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# Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife [Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/join-a/wildlife-photography-tour/)

30th Nov - 16th Dec 2027 - £6999

[Central America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/) - Guided By [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/)

[![A Red Eyed Tree Frog Sat On A Leaf In The Jungle Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-red-eyed-tree-frog-sat-on-a-leaf-in-the-jungle-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/a-red-eyed-tree-frog-sat-on-a-leaf-in-the-jungle-typical-of-the-kind-of-image-we-hope-you-will-capture-during-our-costa-rican-wildlife-photography-holiday.jpg)

Reserve with a deposit of £1250

No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit.

## Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife - 30th Nov - 16th Dec 2027 - £6999 - Single occupancy

[Make A Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife-2027)

No payment is taken at enquiry stage. We confirm availability first, then send booking forms and deposit payment details. Please read our [booking conditions](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/booking-condtions/) and [financial protection information](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/about-us/financial-protection/) before paying a deposit.

[Make A Booking Enquiry](https://natureslens.co.uk/book/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife-2027)

Photography enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to join [David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) on this 16 night Ultimate [Costa Rican Wildlife](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife/) Photography Tour, an immersive journey through [Costa Rica’s most productive photographic eco-zones](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/). From coastal waterways & misty cloud forests to Caribbean foothills, northern lowlands & vast wetlands, this carefully structured itinerary showcases [the country’s extraordinary biodiversity](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/) while allowing ample time to work with light, behaviour & composition.

The journey begins in the Pacific lowlands with dedicated river boat photography, focusing on American crocodiles, waterbirds & riverside wildlife, before moving south into the highlands. Here, time is spent in the [San Gerardo de Dota](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/san-gerardo-de-dota/) region & surrounding reserves, targeting iconic cloud forest species including the [Resplendent Quetzal](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/). Early morning sessions are balanced with hummingbird photography at feeders, offering both behavioural moments & close-range photographic opportunities.

From the highlands, the tour transitions east into the Caribbean foothills, where a series of renowned private gardens provide exceptional photography of toucans, tanagers & hummingbirds across varied backdrops. The pace then slows further in [the northern lowlands around Boca Tapada](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/), an area chosen specifically for its specialist photographic opportunities. Over several days, guests focus on [king vultures](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/king-vulture/), feeder-based toucan & [parrot](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/parrots/) photography, reptiles & amphibians, alongside evening sessions dedicated to multi-flash bat photography for those wishing to explore more advanced techniques.

The final phase of the tour explores [Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/)’s wetland ecosystems, with extended time in the [Cano Negro region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caño_Negro_Wildlife_Refuge) photographing waterbirds, caimans & wetland wildlife from custom boat sessions. The journey concludes in the central highlands, where flexible wildlife photography sessions respond to seasonal conditions, allowing the tour to finish on a creative, relaxed note rather than a rushed departure.

Throughout the 16 night experience, guests receive [experienced guidance](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/with/) from [David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/), supported by trusted local specialists. The intent of this tour is not only to photograph [Costa Rica’s most iconic species](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/), but to build confidence, refine fieldcraft & return home with a diverse, cohesive portfolio spanning birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians & nocturnal wildlife from one of [Central America’s richest photographic destinations](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/).

This trip is one of our [wildlife photography holidays in Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/costa-rica/) & part of our programme of [Central American wildlife photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/central-america/).

Additional Information

Similar Photography Tours

NaturesLens photography holidays **do not include flights** unless it is explicitly stated on the event page. When it is time to book your flights, we will send you the details in plenty of time to allow for bookings at the best available price.

The photography holiday itinerary is subject to change & is to be considered provisional.

NaturesLens photography holidays require **a minimum number of participants in order to be viable**. If this minimum number is not met, the photography holiday may not go ahead.

In the event that the minimum number for a photography holiday to go ahead is not reached, NaturesLens reserves the right to cancel any given photography holiday. In that event 100% of monies received will be returned. However, NaturesLens is not responsible for expenses incurred by its customers.

**Not all mentioned wildlife can be observed & photographed at all times of the year**, thus some activities may be considered seasonal & not available.

Please note **the cuisine on many of the NaturesLens photography holidays is authentic & typical of the region** in which you are travelling. International or western cuisine is often NOT available. If you have any concerns over the food arrangements or have any special dietary requirements, please contact us prior to making a booking.

All personal luggage are the responsibility of the owner & we request that photography holiday participants limit their luggage to the equivalent of one suitcase, one flight bag, one camera bag & tripod. We do not wish to appear dictatorial in this matter & the request is made to ensure space & comfort for everyone in our vehicles.

NaturesLens & its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to travel arrangements, & as such, do not assume responsibility for injury, accident, damage, loss, delay or irregularity which may occur via defect of transportation or any other cause.

NaturesLens reserves the right to substitute hotels, & other previously outlined arrangements as necessary, to either improve or equal the travel experience.

NaturesLens reserves the right to pass on to photography holiday participants any additional & unplanned expenditure incurred during a photography holiday, via events beyond the control of NaturesLens. NaturesLens reserves the right to accept or decline any person as a member of any photography holiday.

Payment of a deposit by photography holiday participants or their representative constitutes their acceptance of all conditions contained herein.

All bookings are made subject to our terms & conditions.

- Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife - 30th Nov - 16th Dec 2027 - £6999

Travel to Costa Rica with us for a wildlife photography tour, which boasts an itinerary that allows extended time photographing Costa Rica’s rainforest icons.

