WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Round-trip domestic airfare between San José and Puerto Jiménez

• Eight nights lodging

• All meals while on the Osa Peninsula

• All ground transportation during the tour

• All scheduled excursions and activities

• Experienced local naturalist guides

• Professional photography instruction throughout the tour

• Park entrance fees and other fees associated with scheduled tour activities

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare to and from San José, Costa Rica

• Meals in San José

• Alcoholic beverages

• Gratuities for local guides and staff

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses and any activities not included in the scheduled itinerary

• 

  Red eyed tree frog, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at the San José airport, you’ll be met by Carlos or a member of his team, who will be waiting with a sign with your name on it. If you’ve ever arrived at a busy Latin American airport, you’ll appreciate how nice it is to skip the search for a taxi or hotel shuttle amid the airport chaos.

From the airport, you’ll be transported by comfortable private van to our hotel in San José. Dinner is on your own this evening, giving you a chance to settle in and rest after your travels.

Janine and I will already be in Puerto Jiménez preparing for your arrival. Tomorrow morning, you’ll leave the city behind and fly to the wild Osa Peninsula, where the real adventure begins!

DAY 2 - WELCOME TO THE OSA PENINSULA!

After breakfast, Carlos will pick everyone up for the short transfer to the domestic terminal, where you’ll board a morning flight to Puerto Jiménez. Janine and I will meet you when you arrive, and from there we’ll head to our home for the next seven nights, the beautiful Botanika Osa Peninsula.

After getting settled, we’ll explore the resort’s extensive grounds and nearby shoreline — and the photography can begin almost immediately. The Botanika property itself can be surprisingly productive for wildlife. On our scouting trip, we found two sloths, each with a baby, along with scarlet macaws and numerous other birds. We’ve even encountered crocodiles!  Every year has only gotten better for photography at the resort!

Botanika is a beautiful and very comfortable base for our time on the Osa. And after a warm, humid day of wildlife photography, you’ll especially appreciate returning to an air-conditioned room — something that isn’t available at many lodges on the Osa Peninsula.

We’ll finish our first day on the Osa with dinner together at the resort.

DAY 3 - WILDLIFE SAFARI TO CARATE AND CORCOVADO

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head out by van for a full day of wildlife photography as we travel south toward Carate and the edge of Corcovado National Park.

We’ll be watching for all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species, along with sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, trogons, parrots and much more. On our scouting trip, many of the monkeys we encountered had babies — always a favorite photographic opportunity.

Our route takes us through both primary and secondary rainforest and eventually to the end of the road on the Osa Peninsula, near the entrance to Corcovado National Park. Traveling this far into the Osa takes us through some wonderfully wild country and increases our chances of encountering some of the peninsula’s less commonly seen wildlife.

Lunch today is something special. We’ll stop at a small local farm, where a Costa Rican family will prepare lunch for us. A number of guests on previous trips have told me this unexpected experience was one of the highlights of the tour.

Botanika also makes sure our vans are well stocked with snacks and cold drinks throughout our outings, so we’ll be well taken care of during the day.

After a full day in the field, we’ll return to Botanika for dinner and a comfortable evening at the resort.

DAY 4 - REPTILES, FROGS AND MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

Today we’ll turn our lenses toward some of the Osa Peninsula’s smaller — and incredibly photogenic — inhabitants.

We’ll visit a remote farm where the owner, who knows the surrounding property extremely well, will locate a variety of snakes, frogs, toads and other small creatures for us to photograph. We never know exactly what species we’ll have the opportunity to work with, and that’s part of the fun.

We’ll set up several photography stations and rotate between them, giving everyone plenty of time and space to photograph these fascinating animals in somewhat controlled conditions. Natural-looking perches and backgrounds allow us to create beautiful images while getting an up-close look at wildlife that can be extremely difficult to photograph in the rainforest.

The animals are handled temporarily and will be released back where they were found after our photography session.

We’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at the farm, where the photography often continues. Numerous birds frequent the property and its feeders, providing additional opportunities before we head back to Botanika for dinner.

DAY 5 - MATAPALO WILDLIFE SAFARI

Today we’ll return to the rainforest for another wildlife safari, this time exploring the Matapalo area. We won’t travel as far as we did on our Carate excursion, which gives us more time to get out of the vans, explore and photograph along the way.

