About this tour
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located in northern Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border, is one of the most important wetland ecosystems in Central America. This unique habitat is globally recognized for its incredible bird diversity, especially waterbirds and migratory species.
During the tour, we explore rivers, lagoons, and flooded forests by boat, offering excellent visibility and close encounters with wildlife. The slow navigation allows us to observe birds resting, feeding, and nesting in their natural environment, making it an ideal experience for both birdwatchers and photographers.
Caño Negro is particularly productive during the dry season, when water levels drop and concentrate large numbers of birds in smaller areas, creating spectacular viewing opportunities.
Birds You May Encounter in Caño Negro:
Waterbirds and wetland specialists
Roseate Spoonbill
Wood Stork
Jabiru (rare but possible)
Boat-billed Heron
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Anhinga
Neotropic Cormorant
Ducks and migratory species
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler (seasonal)
Iconic and colorful birds
Kingfishers (Amazon, Ringed, Green, American Pygmy)
Snail Kite
Osprey
Great Potoo (occasionally found roosting)
Forest edge and open area species
Limpkin
Jacanas
Flycatchers
Hawks and other raptors
Additional Wildlife
Besides birds, Caño Negro offers great chances to see:
Caimans
Iguanas
River turtles
Three-toed sloths
Monkeys
Why this tour is special?
One of the best wetlands in Costa Rica for birdwatching
Excellent opportunities for photography from the boat
High concentration of birds, especially in dry season
Chance to see rare and migratory species
Unique ecosystem different from rainforest tours