Costa Rica Bird & Wildlife Photography Workshop — March 2027
Ten days of bird and wildlife photography with Jeff and Angie, from Tárcoles boat sessions to Caño Negro wetlands, hummingbirds in flight and Sarapiquí rainforest.
About this tour
Bird photography takes several forms on this ten-day Costa Rica workshop, scheduled for March 11–20, 2027. Jeff and Angie Birmingham provide instruction throughout, while a bilingual local guide helps locate wildlife and prepare photography sessions. The group is limited to ten participants, and photographers of all experience levels are welcome.
The journey starts near San José International Airport and continues to Tárcoles. Early bird sessions include Fiery-billed Aracari and forest subjects such as motmots, owls and trogons. Two boat outings on the Tárcoles River provide practice with raptors in flight and opportunities to photograph mangrove birds, waterbirds and other river wildlife. Instruction can address focus tracking, exposure and the practical demands of photographing from a boat.
Road travel toward Arenal introduces different elevations and bird communities. A private wildlife boat excursion at Caño Negro explores wetland habitats, with aquatic birds, monkeys, caimans and other animals among the possible subjects. On the transfer to Sarapiquí, a specialized multi-flash session at Catarata del Toro focuses on hummingbirds in flight, including Violet Sabrewing among the possibilities.
The Sarapiquí portion combines macro photography of frogs, snakes and reptiles with a sloth session and a visit to a macaw sanctuary. Scarlet Macaw portraits and birds-in-flight practice are part of the program. A final lowland-bird session at La Hoja seeks tanagers, parakeets and toucans before the return to San José. Subjects are not guaranteed, and sessions include arranged photography settings as well as natural habitats.
Nine nights of lodging, scheduled meals, airport transfers on the arrival and departure days, private ground transportation, guiding, photography instruction and specified sessions are included. Hampton Inn near the airport is planned for the first and final nights, with the other itinerary hotels or similar properties between them. The price is USD 5,750 per person sharing; single occupancy adds USD 950 and the reservation deposit is USD 1,500 per person.
Expect early starts, boat boarding, uneven natural surfaces and warm, humid or rainy weather. Participants carry their own camera equipment. A telephoto lens, weather protection and suitable walking footwear are useful for the range of bird, rainforest and close-up subjects.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Costa Rica.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival near San José
Arrive at SJO and transfer to Hampton Inn near the airport. Settle in and prepare camera equipment for the field sessions.
Day 2
San José to Tárcoles
After breakfast, begin bird photography with Fiery-billed Aracari among the subjects. Spend the afternoon with a local naturalist, seeking trogons, owls, motmots and other animals.
Day 3
Tárcoles boat sessions
A sunrise boat outing provides practice with raptors in flight. Return to the water in the afternoon to photograph mangrove birds, waterbirds and river wildlife.
Day 4
Tárcoles to Arenal
Travel toward the Arenal region, stopping for birds as elevations and habitats change. Tanagers, woodpeckers and euphonias are among the possible subjects.
Day 5
Caño Negro wildlife boat trip
Explore the river and wetlands on a private boat excursion. Look for aquatic birds, monkeys, caimans, iguanas and other wetland wildlife.
Day 6
Hummingbirds en route to Sarapiquí
Continue toward Sarapiquí via Catarata del Toro. A multi-flash hummingbird session develops timing and high-speed photography techniques, with Violet Sabrewing among the possibilities.
Day 7
Rainforest macro photography
Take part in a guided session for frogs, snakes, amphibians and reptiles. Practice close-up composition, lighting and depth of field with these smaller subjects.
Day 8
Sloths and macaws
Begin with sloth photography, then visit a macaw sanctuary. The afternoon includes Scarlet Macaw portraits and a dedicated session for macaws in flight.
Day 9
La Hoja birding and San José
Photograph lowland birds at La Hoja, with tanagers, parakeets and toucans among the subjects sought. Return to the airport area for the final overnight stay.
Day 10
Departure from SJO
Transfer from the hotel to Juan Santamaría International Airport for the homeward flight. Departure arrangements follow the scheduled tour transfer.
Locations & map
- San José - Costa Rica
- Tárcoles - Costa Rica
- Arenal Volcano region - Costa Rica
- Caño Negro - Costa Rica
- Catarata del Toro - Costa Rica
- Sarapiquí - Costa Rica
- La Hoja - Costa Rica
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Single traveler supplement: USD 950
Included
- Nine nights of accommodation
- Meals specified in the daily itinerary
- Scheduled arrival and departure airport transfers
- Private in-country ground transport
- Bilingual local guiding
- Photography instruction from Jeff and Angie
- Two Tárcoles bird and wildlife boat sessions
- Private Caño Negro wildlife boat excursion
- Hummingbird multi-flash photography session
- Macro session for frogs, snakes and reptiles
- Sloth and macaw photography sessions
- Access to scheduled photography decks, blinds and perches
- Scheduled entrance and photography-access charges
- Pre-trip photography classes
- Loaner camera equipment when available
- Luminar Neo lifetime editing license and tuition
Not included
- International flights
- Meals outside the stated itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Passport and baggage costs
- Laundry and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Transfers or activities outside the scheduled program
Transport & stays
- Private road transport and wildlife boats Scheduled airport transfers and road journeys link San José, Tárcoles, Arenal and Sarapiquí; bird photography includes river boat sessions.
Accommodations
- Hampton Inn near SJO (day 1) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- Tárcoles Birding Lodge or similar (day 2) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- Tárcoles Birding Lodge or similar (day 3) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- Tilajari Hotel or similar (day 4) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- Tilajari Hotel or similar (day 5) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- La Isla Lodge or similar (day 6) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- La Isla Lodge or similar (day 7) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- La Isla Lodge or similar (day 8) Double occupancy; single supplement available
- Hampton Inn near SJO (day 9) Double occupancy; single supplement available
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.