Close to the border with Nicaragua, the vast seasonally-flooded wetland reserve of Caño Negro is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for viewing wildlife and birds. The journey from Arenal can take between two and three hours, but it is well worth the early start for the opportunity to spot species such Central America’s largest bird, the Jabiru stork, three-toed sloths, enormous caiman and basilisk lizards as well as three of Costa Rica’s four species of monkey. After a gentle three-hour boat safari led by an expert naturalist guide, you will enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant before making the return journey back to Arenal.