Costa Rica wildlife holiday, Coastal Secrets
This Costa Rica holiday is run by a rainforest alliance-certified local operator, and guided by experts who know all the best places to view wildlife – from waterfront ecolodges accessible only by boat to biodiverse forests.
Tortuguero National Park Cahuita National Park Turrialba Valley Savegre Cloud Forest Osa Peninsula Drake Bay Caño Island Dolphin and whale watching in season Sierpe Corcovado National Park
Price
£5379To£6149including UK flights
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From £4099 - £4599 excluding flights.
Optional single supplement from £800 - £830.
Minimum age 16.
Optional single supplement from £800 - £830.
Minimum age 16.
Last minute
Late availability on these dates: 09 Nov, 16 Nov, 23 Nov
Description of Costa Rica wildlife holiday, Coastal Secrets
This two-week Costa Rica wildlife holiday, travelling with a small group and expert wildlife leader, takes you from one stunning Costa Rican coast to the other, with a cornucopia of creatures in between. Even though it is a small country, it is bursting with biodiversity, and this trip covers many of its most beautiful spots, visiting national parks, cloud forests and islands.
It is also superbly set up for tourism, allowing us to stay in small and locally owned accommodation along the way, from ecolodges located in tropical gardens to a waterfront accommodation on the Osa Peninsula only accessible by boat.
The trip starts inland, in the capital San Jose and then, using private minibus, we head to the Caribbean Coast to explore two amazing national parks, with two days in each. First, we go to Tortuguero National Park, which we travel through by boat as this is the only way to access it and see its eponymous turtles, otters, caiman and manatees. On land, we hope to see monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and myriad birdlife. From here to Cahuita National Park, where you can hike on trails that dip in and out of coast and jungle, or take an optional snorkelling trip out on the reef. One more inland idyll before hitting the Pacific coast is Savegre Cloud Forest, where we have two nights to enjoy, in particular, its extraordinary birdlife. The forest is most famous for being home to the elusive and exquisite resplendent quetzal.
There are few things more resplendent, however, than the final few days of this trip which are spent on the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park. This is home to about 50 percent of Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, from scarlet macaws to manatees, tayras to tapirs. We take a trip to Caño Island, where we hope to see dolphins and, in season, humpback or even orca whales. The former come here between July-November and the latter December-April. Osa Peninsula is one of the best ways to end a wildlife holiday, with plenty of beach time too so that you can chill out before your return home.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | The group flight usually arrives into San José this evening. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the afternoon of Day 2. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San José (or similar) |
| Day 2: | Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to Tortuguero National Park in northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero has a vast network of waterways, canals and swamps that are remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) , which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where we can visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January, baby turtles hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of six hours including a stop for breakfast. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar) |
| Day 3: | This morning we board a small boat, enabling us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero as we pass serenely along the waterways. In the morning wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We’ll take a second boat trip this afternoon or you can relax at the lodge and enjoy the facilities. Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge (or similar) |
| Day 4: | We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat to Siquirres pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast, where we check into our hotel. Caribbean culture pervades this part of Costa Rica and is reflected in the music, food and laid-back lifestyle. The white-sand beach here is fringed by tall palms, behind which is the dense, wet tropical forest of Cahuita National Park. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida (or similar) |
| Day 5: | Cahuita National Park has 2,711 acres (1,097ha) of land and 600 acres (243ha) of coral reef, the largest reef system in Costa Rica. Today we visit the national park, taking a walk that follows the coastline through rainforest and past impressive Caribbean beaches. Although fairly small in size, there is plenty of diversity in the park. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the beach, join an optional snorkelling excursion (subject to local conditions) or simply relax. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida (or similar) |
| Day 6: | Today is yours to relax into the Caribbean pace of life and enjoy free time around Cahuita. It is possible to join an optional excursion to the indigenous communities of Kekoldi & Bri Bri Reserve, where you'll learn about the properties and uses of native plants, plus the process of making artisanal chocolate. Chocolate is very important in Bri Bri culture and used for purification rituals, food and medicine. During the excursion, there is also the opportunity for a refreshing swim at a waterfall. Accommodation: Ciudad Perdida (or similar) |
| Day 7: | Our next destination is Turrialba Valley, a rich agricultural region in the Central Highlands. The topography of this region is mountainous, with waterfalls, rivers and caves – the varied elevation supports a wide range of plants (including orchids, bromeliads, lichens and mosses) and animals (including anteaters, ocelots and tapirs). The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the extensive hotel grounds, tranquil surrounding area and the birdlife that frequents the valley. Accommodation: Villa Florencia or Guayabo Lodge (or similar) |
