Nature & Wildlife Photography Holidays & Tours - All Financially Protected
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Nature & Wildlife Photography Holidays & Tours - All Financially Protected

Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife

18th Nov. - 4th Dec. 2025 - £6249

Central America - Guided By David Miles

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

Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife - 18th Nov. - 4th Dec. 2025 - £6249

Reserve with a deposit of £1200

Make A Booking Enquiry

Photography enthusiasts at any skill level are invited to join David on the 16 night Ultimate photography holiday that spans the various eco-zones found in Costa Rica, including the Highlands, the Southern Pacific Lowlands, & the Caribbean lowlands. Throughout this 16 night journey, our guests will have ample opportunities to photograph the diverse & stunning wildlife this Central American gem offers, all under the expert guidance of David & a collection of local guides.

This photography holiday’s continually reviewed & improved itinerary is tailored to showcase a wide range of Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife, allowing encounters with the country’s iconic species. As of 2025, the tour now includes a stay at Rancho Naturalista, a biodiverse haven housing over 450 bird species, including enchanting hummingbirds, toucans, & colourful tanagers. The area is also home to an array of mammals, such as sloths, monkeys, & kinkajous, as well as reptiles like snakes & lizards & a myriad of insect species. Rancho Naturalista’s lush rainforest provides a rich tapestry for nature lovers to immerse themselves in ‘s exceptional biodiversity.

Throughout the photography holiday, participants can look forward to capturing images of a variety of wildlife, including the , , , , , , , , & many more iconic species in their natural habitat. This diverse range of wildlife presents a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty & diversity of ‘s wildlife.

The photography holiday commences with your arrival in Costa Rica, & a first night stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in San Jose on Day 1. Subsequent days are filled with unique photography sessions at the renowned Rancho Naturalista, followed by transfers to picturesque locations like San Gerardo de Dota & San Isidro for more photography opportunities, including early morning Quetzal photography sessions. Days 6 to 11 will focus on toucan, parrot frog & snake photography in the Sarapiqui area, while the itinerary includes visits to private gardens in the Arenal region on Days 12 & 13. The tour wraps up with photography opportunities in Boca Topada, including Deck Photography for Toucans, Orepondula & Parrots, King , & Multi-flash Bat Photography for at least one evening.

During this Central American wildlife photography holiday, you will receive guidance on your photography from David, should you so wish. The intent of this photography holiday is for you to enhance your photography skills, gain confidence, & make the most of this extraordinary experience – all while adding a range of images of fantastic birds, frogs, & reptiles to your portfolio.

A Parakeet Peeps Out From Behind A Tree Trunk Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday Itinerary

The following is the proposed itinerary for this photography holiday, it should be considered provisional & subject to change.

  • Day 1 - Arrive San Jose Airport - transfer to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - overnight Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
  • Day 2 - transfer to Rancho Naturalista, Photography at Rancho Naturalista - overnight Rancho Naturalista
  • Day 3 - Photography at Rancho Naturalista - overnight Rancho Naturalista
  • Day 4 - Photography at Rancho Naturalista - transfer to San Gerardo de Dota - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 5 - Quetzal Photography - transfer to Photography at a local birding deck - overnight San Gerardo de Dota
  • Day 6 - Photography at a local birding deck - transfer to Tarcoles - overnight Tarcoles
  • Day 7 - Early Morning Tarcoles River Cruise - transfer to Sarapiqui - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 8 - Full-day Frog & Snake Photography - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 9 - ½ Day Frog Photography, ½ day photography at a local birding deck - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 10 - Emerald Toucanet Photography, Hummingbird photography - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 11 - ½ day photography at a local birding deck, local lodge for lunch & ½ day feeder photography - overnight Sarapiqui
  • Day 12 - Transfer to Arenal, photography at a local birding deck - overnight Arenal
  • Day 13 - Photography at a local birding deck - overnight Arenal
  • Day 14 - Photography at a local birding deck - transfer to Boca Topada - overnight Boca Topada
  • Day 15 - Deck Photography of Toucans, boat trip on Rio San Carlos - overnight Boca Topada
  • Day 16 - Deck Photography of Toucans, King Vulture Photography, evening of Multi-flash Bat Photography - overnight Boca Topada
  • Day 17 - Deck Photography of Toucans - transfer to San Jose Airport
A Collared Aracari Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday Highlights

We have taken care to refine the itinerary for this wildlife photography holiday; as such, we consider the following to be amongst the highlights of this tour.

