Costa Rica Wildlife: A Guide to the Animals You Can Find

Contact one of our Costa-Rica specialists today to experience these amazing creatures.

Mammals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems are home to numerous mammal species. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Jaguars

• Jaguars are elusive and primarily found in Corcovado National Park.
• As powerful swimmers and skilled hunters, they often hunt in water, preying on a variety of animals.
• Jaguars are characterized by their striking spotted coats, which provide excellent camouflage in the dense rainforest.
• The best time to see Jaguars is during the early morning or late afternoon.

Baird’s Tapir

• Baird's tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals with prehensile snouts, often found in the dense rainforests of Central America.
• The best time to see Tapir is between dawn and dusk.
• Found in the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
• Tapirs are the largest land mammals in Central America.

Birdwatching in Costa Rica

With over 900 species, Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering year-round opportunities across its diverse ecosystems.

• Resplendent Quetzal – Best seen from March to June in cloud forests like Monteverde and Los Quetzales, this striking bird is known for its vibrant green plumage and long tail feathers.
• Scarlet Macaw – Often seen in pairs around Corcovado and Carara, these colourful parrots are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They mate for life and can live up to 50 years.
• Keel-Billed Toucan – Found in lowland forests and near Arenal Volcano, this toucan is easily recognised by its large, rainbow-coloured bill used for foraging fruit.

Reptiles and Amphibians in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s warm climate is perfect for a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

• Red-Eyed Tree Frog – Known for their vivid green bodies and striking red eyes, red-eyed tree frogs are commonly found in lowland rainforests of Costa Rica and are best spotted at night.
• Eyelash Viper – These small, venomous snakes are easily recognised by the distinctive “eyelash” scales above their eyes. Found in rainforests and cloud forests, they are most active in the early morning and evening.

Marine Life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life.

• Humpback Whales – Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, humpback whales are best seen from July to November and December to April along the Pacific coast, particularly in Marino Ballena National Park.
• Green Sea Turtles – These large marine turtles, famous for their nesting rituals, can be spotted in Tortuguero National Park during nesting season from July to October, when females return to their birth beaches to lay eggs.
• Dolphins – Bottlenose dolphins are the most commonly seen species in Costa Rica’s waters, with year-round sightings in areas like Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula.