When it comes to wildlife encounters, few places on Earth compare to Costa Rica. Home to lush jungles, misty cloud forests, and vibrant coastlines, this small country offers extraordinary opportunities to observe some of the world’s most iconic species up close — if you know when and where to look. 

Whether you dream of glimpsing the shimmering feathers of a resplendent quetzal, spotting the elusive jaguar in dense rainforest, or witnessing sea turtles nesting under a starlit sky, timing your visit can make all the difference.

In this seasonal planner, we’ll guide you through the best months to experience Costa Rica’s natural wonders, helping you plan an unforgettable — and eco-responsible — adventure with Green Circle Experience.

Wildlife Overview: The “Big Three”

Before diving into the seasonal calendar, let’s get to know the stars of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity: the resplendent quetzal, the majestic jaguar, and the ancient sea turtles. Each of these species holds a special place in Costa Rica’s ecosystems — and in the hearts of those lucky enough to encounter them.

Resplendent Quetzal

One of the most celebrated birds in Central America, the resplendent quetzal enchants travelers with its iridescent emerald feathers and flowing twin tail plumes. Revered by ancient Mesoamerican cultures as a symbol of freedom and divinity, this elusive bird thrives in the cool, humid cloud forests of Costa Rica.

You’ll find the best chances of spotting a quetzal during its breeding season, when it seeks out old trees to nest and is more active around the forest canopy. San Gerardo de Dota and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are among the top destinations for witnessing their breathtaking beauty.

Jaguar

As the largest feline in the Americas, the jaguar is a true emblem of Costa Rica’s wild spirit. Solitary, powerful, and highly elusive, jaguars roam the dense rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, and the Talamanca region.

Although direct sightings are rare, travelers sometimes come across paw prints on riverbanks, hear their low roars echoing through the jungle, or glimpse them on specialized camera trap tours. Jaguars play a crucial role as apex predators, maintaining the health of tropical ecosystems — and their mysterious presence makes every journey into the wild feel electric.

Sea Turtles

Costa Rica’s shores are a sanctuary for sea turtles, hosting some of the world’s most spectacular nesting events. Several species — including green turtles, leatherbacks, olive ridleys, and hawksbills — return year after year to the beaches where they were born, completing a remarkable cycle of life.

Visitors can witness mother turtles laying eggs under moonlit skies or tiny hatchlings racing toward the ocean, depending on the season. Iconic nesting sites include Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast and Ostional and Playa Grande on the Pacific. Watching these ancient creatures in their natural rhythms is an experience that captures the magic of Costa Rica’s connection to the sea.

Seasonal Wildlife Calendar: When and Where to Spot Them

Costa Rica’s wildlife rhythms follow the natural cycles of rain, sun, and moon — meaning that the best time to spot a quetzal, jaguar, or sea turtle can change dramatically throughout the year.

Here’s your month-by-month guide to planning the ultimate wildlife adventure:

January

• Quetzals: Mating season begins; see colorful courtship displays in San Gerardo de Dota and Monteverde.
• Jaguars: Drier trails improve tracking conditions in Corcovado and Tortuguero.
• Sea Turtles: Green turtle hatchlings emerge in Tortuguero; smaller olive ridley nesting events continue in Ostional.

February

• Quetzals: Peak courtship rituals; the cloud forests come alive with their unique calls.
• Jaguars: Still good conditions for river crossings and wildlife observation in Osa Peninsula.
• Sea Turtles: Occasional arribadas (mass nesting) of olive ridleys in Ostional.

March

• Quetzals: Breeding season peaks; photographers flock to Monteverde and Los Quetzales National Park.
• Jaguars: Remain near water sources as dry season continues.
• Sea Turtles: Leatherbacks start nesting at Playa Grande and Las Baulas National Park.

April

• Quetzals: Nesting period; lucky visitors can spot parents feeding chicks.
• Jaguars: Harder to find as pre-green season rains begin, but still active in remote areas.
• Sea Turtles: Leatherback nesting remains strong; night tours available along the Pacific coast.

May

• Quetzals: Chicks fledging from nests; activity starts to decrease.
• Jaguars: Start retreating deeper into the rainforest with increasing rains.
• Sea Turtles: Leatherback nesting winds down; quieter beaches.

