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Exotic Costa Rica

12th January, 2024 to 23rd January 2024

12 days – 11 nights

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This epic wildlife adventure is designed for photographers of all skill levels, so come join me and our wonderful Spanish speaking local guide on this photo tour where we will help you get wonderful, unique, bird and wildlife images.

Costa Rica is a nature/wildlife photographer’s heaven. Rich in birdlife and other wildlife, it is frequently noted as one of the greenest Countries on Earth.  It extends majestically from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea – and its distance is barely 200 miles.  Costa Rica also boasts over 850 species of birds – that’s 10% of the world’s total avian population. Some of the exotic birds that we aim to encounter, and capture amazing images of, are the resplendent quetzal, toucans, parrots, jabiru stork, honeycreepers, colourful tanagers, and always a highlight, a multitude of hummingbirds.

This tour, as listed below, isn’t just about birds though.  We will have plenty of time to encounter other wonderful wildlife that abounds in Costa Rica.  On the list will be no less than 8 species of frogs, snakes (including a viper), basilisk lizard, reptiles, crocodiles, white face monkey – and if lucky the elusive spider faced monkey, plus much more.

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Highlights of this tour :-

  • over 850 different species of birds to photograph
  • flash setup to capture Hummingbirds in flight
  • short hikes through the forest looking for birds in their natural habitat
  • focus on clean backgrounds to enhance your images
  • 2 days out in the field locating birds that don’t just come to feeders
  • bats in flight
  • frog and snake photography session
  • photographing King Vultures from a hide
  • photography assistance by myself and our local biologist guide

DAY 1:  Arrive San Jose

Please plan your arrival into San Jose for no later than mid-late afternoon

On arrival, our private transportation will take you to your hotel in San Jose.  We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm and enjoy a welcome dinner together.

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DAY 2: San Jose to Sarapiqui

It is time to begin on our wonderful expedition.  Today will be a full day to do something different.  We will meet a wonderful local naturalist (Cope) who has a ‘piece of paradise’ where we will spend part of the day shooting Gray-necked Wood rails, Honduran-white Bats, Owls and many more birds.  These birds will be easy to find and photograph.  For the remainder of the day we will follow our host to shoot what he finds in the lands surrounding his property.  We never know exactly what we will get to photograph but there are always amazing surprises awaiting us.

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DAY 3: Sarapiqui to Boca Tapada area

Boca Tapada is an amazing destination.  Here you will see an incredible array of birdlife.  Amongst the birds that we will photograph are Honey Creepers, Parrots, Toucans, Tanagers and more.

Our day will begin with an early breakfast at our hotel, followed by a bus ride through the lowlands of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.  Our route will take us through the picturesque countryside and farming areas.  Upon our arrival, we will get ready to start shooting an array of colourful and beautiful birds against the backdrop of the rainforest.   We will enjoy exclusive use of a wonderful photography deck this afternoon.

Tonight after dinner, the first half of the group will leave to photograph Nectar Bats in flight.

(B,L,D)

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DAY 4: Boca Tapada – full day

This morning we will enjoy our shoot with Toucans, Parrots, Aracari, and many more tropical birds from our privately reserved deck as well as throughout the lodge.  Mid- morning, the group will head to two blinds to photograph the amazing King Vultures.  The group is separated into the two blinds and then are switched over to give optimum photography opportunities from both blinds.   After dinner tonight,  the second half of the group will leave to photograph Nectar Bats in flight.

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DAY 5: Boca Tapada – Sarapiqui

This morning we have one last morning to enjoy time on our private deck and throughout the lodge with the incredible birdlife in this area.  After lunch we will depart and seek out the stunning and colourful Macaws – hoping to catch them in flight.

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DAY 6: Sarapiqui – full day

Today we will enjoy a full day dedicated to a macro photography session of frogs.  There will be no less than 8 different types of frogs in their natural habitat, with a controlled environment set up for photography.  You will have the opportunity to photograph the popular Red-eyed Leaf Frog  (a rainforest icon) and the loveable tiny Glass Frog whose body is transparent.  Also found in this area is the stunning emerald basilisk lizard, so rich in its iridescent green and sporting its three impressive dorsal crests, and makes a very cooperative subject.  For those that do not have a macro lens, we will also work with compositions using flowers and different elements that we will find at this amazing location.

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DAY 7: Sarapiqui – Talamanca area (Highlands of Costa Rica)

Today we will head to the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica .  This area offers an amazing variety of species and photo opportunities..   After lunch the fun will begin as we photograph Hummingbirds in flight as well as search for the amazing resplendent Quetzal.  Flash stations will be set up for you to utilise so that you will be able to freeze these amazing hummingbirds in flight.

