Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica
Rainforest, wildlife watching, and nature experiences. Book top-rated wildlife experiences across Costa Rica.
1,237 experiences
Sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles — Costa Rica packs extraordinary biodiversity into short drives. This wildlife-style catalog focuses on guided nature experiences so you can compare parks, boat canals, and night walks with clear ratings and inclusions.
Deep rainforest? Start with Drake Bay or
Visit Tortuguero for canal wildlife and seasonal nesting.
Free cancellationEasyTour and Night Walk La Fortuna
Free cancellationEasyPrivate Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates
Free cancellationEasyJaco Birdwatching and Photography with Sergio
Free cancellationEasyEbano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour
Free cancellationEasyPrivate Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru TICKET NOT included
Free cancellationEasyObservation of Turtles in their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero
Free cancellationEasyCosta Rica Descents Organic Farm
Free cancellationEasyFun at the Ocean tour - 4 hrs - 25 ft boat
Free cancellationEasyRoyal Charters: The Premier Yacht Charter in Costa Rica
Free cancellationEasyGuanacaste Rainforest Safari with Meal
Free cancellationEasyHorseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna with River Crossings
Free cancellationEasyCanoe tour in Tortuguero National Park
Free cancellationEasyArenal Full Day Tour
Free cancellationEasyWater Adventure: La Leona Waterfall Hike, LazyTubing & HotSprings
Free cancellationEasyHorseback our Hacienda - 4 hours Coffee Tour
Free cancellationEasyCombined Tour (Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano)
Free cancellationEasyBirding in the Rainforest
Free cancellationEasySSI Open Water Diver Course
Free cancellationEasyGuided tour in the Curicancha Reserve
Free cancellationEasySpecial Private Waterfalls and Jungle Safari Tour
Free cancellationEasyHalf-Day Canyoning in Balsar Abajo
Free cancellationEasyMorning Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve (Small Group) Monteverde Wild
Free cancellationEasyTubing por el Río Celeste
Free cancellationEasyZipLine, Horseback Riding, Tubing, Hot Springs & Lunch @ Volcano National Park
Travel guide
How to plan wildlife tours in Costa Rica
Go early, stay quiet
Morning departures and smaller groups improve sighting odds. Midday heat pushes animals into shade; night walks reveal frogs, insects, and nocturnal mammals.
Top wildlife regions
- Manuel Antonio & the Osa — monkeys, sloths, and coastal rainforest.
- Tortuguero — canals, birds, and seasonal sea turtles.
- Monteverde & Arenal — cloud forest and northern lowland wildlife.
- Guanacaste dry forest — different species mix in the northwest.
Responsible viewing
Choose operators that keep distance from wildlife, avoid playback overuse, and follow park rules. Sightings are never guaranteed — that’s part of wild Costa Rica.
Good to know
FAQs about wildlife tours in Costa Rica
When is the best time for wildlife in Costa Rica?
Wildlife is year-round. Dry season (roughly December–April) is easier on trails; green season is lusher with fewer crowds. Turtle nesting seasons vary by coast — check each tour.
Will I see sloths and monkeys?
Guides raise your odds in Manuel Antonio, the Osa, and Tortuguero, but nothing is guaranteed. Morning tours are usually more productive than midday.
Are night wildlife tours worth it?
Yes if you want frogs, insects, kinkajous, or snakes. Bring closed shoes and a light if the operator recommends one; paths can be muddy.
Do I need a guide inside national parks?
Some parks allow self-guided entry; a naturalist still helps you spot camouflaged animals and understand what you’re seeing. Check each listing for entrance-fee inclusions.