We’ll travel through both primary and secondary rainforest, watching for monkeys, sloths, birds and whatever else we might encounter. With the incredible diversity of the Osa Peninsula, every outing is different — and some of the best photographic opportunities are often the ones we never expected.

We’ll also have opportunities for rainforest and landscape photography as we explore this beautiful part of the peninsula.

After another full day in the field, we’ll return to Botanika for dinner and a relaxing evening at the resort.

DAY 6 - YOUR DAY, YOUR CHOICE

A free day on one of my photo tours? Anyone who has traveled with me before knows that's unusual! My tour days tend to be pretty full.

But during our time on the Osa, we realized there was simply too much to experience to fit everything into one itinerary. Rather than choose for you, we decided to leave one day open so you can pursue whatever interests you most.

You may decide to keep photographing right around Botanika, where the grounds themselves can offer excellent wildlife opportunities. Or choose from optional excursions available through the resort, which may include a trip to Sirena Station in Corcovado National Park, kayaking, zip-lining, a chocolate farm tour and more. Kayaking has often been a popular choice, and I'll likely join anyone who decides to head out on the water.

This is also a great opportunity for some one-on-one photography time. I'll be around throughout the day, so if you'd like help with image processing or editing, want an image critique, have camera or photography questions, or would simply like to sit down and talk photography, I'm happy to spend time working with you.

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with taking the day off! Enjoy the pools, visit the fitness center, schedule a massage at the spa, or simply relax and recharge.

Meals are still included today, and we'll come back together for dinner at the resort.

Please note that optional excursions, spa treatments and other activities you choose on this free day are not included in the tour price and are at your own expense.

DAY 7 - SLOTHS, GARDENS AND CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHY.

Today we'll visit a family farm that a local naturalist has carefully managed to create ideal habitat for sloths, including planting many of the trees they prefer. The sloths here are completely wild and free-roaming — although sloths don't roam very fast!

Nothing is caged or captured, and this has consistently been one of our best opportunities to photograph these fascinating animals in a natural setting.

As we explore the trails, we'll also be watching for birds and other mammals. The property has bird feeders that can be very productive, giving us even more photographic opportunities while we're there.

The family will prepare a delicious lunch for us at the farm, which is always a wonderful way to finish our time there.

After lunch, we'll visit another beautiful property featuring lush gardens and opportunities to photograph some of Costa Rica's smaller reptiles and other close-up subjects. I scouted this location in 2025 and really liked the photographic possibilities, so I'm excited to add it to the tour for the first time.

After another varied day of wildlife photography, we'll return to Botanika for dinner.

DAY 8 - LA DANTA: HUMMINGBIRDS, MACAWS & BUTTERFLIES. 

For our final full day of photography, we'll visit La Danta, a location offering excellent opportunities for photographing some of Costa Rica's most colorful wildlife.

We'll concentrate on butterflies, scarlet macaws and hummingbirds, with as many as four hummingbird species possible. After a week of photographing everything from monkeys and sloths to frogs, reptiles and rainforest wildlife, this gives us one more chance to add some beautiful and very different images to our Costa Rica portfolios.

This will be the first time I've brought a group to La Danta, and I'm excited to add this location to our itinerary.

Tonight we'll gather back at Botanika for our farewell dinner and celebrate a great week of photography on the Osa Peninsula.

DAY 9 - RETURN TO SAN JOSE AND DEPARTURE

After an incredible week on the Osa Peninsula, we'll take a morning flight from Puerto Jiménez back to San José.

Our scheduled morning departure may make it possible to connect with an afternoon international flight home. However, domestic flight schedules can change, so please check with us before booking your international departure and we'll help you plan an appropriate connection.

Not ready to leave Costa Rica? We completely understand! If you'd like to extend your trip, we're happy to make recommendations. You could even add another night or two at Botanika and enjoy a little more time on the Osa.

If your international flight departs the following day, you'll need an additional hotel night in San José. We're happy to help with recommendations and arrangements — just let us know.

WHAT IF I DON'T SPEAK SPANISH?

