Costa Rica Safari Adventures
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6 best Costa Rica safari tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 22 to 49 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 184 mi Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From $4,631
10% Off- NZ$4,168You save $463
Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The wildlife viewing was at times spectacular, in particular the surfing dolphins and flying stingrays.”
Ruth, traveled in February
Monkeys and caiman patrol Tortuguero's winding canals, while resplendent quetzals soar through Savegre Valley. The pristine wilderness of Corcovado National Park harbors tapirs and scarlet macaws, all revealed by knowledgeable naturalist guides.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita, Turrialba, Manuel Antonio National Park, Los Quetzales National Park, Sierpe, Agujitas de Drake, Cano Island, Corcovado National Park Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 436 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,797
7% Off- NZ$8,140You save $657
Best Spots of Costa Rica 13 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All stays were interesting, we are considering a future variation on this tour.”
Richard, traveled in December
Naturalists lead remarkable wildlife encounters across Costa Rica's varied ecosystems. Nesting turtles grace the shores of Tortuguero, tropical birds fill Monteverde's cloud forests, and sloths hang lazily at Manuel Antonio National Park, all while guests rest at eco-friendly lodges.
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Cahuita, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Distance 384 mi Operator Destiny Travel Costa Rica From
7% Off- NZ$5,467
Highlights of Costa Rica
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Rafting along a river was a superb overall experience with an excellent local company.”
Mark, traveled in August
Costa Rica's premier safari locations reveal abundant wildlife at every turn. The peaceful Penas Blancas River hosts diverse riverside species, while Monteverde's canopy bursts with life, and Manuel Antonio's coastal areas showcase remarkable wildlife under the guidance of expert naturalists.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, La Guaria (La Fortuna), Monteverde, Tarcoles, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 201 mi Operator Explore! From $3,120
18% Off- NZ$2,570You save $550
Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Helpful, no issues.”
Joyce, traveled in January
The rich biodiversity of Manuel Antonio National Park teems with monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. Mist-covered trails wind through Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, while Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 212 mi Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $3,419
25% Off- NZ$2,564You save $855
Tortuguero: A natural paradise in Costa Rica
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was very well put together.”
Kysea, traveled in September
Boat safaris in the early hours provide peak wildlife viewing in Tortuguero National Park, as skilled guides track various species. Howler monkeys, toucans, and caimans roam freely through jungle trails and waterways, creating perfect conditions for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park Age Range up to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish National Park Tortuguero National Park Physical Rating Easy Distance 107 mi Operator Green World Adventures From $1,253
15% Off- NZ$1,065You save $188
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Safari Adventures
What types of wildlife can I expect to see on a Costa Rica safari tour?
Costa Rica's ecosystems provide rich wildlife viewing across several distinct regions. Visitors to Tortuguero National Park regularly encounter monkeys caimans river turtles and hundreds of bird species along the waterways. The popular Manuel Antonio National Park houses white-faced capuchin monkeys both two-toed and three-toed sloths iguanas and scarlet macaws. Those exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest often cross paths with the resplendent quetzal bellbirds hummingbirds and howler monkeys. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We might spot capuchin monkeys swinging from the trees and a wide array of birdlife during the float trip in Arenal."
What should I pack for a wildlife safari in Costa Rica's different climates?
The varied climates of Costa Rica require strategic packing. Quick-dry clothing with long sleeves and pants helps protect against sun and insects especially in Tortuguero's humid environment. Pack hiking boots for Monteverde's trails and water shoes for coastal walks in Cahuita National Park. Don't forget binoculars for wildlife viewing a camera rain gear and insect repellent. Most lodges like Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero or Drake Bay Wilderness Resort welcome casual attire given their rustic setting. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season especially in Costa Rica's central valley."
What accommodation options are available on Costa Rica safari tours?
The accommodation landscape spans from basic eco-lodges to upscale resorts. Tortuguero's Evergreen Lodge features wooden bungalows equipped with ceiling fans and views of the surrounding jungle. In the cloud forest region Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa provides comfortable rooms with direct access to hiking trails and bird watching spots. Near Manuel Antonio National Park properties like Hotel Playa Espadilla offer standard rooms. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The hotels were nice clean and the grounds were beautiful" while noting some remote locations offer simpler facilities to maintain authenticity.
How physically demanding are wildlife tours in Costa Rica?
Most wildlife tours accommodate various fitness levels with easy to moderate difficulty ratings. Manuel Antonio National Park features well-maintained paths covering 1-2 miles while Tortuguero focuses on boat excursions with optional short walks. The trails in Monteverde Cloud Forest present more challenges with elevation changes. Cahuita National Park offers flat coastal routes ideal for wildlife observation. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Our guide was excellent at adapting the pace for different abilities while ensuring we didn't miss any wildlife spotting opportunities." Tours typically include rest stops and alternative activities.
Are night tours available for viewing nocturnal wildlife?
Night tours form a key component of wildlife viewing particularly in specific regions. Monteverde Cloud Forest's guided evening walks reveal nocturnal creatures like kinkajous olingos and amphibians. Tortuguero offers seasonal night excursions to watch nesting sea turtles from July through October. The Savegre Valley provides opportunities to spot owls and other nighttime species. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The night walk in Monteverde was particularly special - we saw tarantulas sleeping birds and even a sloth actively feeding."
What is the typical group size for Costa Rica wildlife tours?
Wildlife tours maintain small to medium groups to minimize environmental impact and maximize personal attention. Most excursions accommodate 8-16 participants though specialized tours may run with fewer people. Drake Bay Wilderness Resort for instance limits their Cano Island boat trips to small groups for better snorkeling and wildlife viewing. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The small group size of 6 was perfect for wildlife viewing and allowed everyone to hear our guide's expertise about the flora and fauna."