Costa Rica’s green season has begun. It starts in May and runs to November. This is truly one of the best times to travel in Costa Rica. Yes it could rain…but usually it will be some showers in the afternoon, which lasts for a few hours. Usually, the mornings are sunny and nights are clear. This is the time of the year when the country is lush, green and alive. It is also one of the best times to see wildlife. The impact on wildlife is minimized during the green season because there are fewer tourists and food is plentiful.

In the green season, between July and October, Tortuguero beach is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered green turtle. Historically these turtles were captured for turtle soup and other export products. In the 1960’s the green turtle population was perilously close to extinction. Then in 1970 Tortuguero National Park was established to protect the turtles. To insure the success of the project it was important to involve the villagers of Tortuguero who were hired as park guards to patrol the beach, discourage poaching and note any turtle activity. As ecotourism developed, villagers were trained to guide tourists on turtle watching excursions. This is truly an unforgettable experience. Observe a phenomenon that has been played out continually from prehistoric times. This is one of the main reasons why Tortuguero is so famous. You cannot witness this fascinating spectacle outside Costa Rica’s green season.

8 Tips for Better Turtle Watching

• Turtle tours occur only at night.

• You must be accompanied by a licensed guide

• Tours last between 2 and 4 hours

• Good walking shoes (not sandals) are recommended.

• Wear dark clothes. White clothing isn’t permitted.

• You may want to bring rain gear.

• Flashlights, flash cameras and lighted video cameras are prohibited

• Smoking is prohibited on the beach

The Resplendent Quetzal

Costa Rica’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal with its dazzling green plumage, crimson red breast, and its streaming tail feathers, is considered one of the most gorgeous tropical birds in Central America. Although the quetzal is found from Mexico to the Panama, Costa Rica is the best place to see it in the wild, particularly in the San Gerardo de Dota region. The cloud forest is home to a huge number of quetzals. Past indigenous populations considered the quetzal divine; it was the Mayan’s Holy Bird, and it often appeared in their cultural renderings next to their Gods. The Mayan nobility used the bird’s long streaming feathers for headdresses and cloaks. A glimpse of a quetzal is a spectacular sight and is a highlight to both birdwatchers and nature lovers of every stripe.

Humpback Migration

During the green season, Humpbacks migrate from the Antarctica to Costa Rica beginning in July until November. The fifth largest of the rorquals whales, the humpback is an unforgettable sight. It can grow to fifty-two feet in length and weigh up to fifty tons. Humpbacks may be grey, black or mottled on the top and predominantly white on their flippers and underbelly. Because of the distinctive white markings on the underside and the flukes, scientists can identify individual whales for study and research purposes. A humpback whale has an enormously powerful breach that can lift 90% of its body out of the water. This lunge or cresting display is an amazing sight to witness and often a common courting gesture to attract a female’s attention. It is certain to grab your attention as well.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park may be small but it is composed of lush tropical forests, lagoons, mangroves, striking white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife. There are 109 species of mammals including white-faced and howler monkeys, two and three toed sloths and iguanas. If luck is on your side, you might even see the endangered squirrel monkey.

Costa Rica Nature Close-up Tour

Our coast to coast tour, Costa Rica Nature Close-up, which only operates during the green season, is designed to show you the incredible natural diversity found in this small but naturally diverse country. Experience the rainforest and canals of Tortuguero National park and the awe-inspiring pre-historic green turtles nesting sightings at night. Experience the cloud forest while searching for the dazzling quetzals. Experience the power of a breaching whale. Wake to the shrieks of howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park.