Animals in Costa Rica | The Definitive Guide to Finding Costa Rican Wildlife

Costa Rica is full of unforgettable experiences waiting for you! Whether you want to take a guided tour at Palo Verde National Park or relax at Playa Conchal, this country in Central America has a lot to offer.

Something that Costa Rica is known for, however, is its impressive wildlife. From humpback whales to monkeys and wild cats, there’s always something interesting to seek.

On this page, I’ll give you a guide on how to find the best spots for wildlife watching in Costa Rica. If you’re interested in seeing breathtaking animals in their natural habitat, this is the perfect spot to start.

You can also read my guide on when to visit Costa Rica specifically for wildlife. It will increase your chances of seeing the species you’re looking for.

An Overview of Costa Rica Animals

Wildlife in Costa Rica is pretty diverse, so it’s normal if you don’t know where to start.

Here’s an overview of the animals and wildlife of this Central American country:

• Costa Rica is the perfect place for birdwatchers. You can find diverse habitats from Pacific Coast reserves, the cloud forests, and the Caribbean Lowlands. Some of the most unique species include hummingbirds and the Resplendent Quetzal.
• This country is home to a wide range of mammals, including the endangered Squirrel Monkey and gentle giants like Baird’s Tapir.
• Costa Rican authorities have made a huge effort to preserve its species and habitats. This makes it one of the best destinations for those wanting responsible wildlife experiences.

Which Costa Rican Animals Can You Expect During Your Trip?

Below is everything you need to know about the most important species of Costa Rica. Regardless of what you’re looking for, it’s a great idea to know what to expect from every animal before starting your trip.

Let’s get started!

Birds

When it comes to birdlife, Costa Rica is one of the greatest places to consider. It’s home to fantastic species like the Scarlet Macaw and Resplendent Quetzal.

Feathered Jewels of the Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast is full of avian life. If you visit the Curi-Cancha Reserve, for example, you can find interesting species like the Keel-billed Toucan; it looks like something that came out of a movie!

It doesn’t stop there, though. Costa Rica is also home to endemic species like the Mangrove Hummingbird.

Make sure to pay attention when strolling along the Pacific coastline. You won’t want to miss the Brown Boobies, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Brown Pelicans, and Blue-winged Teals. There are many more species to be discovered there!

If you go to the Guanacaste region, check out its dry forests. You’ll find the Lesser Ground-Cuckoo and the Turquoise-browed Motmot, two species that are specific to the region.

Wonders of the Caribbean Coast

What if you go to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands? You can expect to see over 300 bird species there. Some of them include:

• Keel-billed Toucans
• Great Green Macaws
• Green Ibises
• American Pygmy Kingfishers
• Scarlet Macaws

Seeing the Great Green Macaw is an experience you can’t miss. You can go to Tortuguero National Park or the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to see this magnificent species. It’s known for having colorful blue wing accents and an impressive olive-green plumage.

Species from the Cloud Forests

The cloud forests are also known for being home to plenty of birds, specifically hummingbirds. Some species include the Coppery-headed Emerald and the Violet Sabrewing. There are over 50 species you can see in these areas.

Some of the best places to check out the hummingbirds are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the “Hummingbird Garden” of Selvatura Park.

In some cases, you can hear the Black-faced Solitaire or the Slaty-backed Nightingale, which have some of the most beautiful calls of the cloud forest.

Make sure to read my guide on where to go birdwatching in Costa Rica. It will give you all the information necessary to see most birds in the wild.

Mammals

Costa Rican mammals are exciting to look at. You can find them around Costa Rica’s tropical forests. There are around 200 species of mammals there!

Primates of Costa Rica

As you walk around the rainforests, you’ll likely see a variety of primates. There are four main monkey species in Costa Rica:

• Howler Monkeys
• Spider Monkeys
• Squirrel Monkeys
• White-faced Capuchins

The Squirrel Monkey, specifically, is one of the smallest primate species in the world. It’s also endangered. You can spot it in two of Costa Rica’s national parks: Corcovado and Manuel Antonio. While you’re there, you may also see Howlers and White-faced Capuchins, so these are great locations to spot primates.

