Costa Rica Photography
Holidays
Iridescent hummingbirds flitting through moss-drizzled cloudforest; spider monkeys cavorting through lowland jungles; basilisk lizards draped over mangrove branches… Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, and this escorted tour will take you to some of the best places for photographing its rich and colourful wildlife. Photography tours are planning to launch in 2027, following the publication of Will Gray's new Costa Rica Wildlife guide.
16nt (17-day) Costa Rica Wildlife & Landscapes Photography Tour
Will is the author and photographer of Bradt’s new Costa Rica Wildlife guide (published in 2027). Using firsthand knowledge of the country’s wild places, his photography tours feature carefully selected ecolodges in a range of habitats, from cloudforest and rainforest to Pacific coast. The itinerary also includes numerous outstanding wildlife photography opportunities at hides, observation platforms, fruit and nectar feeders, and conservation projects. With two- or three-night stays at most properties there’s plenty of time for honing your wildlife photography technique, with help from Will. As well as bird and mammal photography, there will be ample opportunity to develop macro skills for capturing frogs and insects, as well as orchids.
Highlights
• Photograph a dazzling array of hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, tanagers, parrots, orioles and woodpeckers from special hides and wildlife-viewing platforms
• Stay in spectacular ecolodges surrounded by wildlife
• Travel in the company of photographer Will Gray and our local expert (and English speaking) driver/naturalist guide
• Enjoy numerous pre-booked activities designed to give you the best chance of returning home with outstanding photographs
• Set off on a quest for the magnificent resplendent quetzal in the montane cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota
• Get close-up views of king vultures from a special hide
• Explore the lowland rainforest and Pacific coast of the Osa Peninsula, renowned for its scarlet macaws and diverse mammals, from coatis and squirrel monkeys to tapirs and pumas
• Photograph elusive amphibians and reptiles, such as red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs and eyelash vipers in the controlled, natural setting of a conservation project
• Hike trails in the cloud forest and visit orchid gardens
• Spot sloths and monkeys in the lowlands
• Encounter humpback whales and dolphins
Tour dates
• 26 February – 14 March 2027
• 23 July-8 August 2027
The start date is when the group meets in San José for the first night of the tour (usually following a daytime flight from Europe).
The tour finishes in SanJosé on the end date in time for overnight flights to Europe. Or you can extend your stay in Costa Rica.
Duration
The Costa Rica Wildlife & Landscapes Photography Tour is 16 nights, 17 days, San José–San José. This does not include flights to and from San José. You are welcome to extend your trip before or after the tour. We're always happy to offer advice and suggestions.
Group size
Maximum of 7 clients, plus Will Gray and a local driver/naturalist guide. We use a comfortable minibus with plenty of space for luggage and a window seat for everyone.
Cost
2027 tours:
£TBC per person sharing (where one or both is a photographer).
£TBC per person for a single traveller (photographer only), including all single supplements.
This excludes flights to San José, any visa fees and other items listed below.
Flights
You need to arrange your own flights to San José International Airport.
We can advise you on flights to ensure you select routes and timings that dovetail with your photography tour.
Photography level and gear
This tour is suitable for beginners through to enthusiast photographers.
You will get more out of the trip if you already have a good knowledge of your camera's controls and a basic understanding of processing images using Lightroom.
Included
• Escorted tour, with tuition from Will Gray
• Transport in comfortable vehicle with air-con and local driver/guide
• Internal flight from Puerto Jimenez to San José at the end of the tour
• Accommodation on a single or twin-share basis in superb ecolodges and hotels chosen for their specialist facilities for photographers, such as hides and viewing platforms
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• A comprehensive programme of dedicated photography activities, including private tour in search of resplendent quetzals, professional bird photography workshops, amphibian and reptile macro workshops, primate spotting on the Osa Peninsula area, night walks to spot caimans, scorpions, frogs and spiders, and guided visits to botanical gardens
• Boat trip in search of Pacific humpback whales and dolphins, plus snorkelling on the coral reef at Cano Island
• All entry permits and national park fees
• Lightroom sessions during the tour
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
• International flights
• Personal travel and photographic insurance
• Meals not specified in itinerary
RESERVE A PLACE ON THIS PHOTO TOUR
Complete the form opposite and we will be in touch with further details.
By completing this form, you are simply registering your interest in this photography holiday. You don't need to pay anything yet and there's no obligation for you to go ahead with the booking if you change your mind. When we get back to you to confirm your place, we will also send you a link to complete a Booking Form, and we will also provide details of how to pay your deposit, and the remaining balance for the photography holiday.