Costa Rica doesn't translate as ´rich coast´ for nothing.  Cradled between the Pacific on the west coast and the Caribbean on the east, with countless, rivers and mangroves in between, it's no surprise that boating adventures in Costa Rica abound.  But, the wealth of natural wonders doesn't stop there.  From frogs to snakes to birds to butterflies, the opportunities to become one with nature are limitless. 

Often nicknamed the everglades of Costa Rica, the Cano Negro Natural Wildlife Refuge is one of the best spots for seeing wildlife in the entire country.  It is a bird watcher's paradise.  Situated on a stretch of wetlands along the Nicaraguan border, the 9,969-hectare (24,620 acre or 38 square miles) Cano Negro reserve follows the Rio Frio, emptying into a grassy marshland.  The reserve boasts one of the highest diversities of wildlife in the Americas and is of special interest to birders.  A similar experience can be had on a Palo Verde National Park boat safari.

While turtle populations throughout the world are decreasing, more and more turtles are finding their way to the Costa Rican shores.  Tortuguero in the northern Caribbean is renowned for its night time turtle tours.  However, the arriabada, in Ostional, and Playa Grande, on the Pacific coast, are no less spectacular. 

Dolphin and whale watching tours along the Pacific are also plentiful.  A leisurely sunset cruise not only provides the opportunity to spot beautiful birds and other natural wonders but to view from a choice location one of the sunsets that has people flocking to these shores.  A day trip to Tortuga Island provides the opportunity to observe wildlife both en route to the island and via the numerous hikes available on the island itself. 

For the land lovers, the opportunities are no less diverse.  The Ecocentro Danaus night hike, for example, affords visitors the opportunity to see some of the area's more prominent nocturnal animals, such as sloths, caimans, spiders, frogs (including the famous Gaudy Leaf Frog), bats, butterflies, and birds, in their natural habitat.  In addition to the wildlife, this two hour walk gives you the opportunity to observe and learn about the magnificent vegetation.

Other nature watching favorites include the numerous hummingbird and butterfly gardens as well as reptile and amphibian exhibits, particularly those at La Paz Waterfall Gardens near the Poas Volcano and Selvatura in Monteverde. 

Whether you want to spend a few hours exploring nature or emerge yourself in wildlife for your entire vacation, Costa Rica nature watching is unsurpassed.  We work with the most experienced, reputable Costa Rica tour companies in the country.  Your fun, informative, bilingual naturalist guide will work hard to make sure your Costa Rica nature watching tour is a safe and memorable one.

Contact us for your free quote on a customized Costa Rica family or honeymoon vacation featuring nature watching and boat trips.  We can design packages with stays at top Costa Rica hotels and resorts or more economical accommodations in offbeat hideaways.  Please contact our Adventure in Costa Rica experts by calling toll free (800) 608-3119 or emailing us at info@costaricaonlinetravel.com to start planning your nature watching vacation.