(B,L,D)

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DAY 8: Talamanca area – full day

Everyone will be ready for another photography adventure!  This time our morning begins with the famous Quetzal quest.  We will spend the entire morning looking for, and photographing the amazing Resplendent Quetzal.  The Resplendent Quetzal is a startling emerald jewel of the cloud forest.  The brilliant red and green male, with it’s legendary tail feathers that can be a meter long, are considered the most beautiful bird in the world.  Later in the afternoon, there will be the opportunity to photography hummingbirds in flight off the deck near the lodge, or return to our morning location to continue our quest for the Quetzal.  After a wonderful day of photographing it is lovely to sit by the fire that is lit in the main lodge before enjoying another hearty dinner.

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DAY 9: Talamaca area to Tarcoles

After breakfast today we will head to the lowlands of the Pacific side of Costa Rica.  After lunch, we will get ready to begin our photography adventure,  boarding a boat that will take us on the Tarcoles River looking for birds such as Boat-billed Herons, Caracaras, Lapwings etc.  There is also a good population of American Crocodiles giving us a great opportunity to photograph them as well.

(B,L,D)

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DAY 10: Tarcoles area – full day

Today we will spend the entire day out of the Lodge.  This area will bring many new species such as Macaws, Motmots, Owls, Manakins, Lesser-ground Cuckoo, Puff Birds and many others.

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DAY 11: Tarcoles to San Jose

We will depart early for an early morning boat ride to capture the beautiful morning light on the river with the awakening birds.  We will depart around midday for our return to San Jose.

Once settled back into our rooms and freshened up we will meet at 6:30pm for our farewell dinner where we can sit back, enjoy, and reminisce on our fantastic Costa Rica adventures.

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DAY 12: Departure from San Jose

This morning a private transfer will take you back to the international airport.  Driving time from our hotel to the airport is roughly 20-30 minutes.

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TOUR DATES :-

DETAILS AND TOUR COST

January 12th to January 23rd, 2024

Operator and Instructor / PhotographerRenee Doyle Photography
Local Guide/Biologist/Photographer
Duration :12 days, 11 nights
Cost :$6,900.00 USD per person based on twin share

$    900.00 USD single supplement

Deposit:25% non refundable deposit to secure your spot.
Balance via Direct Deposit due 150 days prior to departure

A non-refundable deposit of USD 25%  is required due to the small group size and advanced planning for tour leaders, guides and accommodation requirements.

We therefore recommend you purchase travel insurance within one week of making your deposit.

Deposits can be made via Direct Transfer.  Final payments to be made via Direct Deposit.

Please note that order of activities may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, but all activities will be endeavoured to be completed and with always the possibility of new surprises!

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :

  • Transfers from San Jose airport to Hotel and Hotel to San Jose Airport on arrival and departure dates of tour only – outside of tour dates transfers are at participants cost
  • 11 nights accommodation at best available lodging to offer us the best vantage locations for photography
  • welcome dinner San Jose (alcoholic beverages at participants own cost)
  • all meals from welcome dinner in San Jose on Day 1 to breakfast Day 12
  • private transportation throughout Costa Rica with professional driver
  • all entrance fees
  • gratuities for the local guides in organised activities
  • use of photography decks
  • use of photography blind (King Vulture session)
  • use of multi-flash equipment for Nectar Bats sessions and Hummingbirds sessions
  • in-field photo tuition and review
  • english/spanish local naturalist guide

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :

  • flights to and from San Jose
  • alcoholic beverages and cocktails
  • soft drinks
  • gratuities for local guides and driver
  • gratuities for lodges/wait staff
  • items of personal nature
  • airport departure tax ($30 included with most airlines)
  • travel insurance
  • extras in hotel such as laundry, minibar, room service, telephone calls
  • other items not listed as included in price

TOUR POLICIES :

PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS POLICY FOR THIS TOUR :-

All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars.   Final payment of the trip fee is due 150 days priors to departure and must be paid by bank transfer. Trip deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

If Written Cancellation is Received :

150 days or prior :

149 to 91 days prior:

90 or fewer days:

Cancellation Fee:

100% of deposit (USD 25% deposit non-refundable)

50% of entire trip fee

100% of entire trip fee

Because I incur costs up-front, such as deposits (many non-refundable) for blocks of hotel rooms and local tour operators and transportation, if you have to cancel for any reason (medical or other) you will receive refunds based on the sliding scale outlined above.  All cancellations must be in writing.

No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

I strongly recommend travel and medical insurance

RESPONSIBILITY:
A Registration Form including the Acknowledgement of Risk, Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement must be signed by each member at registration, prior to the trip. See the Registration Form for additional details on policy and limitation of liability not included here. Renee Doyle Photography and its Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses must be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely.

Download the Tour Registration Form:

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