Joining a Costa Rica Photo Tour: What to Expect

Unparalleled Biodiversity and Pioneering Conservation Stories

Costa Rica is a dream destination for wildlife photographers, offering an unparalleled opportunity to capture the beauty and diversity of nature. Nestled in Central America, this small yet biodiverse country is home to a staggering array of wildlife — over 500,000 species, representing nearly 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. From tropical rainforests and misty cloud forests to coastal mangroves and volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica is an adventure waiting to be captured through your lens.

If you’re planning a wildlife photography trip to Costa Rica, this blog post will guide you through everything you need to know — what to expect, where to go, the best times to visit, and tips to ensure you leave with stunning images of the country’s rich fauna.

What Costa Rica Has to Offer a Wildlife Photographer

Costa Rica’s ecological diversity and strong conservation efforts make it a haven for wildlife. With over 25% of its land protected in national parks, reserves, and refuges, it’s a country where wildlife thrives. Here’s why it should be at the top of your list for a wildlife photography trip:

• Incredible Biodiversity: From sloths, monkeys, and jaguars to toucans, macaws, and poison dart frogs, Costa Rica offers a vast range of species to photograph. The country’s microclimates—rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, and beaches—provide unique habitats that support this abundance of wildlife.
• Accessibility: Many of Costa Rica’s top wildlife locations are easily accessible from major cities and towns. Whether you’re venturing into a national park or exploring private reserves, you’ll find diverse ecosystems within a few hours’ drive.
• Conservation Success: Costa Rica is a world leader in conservation, and its wildlife sanctuaries and reserves are well-managed, ensuring that animals can be seen in their natural habitats.
• Guided Photo Tours: Joining a guided photography tour to Costa Rica will ensure that your itinerary will be entirely built around photography, and that you can hone your skills while shooting.

Best Destinations for Wildlife Photography in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is packed with photography hotspots. Below are some of the best places to capture the country’s incredible wildlife.

1. Corcovado National Park

Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is often hailed as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. Home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, this park is a must-visit for serious wildlife photographers. You’ll encounter animals like tapirs, scarlet macaws, jaguars (if you’re lucky!), and all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica.

What to Expect: Dense rainforests, mangroves, and remote beaches make for stunning backdrops in your photos. You’ll also encounter a diverse range of wildlife, from the forest floor to the treetop canopies.

2. Tortuguero National Park

Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a unique network of canals and wetlands on the Caribbean coast. It’s famous for its sea turtles (especially between July and October), but also offers the chance to photograph manatees, caimans, jaguars, and vibrant bird species such as the green macaw and toucans.

What to Expect: Water-based photography, as most wildlife viewing is done via boat or canoe. The lush landscape offers excellent opportunities for dramatic, water-reflected wildlife shots.

3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde’s mystical cloud forest is a haven for wildlife photographers looking to capture rare and colorful species. The reserve is a paradise for bird photography, especially if you’re hoping to catch the elusive resplendent quetzal. Along with birds, Monteverde is home to sloths, howler monkeys, and unique amphibians.

What to Expect: Cloud-covered, misty forests with diffused light, perfect for moody, atmospheric shots. You’ll be navigating trails that wind through dense forest, offering a chance to photograph smaller species up close, especially frogs and insects.

4. Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal region, dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano, offers a variety of landscapes that attract a wide range of wildlife. This area is particularly known for its diverse birdlife, including toucans, parrots, and the rare umbrella bird. You’ll also have the chance to photograph species like howler monkeys, coatis, and armadillos.

What to Expect: Volcanic terrain, dense rainforests, and the occasional mist from the volcano create a dramatic backdrop for wildlife photography.

5. Manuel Antonio National Park

Although it’s one of Costa Rica’s smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is rich in wildlife and offers some of the best chances to photograph animals up close. From the famous white-faced capuchin monkeys to iguanas, sloths, and raccoons, you’ll have a plethora of subjects to shoot.

What to Expect: Manuel Antonio’s beaches and tropical forests create scenic, contrasting landscapes. The animals here are more habituated to humans, so you can often get closer than in more remote parks.

When to Go on a Wildlife Photography Tour in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s climate can be divided into two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the green (or rainy) season (May to November). Both seasons offer unique opportunities for wildlife photography.

Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season is the most popular time for travelers, offering sunny skies and easier access to parks and reserves. This is an ideal time for photographing larger mammals and birds, as the animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Green Season (May to November)

While the green season brings more rain, it also makes the landscape lush and vibrant, which is perfect for photographing amphibians, reptiles, and flowers. The rain also makes some animals more active, especially frogs and snakes, which are easier to spot in humid conditions.

If your primary focus is sea turtles, plan to visit Tortuguero or the Pacific coast between July and October, when the turtles come to nest.

Find out more about our upcoming Costa Rica Photo Tour with Adi Ringer.

Recommended Gear for Wildlife Photography in Costa Rica

Given Costa Rica’s diverse environments, it’s ideal to bring gear that will give you some versatility.

1. Lenses

• A Telephoto Lens (300mm – 600mm): Highly recommended, as you’ll be able to photograph wildlife from a distance, especially birds and elusive animals.
• Macro Lens: Costa Rica is home to a variety of tiny subjects, such as frogs, insects, and flowers, so a macro lens will help you capture detailed close-up shots.
• Wide-Angle Lens: For landscape shots or when you want to include the environment in your wildlife photography, a wide-angle lens is invaluable.

2. Other Gear

• Tripod: A tripod is helpful for stabilizing your camera in low-light situations or when photographing from a boat.
• Rain Cover: With Costa Rica’s frequent rain showers, especially in the green season, having protection for your gear is a must.
• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Given the remote locations, it’s crucial to carry spare batteries and memory cards.

Tips for Finding the Right Costa Rica Photo Tour

• Pick a Photo Tour with the Right Focus: This might sound obvious, but make sure you join a photo tour that’s designed to bring you in front of the wildlife and landscapes you really want to photograph.
• Choose the Right Photography Guide: Join a photo tour that’s guided by a photographer you’d really want to learn from.
• Pay Attention to Ethics: Make sure to go with a company that approaches wildlife photography in an ethical way.
• Know your Preferred Pace: Some photo tours have a faster pace than others, and some require more physical fitness than others. Make sure the itinerary suits you in this regard.
• Go for a Small Group Size: It’s always beneficial to join a photography tour with a small group size, so that you get plenty of individual tutoring from the photography guide.

Key Take-aways

A photography trip to Costa Rica is a wild and worthwhile adventure. The country’s rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and commitment to conservation make it an ideal destination for photographers of all levels. Whether you’re focusing on the elusive jaguar, the colorful quetzal, or tiny poison dart frogs, Costa Rica will challenge and inspire you to produce some great images.

Prepare for the unexpected, be patient, and above all, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Costa Rica will reward you with moments that are not just photographable but unforgettable.

All images by Adi Ringer