Shawandha Lodge

Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Wildlife & Nature Go Local + 2 more + 3 more

Home to more than 850 bird species, Costa Rica is a bird lover's paradise.

13 days

from £5,965 pp

Costa Rica Express

Family Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

Short on time but big on wildlife, adventure and beaches.

8 days

from £2,795 pp

Exploring the Osa Peninsula

Wildlife & Nature Luxury + 3 more + 3 more

A classic Costa Rica route, ending somewhere seriously special.

11 days

from £3,845 pp

Simply Costa Rica

Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more

The perfect introduction to Costa Rica and its highlights.

11 days

from £4,300 pp

The Wildlife of Costa Rica

Wildlife & Nature Go Local + 3 more + 3 more

Track rare wildlife in Costa Rica’s most iconic reserves.

12 days

from £3,985 pp

Undiscovered Costa Rica

Wildlife & Nature Go Local + 3 more + 3 more

Explore Costa Rica beyond the guidebooks.

13 days

from £4,565 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Costa Rica

Hiking in the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve

The dense rainforest and coastal wetlands of the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve cover a vast area, with enormous moss and orchid-covered trees playing host to complex ecosystems. Bird lovers will enjoy looking out for some of the 384 species recorded here, which include toucans, woodpeckers, parakeets, owls and several varieties of tanager and hummingbird. Amphibians and mammals abound, with sloths and monkeys to be glimpsed in the trees, and colourful iguanas, lizards and tree frogs and poison dart frogs to be found in the lush undergrowth. The jungle trails here are undoubtedly challenging in places, but if you have a love of nature you should find this a rewarding tour.

Kayaking & snorkelling in the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve

Your three-hour tour today will begin with a gentle kayak along a two kilometre stretch of coastline to one of the pristine beaches in this wildlife-rich national park. Here you will don your snorkels and swim above the beautiful coral reefs that can be found here, observing sea rods, sea fans, brain coral, boulder coral, fire coral, elk horn coral and turtle grass. You may also spot parrot fish, angel fish, snappers, groupers, blue tangs and spiny lobster. There will also be time to relax on the beach before you paddle back along the coast.

Hiking and snorkelling in Cahuita & Puerto Vargas

You will be collected from your hotel this morning and driven to the start of a four-mile lush forest trail that leads along the coast from the village of Cahuita to Puerto Vargas. The walk takes arounds two hours, but regular stops are usually taken to spot monkeys, sloths and colourful birds, or take a cooling swim. There will also be an opportunity to go snorkelling from the beach. Though not much living coral remains close to shore, you may still be able to spot some brain coral and fan coral, as well as a variety of tropical fish. Tour duration is approximately five hours, with a packed lunch and snorkelling equipment included.