Also, you can check out the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary to see a few other species of monkeys.

Seeing monkeys in Costa Rica is one of many tourists’ main goals, so why not give these places a shot?

Sloths and Tapirs

These are known as “gentle giants,” and you can see them in the canopy while exploring the undergrowth. If you’re lucky, you can see three-toed sloths. Sometimes, however, you may see the two-toed sloth too! Both species spend most of their lives in trees throughout dry and humid forests.

You don’t have to stop at trees, though. If you look at the forest floor, you may see the Baird’s Tapir, which is considered a “living fossil.” This animal is extremely important in its ecosystem, so it requires biological corridors and primary forests to thrive.

Coastal and Marine Mammals

Let’s not forget about Costa Rica’s coastal and marine areas. Did you know that Costa Rica has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world? If you go from January to February, you’re in for a treat.

The waters of the Pacific Coast will give you a glimpse of fantastic animals, including humpback whales. You may also see the Pseudorca (False Killer Whale), as well as pilot and blue whales.

Besides whales, you may also see a few species of dolphins, including the Spinner Dolphin and the Pacific Spotted Dolphin. If you take a look offshore, you may spot Killer Whales and Fin Whales, which are apex predators.

Reptiles

Reptiles heavily contribute to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, so they’re worth checking out. The unique climate of this country makes it ideal for many reptiles to thrive.

Some of the species you’ll find include:

• Crocodiles
• Snakes
• Caimans
• Turtles
• Iguanas

Lizards and Iguanas

It’s not hard to spot iguanas and lizards in Costa Rica. Some great species include:

• Ctenosaura (Spiny-tailed Iguana)
• Green Iguana
• Nocturnal Gecko
• Basilisk (also known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard”)

You can find these species while exploring the Osa Peninsula or the dry Guanacaste region. Either way, these are amazing animals to keep an eye out for.

Snakes: The Land of the Green Viper

Costa Rica is an interesting place when it comes to snakes. There are over 130 species to be found here. Don’t worry, though; most Costa Rican snakes are non-venomous. They’re very shy!

As for venomous snakes, there are only about 22 of them. Most of them aren’t dangerous to humans, so you wouldn’t sustain life-threatening injuries from their bite. Still, I recommend you don’t try to handle them. It’s always safer if you admire from a distance.

Some unique species include:

• Boa Constrictors
• Lance-headed Vipers
• Rattlesnakes
• Mexican Burrowing Pythons

Sea Turtles and Their Nesting Grounds

Costa Rica’s beaches are considered nesting grounds for four endangered sea turtle species:

• Leatherback Sea Turtle
• Olive Ridley Turtle
• Hawksbill Turtle
• Green Turtle

Interestingly enough, each species has a unique nesting season. Leatherbacks tend to nest from February to July, whereas Olive Ridleys do it from July to December.

Mass nestings (also called “arribadas”) tend to happen at places like Ostional and Playa Grande. Here’s my guide on finding the best places to watch sea turtles nest in Costa Rica. Remember to always respect these animals and their nesting sites.

Amphibians

According to National Geographic, there are about 149 frog species in Costa Rica. Depending on where you look, you can find Poison Dart and Red-eyed Tree frogs, among other species. These animals fill the place with incredible sounds at night.

Frogs of the Forest Floor

You can see a wide range of frogs while looking at the forest floor. One of the most popular species includes “Blue Jeans Poison Dart” frogs. They have a red body complemented by blue back legs. Although this animal is tiny, it’s very hard to miss because of its colors.

Tree Frogs in the Canopy

By looking high up in the canopy, you can find “Red-eyed Tree” frogs. They’re known for having vibrant colors and red eyes. Fun fact: These animals have suction cups on their toes, as well as bright green coloration for camouflage.

