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Costa Rica Wildlife Holidays
Without a doubt the big appeal for choosing to visit Costa Rica is the chance to encounter abundant and exotic wildlife. Even the names are exotic – the resplendent quetzal leading the way in this respect. With 30 national parks and 5% of world’s biodiversity, this is mega-rich wildlife destination.
From the Caribbean and pacific coasts, through tropical rainforest, rich waterways and across beautiful beaches, the wildlife is captivating and colourful. Some species can only be seen in certain areas, or at specific times of the year. But many can be spotted year-round. Like the spinner dolphins and rays that patrol the Pacific coast long after the humpbacks have moved on, or the tropical fish that add an extra splash of colour around the pristine coral reefs.
Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica
All of our itineraries include a hefty dose of probable wildlife experiences, but if you have a hankering for a specific species to tick off your list, speak to our Travel Specialists who can create a tailor made holiday just for you. Take a look at our Costa Rica wildlife tours.
Lots of different species
The country’s four species of monkey – howler, squirrel, spider and white-faced capuchin – are pretty unmissable in any forest setting. You may well hear them before you see them! Howler monkeys for instance have a distinctive guttural roar that rates among the loudest vocals of any land animal.
Though one of the icons of the country, sloths are a little more challenging to spot, lounging motionless in the treetops. Perseverance and good eyesight (or a handy pair of binoculars) usually bring reward!
More elusive still are the big cats. Jaguars and pumas prefer to prowl unseen, so count yourself very lucky should you spot one. However, more than making up for any feline FOMO, you’re very likely to see Costa Rica’s more curious species like coatis, agoutis and perhaps even the cheeky kinkajou.
On river trips keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, crocodiles and the distinctive-looking tapir having a wallow.
The jungle really comes to life after dark and guided night walks are an experience not to be missed. Discover tree frogs, snakes, crabs, and just a few of the country’s 300,000 insect species – perhaps not for the fainthearted!
Bountiful birdlife
Soaring above it all or flitting through the canopy like a dazzling rainbow is Costa Rica’s astonishing birdlife. With over 900 species, including 52 hummingbirds alone, Costa Rica is birding bliss.
From rare and endangered scarlet macaws to the iconic keel-billed toucan, the superbly named bare necked umbrellabird to the humble red-billed pigeon, brightly coloured plumage is everywhere! Plus tanagers, warblers, wagtails, fly-catchers and gaggle of other species, not only will you want to keep those binoculars handy at all times, you’ll also be ordering the birding edition of Top Trumps!
The jewel in the feathered crown is of course the resplendent quetzal, usually found gobbling avocados in a cloud forest. Amidst all these vivid colours, it’s perhaps surprising that the Costa Rican’s national bird is the more dowdy-looking clay-coloured thrush – apparently chosen for its familiarity and tuneful song that heralds the changing of the season.
Pacific Coast and Caribbean Coast
From the sky to the sea, Costa Rica coast is a known for its turtles too. From the leatherback turtle to loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles to the green turtle, these fascinating shell-backed reptiles know how to endear and can be round around the coastline. Watching determined, newly hatched baby turtles make their way across a beach to the awaiting surf is must-do for those visiting in September or October, with the reserve at Tortuguero National Park being the top spot.
The Pacific coast, specifically Uvita, is your best bet for encounters with creatures of the deep. Migrating humpback whales from both southern and northerly climes converge in the warm waters with December to April and August to October the key season for whale watching.
Different species to look out for
There’s around half a million wildlife species in Costa Rica, so plenty to look out for including six of our favourites.
Squirrel monkey
Green sea turtle
Keel-billed toucan
Resplendent quetzel
Two-toed sloth
Humpback whale
Plan your visit to Costa Rica
Whether you do want to experience a night walk, take a boat trip through mangroves, explore national parks, hike through rainforest or cloud forest in the shadow of an active volcano there are a host of Costa Rica wildlife tours available. Get in touch with our team to plan your Costa Rica wildlife holiday.
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