Where to go for wildlife

Although fairly small, Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world. Its variable climate, thanks to being located in the Neotropics, ensures that it gets a lot of solar exposure which helps many species of flora and fauna thrive. A long history of volcanic geological activity, alongside rising sea bed levels over hundreds of thousands of years, has created a rich and fertile land for Costa Rica’s wildlife, despite only taking up a tiny 0.03% of the earth’s surface.

As part of the thin stretch of land joining the two huge continental masses of North America and South America, the Costa Rican jungles and mountains provided passage for thousands of species that since took up residence. Sharing both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines also has a huge effect on the vast types of wildlife you can find in each corner of this fascinating country. You’ll feel like you’re nestled deep in Jurassic Park itself being surrounded by interesting critters like tapirs, ocelots, sloths, coatis, white-faced Capuchin’s and rhinoceros beetles. Costa Rica has a dazzling 150 species of frog and toad alone, the red-eyed tree frog being the most famous.

Explore the stunning myriad of jungle waterways at Tortuguero National Park with hidden lagoons, winding rivers and secret beaches; all jam-packed with vibrant Costa Rican rain-forest wildlife. Situated on the Caribbean coast, this beautiful destination whose name translates to ‘Land of Turtles’ will (unsurprisingly) get you up close and personal with some of Costa Rica’s finest flippered friends. Hawks-bills, green sea turtles, loggerheads and leather-backs all nest here and are protected by conservation projects.

Nesting seasons vary and you can usually see some turtles all year round, however, it’s mainly February to April for leather-backs, and July to October for hawks-bills, loggerheads and green sea turtles, in case you want to factor this into when you book your Costa Rica wildlife adventure. It’s not just turtles you’ll be seeing in Tortuguero. Take a guided tour to marvel at green macaws, iguanas, jaguars, Capuchin monkeys, otters and sloths, among many others. And, if you’re fond of bird-watching, remember to pack some binoculars as you’ll easily spot many of the 300 species of bird whilst in Tortuguero. The biodiversity of the environment here means there are homes and hunting grounds for so many different species of bird, you’ll hear them squawking and singing away as you explore. The Barra de Colorado Wildlife Refuge is also a must to visit. Hear the monkeys’ treetop calls as you navigate the network of mangrove rivers and secluded pools by canoe or kayak.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest

Osa Peninsula

This spectacular peninsula provides a truly unique Costa Rica wildlife experience for the Eco-traveller and nature lover.

You’ll find the Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific coast, shouldered by the Golfo Dulce on the eastern shores, and Drake Bay from the northwest. If you’re looking for untouched landscapes, waterfall pools, natural forest hiking trails and hidden beaches to explore, this Costa Rica rain-forest wildlife paradise is most certainly for you.

From Drake Bay, you’ll find both the Corcovado National Park and the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Covering the western half of the peninsula, Corcovado is one of the most stunningly bio-diverse places on the planet. National Geographic sings about its natural magic, and we do too. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot an endangered puma or jaguar in the depths of the rain-forest, whilst being very likely to see a flash of red as a scarlet macaw soars above you. Monkeys and sloths are frequently encountered during a guided wildlife adventure, joining over 140 other mammals, over 460 species of bird, and a huge population of amphibians and reptiles.

If you’re a self-confessed water baby and love to dive and snorkel among the marine wildlife, then Caño Island Biological Reserve and the Golfo Dolce are not to be missed. Swim in turquoise waters with a delightful mix of tropical fish, and kayak to areas where you can see dolphins jumping and playing above the waves. There are also golden opportunities for you to see seasonal whales with their young in their natural habitat. The Gulfo Dolce – which translates to ‘Sweet Gulf’ – is a secluded inlet body of water surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, rich with biodiversity, giving plenty of opportunities to come within breathing distance of a huge variety of Costa Rica wildlife.

The best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife is during the dry season, from December to April. The animals are easiest to spot as the vegetation in the national parks is less dense, and you have a good chance of seeing monkeys, sloths, toucans and coatis in the big parks like Corcovado, Tortuguero and Monteverde. Depending on which animals you are looking to spot, the best times to visit Costa Rica vary.

Turtles

Costa Rica is one of the best places to see green turtles nesting and hatching, so it’s definitely worth knowing the best times to see them. Tortuguero is known for its remote beaches, which are the perfect location for turtles to safely lay their eggs. Spend an afternoon watching the turtles come ashore and witness the magic for yourself.

🐢 Green turtles nest between July to October, and hatchlings emerge between September to November

🐢 Leatherback turtles nest between February to June, and hatchlings emerge between May to August.

Whales

🐋 Humpback whales can be seen on the Pacific coast between July to October and December to March

🐋 Humpback whales can be seen at Isla del Cano reserve between July to November.

Rainforest critters (frogs, snakes, insects)

🐸 During the rainy season, from May to November, there is a lot more rainforest activity, which is great for spotting rainforest inhabitants and lush green jungle scenery.

Sloths

🦥 The best time to see sloths is during the dry season, between December and April. However, sloths can be spotted year-round in Costa Rica, usually during the cooler parts of the day in the early morning and late afternoon when they are (a little) more active. The best places to see sloths are Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park and Corcovado National Park. As sloths spend most of their time in the trees, make sure you look up!

 

 

Nicaragua’s pristine north is home to a fantastic selection of wildlife, but the coral reefs of eastern Nicaragua are well worth a look too. Dive shipwrecks covered in coral and colourful fish, hike deep into cloud forests and mountain ridges in search of the resplendent quetzal and stay in an eco lodge perfectly situated for bird-watching. The best places to see wildlife in Nicaragua are listed below:

Search for birds of paradise in Nicaragua’s wild north, a haven for birdwatchers. Take a walking tour through El Diablo Nature Reserve, which is home to over 250 bird species, including the elusive quetzal. Keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, colourful tanagers, toucans and motmots flying through the misty canopy. The reserve is also home to other wildlife which you’ve got a high chance of spotting, including capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and white-tailed deer. If you’re very lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a shy puma or a rare spider monkey swinging through the trees above.

Monkeys in Matagalpa

Explore Corn Island’s coral reef