Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica

There is nowhere better for a wildlife holiday than Costa Rica. With 5% of the worlds species contained in this small countries borders, National geographic has named it the “the most biologically intense place on earth”. 

Imagine trekking through misty cloud forests one day and exploring mangrove swamps the next. With 12 climate zones, Costa Rica’s a paradise for unique critters. Watch baby turtles scurry to the Caribbean or spot the resplendent quetzal in its cloud forest home. From cheeky capuchin monkeys to the iconic red-eyed tree frog, your Costa Rica wildlife holiday is like stepping into a nature documentary. And the best part? Our sustainable travel approach ensures your adventures help preserve this incredible biodiversity.

So, whether you’re eyeing a sloth in the rainforest or marvelling at scarlet macaws, get ready for a Costa Rica wildlife holiday that’s as amazing as it is responsible. Nature’s calling – will you answer?

Popular Wildlife Holidays in Costa Rica

  • Costa Rica East to West

    14 Nights Costa Rica
    • Brave ziplining and hanging bridges in Monteverde
    • Enjoy Tenorio Volcanic National Park and hot springs
    • Guided boat wildlife tour in Tortuguero
    • Explore the charming village of Santa Elena

    Price from

    £2856 pp*
    Take me there
  • Discover Costa Rica South and Central Pacific

    14 Nights Costa Rica
    • Discover Irazú Volcanic National Park
    • Sail to Caño Island for amazing snorkelling
    • Guided boat tour in the mangroves of the Sierpe River
    • Guided hikes in the cloud forest of Dota

    Price from

    £4050 pp*
    Take me there
  • Off the Beaten Track on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

    10 Nights Costa Rica
    • Boat trip from Monkey Point to search for dolphins
    • Pacuare Biological Reserve and Sea Turtle Conservation
    • Visit a coffee plantation and cook with a local family
    • Discover Irazú Volcanic National Park

    Price from

    £2382 pp*
    Take me there
  • Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast

    10 Nights Costa Rica
    • Get off the beaten track and try quad-biking and surfing
    • Guided boat tours in the mangroves, ziplining in the forest
    • Includes a beautiful beachside glamping stay

    Price from

    £2155 pp*
    Take me there
  • Costa Rica’s Central & North Pacific Coast

    14 Nights Costa Rica
    • Brave ziplining and hanging bridges in Monteverde
    • Swim in the Montezuma Waterfalls
    • Animal night tour in Valle Escondido
    • Learn to surf on Playa Hermosa’s beach

    Price from

    £2954 pp*
    Take me there
  • Wellness and Nature Break in Costa Rica

    5 Nights Costa Rica

    Price from

    £2824 For 2 children added to 5 night package and flights
    Take me there
  • Getting off the beaten track in Costa Rica

    Getting off the beaten track in Costa Rica

    There are few countries in the world as rewarding as Costa Rica when it comes to spotting spectacular wildlife in a richly varied, but small piece of land. On a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica you will be gliding past alligators and crocodiles in mangrove forests one day, then spotting birds of paradise in a cloud-forest canopy the next.

    Working with local guides who are experts in their fields, you will be taken across the country on an adventure to discover Costa Rica’s wildlife. You will have the chance to spot wildlife like howler monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs and, maybe even the famous leopard or ocelot.

    What is it about Costa Rica and Wildlife?

    What is it about Costa Rica and Wildlife?

    Costa Rica is blessed with twelve distinct biomes, including cloud forest, tropical rainforest, beaches, volcanoes, mangrove forest, and rivers and waterfalls. This, combined with the fact that millions of years ago what we now know as the country of Costa Rica formed a land bridge between North and South America, creating a melting pot of different flora, fauna and animals.

    Today, this small country boasts an astonishing 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Visitors can spot exotic creatures like sloths, toucans, and resplendent quetzals in their natural habitats. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks or reserves, Costa Rica offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking through misty cloud forests or kayaking along pristine coastlines, unforgettable encounters with nature await at every turn.

    What is Costa Rica doing for wildlife?

    What is Costa Rica doing for wildlife?

    Costa Rica is also leading the way in how a country can protect the natural environment through ecotourism. With government incentives for farmers to grow trees over cattle and having 27% of the land protected, Costa Rica is emerging as a global leader in the race to reduce carbon emissions. 

    Making around $1.92 billion per year through ecotourism, the locals as well as the government have good reason to protect their land. With all of the protections in place, it also means that the money you spend on a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica goes towards protecting the country’s greatest asset for attracting tourists – its environment and biodiversity.

    Discover More About Costa Rica

    Our Blog
    What Wildlife can you see in Costa Rica?
    Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica

    Other Holidays in Costa Rica

    Not just an ideal destination for wildlife, Costa Rica is also home to fascinating culture and a surfer's paradise.

    Costa Rica Holidays

    Other Wildlife Holidays

    From spotting chimpanzees in Uganda to getting up close and personal with elephants in Cambodia, discover more wildlife holidays.

    More Wildlife Holidays

    Join our community

    Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.

    Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.