Bird Watching Tours on the Tarcoles River, Costa Rica

The unique location of the Tarcoles River and its easy and productive birding makes it one of the best birdwatching sites in all of Central America.

Forming the Northern border of Carara National Park and situated in the transition zone between the Tropical Dry Forest to the North and the Pacific Rainforest to the South, the Tarcoles River is the meeting place for an incredible abundance of bird life. Over 300 species of birds have been observed on the river, including native, migratory and coastal birds. Some of the favorite birds to spot are the American Pygmy-Kingfisher, Double-striped Thick-knee, Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Common Black Hawk, and endemic Mangrove Hummingbird. The intricate Guacalillo mangrove estuary system positioned where the river empties into the Pacific Ocean also contributes to exclusive mangrove species of birds spotted, such as the Panama Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cotinga, Mangrove Vireo and Yellow Warbler among others. This mangrove is also the nesting site of the brilliant Scarlet Macaw which can often be seen (and heard) flying overhead. In addition to birds, the Tarcoles River is an important habitat to one of the world’s largest populations of American Crocodiles, as well as habitat to Basilisk lizards, iguanas, monkeys, anteaters, and much more.

Experience the magnificent birds of the Tarcoles River by river boat with us, Tarcoles Birding Tours!