June

• Quetzals: Breeding season ends; sightings become rare.
• Jaguars: Rainy season in full swing; sightings mostly by camera traps.
• Sea Turtles: Green turtles begin arriving in Tortuguero.

July

• Quetzals: Mostly dispersed; not ideal for sightings.
• Jaguars: Still elusive but active; listen for distant roars in Corcovado at dusk.
• Sea Turtles: Green turtle nesting peaks in Tortuguero.

August

• Quetzals: Dispersed through various elevations.
• Jaguars: Peak territorial activity in the most remote rainforest areas.
• Sea Turtles: Peak of green turtle nesting season; night tours from Tortuguero are unforgettable.

September

• Quetzals: Migration phase; mostly hidden.
• Jaguars: Excellent time for tracking jaguar presence (prints, camera trap tours).
• Sea Turtles: Olive ridley arribadas at Ostional begin — thousands of turtles arrive simultaneously.

October

• Quetzals: Some begin returning to cloud forests as rains slow.
• Jaguars: Remain active but sightings are extremely rare.
• Sea Turtles: Ongoing arribadas of olive ridleys in Ostional and strong green turtle nesting.

November

• Quetzals: Return to cloud forest territories in San Gerardo de Dota.
• Jaguars: Somewhat easier to spot as dry season approaches.
• Sea Turtles: Hawksbill turtle nesting begins in the Caribbean (Gandoca-Manzanillo area).

December

• Quetzals: Breeding displays resume; incredible photography opportunities.
• Jaguars: Best chance at the start of the dry season; river areas like Sirena Station in Corcovado are hotspots.
• Sea Turtles: Final green turtle hatchlings in Tortuguero; leatherbacks begin early arrivals.

Wildlife Watching Tip

• Book wildlife-focused lodges early, especially during peak nesting or mating seasons (January–March for quetzals and July–October for sea turtles).
• Consider night tours for turtle nesting and early morning hikes for quetzal spotting.
  

Wildlife Watching Tips: How to Observe Responsibly

Spotting wildlife in Costa Rica is a breathtaking experience — but how you watch matters just as much as what you see. As a country committed to conservation, Costa Rica encourages visitors to engage in eco-conscious observation that protects both animals and their habitats. Here are our top tips for a respectful and rewarding wildlife experience:

1. Travel with Certified Local Guides

Whether you’re birdwatching in Monteverde or joining a turtle night tour in Tortuguero, always choose certified naturalist guides. They know where to go, how to approach animals safely, and will enrich your experience with fascinating facts. Plus, supporting local guides strengthens community-based conservation.

2. Keep a Safe & Respectful Distance

Wild animals should never be touched, chased, or fed. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to admire from afar. Many species — especially sea turtles and nesting birds — are extremely sensitive to disturbance, and human interference can lead to stress or abandonment of nesting sites.

3. Ditch the Flash

Avoid using flash photography, especially at night. Flash can disorient nocturnal animals like turtles, frogs, or owls. For turtle tours, use red-filtered headlamps provided by guides, or low-light settings on your camera to capture the moment without harm.

4. Stay on Trails and Respect Signage

Many wildlife areas are part of protected reserves with designated trails. Staying on them prevents damage to delicate ecosystems and reduces your chances of disturbing hidden nests or dens.

5. Choose Eco-Friendly Lodges and Tours

Support accommodations and operators that follow sustainable tourism practices. At Green Circle Experience, all our partner ecolodges and itineraries are built around low-impact travel, carbon-neutral transportation, and respect for wildlife corridors.

What to Pack for Wildlife Adventures

• Binoculars (essential for birding)
• Quick-dry clothing in earth tones
• Hiking boots or waterproof shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Headlamp (for turtle night walks — red light preferred)
• Dry bag (for river or rainforest tours)
• Rain jacket or poncho (especially May–November)

From cloud forests to coastal sands, Costa Rica’s wildlife is always on the move — and with the right timing, so can you be. By following this seasonal calendar, you’ll not only increase your chances of witnessing rare and unforgettable animal behavior, but also travel in harmony with the natural world.

Ready to meet a quetzal in the mist, catch a glimpse of a jaguar’s shadow, or stand in awe as sea turtles emerge under moonlight?
Start planning your journey with Green Circle Experience today — and make every moment part of something meaningful.