COSTA RICA - WILDLIFE PHOTO TOUR
Toucans, Frogs, Sloths, Resplendent Quetzals, Hummingbirds, Monkeys & Much More
Dates: 9th to 25th March 2027
Introductory Price: £5,100 per person (single supplement of £875)
Group size: Min. 4, Max. 6
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Costa Rica’s premier wildlife corridors, from tropical rainforests to misty cloud forests. Starting with macro photography of 'jewel' amphibians in Sarapiquí, we move through the northern canopies of Boca Tapada and the remote waterways of Caño Negro. We then climb into the moss-draped cloud forests of Monteverde for hummingbirds and moody landscapes, before heading to Tarcoles to capture massive American Crocodiles and Scarlet Macaws. The adventure concludes in San Gerardo de Dota in search of the Resplendent Quetzal.
With small group sizes and expert guidance on everything from low-light macro to high-altitude bird photography, this tour is designed to build a extensive portfolio of Central America’s most spectacular wildlife.
While I know these locations well, this is the first time I am running this specific group itinerary. Because of this, I have set a special introductory price for this inaugural trip. I’ll be looking for plenty of feedback from my guests at the end of the journey to help me perfect this for the future, so you’ll be playing a vital role in shaping this tour’s legacy.
What’s included?
Accommodation throughout the whole trip - I have prioritised hotels & lodges with natural gardens and/or photography areas.
All local travel in a comfortable large van/small bus.
A brilliant Costa Rican nature guide.
Breakfast.
Full camera support.
Photo reviews.
A group call 1 month before the tour.
What you will need:
Your favourite camera (preferably mirrorless or DSLR, although a bridge camera will also work).
A lens with focal length of 500mm or above - for birds & mammals.
A macro lens for frogs & reptiles.
A flash & diffuser would be useful for macro subjects.
Spare batteries, SD cards and anything else you would find useful for multi-day photography.
Optional: Laptop to review images and external hard drives to back up images.
Outdoor clothing with layers. There will be areas we visit that are very warm and also areas where it can drop to 7°C at night. There is also a strong chance of downpours during our stay, so a light waterproof jacket would be ideal.
What’s not included:
Flights to & from San Jose airport.
Lunch, dinner & snacks - we will have a mix of on the go & restaurant lunches.
A budget of around £40 a day is recommended.Soft & alcoholic drinks.
Tips
Insurance.
Camera equipment.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San Jose & stay in San Jose - evening & morning photography in hotel grounds
Day 2 to 4: Sarapiquí - afternoon & full day rainforest guided tours, and a morning at a specialised bird photography garden.
Day 4 to 7: Boca Topada - full day access to photography platform & gardens, a session in a king vulture hide, a hummingbird photography session & a rainforest guided tour.
Day 7 to 10: Caño Negro - 2 dawn & 2 dusk boat tours, for Kingfishers & other wetland wildlife.
Day 10 to 13: Monteverde - 2 different reserve guided tours & hummingbird photography session.
Day 13 to 14: Tarcoles - evening boat tour for american crocodiles. Morning spent photographing scarlet macaws.
Day 14 to 16: San Gerardo de Dota - resplendent quetzal tour, photography platform & natural garden photography.
Day 16 to 17: San Jose & leave for UK
Further Information
Dates: 9th March to 25th March 2027.
Group Size: minimum of 4, maximum of 6.
Fitness Level Required: There is not a huge amount of strenuous walking during this trip, but you will need to be steady on your feet for the various excursions into the forests.
Cost: £5,100 per person (single supplement of £875).
Deposit: A non-refundable £1000 deposit required at time of booking.