No problemo! Everyone you'll interact with regularly — from our airport transportation team to the staff at Botanika — speaks excellent English. You'll have no trouble communicating during the tour.

WHAT ABOUT CURRENCY?

There's really no need to arrive with Costa Rican colones. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in the areas we'll be visiting and work well for things like guide gratuities.

For hotel incidentals, drinks, souvenirs and other purchases, credit cards are generally the easiest option and typically provide a favorable exchange rate. It's still never a bad idea to have some small U.S. bills on hand.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

Expect a tropical climate. Nights are typically comfortable, with temperatures in the low 70s, while daytime highs are generally in the 80s. It can be warm and humid, and rain is always possible in the rainforest.

WILL WE VISIT CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK?

We'll travel very close to Corcovado National Park on several of our outings, but our scheduled itinerary does not actually enter the park.

The best access to the remote Sirena Station is by boat, and a day trip may be available as an optional excursion on your free day. Getting there is an adventure in itself and can include roughly a 90-minute boat ride and a wet surf landing.

We actually overnighted at Sirena Station during our scouting trip because I originally intended to include it in this tour. The wildlife viewing was very good, including opportunities to see species such as Baird's tapir that are difficult to find elsewhere. However, I found the accommodations quite rustic and the photography surprisingly challenging compared with the opportunities we had outside the park.

Sirena's overnight accommodations consist of large, open-air sleeping areas with numerous bug-net-covered bunks. After experiencing it ourselves, we decided it wasn't the right fit for this particular photo tour.

If you're especially adventurous and would like to add a Sirena visit or overnight stay before or after the tour, let us know and we'll be happy to help you explore the options.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal. I was comfortable wearing shorts much of the time, while Janine preferred lightweight, quick-drying long pants — zip-off pants can be a good option. A lightweight quick-drying shirt and a light rain shell are also recommended.

We'll occasionally be walking on wet or muddy trails, so lightweight hiking shoes or waterproof hiking boots are both good choices. I wore running shoes knowing they would sometimes get wet, and I noticed many of our local guides did the same.

A lightweight hat for sun protection is also a good idea.

WHAT ABOUT BUGS?

Honestly, the bugs haven't been nearly as bad as you might expect in a tropical rainforest. I rarely used insect repellent and don't remember getting bitten much at all. Janine, who seems to be more of a bug magnet than I am, did get a few bites.

I'd still recommend bringing insect repellent, particularly if mosquitoes tend to like you, but bugs have generally been a non-issue for us.

WHAT ABOUT WI-FI?

Botanika has Wi-Fi in the guest rooms and common areas, and we've found the standard connection perfectly adequate for normal use. The resort has also offered a faster upgraded connection for an additional fee.

WILL MY CELL PHONE WORK?

That depends on your carrier and international plan, so check before leaving home. We've had cellular service around Puerto Jiménez and closer to town, although coverage becomes less reliable as we travel into more remote areas of the Osa Peninsula.

We also strongly recommend installing WhatsApp before the trip. It's widely used in Costa Rica and makes communication with local guides, drivers and others much easier.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?

The tour is limited to just 8 participants. Keeping the group small gives everyone plenty of room to photograph and allows me to spend individual time with each photographer throughout the trip.

HOW PHYSICALLY DEMANDING IS THE TOUR?

Not very demanding at all. One of the advantages of this itinerary is that we're usually able to drive quite close to the best wildlife photography areas, so long hikes aren't necessary.

At times we may stop along a beach or other area and spread out looking for photographic opportunities, but you can walk as little or as much as you feel comfortable. The grounds at Botanika are flat and easily accessible as well.

If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us before booking and we'll be happy to talk through the itinerary with you.

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL IS REQUIRED?

All skill levels are welcome!

I especially enjoy working with newer photographers and watching their skills and confidence improve over the course of a tour. At the same time, I often have very experienced photographers traveling with me, so you're likely to find a mix of skill levels in the group.

Whether you need help understanding your camera settings or you're an experienced photographer looking to make the most of every opportunity, I'll meet you where you are.

WHAT CAMERA GEAR AND LENSES SHOULD I BRING?

