Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge: Full-Day River Safari from La Fortuna

Discover One of the World's Most Important Wildlife Sanctuaries

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a world-renowned wetland and one of the most incredible bird-watching and wildlife-viewing destinations in Costa Rica. This full-day trip from La Fortuna takes you to the northern side of the country, near the Nicaraguan border, to an area teeming with life. If you are a nature lover, this is an adventure you simply cannot miss.

The Scenic Journey North

Your day begins at 7:30 a.m. as we pick you up from your hotel in La Fortuna. As we drive north, your guide will turn the journey into a learning experience, pointing out the vast agricultural plantations that fuel Costa Rica's economy. You'll see and learn about the cultivation of staples like yucca (cassava), papaya, pineapple, sugar cane, and oranges.

Your 2.5-Hour "Rio Frio" Boat Safari

Upon arrival at the "El Caiman" restaurant, you'll enjoy a welcome drink and a snack before boarding the boat. We will then set off for a 2.5-hour covered boat tour on the "Rio Frio" river. Because this is a protected refuge, the animals are plentiful and undisturbed. Your professional naturalist guide will help you spot an amazing variety of fauna, including:

Monkeys (Howler, Spider, and White-Faced Capuchin)
Caimans (often seen sunbathing on the riverbanks)
Sloths (both two-toed and three-toed)
Iguanas, Bats, and countless species of flora

A World-Class Bird Watching Destination

Caño Negro is world-famous as a "hotspot" for incredible bird watching. During the tour, you'll be on the lookout for a huge variety of aquatic and migratory birds. Keep your binoculars ready to see Egrets, Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, and hundreds of other species that make this refuge a birder's paradise.