Costa Rica Wildlife Holidays

What Costa Rica lacks in size, it makes up for in impressive landscapes and a plethora of adventurous activities. Whether it’s catching unbroken waves off the Caribbean coast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, trekking the impressive Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, flying through the dense rainforest canopy of Limon by zip line, or simply relaxing with one of the books from our hand-picked destination reading lists, Costa Rica holiday ideas are endless. If you’re wondering where the country really excels, it’s the wildlife. Representing almost 5% of all species worldwide, with hundreds endemic to the rich coast, it’s no wonder the country is lauded for its environmental and conservation efforts. Nowhere else in the world will you find keel-billed toucans brushing shoulders with idle sloths and impertinent red backed squirrel monkeys. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find somewhere that has more than the 9,000 species of plants under its protection.

What is great about Costa Rica wildlife holidays too, is that they can be enjoyed by all the family. Treat the little ones to a real-life Jungle Cruise down the Rio Saraquipi and teens to an afternoon snorkelling with busy fish, exuberant dolphins and brain coral. Or, if peace and quiet is what you’re after, venture with your other half into the misty treetops of the overlooked Bijagua region. With the help of a private guide, get yourselves acquainted with the exotic flora as you hike into the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Cool off in the strikingly turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste and relax to exotic birdsong emerging from the surrounding vegetation.

For any budding environmentalists, Costa Rica wildlife holidays can also provide the perfect opportunity to get your hands dirty at a volunteer conservation centre. Learn about what local ticos (Costa Ricans) are doing to protect the country’s endangered species while you help build enclosures, prepare food and, if you’re lucky, witness the magical moment when tiny turtles hatch from their eggs and dash into the sea. Just don’t forget to catch the moment with one of our GoPros to show family and friends when you get home. We have a feeling they might not believe you otherwise!

Special things to do during a Costa Rica wildlife holiday:

- Costa Rica is home to a whopping 28 national parks, any of which would be apt for wildlife spotting. Some of our favourites include Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Chirripó National Park and Corcovado National Park. We can arrange private guided wildlife tours, so you can get as close as possible to the colourful creatures that call these parks home.
- If you’re aquatically inclined, why not discover the wildlife that inhabits Costa Rica’s underwater world? Cocos Island in particular is famed for its world-class diving opportunities.
- As well as its national parks, Costa Rica boasts plenty more landscapes worth exploring in search of wildlife sightings. Zip-line through the cloud forest canopy, horse ride through Tocori Biological Reserve or trek through dense jungle vegetation.

Best Time to Visit for Costa Rica Wildlife Holidays?

Many people maintain that Costa Rica’s dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit the pocket-sized nation, and while we wouldn’t be inclined to argue (30°C temperatures are nice, after all), the wet season does have some benefits. This is especially true for wildlife holidays in Costa Rica, as the afternoon rain showers that occur between April and November replenish the landscapes and leave the habitats looking especially lush. Costa Rica also tends to be quieter during this time, so there’s every chance you’ll be able to spot the resident critters in relative solitude. Seeing the turtle hatchlings scurrying along the beach in Tortuguero National Park is a truly magical experience which takes place between July and September, hence July and August are generally considered the best months to visit this part of the country. If you are planning to venture into the country’s more rugged landscapes, check out our handy guide of what to pack to make sure you’re prepared.