The 4 Best Wildlife Safaris in Costa Rica

1.Corcovado and Drake Bay 2-Day Small-Group Safari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $460Our pick

Travel from Drake Bay to Sirena Ranger Station with a maximum of eight people, then spend two days tracking wildlife through Corcovado National Park. Guides such as Jorge, Erick, Brayner, Andre, and Richie have led trips here. Expect early starts, simple open-air bunk beds, fresh meals, wet boat landings, and serious jungle walking.

“Such a great experience! We thought 1 night (2 days) was a great amount of time! The ranger station we stayed at was a lot cleaner than we were originally expecting and our guide, Jorge, was amazing! He was so passionate about wildlife and it was contagious! The boat ride to the park was really bumpy so if you’re one to get motion sick, make sure to take meds beforehand. We do wish we had gotten a packing list sooner than the day before our trip so here are some things I would recommend packing. Keep in mind, everything you bring should be able to go in your backpack since…”

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2.Full Day Tour with Safari Float, Waterfall and Volcano Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $210

Start near La Fortuna with a calm safari float on the Peñas Blancas River, where guides such as Tony, Pepe, or Isaac may point out sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and toucans. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, eat a home-cooked Costa Rican lunch at a family ranch, then walk old lava trails near Arenal Volcano. Hotel transport, park fees, snacks, and lunch are included.

“Learned how to howl at the monkeys ! Had a nature loving guide who showed us the habitat of many local animals.”

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3.Wildlife Safari Float by Kayak in Peñas Blancas River from Arenal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about four hours kayaking the Peñas Blancas River with a naturalist guide such as Christopher, Beto, or David. Watch for monkeys, crocodiles, sloths, toucans, bats, and iguanas, then visit La Cocina de Tita Yolanda for coffee, cacao, sugar cane, and a typical snack.

“The guides were knowledgeable about the animals in the area and kept an eye out for us to stop and take pictures. They were cautious about keeping us safe and they were very fun and kept us laughing. This was one of the highlights of our trip!”

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4.Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Best value

Follow César or Juan Carlos through Hacienda Ébano’s rainforest reserve near Quepos on a 1.6-kilometer trail past five streams, two bridges, wildlife, and a double waterfall. Swim in two pools, learn about Costa Rica’s plants and animals, and ask about the possible lunch served beside the falls.

“Cesar was very knowledgeable and patient. He was funny and humble. I will definitely recommend this breathe taking experience!”

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