Some of the most interesting animals on the globe are found in the wilds of Costa Rica, and many of those animals are my favorite type of animals: reptiles.
My visits to Costa Rica generally consist of exploration and taking in the local culture, but another thing I really love about Costa Rica is the diverse wildlife, including the reptiles.
What is a Reptile, Exactly?
You might think this is an easy question to answer, but a lot of people confuse amphibians, like frogs and toads, with reptiles. Additionally, people might not realize that certain animals are reptiles.
In general, reptiles consist of creatures like lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and even snakes! All reptiles are cold blooded, and they are also all vertebrates, which means they have a backbone, or spine. Currently, we know of about 8700 different species of reptiles in the world, but there certainly might be more.
In Costa Rica, there are approximately 225 types of reptiles, and out of those, about 70 of them are lizards. The size of the reptiles of Costa Rica vary, from the very small, like tiny geckos to the largest of the green iguanas. Costa Rica also has a number of turtles, and out of the seven different types of sea turtles in the word, five of them nest on the beaches of Costa Rica.
Let’s explore some of the reptiles of Costa Rica and see what this magical place has to offer!
The Snakes of Costa Rica
On this island nation, there are more than 130 different species of snakes, but only about 20 of them are venomous. The ones that might be a danger to humans, fortunately, are also pretty difficult to find, so the chances are not great that you would run into them while on your Costa Rican adventure.
In regard to the snakes of Costa Rica, though they might not all be dangerous, there are other reptiles and creatures that are dangerous, so I always recommend that you only visit the forests of this country when you have a guide. These people have local knowledge, and they can also point out animals that you might not be able to see. Remember, too, that you should always stay on the trail! You don’t want to wander off and come face to face with an angry green iguana!
For those who might be nervous about or unable to take a hike, there are a number of herpetariums, where you can learn all about snakes and other animals, as well as see some endangered species, and other reptiles of South and Central America.
Large Lizards to Look for in Costa Rica
Some of the most common lizards in Costa Rica include iguanas, basilisks, and geckos.
Iguanas
Most people are familiar with green iguanas, but they also come in other colors, including black. Iguanas are known as diurnal animals, which means they are more active in the daytime when there is more light, than at night. This is why you will often find them sunning on local streets, and in December, which starts mating season, you might see the green or black iguana change colors to attract a mate.
For the most part, the green iguana isn’t a threat at all, and they are an important part of the world’s biodiversity.
Basilisks
Another type of lizard you will find in Costa Rica is the basilisk.
Also known as the Jesus Christ lizard, because they can run over water, there are several different types including the green basilisk, the plumed basilisk, brown basilisk, and more.
For those who are interested in seeing all of the basilisks in Costa Rica, one of the best places I have found is the Corcovado National Park where I saw several brown basilisks on a recent visit. Here, it’s possible to observe them in a natural habitat, and you will notice that they feed on small animals, like smaller lizards, on native fruit, and even on bird eggs.
Geckos and Anoles
Finally, we have geckos and anoles. Many geckos live in the country of Costa Rica, and I have seen many both in the trees and on the ground lounging in the sun like their larger counterparts, the green iguana. Most geckos are small, however, and they fall prey to other lizards, as well as birds, as a source of food. The slender anole is one of the most common.
Crocodiles and Caimans
Costa Rica is also home to both crocodiles and caimans, though they are not as common as other lizards you might find in the country. Mostly they live in rivers, but because fishermen, which have yummy fish, are also near the beach, it’s not out of the question to see them on the sand or rocks. If you do see a crocodile, walk away. It’s likely not going to do anything to you unless you get too close.
The caiman, which some confuse with crocodiles, are only found in freshwater. Crocs, however, are in both saltwater and freshwater. Another difference between these similar looking lizards are the teeth. Caimans have an upper jaw that hides their lower teeth, so you won’t see them. Crocodiles show all of their teeth.
In general, both reptiles stay under the water, so you likely won’t encounter them.
Turtles of Costa Rica
Finally, in our discussion of reptiles, we find turtles. In Costa Rica, there are five species of sea turtles and nine types of turtles who live on solid ground.
Costa Rican Sea Turtles
Most of the sea turtles that you might see in Costa Rica are endangered turtles, including the green sea turtle, which is commonly seen in the Tortuguero National Park.
Another sea turtle, the leatherback, is not only the largest in the world, but it is also found on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The Olive Ridley turtle is another species, that is very cool, as well as one of the most abundant types of sea turtles in the world.
To see the sea turtles in Costa Rica, you should have a guide who will ensure that your experience is one that you will never forget. You don’t want the animals to feel threatened, nor do you want them to get hurt. Depending on where you are going in Costa Rica, there might be different times of the year to see different types of sea turtles.
If you don’t have a chance to see sea turtles on land, you might get lucky, too, and see one while snorkeling. I can tell you from personal experience that it is an unforgettable sight!
Turtles that Live on the Ground and in the Freshwater Rivers and Lakes
Finally, we have the turtles that you might see on land in Costa Rica. These include mud turtles, wood turtles, and of course, snapping turtles! These turtles have huge heads and they won’t hesitate to snap if they feel threatened, so keep your distance if you are out and see a snapping turtle!
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
