Costa Rica: A Paradise for Wildlife Lovers

Howler monkey hanging from tree in Nature Sanctuary

Costa Rica has impressive biodiversity. Around 5% of all known species of flora and fauna live in Costa Rica, including 8500 species of plants and 850 species of birds.

To maximize your chances to see as many as you can, taking a boat trip is a good choice. It’s an activity suitable for the whole family, with few physical demands. And, most importantly, it gives you many opportunities to explore nature up close.

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts particularly enjoy these trips. The boats travel through wetlands, mangroves, and rivers, providing a variety of sightings and species. It’s also an activity you can do year-round, though depending on location, some months are crucial if you want to spot certain migratory birds.

There are many places in Costa Rica where you can explore nature on a boat, but these are our recommendations:

Caño Negro Wetlands, near Arenal Volcano Area

Jabiru stork nest in Guanacaste

The Caño Negro wetlands are a remote location in northern Costa Rica, near the border with Nicaragua. Visitors usually come from the Arenal Volcano area, also in the northern Costa Rican plains. To explore Caño Negro you travel along Frío River. Frío River has slow, calm waters as it winds through canyons on the way to a lake. During the trip, you find yourself surrounded by rainforests, pastures, and marshlands.

Over 200 species of birds live in this area, which makes it a great location for birdwatching. One of the most exciting species is the endangered Jabiru stork, the tallest flying bird in Central and South America. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready! There is also an almost 60-foot-tall tower at the lake where you can watch the scenery and take panoramic shots of the landscape.

Caño Blanco Sanctuary, near Arenal Volcano Area

Aerial view of Caño Blanco lake

Caño Blanco Sanctuary spans 50 acres of private and mainly untouched land. Cruise the main river in the property and learn its role in the complex ecosystem of wetlands, irrigating plains, and forests nearby. Visitors also come most frequently from the Arenal Volcano area.

The sanctuary is a crucial nesting site for an array of migratory and nonmigratory birds, both aquatic and non-aquatic. Some of the species you can find include herons, storks, jacanas, ospreys, and more.

The sanctuary is also home to sloths, various species of monkeys, lizards, iguanas, and more. The trip ends at Caño Blanco Lake, a peaceful location where you can truly immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you.

Palo Verde National Park, Guanacaste

Tiger heron flying away from river in Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde National Park has 18,400 hectares and it protects at least 12 different habitats. This includes Costa Rica’s most significant tropical dry forest as well as mangroves, swamps, lagoons, marshes, and wetlands. They all surround the Tempisque River in Guanacaste, which you travel by boat.

With so much variety of landscapes, birds abound. Species include storks, spoonbills, herons, and the Jabiru stork, which is the biggest flying bird in this side of the Americas. If you’re a birdwatcher, this is a great opportunity for you. Other species of animals include coatis, anteaters, iguanas, and howler monkeys.

Tortuguero National Park, the Caribbean

Jungle surrounding Tortuguero canals in the Caribbean

Tortuguero is a secluded national park in the northern part of the Caribbean coast. Lush and teeming with wildlife, Tortuguero is famous for its natural water canals and as an important nesting site for sea turtles. Because of its location, the only way to access the area and travel around is by boat through the canals.

Opportunities abound to go into the winding rivers to observe the jungle and everything in it. There are over 400 bird species, more than 100 types of mammals, and amphibians and reptiles hiding everywhere. Tortuguero even protects endangered species such as jaguars, manatees, tapirs, and four species of marine turtles. If you want to stay away from bustling towns and immerse yourself in nature on a boat, Tortuguero is a great choice.

Mix it Up: Crocodiles by Boat

If you want to spot wildlife with a dash of adventure, hop on a boat to go crocodile spotting in the Tárcoles River. It’s an experience safe for the whole family, and it guarantees good chances to watch crocs in their natural habitat.

Make the Most of This Nature Day Trip

If you visit Caño Negro, remember the wetter months (May-December) allow you to visit the lake by boat too. This maximizes your chances to see even more wildlife while on the water. During the other months, the lake dries up, so it’s easier to spot caimans and roseate spoonbills from the shore when you walk around the area.

If you want to visit the Palo Verde National Park, the best time is during the dry season (December-April). During this time, migratory birds pass through the area and other species arrive to take advantage of the abundant water sources.

FAQ about Nature by Boat

What animals can you see during these boat trips?

Mammals (like sloths and monkeys), reptiles (like lizards and iguanas), amphibians, other aquatic species (like crocodiles), and many, many birds. One of the most prized sights is the Jabiru stork.

Is there an age limit for this activity?

It depends on the trip, but in general, older kids onwards can participate. These boat trips are perfectly safe for the whole family, but young kids would likely not enjoy sitting on a boat for long without much else to do.

Do I need to be in shape for this activity?

This activity is not physically challenging and is appropriate for everyone who enjoys nature or wildlife spotting.