- Of world's species
- ~5%
- Bird species
- 900+
- Monkey species
- 4
- Sloth species
- 2
Where to see the most-wanted animals
| Animal | Best places | When |
|---|---|---|
| Sloths | Manuel Antonio, Cahuita, La Fortuna, Monteverde | Year-round |
| Monkeys | Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Tortuguero, Cahuita | Year-round |
| Green turtles | Tortuguero | July – October |
| Olive ridley arribadas | Ostional | Mostly July – December |
| Humpback whales | Marino Ballena, Drake Bay, Golfo Dulce | July – October, December – March |
| Resplendent quetzal | San Gerardo de Dota, Monteverde | Best February – May |
| Scarlet macaws | Carara, Corcovado, Osa | Year-round |
| Red-eyed tree frogs | Night tours in Arenal, Monteverde, Caribbean | Year-round, best in rainy season |
| Crocodiles | Tárcoles River, Palo Verde, Tortuguero | Year-round |
Guided night walks reveal frogs, snakes, tarantulas and sleeping birds: a highlight of any trip.
Book a night walk ↗Responsible wildlife watching
- Never feed wild animals; in Manuel Antonio, capuchins and raccoons steal food and bags.
- Avoid places that let you hold sloths or other wild animals; choose genuine rescue centres.
- On turtle tours, follow the guide: no lights, flash or touching.
- Hire local, certified guides: they spot far more and support conservation.
Some of the best wildlife sightings happen right from lodge balconies.
Wildlife lodges ↗Plan your trip to Costa Rica
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see sloths in Costa Rica?
Manuel Antonio National Park, Cahuita National Park and the forests around La Fortuna are the most reliable. A guide with a spotting scope helps enormously.
When is turtle season in Costa Rica?
Green turtles nest at Tortuguero from about July to October; leatherbacks nest on the Caribbean from March to May; olive ridleys arrive in mass arribadas at Ostional mostly from July to December.
When can you see whales in Costa Rica?
Humpback whales visit the south Pacific from about July to October (southern hemisphere whales) and from December to March (northern hemisphere whales).
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.