Humpback Whales are a Big Tourist Attraction in Costa Rica

Are you planning on heading down to Costa Rica for your next vacation? If so, then one activity you will enjoy while you are there is whale-watching. This may seem like a very different activity compared to the usual rafting and volcano tours, but it is a sight definitely worth checking out at least once in your life.

The recommended months to see the whales are from August through October in the South part of Costa Rica, and December to April in the Northern section. You are most likely to spot the common humpback whale in Costa Rica's oceans. These whales are living in the tropical waters in the winter months, then head up north for the summer.

In Costa Rica, you can find around 50 companies that specialize in whale-watching tours. Estimates say that Costa Rica received around 100,000 tourists specifically to see the humpback whales, this is an increase of about 74% compared to 10 years ago. Costa Rica actually has attracted the biggest increase of visitors compared to other Latin American countries.

One of the best places to view the whales in Costa Rica is the Ballena National Park. This park was created with the idea of preserving and protecting the whales during their mating periods. The park is located in Puntarenas, near Punta Uvita and is a huge Costa Rican tourist attraction. The humpback whale was placed on the endangered species list in 1967, and there is an estimated 10,000 of these whales living around the world.

Costa Rica's Natural Treasures

Backpacking in an exotic country like Costa Rica can be an unmatched experience as long as you get all the basic information. Located in Central America, Costa Rica’ name is originated from the words rich coast in Spanish, a name given thanks to its varied natural diversity, making it as one of the most Intriguing spots on the planet. The Mangrove swamps make Costa Rica one of the most wanted places to be, especially if you are a nature lover

The small area of Costa Rica is the home to around 5% of the biodiversity on the planet, the country also has the most stunning range of exotic natural diversity. It means that the number of wildlife species per 10,000 sq km here is 615, which is an exhibition of the magnificent natural splendor that Costa Rica has to offer. Over 25% of the country is protected for environmental purposes, Costa Rica counts with 26 protected forests, 20 national parks, 9 natural reservations, 8 wildlife refuges, 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 1 archaeological monument, making it one of the most diverse

The most frequent animals are the birds, Costa Rica holds approximately 900 species of birds, more than what is found in any one of the continents. Costa Rica also holds approximately 260 mammal species, approximately 65,000 insect species, approximately 180 species of amphibians, 235 species of snakes and lizards and approximately 135 sweet water fish and approximately 700 saltwater fishes.

Anyone who has traveled in the tropics in search of wildlife can tell you that you don't need to venture far to experience the nation’s full palette of magnificent nature wonders. You can find all kind of creatures from Invertebrates with funny looking forms, moths that look like wasps, to the colossal Caligo memnon butterfly whose huge open wings resemble the wide-eye face of an owl, and the motted bark colored beetle. With patience you can also spot other animals such as monkeys, iguanas, quetzals, and sloths. You can also see a series of other animals including felines like pumas and other wildcats

The Costa Rica Travel Agencies feature great trips to the most stunning protected areas such as Poas Volcano, Braulio Carrillo National Park to mention some. Finding information about Costa Rica is as easy as turning your computer on, there are a lot of sites in where you can find all the basic information about traveling in Costa Rica as well as other practical tips.

Costa Rica Wildlife

Costa Rica is a favorite destination for many naturalists from all over the world. If you are a casual wildlife observer interested in a mix of animal species then you have to visit Costa Rica. Some of Costa Rica wildlife is easier to spot than others, that’s something that depends merely in what you’re looking to see and where you are. Costa Rica Tourism and Travel Bureau will provide you with the most comprehensive compilation of Costa Rica lodging and species of animals you can expect to see in this marvelous and beautiful tropical country.

But if life is good in Costa Rica for humans, it's a paradise for animals. Squirrel monkeys are becoming an important symbol for wildlife in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to some of the most popular species of water and land based animals and with this honeymoon you will try and see them all. Costa Rica nature Costa Rica's varied ecosystems are a naturalist's dream, ranging the animals into the deepest seclusion. Costa Rica has a long-standing democracy, model conservation efforts, and panoply of adventures, including wildlife observation, biking, hiking, diving, golf, etc. 12 percent of Costa Rica is made up of parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges. At the Costa Rica Wildlife Rehab you'll be working with animals that have been rescued from, in some case, awful circumstances and helping to prepare them to go back into their habitats,

Below are sounds of just a few animals that you will hear and see on our properties. a number of places to see wildlife in Costa Rica other than in the wild. The flora and fauna of Costa Rica is so diverse that is extremely difficult to here is a good sample of plants and animals that is constantly being added on.

Costa Rica Animals

Costa Rica is host to over 200 different species of mammals and most notably, monkeys are what traveler’s cannot wait to see the most. Costa Rica has four different species of monkeys inhabiting different regions of this small country. The New World monkeys are the capuchins, spider, squirrel, and howler. The capuchins monkeys are probably the best known on the four. If you remember the old organ grinders, then you will remember the little performing monkeys on the leash. They are just as interesting to watch in the wild as they dig around logs for ants, steal food and hoard it, and meticulously pick apart each bite they take. Not phased by curious onlookers, they tend to run in families near Santa Rosa and Manuel Antonio National parks. The squirrel monkeys or titi monkeys are smaller and on the endangered species list. Like the capuchins, they too will forage and eat basically anything. The spider monkeys were the most abundant to the jungles forest until human invasion and could not maintain their population due to the inclusion of man. Their name is given to them due to the extraordinary long tail and human like hands. They are more acrobatic, yet solitary animals. The howler monkey reigns as the biggest and loudest monkey in Costa Rica. Their calls are so shrieking loud they can be heard from over a mile away.

Another mammal you may be able to see in Costa Rica is the beautiful and elusive Jaguar. These creatures who were once worshipped in past civilizations are now sadly endangered. Jaguar at seven feet long, are the most powerful of the cat family. Because they can swim, run, and climb, their feeding needs leave them plenty of variety, and they are not picky. And even though they are considered to be shy, they are not afraid of man. The remaining Jaguar population is in trouble due to deforestation and man. Once an abundant breed, these beautiful creatures are now decreasing in larger numbers.

You will probably want to see the two toed or three toed sloth while in Costa Rica either because you have no idea what a sloth is or you do, and have seen what unusual characters these gentle mammals are. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when watching these graceful creatures move slowly among the trees with their physical attributes being nothing that fits well on their body. With long bony arms, beady eyes, claws for hands and a flat face, combined with poor hygiene, poor hearing and living most of their lives upside down, you have to wonder how they have come to survive so well in the rainforests. Look up to see the sloth high in the cecropia tree, eating this favorite food, and sleeping for almost 18 hours a day. Sloths can live way beyond 20 years, if they don’t fall prey to lurking eagles first.

Tapirs are another weird looking creature sharing the same rainforest with sloths. The eccentric odd looking mammals combine the looks of a rhino, pig and a horse. Their elephant stump trunk is their way of getting leaves into their mouth. They too, like the jaguar are near extinction due to man. When in danger, Tapirs run with human speed to close waters to camouflage themselves from their predators, which these days is mostly humans.

Other cool animals to look for while you are in Costa Rica is the cute kinkajou, like a north American raccoon, and the infamous anteater which are common in the lowlands of Costa Rica.