Costa Rica is a small but incredibly biodiverse country that is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, from colourful birds and butterflies to jaguars and sloths. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks and nature reserves, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. But it can be hard to decide where to go.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica and offer some tips for making the most of your wildlife spotting time there.
Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, and 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the elusive jaguar and the endangered tapir.
Visitors can take guided hikes through the park to see wildlife and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the rainforest. Moreover, its coastal location makes it an ideal wildlife destination for dolphin and whale-watching tours against the picturesque backdrop.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero roughly translates from Spanish as ‘region of turtles’, so it’s no surprise what you’ll find if you visit Tortuguero National Park. It’s a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to an incredible variety of animals, including sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and over 300 species of birds. Boat tours through the park’s waterways and mangroves are the best way to see the wildlife here, as well as the lush tropical scenery.
Tortuguero was the highlight of our own trip to Costa Rica a few years back, and we were lucky enough to spot bats, caiman, toucans and macaws before we had even reached our lodge.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths that rest in the trees lining the sandy beach, as well as a stunning array of birds and butterflies.
While guided tours of the park help you to find things that are hard to spot, we also really enjoyed our own free time wandering along the boardwalk and meandering around Cathedral Point. This trail around the peninsula is a great opportunity to find white-faced capuchins, catch a glimpse of dolphins in the water or simply take in the natural beauty of the area.
Arenal Volcano National Park
This iconic volcano in northern Costa Rica is surrounded by a lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. Visitors can spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, and a variety of colourful frogs while hiking through the park’s trails. The park also features hot springs and a beautiful lake.
The area around the Arenal Volcano in the town of La Fortuna is also a great home base for various adrenaline sports and trips along the river. On our own serene wildlife spotting trip, we saw a huge variety of birds flying overhead, otters playing in the waters and a sloth or two taking a nap.
Monteverde & Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
This misty cloud forest in the central highlands of Costa Rica is a haven for unique wildlife. It is home to the elusive resplendent quetzal, as well as other bird species like the three-wattled bellbird and the emerald toucanet. Visitors can also spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of colourful frogs and insects.
Despite having a fear of heights, I took to the suspension bridges of Monteverde in hopes of finding a jaguar below. Sadly, that dream wasn’t to be, but we still had a wonderful time exploring the park and visiting the hummingbird garden at Selvatura too.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Located in the southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica, this wildlife refuge is known for its pristine beaches and diverse marine life. Visitors can go snorkelling or diving to spot colourful fish, corals and sea turtles, as well as explore the surrounding rainforest where monkeys, sloths and (if you’re really lucky!) jaguars can be spotted.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
This volcanic national park in northern Costa Rica is known for its unique landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails and spot monkeys, sloths, coatis and a variety of bird species, as well as enjoy hot springs, mud pots and waterfalls.
Corbocito Wildlife Refuge
This small wildlife refuge on the Nicoya Peninsula is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is home to over 200 species of birds, including the scarlet macaw, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and three-toed sloths.
Palo Verde National Park
Located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, Palo Verde National Park is known for its wetlands and diverse birdlife. Visitors can take a boat tour through the park’s marshes and spot herons, egrets, ibises and other waterfowl, monkeys and crocodiles.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Located in northern Costa Rica near the border with Nicaragua, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a wetland area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour through the canals and spot monkeys, sloths, caimans and a wide array of bird species, including the elusive jabiru stork.
Tips for Wildlife Viewing in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife can be seen year-round, but some months are better than others for certain species (and for your own sanity when it comes to the weather!). Here are a few tips for making the most of your time in Costa Rica:
- Visit during the dry season, from December to April, for the best chance of seeing wildlife. Though do remember, even in the dry season, it can rain at any point. Make sure you’re prepared by packing for wet weather and humidity.
- Take guided tours with knowledgeable local guides who can help you spot wildlife and provide information about the animals and their habitat. They’ll also be able to point out animals through their telescopes, as they can be hard to find. Get Your Guide and Viator offer some good options.
- Be patient and observant – wildlife can be elusive, so take your time and keep your eyes peeled for movement and sounds that are out of the ordinary.
- Respect the animals and their habitat – do not disturb wildlife or damage their natural environment. By this, I mean you should stick to the paths laid out for you and always observe from a safe distance.
Once you go, you’ll understand just why Costa Rica is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with an incredible array of animals and some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. No matter where you choose to visit, you are sure to have a memorable wildlife-viewing experience in Costa Rica.