For most of our wildlife photography, I find a lens in the 100–400mm range ideal. It provides plenty of reach while remaining flexible enough for the variety of subjects and situations we'll encounter.

Add a wide-angle lens for landscapes and environmental images and you'll be well covered for most of the tour.

Once the trip gets closer, I'll provide more detailed equipment recommendations, and I'm always happy to discuss your particular camera system and help you decide what to bring.

WILL I BE ABLE TO CHARGE CAMERA BATTERIES?

Absolutely. Charging camera batteries and other electronics in your room at Botanika is no problem.

Costa Rica uses the same style of electrical outlets as the United States, so U.S. travelers generally do not need a plug adapter.

DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes — strongly.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in the event that illness, injury, travel disruptions or other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from traveling.

Be sure to carefully review the policy's coverage, exclusions and deadlines when purchasing insurance, particularly any requirements for coverage that must be purchased within a certain period after your initial trip deposit.

One resource we recommend is www.travelinsurance.com, which allows you to compare coverage and pricing from multiple travel insurance companies in one place.

Disclosure: We have an affiliate relationship with TravelInsurance.com and may receive a commission if you purchase a policy through our link, at no additional cost to you.

CAN MY NON-PHOTOGRAPHER SPOUSE OR COMPANION JOIN ME?

Absolutely — and it's not uncommon!

A non-photographer companion can enjoy the wildlife, scenery, excursions and resort right alongside the photographers. There's certainly no requirement to have a camera in your hands to enjoy the Osa Peninsula.

Contact us for companion pricing and we'll be happy to discuss the options.

Here are a few testimonials specific to my Costa Rica Photo Tour.  Go here to see far more testimonials. 

Our trip to Costa Rica was our 3rd time to travel with Ron. Every trip has been so much fun. In Costa Rica, the resort was beautiful and the food excellent. Each day Ron and the nature guide provided well organized tours of the surrounding area - discovering monkeys, birds, and other native wildlife. The comraderie of the group, the laugher, and the excellent photo oppurtunities made this one of our favorite trips! We highly recommend traveling with Ron. We hope to again soon.  John Holland

Terrific itinerary in the Oso Peninsula of Costa Rica, excellent accommodations and extremely helpful and personable coordinators. A great photo tour for any level of photographer!  Marsha F.

I have spent time with Ron in Alaska, Costa Rica and Arizona and consider him a great mentor and true friend. Ron introduced me to camera trapping which has become a rewarding obsession while also improving my overall photography. On tours, he's as enthusiastic as his guests, with a sense of humor that keeps everyone loose. He and Janine have researched and arranged tours with every enjoyable detail falling seamlessly into place. Each tour provides great memories, cards filled with amazing photos and friendships with fellow guests that make one long for a reunion.  MH

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS

Double Occupancy — $6,129 per person
Single Occupancy — $7,343 per person

Maximum group size: 8 participants

Your tour price includes round-trip domestic airfare between San José and Puerto Jiménez, eight nights lodging, meals while on the Osa Peninsula, ground transportation, scheduled excursions, local naturalist guides and professional photography instruction.

PAYMENT, CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

We work directly with Botanika/Crocodile Bay Resort to operate our Costa Rica Photo Tour. Their team provides the local expertise and logistics that help make this trip possible.

Payments are made directly to Botanika/Crocodile Bay Resort, and their payment schedule, cancellation and refund policies apply to this tour rather than the standard Niebrugge Images, LLC tour terms.

Complete payment and cancellation information will be provided when you register.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment against illness, injury, travel disruptions and other unforeseen circumstances.

One resource we recommend is www.travelinsurance.com, which allows you to compare coverage and pricing from multiple travel insurance companies in one place.

COMPARE TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

Please carefully review the coverage, exclusions and terms of any policy you are considering, including any deadlines that may apply after making your initial trip deposit.

Disclosure: We have an affiliate relationship with TravelInsurance.com and may receive a commission if you purchase a policy through our link, at no additional cost to you.

READY TO JOIN US IN COSTA RICA?

Our Costa Rica Photo Tour is limited to just 8 participants.

To reserve your space or ask questions about the trip:

Call: (907) 224-7280
Email: info@wildnatureimages.com

We'd love to have you join us on the Osa Peninsula!