Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica
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10 best Costa Rica wildlife tour packages
Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration
- Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Wildlife Pure from the Caribbean to the Pacific (with swimming extension)
- Costa Rica Escape
- Costa Rica Birdwatching
- Costa Rica Eco Essential
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Locations were beautiful. We had a great 2 weeks!”
ASHLEY, traveled in April
Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity comes alive as you observe tapirs and monkeys in Corcovado National Park, spot crocodiles on Tarcoles River Safari, and watch nocturnal wildlife during Monteverde Cloud Forest night walks. Manuel Antonio's pristine beaches offer guided wildlife viewing.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
- NZ$9,341
Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was enjoyable to have a guide native to Costa Rica. I don't think we could have had a better guide!”
Emily, traveled in February
Coastal wildlife abounds from Liberia to Tamarindo. Natural habitats at Poza Los Coyotes, marine life at Playa Guiones, and local species during Nosara beach walks create unforgettable encounters.
Duration 6 days Destinations Liberia, Nosara, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator G Adventures From $979
25% Off- NZ$734You save $245
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December
Wildlife thrives from howler monkeys at Manuel Antonio to over 300 bird species at Rincon de la Vieja. Monteverde Cloud Forest's natural trails reveal sloths, reptiles, and tropical butterflies.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,679
10% Off- NZ$2,411You save $268
Multiple ecosystems showcase Costa Rica's wildlife - from Tortuguero's canal-dwelling creatures to Manuel Antonio's coastal species. Howler monkeys roam Cahuita, 300 bird species soar overhead, and sea turtles nest from July to September.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Cahuita, Turrialba, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
10% Off- NZ$5,108
Costa Rica Escape
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We found the itinerary very basic with how long you get in each place and how much free time on offer. We also did the zip lining which was fun.”
Emily, traveled in October
Natural habitats burst with life - from Monteverde's 700 butterfly species to Arenal's howler monkeys. Santa Elena Cloud Forest's 12-foot annual rainfall creates perfect conditions for exotic birds in the misty canopy.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Arenal Volcano National Park, Sarchi Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From
10% Off- NZ$2,239
Costa Rica's diverse wildlife flourishes in Tortuguero National Park's canals, home to Agami Herons and Green Macaws. Tirimbina's rainforest shelters Sunbitterns and Black-Crested Coquettes, while Carara's transitional forest hosts magnificent Scarlet Macaws.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Puntarenas, Tarcoles Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
10% Off- NZ$3,898
Three distinct ecosystems reveal Costa Rica's wildlife: Tortuguero's crocodile-filled canals, Arenal's monkey-rich rainforest trails, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve's quetzals and hummingbirds.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Central American Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,913
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was great in that it covered off hightlights of Costa Rica I was not exposed to before.”
Sandra, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,495
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very organized. Good communication. Always kept me informed and answered all my questions in a timely manner.”
Mary, traveled in January
The rainforests of Tortuguero National Park teem with wildlife, while Monteverde Cloud Forest harbors elusive quetzals and nesting sea turtles (seasonal). Naturalist guides lead night walks from wildlife-focused lodges like Turtle Beach Lodge.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,124
10% Off- NZ$2,812You save $312
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Visits to Baldi Hot Springs and Tortuguero National Park were incredible, guides were knowledgeable and helpful.”
Meridith, traveled in March
Tortuguero National Park's dawn reveals howler monkeys, toucans, and water birds. Rustic Turtle Beach Lodge provides authentic jungle immersion. Arenal Volcano views complement relaxation in Baldi Hot Springs' thermal pools.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,577
10% Off- NZ$1,419You save $158
What people love about Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration
Guides were professional, drivers on-time, hotels were nice, and locations were beautiful. Saw lots of animals. We had a great 2 weeks!
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
Would have been 4 to have a few extra days in Costa Rica on the coast. SAN Jose was extremely underwhelming - grey, concrete & not a lot to see.
- Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
Everyone was so kind and our tour guide, Andreas was so helpful and would go out of his way to make sure everyone felt included :)
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica
When is the best time to see wildlife in Costa Rica?
December to April brings clear skies and dry conditions making it prime time for wildlife spotting in Costa Rica. Places like Tortuguero National Park and Manuel Antonio become natural stages for diverse species. During the wet season (May-November) different opportunities emerge with sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero and whales migrating near Drake Bay along the Pacific coast. As described by a TourRadar traveler: "We saw over 50 birds 2 kinds of sloths 3 different Toucans monkeys snakes frogs. Couldn't have been a better nature experience."
How long are typical wildlife viewing excursions?
Wildlife excursions typically run 2-3 hours whether exploring by boat in Tortuguero National Park or walking through Monteverde Cloud Forest. Many tours start at dawn around 6am to catch animals at their most active. This timing proves especially effective at places like Arenal Manoa Hotel. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The 3-hour morning boat tour in Tortuguero was perfect - not too long but enough time to spot plenty of wildlife."
What are the accommodation options on wildlife tours in Costa Rica?
The range of stays spans from rainforest eco-lodges to upscale resorts each offering unique wildlife access. Turtle Beach Lodge in Tortuguero puts guests in the heart of wetland habitats while Arenal Springs Resort provides volcano views with wildlife right on the grounds. Properties like Hotel San Bada in Manuel Antonio sit adjacent to national parks making wildlife viewing convenient. Many places offer private trails with expert guides. One TourRadar traveler shared: "The mix of accommodation was perfect - from rustic eco-lodges where you could hear howler monkeys to comfortable resorts with all amenities."
What's the best way to combine different wildlife viewing locations in Costa Rica?
Creating a route through varied ecosystems leads to the richest wildlife experiences. Many travelers start at Tortuguero National Park's wetlands then head to Arenal's rainforests staying at places like Arenal Springs Resort. Adding coastal areas like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado National Park rounds out the variety of species and habitats. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Experiencing multiple locations from Caribbean to Pacific coast gave us an amazing variety of wildlife sightings and different ecosystems."
How physically demanding are wildlife tours in Costa Rica?
Tours adapt to various fitness levels with most activities requiring moderate effort. Common outings include 2-3 hour walks in Manuel Antonio National Park kayaking Tortuguero's canals and hikes around Arenal Volcano ranging from 1-3 kilometers. Places like Arenal Springs Resort offer both challenging and gentle options. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The guides were excellent at accommodating different fitness levels while ensuring everyone had great wildlife viewing opportunities."
What should I pack for a Costa Rica wildlife tour?
Essential gear includes lightweight clothes in neutral colors waterproof hiking boots for forest paths and rain protection for sudden weather changes common in places like Monteverde Cloud Forest. Don't forget binoculars a camera insect repellent and waterproof bags for electronics. A TourRadar traveler at Arenal Manoa Lodge advised: "We brought light-weight packable travel towels which came in handy for waterfall visits and beach activities. Runners were fine for most hikes but got muddy in Monteverde."