  • Multi centre trip to some of the best locations within Costa Rica for bird, mammal, amphibian & reptile photography
  • Many opportunities for capturing birds in flight
  • One of the most bio-diverse places on earth with a huge range of native species
  • Opportunities to capture images of many of Costa Rica's iconic frog species
  • Capture images of the Keel-billed Toucan, the Collared Aracari & many hummingbirds in the Caribbean lowlands
  • Photography sessions specifically for capturing images of King Vultures
  • Photograph the Volcano Hummingbird & Resplendent Quetzal in the Costa Rican Highlands
  • Photography of the many tanagers, motmot, trogons & other species
  • Opportunities for macro photography of reptiles & amphibians
  • Our itinerary is planned for peak dry season - the optimum time for photography within Costa Rica
  • Photography sessions at sunrise & sunset to make the most of the prime times of day for creative photography
  • Boat trips to explore the wetlands
  • Small group size - means that we can stay in small lodges often away from the crowds
  • Guided by David Miles for NatureLens with the assistance of local guides
  • Stay for 16 nights on a half board, non-shared basis
  • Single occupancy accommodation is provided at no extra cost to you
  • Visit cloud & rainforests to photograph exotic birds, wild animals & tropical vegetation
A Basilisk Camouflaged In Its Environment Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

What will we be capturing images of during the Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday?

During this wildlife photography holiday, you can expect to capture images of a diverse range of species, the intended species include American crocodile, fiery-billed aracari, glass frog, green iguana, keel-billed toucan, king vulture, northern emerald-toucanet, red-eyed tree frog, resplendent quetzal, spectacled caiman, three-toed sloth, two-toed sloth, white-necked jacobin hummingbird & yellow-throated toucan.

A Caracara Looks Out Across The Grass Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

What is Included & Excluded on the Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday?

Before booking the Ultimate Costa Rican Wildlife photography holiday, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the inclusions & exclusions for the trip. Understanding these lists will give you a clear idea of what to expect during your wildlife photography adventure.

What is Included?

Accommodation as specified in the description, all hide sessions & appropriate permits, all in-trip ground transportation, all photography sessions & appropriate permits, guidance & advice from our photography holiday guide, meals on a half-board basis & transportation between photographic locations

What is Excluded?

Activities not listed on the itinerary, all drinks, all flights, flights to start location, meals not listed on the itinerary, personal expenses of any type, required insurances, sundries, tips & gratuities, transportation to start location & visas

A Ghost Glass Frog Peering Over A Yellow Leaf Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance – it is a requirement when booking on any wildlife photography holiday scheduled by NaturesLens that you have adequate travel insurance, we suggest a policy from TrailFinders or Campbell Irvine.

A Keel Billed Toucan Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Keel Billed Toucan Opens His Beak Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Basilisk In Its Environment Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Green Hermit Hummingbird Hovering In Mid Air Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Lesser Violeteer Hummingbird Demonstrating Its Agility In Mid Air Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird In Flight Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Lesser Violeteer Demonstrating Aerial Acrobatics In Mid Air Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday
A Portrait Of A Green Hermit Hummingbird Typical Of The Kind Of Image We Hope You Will Capture During Our Costa Rican Wildlife Photography Holiday

What Do You Need To Bring With You?

Here is a list of items we recommend that you bring. While you must bring some of these items (i.e. passport if you are traveling from abroad), please note that many of the items listed below are only recommendations & are not a requirement.

Recommended Clothing

Recommended Clothing – the following is a guide as to what clothing you may require throughout this photography holiday, the list is not exhaustive & you do not require absolutely everything on this list, should you have any questions, please contact us via email or phone.

Hat to protect from sun, jacket suitable for a mixed climate, layers of neutral coloured clothing suitable for a mixed climate, lightweight waterproof jacket, lightweight waterproof over-trousers, mosquito repellent & sturdy boots suitable for a mixed climate

Recommended Camera Equipment

Recommended Camera Equipment – the following is a guide as to what camera equipment you may require throughout this photography holiday, the list is not exhaustive & you do not require absolutely everything on this list, should you have any questions, please contact us via email or phone.

Card reader, long prime lens in the range of 500mm, 600mm or 800mm, macro lens, medium zoom lens in the range of 70-200mm, mirrorless or DSLR camera body, monopod, notebook or laptop, portable hard-disk drive or SSD for storage of your images, spare mirrorless or DSLR camera body, tele-convertors or extenders, telephoto zoom lens in the range of 200-600mm, 100-400mm, 150-500mm or 150-600mm, tripod (essential for many sessions), wide angle lens in the range of 16-35mm & 17-40mm or 24-105mm

Additional Information

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.

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