Wildlife watching in Costa Rica: sloths, toucans, whales

If there's one reason to come to Costa Rica, this is it: wildlife. Nowhere else can you observe so many wild animals with so little effort. After fifteen years in the field, here is my guide to Costa Rica's emblematic animals — and how to maximize your chances of crossing paths with them. The canals of Tortuguero are among the best places in the country to observe herons, monkeys and caimans from a boat.

Costa Rica, biodiversity paradise

With its cloud forests, primary jungle, volcanoes, and two oceans, the country concentrates a unique density of species: over 900 bird species, 250 mammals, hundreds of reptiles and amphibians. Nearly 30% of the territory is protected, which explains why wildlife is so visible. To place the best regions, see the page Destination Costa Rica.

The emblematic animals and where to see them

The sloth

The country's star. You spot it, motionless, in the trees of Manuel Antonio, the Caribbean, or Arenal. A good guide finds it where you would only see a pile of leaves.

Toucans and macaws

Yellow-throated or keel-billed toucans, noisy scarlet macaws: you see them almost everywhere, especially on the peninsula ofOsa and on the Pacific.

Monkeys

Four species: capuchins, squirrel monkeys, howlers (heard before seen), and spider monkeys. Tortuguero and the southern Pacific are perfect for them.

Colorful frogs

The famous red-eyed tree frog, the “blue-jeans” poison dart frogs… They're best seen at night, in the green season, on a guided outing.

Whales and dolphins

The southern Pacific (Uvita, Marino Ballena park) is one of the best spots in the world for humpback whales, from July to October and December to March.

Sea turtles

Green turtles at Tortuguero (July-October), olive ridleys during the spectacular “arribadas” at Ostional, leatherbacks from February to June: an unforgettable moment.

When to watch wildlife?

Wildlife is visible year-round, but each period has its highlights: whales mid-year, turtle nesting in summer, amphibians in the green season. To time your trip to these events, see our guide When to go to Costa Rica.

Our tips for good wildlife watching

• Take a naturalist guide: they spot and explain what you would never see alone. That’s the spirit of our Forest Collection.
• Go out early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the animals are active.
• Binoculars change everything, especially for the birds.
• Never touch or feed the wildlife: you observe, you don't disturb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you see sloths in Costa Rica?
At Manuel Antonio, on the Caribbean coast, and around Arenal, ideally with a guide.

When to see whales?
From July to October and December to March, on the southern Pacific.

Do you need a guide to watch wildlife?
It's not mandatory, but a guide multiplies your sightings and enriches the experience.

Want a wildlife-focused trip?

Our French-speaking team, based in Costa Rica, designs itineraries built for wildlife watching. We reply within 24h — Request your quote — or build your trip on Toucan Dynamics.

To travel with respect for this nature, also read our guide to responsible tourism in Costa Rica.

To watch the resplendent quetzal and the hummingbirds, head for our Monteverde guide.