From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, this experience combines Costa Rica's most abundant lowland rainforest habitats, its best marine life and a huge variety of ecological zones from the coast to cloud forests on the edge of Arenal Volcano. 

Expert local guides will help you to explore seven of the countries protected areas. Four of these are in the highlands of Costa Rica comprising the Monteverde and Arenal National Parks, the inspiring community owned cloud forest reserve of Santa Elena, and a reserve run by the international Neotropic Foundation which is dedicated to conservation, research and education. On the Pacific coast we take you to the Corcovado National Park where primary rainforest runs unbroken down to the sea for 30 miles.  On the Caribbean Coast the similarly rich Tortuguero National Park forests are bisected throughout by a system of waterways which allows us to explore by small boat or kayak if you prefer. At Caño Island Biological Reserve we find the country's most abundant marine life, which almost always includes dolphins and regularly includes whales, above the water, and turtles, sharks, rays and coral reefs beneath it.

The Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula is undoubtedly a wildlife highlight for any visit to Costa Rica.  The area has been described by National Geographic magazine as '..the most wildlife intense place on earth', both because of its primaeval forest and abundant offshore life. The western side of the Corcovado provides more than 30 miles of beach where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean.  This is where terrestrial and marine ecosystems combine with coatis, macaws, and tapir coming out of the forest and onto the beaches, and turtles and even bull sharks coming in from the sea, swimming into the Corcovado's tidal streams.  Flocks of pelicans look like pterodactyls as they glide low over the Pacific waves and float in formation above your head.  This coastline feels truly primordial.

17 kilometres from the coast, close to Osa's northern Drake's Bay, is the Caño Island Biological Reserve.  Here you will find some of the country's best marine life, both at the surface and below it.  Dolphins are a regular sight, but you may also be lucky enough to see Humpback Whales which can be seen both on the northwards and southwards migrations along the coast.  Olive Ridley turtles and manta rays are also often seen at the surface and below.  The coral reefs and steep drop-offs provide excellent snorkeling if you wish, with some huge shoals of fish and pelagic visitors such as sharks and barracudas.  We can pre-arrange diving for certified divers.

The Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica's north eastern Caribbean coast is another excellent place to see lowland rainforest wildlife and birdlife. There are 309 spp of bird here, and between July - October it is one of the best places in the world to see green turtles laying their eggs on its beaches. From late March to early June, Tortuguero can also be a good place from which to see giant leatherback turtles nesting.

Of Costa Rica's cloud forests, Monteverde is probably the most famous. Costa Rica's national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal, is an important draw here, as well as its abundant hummingbirds, insects and cloud forest flora. We make use of almost 3 km of aerial walkway to explore at canopy level, as well as a choice either of 15 canopy zip lines or a horseback ride to one of the area's prettiest rainforest waterfalls.

For some focused guided natural history and scenic treks we take you to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, the Tirimbina Biological Reserve and pathways in the Arenal cloud forests and edges of the volcano itself.  For inland rainforest and marine life, we offer you a choice between a slow boat trip along some of the best wildlife viewing to be found on the Sarapiqui River, or take you to its roughest section for Grade III white water rafting.

Like any of our Costa Rica experiences, this one can be tailor to meet your timings, preferences and special interests. We can easily add in or swap locations to incorporate more relaxation, adventure, a higher standard of ecolodge where available or allow for a more intensive look at certain birdlife, wildlife or marine life.

Click here for a draft itinerary.

Photographs kindly provided by Natalia Lizano, the La Selva Research Station, ICT, Ralph Pannell