| Day 8: | After breakfast, we depart for CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza), an international institute for agricultural development and biological conservation. Our visit includes a guided walk in the Dr Jorge León Arguedas Botanical Garden, during which we will see and learn about the approximately 400 different species that are observed and interpreted here, as well as receive an explanation of myriad exotic fruits that are found at the facility. After lunch, we continue to San Gerardo de Dota and Savegre Valley Cloud Forest. This is said to be one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the beautiful, colourful and notoriously shy resplendent quetzal and we have two nights here to discover the region. These endangered birds rely on the cloud forest for their habitat; the males are particularly striking with a green crest, red breast and tail feathers that can reach a metre in length. A good pair of binoculars will be helpful for quetzal spotting as these birds camouflage themselves well among the wet leaves. After lunch, we take a short walk into the cloud forest. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar) |
| Day 9: | Today is free to relax and explore Savegre Valley. Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 170 bird species, trek through the tropical cloud forest or simply enjoy the incredible view from the lodge. Your leader will suggest walks for today so you can discover the tropical cloud forest and sub-Alpine vegetation of the area. Birds here include hummingbirds, woodpeckers tanagers and trogons, and if you are lucky tapirs and squirrel monkeys. Accommodation: Savegre Hotel, Nature Reserve & Spa or Trogon Lodge (or similar) |
| Day 10: | Early in the morning, our journey continues towards the small town of Sierpe, where we board a small motorboat to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Passing the huge mangrove swamps that line the Sierpe River, our boat crosses the ocean before arriving at Drake Bay. This region is very remote and with extremely limited road access, which means most supplies, visitors and locals, must arrive by boat. Getting here is part of the adventure. The bay is spectacular, with just a handful of lodges on the horizon and the rest thick verdant forest and rocky coves as far as the eye can see. Our next three nights will be spent at the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, a family-run property close to the 'town' of Drake Bay and with ocean views from every corner. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar) |
| Day 11: | This morning, we board a small boat towards Caño Island. During this 45-minute boat ride, there may be opportunities to spot migrating whales or playful dolphins (orca are occasionally spotted here between December to April and humpbacks might be seen around July to November). Marine life is the biggest highlight of this area, with hawksbill and olive ridley turtles, manta rays and white-tipped reef sharks just some of the likely encounters on today’s snorkelling excursion. This area has been rated as having the best snorkelling in the whole of Costa Rica, with excellent water visibility and a huge marine diversity living in the protected reef. On returning to Drake Bay, we enjoy lunch then embark on a 1mi (1.5km) hike to Cocalito Beach. Wildlife including iguanas, macaws and toucans are often spotted along the route, and elusive tapirs are also seen less frequently. There is time to rest on the golden sands and take in the secluded beauty of Cocalito before returning to the hotel. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar) |
| Day 12: | When National Geographic describes an area as “the most biologically intense place on Earth,” it must be worthy of investigation. This morning, we board a small boat for a 30-minute journey to San Pedrillo Ranger Station, our entrance point to Corcovado National Park. This is undoubtedly the most secluded and tranquil region in Costa Rica. Protecting around one-third of the Osa Peninsula (some 164sqmi/425sqkm), Corcovado is the largest national park in Costa Rica and encompasses 13 major ecosystems across various elevations, with montane forest, cloud forest, fresh water and mangrove swamps among them. Scientists have recorded half of all the species in Costa Rica on this peninsula alone. On today's hike along the parks trails, we may see all four monkey species in Costa Rica (squirrel, howler, white-faced capuchin and spider), tamandua (anteaters), two- and three-toed sloths, peccary, tapirs (including the endangered Baird’s tapir) and many reptiles, insects and amphibians. Puma and jaguar also prowl this area, but are very difficult to see. With more than 500 tree species, the bird count stands at an impressive 365 and the park protects the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country, which can frequently be seen and heard flying overhead. In October, when the national park is closed, we typically visit El Camino de la Danta, a wildlife-rich trail home to white-faced monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans and more. Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (or similar) |
| Day 13: | After an early breakfast, we board another boat and return to Sierpe town. On the way, our boat will take a short tour of the huge mangrove forest that lines the Sierpe River. Delving into the network of tributary rivers and streams offers a chance to learn more about the role of mangroves in the ecosystem and the numerous creatures that depend on them, including fish, crabs, birds, molluscs and shellfish. In Sierpe town, we transfer to our private minibus and commence our journey to San Jose. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar) |
| Day 14: | Today begins with a trip to the Irazu Volcano National Park in the Cartago province of Costa Rica, located within the Central Mountain Range around a 90-minute journey from San Jose. Passing different vegetation, we'll drive towards the summit and then follow a path that leads to a wonderful view across the huge crater. Irazu is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, though it has recently entered a dormant phase – a relief to the farmers and property owners who make their living on the fertile slopes. On a clear day, both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines can be seen from the summit. Remember to bring a jacket as it can be windy and cold at the viewpoint of this elevation (Irazu summit is 11,260ft/3,432m high). Following this we continue to the city of Cartago, home to a spectacular domed basilica, and the Orosi Valley, an area of natural beauty. After lunch in one of the many traditional restaurants, we join the Orosi Coffee tour to learn about the ancient techniques used to produce some of the best coffee in the world. This involves understanding the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of coffee beans, before you have a chance to savour the end product yourself. Afterwards, we return to San Jose for our last night of the holiday. Accommodation: Presidente Hotel or Park Inn or Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (or similar) |
| Day 15: | Our adventure comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today. |
| Day 16: | Arrive back in London |
Map
Price information
£5379To£6149including UK flights
Convert currency:
From £4099 - £4599 excluding flights.
