Wildlife watching in Costa Rica
Whale season at Marino Ballena, turtle nesting at Tortuguero/Ostional/Playa Grande, bird watching itineraries.
Bird watching itineraries in Costa Rica: Carara to Monteverde
Best birding circuit: Carara → Sarapiquí → San Gerardo de Dota → Monteverde. Covers 600+ species. Quetzals, macaws, toucans — where, when, and who to hire.
Ostional arribada: witnessing mass Olive Ridley nesting
Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles nest simultaneously at Ostional Aug–Dec on the waning moon. How to visit responsibly, when to go, and what to expect.
Playa Grande leatherback turtles: Las Baulas National Park guide
See the world's largest turtle at Playa Grande in Las Baulas National Park, Oct–Feb. Season dates, how tours work, where to stay near Tamarindo, ethical rules.
Tortuguero turtle nesting guide: seasons, ethics, and logistics
Green turtles Jul–Oct, hawksbills year-round, leatherbacks Mar–Jul. Complete guide to Tortuguero's turtle nesting season, tours, and ethical viewing.
Uvita whale watching season: complete guide to Marino Ballena
Two humpback seasons at Marino Ballena NP — Aug–Oct and Dec–Apr. Exact dates, what to bring, best operators, ethical rules, and where to base yourself.
Wildlife watching ethics in Costa Rica: the honest guide
No flash, no feeding, certified guides only. Costa Rica's ICT standards explained — how to spot operators that violate them and be a respectful visitor.