The jungles, swamps, and mangroves of Costa Rica are awe-inspiring – no matter how many times you’ve seen them. Constant sunlight, abundant rains, and the high temperatures are a recipe for biological diversity. These complex biological ecosystems contain dense foliage, massive trees, and more than half of all the living things known to man. A trip down the mangrove canals will reveal a surprising number of wading birds (they can gather in flocks up to the thousands), curious iguanas and monkeys keeping watch from tree limbs, and the occasional tapir pushing through the undergrowth.
Costa Rica Jungle Day Tours:
Despite the thick undergrowth of a jungle, hiking tours are a great way to get up close and personal with nature. Naturalist guides are strongly recommended in order to spot the elusive wildlife and learn about the complicated relationships between the flora and fauna of the Costa Rica jungle. A jungle kayak or cruising adventure is another way to discover the untouched beauty of Costa Rica. Kayaking is a fantastic way to reach some of the most remote and wild mangrove environments. Without a motor, travelers might get to spot some of the more elusive tropical creatures.
Corcovado National Park Tour, Osa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is the largest lowland rainforest in Central America and the most remote rainforest in Costa Rica. The park covers nearly half of the entire Osa Peninsula and is home to exotic species such as scarlet macaws, all 4 Costa Rican monkey species, and the endangered jaguar. Nearly every jungle lodge in and around Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez can book a guided day tour to Corcovado. Hike along the shoreline or right into the jungle to explore the most remote tropical forest in the country.
Tarcoles River Cruise, Central Pacific Coast
One of our most popular adventures brings you to the Tarcoles River within Carara National Park on the Central Pacific Coast, home to some of the largest populations of crocodiles in the world! Male crocodiles can weight up to a ton and reach 20 feet in length! While cruising along the Tarcoles River, you will see them swimming or sunbathing on the river banks. Available as an en route tour from Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio, this tour is a great opportunity to get (not too) close to these immense creatures while continuing on your exploration of Costa Rica. Another option is to simply stop off at the famous Crocodile Bridge over the Tarcoles River to see the wild crocodiles for a quick stop off!
Damas Island Estuary Kayak or Boat Tour, Manuel Antonio
Damas Island Estuary is located outside Manuel Antonio National Park and the town of Quepos. From crocodiles and sloths to monkeys and iguanas, these mangrove waterways are teeming with wildlife like crocodiles, herons, sloths, monkeys, and more! A professional naturalist guide will lead you through the estuary by boat or kayak. Following your tour, enjoy a traditionally prepared Costa Rican meal. Tours are available during the day and in the evenings.
Tamarindo Estuary Kayaking Tour, Guanacaste
Between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande, the Playa Grande Estuary empties into the bay of Tamarindo. A professional naturalist will guide you through the unique estuary ecosystem, pointing out the highlights and wildlife in the area. This tour can be done in single or double kayaks. An hour into your adventure, grab a snack on the riverbank.
Costa Rica Jungle Overnights:
One of the best ways to explore all of the beauty of Costa Rica is a few nights stay at one of the country’s jungle lodges. Several of the eco-lodges in our collection are accessible only via boat or flight. This makes reaching your destination an adventure in itself. See the country from an aerial angle on a domestic flight and/or take a boat to your destination looking for wildlife!
Osa Peninsula
Peruse the Sierpe-Terraba Mangrove Reserve on the remote Osa Peninsula by boat or kayak through dense jungle estuaries.
Many jungle lodges are located on or near the remote Osa Peninsula – the southwesternmost point of Costa Rica which also happens to contain one of the largest remaining tracts of tropical rainforest in Central America. This important region is home to literally hundreds of species, many endangered and is the perfect place for explorations into untouched jungles and rainforest. The Diquis Delta near Drake Bay, the Sierpe River Mouth of the Sierpe-Terraba Mangrove Reserve, and the G0lfo Dulce are mangrove highlights of the region. Boat transportation down-estuary waterways to the lodges of Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula introduce guests to the huge variety of ecosystems that can be found, and it’s an extra chance for wildlife watching. Bird-lovers, in particular, should check out the Osa Peninsula. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica for bird-watching and is one of the richest and most diverse tropical zones in the world.
Related: Osa Peninsula Jungle Lodges
Tortuguero National Park
Queen Egret
Known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is a jungle highlight. While primarily known for the sea turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs between March and mid-October, Tortuguero’s intricate maze of mangrove waterways creates a completely unique cacophony of jungle undergrowth! A professional naturalist guide will point out the exotic flora and fauna of the area from the comfort of a boat with a quiet motor. Howler monkeys, anteaters, sloths, jaguars, and over 350 bird species call this region of Costa Rica home. These maze-like waterways are the perfect paths for kayak and boat adventures.
Related: Tortuguero Jungle Lodges
