Costa Rica Safari:
April 22-30-2027 SOLD OUT
Click on Get Updates to be notified when new dates become available
This 8-night immersive wildlife photography tour visits three distinct regions: the lowland rainforest of Sarapiquí, the cool cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota, and the Central Pacific region of Tárcoles.
Each region offers different landscapes, climates, and photographic opportunities, creating an incredible range of possibilities in a relatively small area. This variety is what makes Costa Rica such a rewarding destination and keeps photographers, nature lovers, and birders coming back.
We'll explore 3 diverse regions in the heart of Costa Rica.
Sarapiqui
San Gerardo de Dota
Tarcoles
Details:
Skill Level
Most walks are not long, but some locations may include uneven ground, stairs, wet surfaces, or short, steep inclines. The climbs are usually not long-distance hikes, but they can be tiring, especially in warm or humid conditions or at higher elevations.
This tour/workshop is for all levels of photographers. To maximize your photo opportunities, I recommend that you know how to use your camera and the basics of photography (proper exposure, DOF, etc.). If you have questions, please contact me to discuss your personal situation.
Lodging information
Pierella Gardens is an 8.5 acre Environmental and Conservation lodge. With lush gardens and an abundance of birds, you can spend a whole day enjoying the grounds. They raise endemic butterflies and provide them to educational centers, research centers, and Zoos all over the world.
They offer two types of rooms, both with private bathrooms: Rustic, with mosquito netting and fans; and privacy rooms that are spacious and with AC. Meals are offered family stile, and include delicious varieties of fruits, vegetables and proteins. Accommodations for special dietary needs are available.
Cerro Lodge was built to provide the best service to nature lovers, especially birdwatchers and photographers. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with views of the ocean and mountains. The lodge facilities are in a privileged location, since they are minutes from the Tárcoles River, the Carara National Park and just steps from Calle La Barca; All three are excellent places for photographing and observing birds, butterflies and other dry forest animals.
The Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa lies in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains, in the midst of a precious ecosystem. The beautiful village of San Gerardo de Dota offers fresh mountain air, outstanding cloud forests, some of the best bird watching in the country and amazing peach, plum and apple orchards.
As of now, there are no special COVID requirements to enter Costa
Rica, unless you’ve been in China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan within 14 days of travel. You can check this link before travel to check for any updates or changes to their policy https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements . You must have a valid passport with a couple of blank pages, and is valid for the duration of the trip. No visa is required as of this writing, but you need to show a return ticket. You can not enter with more than $10,000 in cash. For additional information and US State department
updates go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html
Trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage, and medical/accident insurance is highly recommended. Adi Ringer, Adi Ringer Photography and Artemis Artworks are not responsible for any damage or loss of luggage or gear; injuries or extra expenses not specifically outlined in this document before, during or after the program. Please research coverage and costs, we have no recommendations or affiliations.
Luggage limits might be the first point of consideration for you, since you won’t want to send expensive gear with your checked luggage. Figure out how much weight you can carry, carry-on limitations, etc.
I used my 500mm 90% of the time, sometimes with a TC or in DX mode. I definitely recommend you take the longest lens you have, since most of the wildlife will be birds. At the lodges you’ll have lots of birds close by, so you’ll be able to take great shots with a 70-200 or something similar. The forest can get pretty dark, so fast lenses like f2.8/f4 work best.
There are lots of macro opportunities with flowers and bugs, so if you have a macro lens, you’ll get good use out of it. Finally, if you’re into landscapes, bring your wide-angle lens. At every turn, there will be an amazing view. I ended up using my phone for landscapes since I didn’t want to switch lenses.
Renting Camera Equipment: Long lenses and cameras can be rented inexpensively these days, creating opportunities to use new lenses or have a backup camera without breaking the bank.
A few other suggestions:
- Monopod or tripod
- Two camera bodies if you have them.
- Spare batteries
- Flash
- A lot of memory space (You’ll take thousands of images)
- External drive for backup
- Computer or tablet for image culling, processing and backing up.
- Accessories: Lens cleaning kit, rain covers, flashlight.
Comfortable light cool clothing, with warmer layers. Neutral and dark colors are preferred since bright colors might scare off wildlife or bring unwanted attention. Quick drying clothes help since it’s often warm and humid with frequent chances of rain. I like to wear camo clothing, not to be invisible or blend in, but because I don’t want to worry about staining my clothes as I kneel or lay down on the dirty or wet ground. Bathing suit for enjoying the pool, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen & bug spray. You’ll want to pack warmer clothes for the mountains, days can be cool and nights pretty cold. The lodges have minimal heating capabilities in the rooms.
The weather in Costa Rica in November typically ranges between 70s and 80s (f). It’s the transition time between the rainy season and dry season, so there is always chances for rain. You should pack clothing and gear protection accordingly. During May, you can expect a mix of sunny and rainy days in many parts of Costa Rica. The mornings and early afternoons generally tend to be relatively dry and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
I am a wildlife photographer, and I love designing and leading nature photography trips that are thoughtful, well-paced, and grounded in real field experience.
On every trip, my focus is on creating a relaxed, immersive, and well-organized travel experience where photography, learning, and enjoyment come together naturally.
My photography travels have taken me across Africa, India, Central America, and South America. While the images matter, what stays with me most are the full experiences of place: landscapes, culture, food, and especially making new friends, meeting people along the way, and learning from the experiences and perspectives of those I travel with.
Payment, fees, expenses & refunds
The tour fee is $4,495 based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement of $400 if you want your own rooms. Limited to 8 participants.
Non-photographer companions are welcome. Since everyone enjoys all the same activities, the tour price is the same whether they are photographers or not.
- 8 nights of planned lodging during the tour dates
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners beginning with lunch on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day
- Private/group transportation during the tour
- Planned activities, local guides, tours, entrance fees, and park fees listed in the itinerary
- Photography instruction, field guidance, Q&A, and optional image/post-processing discussions with me
- Pre-trip planning support and communication related to the tour
- Flights or transportation to and from SJO Airport, Costa Rica
- Airport taxes, entry requirements, passports, visas, or other travel documents if applicable
- Travel insurance, which is highly recommended
- Alcoholic drinks, room service, laundry, phone calls, personal purchases, and hotel incidentals
- Gratuities for drivers, guides, or lodge staff.
- Lodging, meals, tours, transportation, or activities outside the planned itinerary
- Optional activities or activities during free time
- Costs related to personal travel changes, delays, missed flights, or itinerary changes caused by circumstances beyond our control
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to save a spot. The balance must be paid no later than 60 days before the tour starts. All reservations after that will require full payment.
Gratuities are not included. They are and not mandatory, and not an expectation as common as they are in the US. However, they can be an important part of someone’s income and are very much appreciated. You may tip to a general fund shared by all the staff at the lodges, or if you felt well taken care of by anyone in particular, you may tip them individually any amount you’re comfortable with. I will provide some general guidelines during our communications prior to departure.
Refunds: The deposit of $500 is non-refundable unless the tour gets cancelled or we find a suitable replacement.
Cancellations made more than 120 days before the trip get a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
Cancellations made more than 90 days before the trip, get a 50% refund.
No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 90 days of the start of the tour. An exception will be considered if the participant finds a suitable substitute for the tour. “Suitable” is at the sole discretion of Adi Ringer to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group.
Inquiries and booking
Please submit this form if you’re interested in this safari. I’ll contact you to answer any questions or to proceed with your booking.
"*" indicates required fields