Optional single supplement from £800 - £830.
Minimum age 16.
Optional single supplement from £800 - £830.
Minimum age 16.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
In Costa Rica you can zip line through cloud forests, white water raft down rushing rivers and trek up the side of volcanoes. However, Costa Rica isn’...
Holiday information
Small group tour, ideal for solos & couples:
Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modeled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, travelling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. For those with limited time, a small group tour will save valuable time in planning, and on holiday.
Reviews
11 Reviews of Costa Rica wildlife holiday, Coastal Secrets
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2023 by Frances Davies
[…] tapirs, sloths, quetzels, forests, fellow travellers, brilliant guide. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Feb 2022 by Karen Ashenden
Excellent guide who shared his loved of Costa Rica and supported us to be environmentally aware everywhere we went. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Feb 2020 by Rosie Morgan
The most memorable part of the holiday was the wild life and diversity of the country. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Feb 2020 by Robert Lisney
The most memorable part of the holiday was seeing the country Read full reviewReviewed on 10 Nov 2019 by Jane Bailey
Great/ fantastic wildlife. Country is stunning and trip well organised with very knowledgeable guide. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Oct 2019 by Linda Rockliffe
The moat exciting part of the trip was the walks. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Aug 2019 by Julia Calvert
I loved the boat rides and seeing the humpback whales, and also the humming bird garden. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Feb 2019 by Jenny Abbott
A full-on trip! Wildlife galore. I will definitely be back in Costa Rica soon. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Jan 2019 by Alison Pelikan
I loved the Cloud forests and the rainforests especially being able to walk some of the trails on my own as then I can experience the forest more quietly and directly... Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Mar 2019 by Maryanne Roach
Didn't see as many birds as I expected; one needs to be interested in lichen, lizards, termites, ants, spiders etc as well! And I was also disappointed by the lack of mountain scenery. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
Accommodation and Meals:We spend two weeks in a combination of hotels and eco-lodges around Costa Rica. We use fairly small, family run and locally staffed establishments which ensures that we are benefiting local communities. Our local operator is a leading member of the Rainforest Alliance and has been awarded a "4 Leaf" award from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute for their sustainable tourism practice & dedication to improving standards. An example of eco-friendly accommodation on this trip is the Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, a family run business in a stunning location on the Osa Peninsula – the first resort of its kind in the area.
Activity:
Being a wildlife based tour, we are very conscious of our effects on the environment and how we can reduce negative impact and aid conservation. On this trip we visit national and private parks, including Tortuguero and Corcovado, where entrance fees directly support conservation efforts. We also visit Aviarios del Caribe, the sloth sanctuary, an educational visit to increase awareness of the dangers that sloths face and the rehabilitation process for those injured animals coming into the centre.
UK office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.
People
Local Craft and Culture:Although this is a largely nature based trip, we incorporate as much benefit to local people as possible. One of the ways to support local people and boost the economy is to buy crafts in some of the remote regions that we visit, such as Tortuguero and Cahuita. Having the opportunity to purchase locally made handicrafts encourages cultural exchange and provides a significant form of alternative income. Guides are careful to explain that any souvenirs on sale over the duration of the trip which are made from animal parts, shells or local hardwoods should not be purchased.
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