[View More Information](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/ultimate-costa-rican-wildlife-2027/)

Difficulty

Easy

Group size

4-6 guests

Activity period

Mixed

Itinerary type

Photography Tour

We explore wildlife photography in Costa Rica in greater depth in [Why Photographers Are Drawn to Costa Rica](https://natureslens.co.uk/why-photographers-are-drawn-to/why-photographers-are-drawn-to-costa-rica/).

## Combine This Trip

This photography holiday pairs perfectly with the trips shown below. Running immediately before or after this tour, they allow you to extend your time in the region, photograph additional species & habitats & make the most of your international travel arrangements.

- [Essential Costa Rican Wildlife  - 16th – 23rd Dec 2027](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/costa-rica/essential-costa-rican-wildlife/) Begins on the same day this trip ends   Continues on the same day, for a seamless transition between trips Guided by David throughout Located in the same country, eliminating the need for additional international travel Maximises your opportunities to photograph the same target species during a longer wildlife photography journey

 

## Related Trips

If this photography holiday appeals to you, you may also be interested in the trips below. They feature similar species, photographic opportunities or wildlife experiences, offering alternative destinations & complementary subjects for your future adventures.

- [Japanese Wildlife in Winter  - Japan - Feb 2027 - 14 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/japan/japanese-wildlife-in-winter/) More time with birds & primates, with David guiding again.
 
- [Peru’s Ultimate Hummingbirds  - Peru - Jan 2028 - 14 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/peru/perus-ultimate-hummingbirds/) More time with tropical birds, with David guiding again.
 
- [Tropical Birds Of Trinidad  - Trinidad & Tobago - Apr 2028 - 7 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/trinidad-tobago/birds-of-trinidad/) More time with tropical birds, with David guiding again.
 
- [Madagascar Wildlife & Rainforest  - Madagascar - Nov 2028 - 15 nights](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/madagascar/madagascar-wildlife/) More time with reptiles & amphibians, tropical birds, with David guiding again.

## Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about this photography tour, covering everything from accommodation, transport & group size through to photography opportunities, fitness requirements & what to expect in the field. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re always happy to discuss any aspect of the trip before you book.

## Wildlife & Photography

### What wildlife can I expect to photograph?

 

Species regularly photographed include Basilisk Lizard, Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Collared Aracari, Emerald Toucanet, Fiery-billed Aracari, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Glass Frog & Great Kiskadee. Additional species may also visit the various locations including Red-eyed Tree Frogs, King Vultures, Resplendent Quetzals & various tanagers. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed.

 

### How much time do we spend on wildlife photography?

 

This is a dedicated 16-day wildlife photography holiday with daily photography sessions from boat cruises in Tárcoles & Cano Negro to specialist sessions targeting quetzals, king vultures, frogs, reptiles & hummingbirds. The itinerary maximises photographic opportunities from early morning through to evening bat photography sessions.

 

### Do I need advanced photography skills?

 

No advanced skills are required. David Miles & the local guides provide experienced guidance suitable for photographers of all levels during boat cruises, garden photography sessions & specialist techniques like multi-flash bat photography in Boca Tapada.

 

### Why is this Costa Rica itinerary particularly good for wildlife photography?

 

The multi-centre approach covers Pacific lowlands, cloud forests, Caribbean foothills, northern lowlands & wetlands, maximising biodiversity encounters. Private gardens & reserves provide controlled photography opportunities while boat-based sessions offer unique perspectives of crocodiles, waterbirds & wetland species.

 

### What makes the Boca Tapada location special for photographers?

 

Boca Tapada in the northern lowlands is chosen specifically for specialist photographic opportunities including dedicated king vulture photography, multi-flash bat photography sessions & controlled feeder-based photography of toucans & parrots. The area provides extended time to perfect techniques rather than rushing between locations.

 

## What's Included

### What's included in the trip cost?

 

Trip cost includes 15 nights accommodation on a half board basis, guiding by David Miles with assistance from local guides, boat cruises, transfers between locations & all photography sessions. Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard. Airport transfers are included.

 

## Accommodation & Meals

### What is the accommodation like?

 

Accommodation varies across the multi-centre itinerary from the Alajuela area near San José to locations in Tárcoles, San Isidro, San Gerardo de Dota, Sarapiqui, Guápiles, Boca Tapada, Cano Negro & San Ramón. All accommodation is provided on a half board meal basis with single occupancy included as standard.

 

## Group Size & Guides

### What are the benefits of a 6-photographer group?

 

The 6-photographer limit ensures everyone receives personalised guidance from David Miles during boat cruises & photography sessions, enjoys better positioning opportunities at feeding stations & hides, & experiences a more relaxed photographic environment throughout the 16-day itinerary.

 

## Fitness, Skill & Equipment

### What equipment should I bring?

 

Bring a camera suitable for wildlife photography including macro capabilities for frog & reptile photography, telephoto lenses for birds & distant subjects, spare batteries & memory cards. Multi-flash equipment is available for specialist bat photography sessions in Boca Tapada. Detailed equipment recommendations will be provided before departure.

 

## Booking & Availability

### How do I secure my place on this photography holiday?

 

Contact NaturesLens to check availability & secure your place with a booking deposit. Early booking is recommended as the 6-photographer group size fills quickly for this popular Costa Rica destination.

 

## Travel, Visas & Insurance

### What visa & insurance requirements apply?

 

Most visitors require appropriate travel documentation for Costa Rica & comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for participation. Insurance should include medical cover, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation & personal belongings protection.

 

## Changes & Cancellations

### What if I need to change my booking or cancel?

 

Contact us as early as possible to discuss the options available. Any changes or cancellations are subject to our booking terms & conditions which will be provided when you make your booking.
