Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to an astonishing 5% of the world’s species. Needless to say, it’s an absolute dream destination for wildlife lovers. From vibrant cloud forests and dense jungle to coral reefs and winding river systems, wildlife encounters can be expected in every region and ecosystem.
But while famous parks such as Corcovado, Tortuguero, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio draw tourists from around the world, some of the most authentic experiences often happen away from the busiest trails, in lesser-visited reserves or conservation-led lodges that actively fund protection efforts.
Here at Impactful Travel, we’re passionate about leading sustainable Costa Rica trips. We’ve created this guide on where to see Costa Rica’s wildlife to ensure you have a positive impact during your journey. Keep reading for our insider knowledge, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our tours.
Birdwatching Hotspots in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forests
Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier birdwatching destinations, with over 900 recorded bird species. Among the most sought-after sightings is the resplendent quetzal, a symbol of Central America’s cloud forests, as well as scarlet macaws, whose vivid colors light up forest canopies. Birdlife thrives across the country, but some of the most rewarding experiences take place in quieter, high-altitude areas where conservation and community tourism go hand in hand.
The cloud forests of Providencia de Dota are an exceptional example. This lesser-known region offers cooler temperatures, mist-covered forests, and excellent opportunities to spot endemic and migratory birds. Here, we offer tours where you can stay in locally run homestays or eco-lodges, allowing you to immerse yourself in daily life while supporting the local economy.
Birdwatching tours led by community guides provide deep insight into forest ecosystems, while additional activities such as learning from farmers and artisans create meaningful cultural connections alongside wildlife encounters.
To learn more about Impactful’s approach to travel, read our blog about Why Community-Based Tourism is the Future of Travel in Costa Rica.
Marine Wildlife and River Adventures in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s biodiversity extends far beyond the land, with rivers, coastlines, and marine reserves offering unforgettable wildlife experiences. Adventure activities such as rafting and canoeing provide access to ecosystems that are often overlooked, particularly in regions like Sarapiquí in Heredia Province. This lush area has become a leader in community-based tourism initiatives, using nature-focused travel to support conservation and local livelihoods.
While the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park are often a go-to for nature lovers, we recommend a quieter alternative like Lirio Lodge in Barra de Pacuaré, which is connected to the canals but devoid of tourist crowds, allowing you to experience close encounters with turtles, monkeys, birds, and more. We stay here during our Hidden Gems of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast Trip, a weeklong journey into one of the country’s most stunning regions!
Costa Rica’s Marine Life
Along the coast, seasonal wildlife sightings are among Costa Rica’s most exceptional natural spectacles. In places like Uvita, humpback whales migrate close to shore, while protected beaches host nesting sea turtles.
If you want to experience life underwater, snorkeling and diving reveal another side of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Some of the best places to enjoy these activities include Cahuita National Park, around Caño Island, and in the Gulf of Papagayo. But remember to explore responsibly: visitors should never touch animals, remove marine life from the water, or take natural objects as souvenirs. Use reef-safe sunscreen and maintain respectful distances from marine life to help protect these ecosystems.
Exploring Costa Rica’s Jungles with Local Guides
If you want to venture into Costa Rica’s jungles, we recommend doing so with a local guide. Traveling with local guides not only increases the chances of spotting wildlife but also directly supports conservation trails, protected areas, and community-managed reserves. Guides bring invaluable knowledge of animal behaviour, plant life, and ecological relationships, helping you understand what they are seeing rather than simply passing through.
Going local also allows you to avoid mass tourism hotspots where animals are approached too closely. Wildlife should never be fed or touched, as human interaction can disrupt natural behaviours and cause long-term harm.
A unique way of exploring the jungle is on a night walk in Costa Rica. After dark, forests come alive with frogs, insects, nocturnal mammals, and other elusive species rarely seen during the day. These guided walks reveal the diversity of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and highlight the importance of preserving ecosystems, even when we may not be aware of all the life they possess.
To help you prepare for your adventures in Costa Rica, make sure to read our guide to What to Pack for Your Trip to Costa Rica!
Tips for Wildlife Encounters in Costa Rica
To make the most of your wildlife experiences in Costa Rica while ensuring your activities are safe and sustainable, we recommend the following:
- Hike or walk in quieter areas, away from heavily trafficked routes, which often lead to the most meaningful wildlife encounters. Patience is key, as wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
- To ensure your visit has a positive impact, it is essential to book with certified operators or thoroughly research a company’s sustainability commitments. Responsible tourism plays a crucial role in protecting Costa Rica’s ecosystems and the communities that safeguard them.
- Travel with local guides who ensure that wildlife remains undisturbed while travelers gain a deeper understanding of conservation challenges.
- The most important rule when wildlife spotting in Costa Rica is to expect nothing. When expectations are set aside, you’ll be amazed not only by how much you see, but you’ll appreciate other things at the same time, such as the plants, old trees and smaller animals that maybe you wouldn’t normally pay attention to. Not forgetting the peace you feel in a forest.. it’s the combination of this all!
Enjoy Responsible Wildlife Travel in Costa Rica With Impactful
By choosing responsible operators, supporting conservation-driven initiatives, and traveling with respect for both nature and communities, Costa Rica reveals its wildlife in ways that are not only incredible, but truly impactful. And when you book your trip here with us, you’ll be guaranteed a journey that is authentic, sustainable, and memorable! You can browse our range of Costa Rica tours, or you can even work with us to create an entirely custom Costa Rica trip. However you want to experience this country, we’ll make sure you do it the impactful way. If you have any questions about our excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