You can go to rainforests near water bodies to spot these species. In some cases, you may even hear their call before seeing them.

Amphibian Protection Efforts

Most amphibians play a huge role in keeping Costa Rica’s ecosystems safe. The Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center, for example, has done plenty of conservation efforts to protect these species, most of which are under threat.

A wetland in the Guayacán Rainforest Reserve, for example, was rehabilitated some time ago. This led to the return of 13 frog species.

Insects and Arachnids

Your trip to Costa Rica won’t be complete until you explore its insects and arachnids. They play a significant role in maintaining Costa Rica’s ecosystems, and you can find them in many places, particularly the forest floor.

The Land of Butterflies

Costa Rica is home to an outstanding number of 1,500 butterfly species. If you’re a butterfly lover, this is as close to paradise as you’re going to get.

One of the most recognizable butterflies in Costa Rica is the Blue Morpho. It has a bright blue color, but did you know that it’s just a visual illusion? They appear to have that color because of the reflective scales on their wings. When light reflects through them, it creates the “blue” color we see.

If you ever notice a brown butterfly alongside the Blue Morpho, that would be its female version.

Fascinating Spiders

There are almost 2,000 spider species, so you can see them almost everywhere across the country. Some species include the Pantropical Huntsman and the Goliath Birdeater.

Something important to note is that the insect world in Costa Rica tends to come to life at night. When the darkness comes around, you will see some beautiful fireflies. Other insects include katydids and walking sticks.

What Are Costa Rica’s Most Unique National Parks?

Costa Rica’s parks are considered sanctuaries of biodiversity, and they play a significant role in preserving most ecosystems. If you’re a nature or wildlife lover, you must visit these national parks. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Manuel Antonio National Park

The Manuel Antonio National Park is home to many species, including:

• White-faced Capuchins
• Sloths
• Squirrel Monkeys

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado is on the Osa Peninsula, and it’s home to a significant amount of mammals that you may not spot elsewhere. Some animals include:

• Spider Monkeys
• Baird’s Tapirs
• Jaguars

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is situated in the mountains of Costa Rica, and it’s the perfect place to go birdwatching. Whether you want to check out hummingbirds or toucans, rest assured you’ll find them there.

Some unique species include:

• Three-wattled Bellbirds
• Resplendent Quetzals
• Tanagers
• Black-breasted Wood Quails

Before Starting Your Adventure

Seeing the animals of Costa Rica is an experience you won’t ever regret. However, remember to always engage in responsible tourism. Some of the best practices include staying at a safe distance from the animals, not feeding certain species like the White-faced Capuchin, and more.

These measures will ensure you keep protecting these creatures and their habitats. Make sure to follow local guidelines, and you’ll have a great time.

Bottom Line

Costa Rica is one of the most exciting places to see wildlife. Its national parks are crucial pieces of the puzzle, and they serve as sanctuaries for many species.

Regardless of which species you’re looking for, Costa Rica has diverse ecosystems that will give you an experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Make sure to pack everything you need for your trip, and start a journey you won’t ever forget!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Area of Costa Rica for Wildlife Sightings?

Some of the best areas to spot Costa Rica wildlife include:

• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Marino Ballena National Park
• Nicoya Peninsula
• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Osa Peninsula
• Monteverde Cloud Forest

What’s the Largest Animal in Costa Rica?

The largest animal in this country is the Baird’s Tapir. This animal can reach up to two meters in length!

Are There Bears in Costa Rica?

Yes! You can spot certain bear species in Costa Rica, such as the kinkajou. These animals don’t resemble typical bears, though.

What Is One of the Most Common Animals in Costa Rica?

One of the most common animals you’ll find in Costa Rica is the “Spider Monkey.” Other species include hummingbirds, tarantulas, and toucans.

What Types of Wildlife Can I Find in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is home to diverse wildlife. Some species include humpback whales, monkeys, sea turtles, and an impressive number of birds.