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.
18nt (19-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 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.
Highlights
• Photograph a dazzling array of hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, tanagers, parrots, orioles and woodpeckers (as well as bats) from special hides and wildlife-viewing platforms
• Set off on a quest for the magnificent resplendent quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota, timed to coincide with the nesting season of this iconic species
• Get close-up views of king vultures from a special hide
• Explore the lowland rainforest and Pacific coast of Corcovado National Park, 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 cloudforest
• Spot sloths in the lowlands
• Encounter humpback whales and dolphins
Tour dates
The 2027 Costa Rica Photography Tour is from 15 May – 3 June. Dates for tours in 2028 and beyond will be announced 12-18 months before departure. The start date of the tour is when the group meets in San José on Day 1.
Duration
The Costa Rica Wildlife & Landscapes Photography Tour is 18 nights, 19 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 5 clients (based on five single photographers), plus tutor/guide Will Gray, a local driver and guide. We use a comfortable minibus with plenty of space for luggage.
Cost
15 May – 3 June 2027:
£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, with local driver and guide
• Accommodation on a single or twin-share basis in ecolodges chosen for their specialist facilities for photographers, such as hides and viewing platforms
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• A programme of dedicated photography activities, including locally-guided resplendent quetzal search, king vulture hide, amphibian and reptile macro
workshop, primate and large mammal walking safari in Corcovado National Park area, and night walks to spot caimans, scorpions, frogs and spiders
• Boat trip in search of humpback whales
• 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.