Must see Native Animals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to an abundance of wildlife many people have only seen on television or in magazines. When you travel to Costa Rica you’ll be able to experience these exotic animals in person. But with so many to choose from, how do you choose what to see during your stay? Not to worry, we’re here to tell you which animals are a must-see when you visit Costa Rica.

Sea Turtles

This is the vacation destination for you if you’re looking to see a sea turtle or two. Many turtle species return year after year, to the same beaches no less, along the coastlines. You can find the Leatherback Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle on the Caribbean and Pacific coast.

Whales

With the longest whale watching season in the world, this is the place to go if you want to experience watching a Humpback Whale bursting through the ocean’s surface. Costa Rica is also home to the Pilot Whale, the Blue Whale and the Pseudo-Orca Whale. However, you’ll be able to see the Humpback whale all year long as opposed to the others.

Crocodiles

Costa Rica is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a wide range of crocodiles that many people travel to catch a glimpse of. The average crocodile in Costa Rica can reach two to three meters long, making it fairly easy to spot them. Although, they’re often confused for driftwood when floating around in the water.

Scarlet Macaws

The Scarlet Macaw is a standout bird among them all, thanks to their vibrant red colouring. This species of bird mates for life, and is most commonly seen in pairs. They keep a diet of vegetation, fruits and seeds, which you can observe effectively when you visit the Carara National Park.

Monkeys

Four specific monkey species have made their home in Costa Rica, including the White-Faced Capuchin, the Mantled Howler, the Spider Monkey and the Squirrel Monkey. The great thing about these monkeys is that they travel in troops, so if you see one, it’s only a matter of time before you see a whole gang of them. Manuel Antonio National Park is the best destination to visit if your goal is to see as many monkeys as possible.

Sloths

Curious and slow creatures as they are, sloths seem to be on everyone’s bucket list, especially wildlife enthusiasts. Costa Rica is home to two types of sloths: the Two-Toed Sloth and the Three-Toed Sloth. Three-Toed Sloths are more commonly seen during the day, while Two-Toed sloths are nocturnal. Booking a night hike is probably the best way to get a sneak peek at these ones.

Toucans

Piqued at a young age thanks to Toucan Sam, it’s always fun to see the real-life version of your favourite characters. Within Costa Rica, there are six species of toucans flying about. The two that are the most popular are the Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan and the Keel-Billed Toucan. Chestnut-Mandibled Toucans have deep red and bright yellow bills, while the Keel-Billed Toucan has a multicoloured billed and a yellow neck. Toucans are also known as frugivorous, meaning that they only eat fruits.

At AXR Jaco, we offer excited tourists the opportunity to see crocodiles and other incredible exotic animals through our crocodile tours. While touring the island of Tortuga, you can have an adventure you’ll never forget. With excellent customer service, bilingual staff and affordable prices, visit our website to book your crocodile tour today!