican cloud forest from a different perspective, and spot animals in their natural habitat, by booking this guided tour. Stroll over suspension bridges that lead you through the jungle surrounding the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a series of nature trails that provide views of the park's natural wonders and such wildlife as spider monkeys, macaws, and more.

The forest comes alive at night, with different birds and animals roaming than in the day. Even if you’ve taken a day tour of Monteverde, a night walking tour is a must-do. With the help of your guide, listen out for frogs, bats, insects, and other nocturnal animals. This is a private tour so you won’t struggle to hear or keep up with your guide, and you can ask many questions.

Get out into nature with this private half-day excursion to the Celeste River and its surroundings. Your guide will take you through the forest, where you will likely see all kinds of birds, primates, and sloths among the tropical flora. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the blue waters of the Rio Celeste during your visit.

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.

Voyage through the rich wetlands ecosystem of Palo Verde National Park on this full-day tour from Tamarindo or Papagayo Bay. Look for monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and other wildlife on a cruise down the Tempisque River — also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Later, explore the area’s culture and cuisine with a homemade lunch and handicraft demo in the artisan town of Bolson.

Guanacaste is home to many of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural landscapes. But travelers without their own transportation often find themselves confined to their hotels and resorts. On this half-day combo tour, experience a mix of thermal hot springs, river swims, hiking trails, and birdwatching all in the vicinity of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Lunch and transfers from central Liberia are provided for an easy day out.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.

Explore the waters near Playa Samara during this guided mangrove kayaking tour. Your local guide shares insights about the area's rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna you’ll encounter while paddling. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, juice, and snacks when you arrive at Playa Camaronal, a sea turtle conservation refuge. All kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are included.

Get your adrenaline pumping and explore the rain forests of Costa Rica as you embark on this adventure tour. Head to a reserve and start your adventure walking across a series of hanging bridges, with some dangling from 200 feet (60 meters) high. Then, enjoy a heart-pumping zipline tour across several cables and platforms.

Explore a Jaco adventure park on a party tractor with music, free-flowing drinks, and great energy—with the option to choose a daytime tour or evening experience. From swimming in a jungle waterfall to spotting wildlife, this gets you outdoors to enjoy a fun, social atmosphere. Included pickup and drop-off means you can enjoy the outing without finding a designated driver, too.

Discover the beauty of mangroves in Tamarindo with a boat tour of the Las Baulas Marine National Park estuary. Navigate through this vibrant ecosystem where flora and fauna thrive. You will observe American crocodiles, sunbathing iguanas and howler monkeys in their natural environment. In addition, you will have the option to hike through the forest for a deeper connection with nature, where you can appreciate migratory birds and local species. This tour is ideal for nature and wildlife lovers, offering a unique experience in Costa Rica. - Boat Tour of the Las Baulas Marine National Park Estuary - Observe crocodiles, iguanas and howler monkeys in their habitat - Option to hike through the forest to explore further - Ideal for nature and wildlife lovers

The Peñas Blancas River, which meanders through the rainforest near Arenal Volcano, is home to wildlife you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, you’re picked up from La Fortuna and taken to the town of La Perla for a beer and safety briefing. Afterward, raft down the river with a guide in search of howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and many types of birds.

Many travellers in Costa Rica will tell you, your tour is only as good as your guide. Here at Osa Nature Experts, our lead guide Walter is what sets this tour apart from the rest. His keen sense of where to find the birds you’re after combined with his excellent ability to find birds through calls alone, give you the opportunity to see as many birds as possible. This tour is also customized, based on our clients desires and mobility. If you are after a specific bird species, we will do our best to accommodate that request. Walter also leads his tours with his telescope and phone adapter, allowing you to get close and personal to the birdlife. He can help you take lovely photos and videos too!