Costa Rica Birding Tour

- Sea to Sky in the Tropics

Trip Details
 

Included

Price includes all ground, air and water transportation within Costa Rica, including to and from the airport to our hotel; all accommodations; all meals starting with breakfast on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 12; all entry fees; bilingual guides; all gratuities for local lodge and travel services as well as for our local guides.

A comprehensive Bird and Mammal List will be provided at the outset of the tour.

Not Included

International flights to and from San Jose 

Tourist taxes on entry/exit to Costa Rica. At present there is a US$26 Departure Tax on exit from Costa Rica and this can be bought at the time of departure at the airport, at the Hotel in some cases, or upon arrival into Costa Rica. This avoids another line-up on a day when there are too many line-ups! Unless rules change, we will be required to pay the exit tax on both departures from Costa Rica.

Items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, laundry charges, and anything not itemized above.

Fitness Levels

This tour will involve a moderate level of fitness to fully participate in all the activities offered. Most days will start with an early breakfast before dawn and an A.M. birding excursion for 2-4 hours. Alternatively, circumstances may dictate an early birding departure and a return to base for breakfast, or breakfast en route. Lunch will be provided either in the lodges, or in the field. One or two further scheduled activities will be offered after breakfast and after lunch. Some of the walks will be on trails with steep hills and steps, others on dirt/gravel roads. High altitude hiking up volcanic slopes can be quite strenuous, requiring good balance and stamina.  The maximum distance to be covered on foot on any single outing will be in the range of 10 km (6 miles) on Los Quetzales trail, with most outings being much less. All outings are “optional” in the sense that if you feel that the level of activity is too high for you personally, you can always remain in the lodge or hotel and join the group on the next activity. If the Tour Leader feels that an activity is beyond the safety limit for any individual, he will discuss the situation with the guest and advise him/her of the concerns. The final decision on participation in any activity resides with the Tour Leader.

Recommended Insurance

Medical travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect you from the consequences of injury or illness before or during the tour.

Departure times in Central America often become an approximation at best, and connections that seem to be adequate when booked can become problematic if major scheduling disruptions are encountered. Trip cancellation insurance is therefore also strongly recommended.

Tipping Policy

Whiskeyjack Nature Tours covers gratuities to guides, house staff and transportation providers. If, however, you feel that the hotel staff have provided you with exceptional service, or you wish to reward one of the local guides for finding your milestone 4000th  (or 400th) life bird, please feel free to do so, as it will be greatly appreciated. 

Infectious Diseases

Tetanus and polio vaccinations should be up to date.

Hepatitis A & B – food and water borne, best prevented by having a current Hepatitis A & B vaccination available in a combined vaccine and requiring an extended dosing schedule to obtain full protection. Anyone intending to travel to Central or South American destinations is strongly advised to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B. 

Malaria – mosquito-borne and present in Bocas del Toro area only.  See following website for CDC advisory; CDC/Malaria.

Chloroquine is the recommended prophylaxis. Discuss with your own physician or Travel Clinic.

For general advice about avoidance of mosquito bites, see CDC Site. 

Dengue Fever – a viral illness with the principal mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti,

The following is an excerpt from the CDC website:

“frequently found in or near human habitations and prefers to feed on humans during the daytime. It has two peak periods of biting activity: in the morning for several hours after daybreak and in the late afternoon for several hours before dark. Nevertheless, the mosquito may feed at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when it is overcast. Mosquito breeding sites include artificial water containers such as discarded tires, uncovered water storage barrels, buckets, flower vases or pots, cans, and cisterns.

No vaccine is available. Travelers should be advised that they can reduce their risk of acquiring dengue by remaining in well-screened or air-conditioned areas when possible, wearing clothing that adequately covers the arms and legs, and applying insect repellent to both skin and clothing. The most effective repellents are those containing DEET” 

Yellow Fever – no known risk

For full detailed information on tropical travel issues, explore the CDC Website and visit your family doctor or local travel clinic for more information. 

Bottled water is provided during all outings. 

Climate

Hot and humid will be the expected conditions for the low elevation sites, with daytime temperatures ranging up to 30 deg. C (86 deg. F). Afternoon thundershowers are a possibility, even in the dry season, and more so on the Caribbean side. The humidity is lower on the Osa Peninsula than around Bocas del Toro. At mid elevations the daytime highs are moderated considerably, ranging from 15-24 deg. C (65-82 deg. F).  

At higher elevations in the mountains it is remotely possible to experience near-freezing temperatures overnight, but we will not be spending any nights above 7200’. A layered approach is your best bet to allow flexibility in coping with temperature variation from dawn and into the evening.  

Sunrise in Central America is always near 6 am, and sunset near 6 pm. There will be slightly more daylight in Costa Rica than Panama, but less than 30 minutes difference over the duration of the tour. Early mornings are the best times for nature observation, so expect to be up and at it early most days – unless you choose to have a “rest” day.

Sun Exposure

Sun block SPF (30 or higher) should be worn at all times, and in particular at elevation, as the thinner air and lower temperatures lead to sunburn much easier than you might expect.

Altitude Sickness

Most of our time will be below 8,000’, but in both countries we will experience some time at higher elevations, and as such we are exposed to the conditions that might promote altitude sickness. In all cases we will be moving to lower elevations within hours, so more than a transient discomfort is unlikely.

Poisonous Species

This is the neotropics, and as such there will always be the chance of an encounter with poisonous snakes or spiders. Pit vipers on land and coral snakes in the water can inflict serious injury, and occasionally are fatal. Having said that, encounters are rare, and awareness of one’s surroundings and basic avoidance measures should reduce the risk of bites to a minimum. Tarantulas and other spiders may be present in many of the habitats, and again, common sense and basic avoidance measures are in order. Most encounters will occur as a result of the local guide locating the animal and pointing it out to the group. And finally, don’t try to pick up the highly colored poison dart frogs! Photos are fine - up close and personal is ill advised.

Insects

Likely the most annoying insect in the tropics and sub-tropics is the famed “chigger”, a member of the Order Acarina, and renowned for its intensely itchy bite which can endure for many days for some people. More common during the dry season, chiggers are a potential risk in the Osa Peninsula area particularly as well as bot-flies, sandflies.

“Deep-Woods Off” or other insect repellants with 20-40% DEET are recommended wherever flies and chiggers are a possibility. An excellent product to apply to ankles and shoe-top areas is “Cutter’s Lotion” or equivalent, available at Mountain Equipment Co-op and others. Keeping the pantlegs tucked into your socks and applying DEET-containing spray to the area seems to do the job, or use a sulphur powder dusted on the pantlegs.

Some tropical enthusiasts prefer to apply permethrin spray to all shoes, socks, lower pant legs and belt lines prior to departure to the tropics. Permethrin is retained for a number of washes, but must not be applied directly to the skin. All treated clothing must be totally dried after initial application before being worn.

There are now a number of new adventure clothing product lines that incorporate insect repellants into the weave of the clothing, and are stable for up to 70 washings. One such site is Orvis.

Another useful item is a pair of “gaters”. These can be sprayed with DEET to increase protection from ground insects, as well as keeping the lower pant-legs clean & dry. Although snakes and scorpions are rarely encountered, gaiters provide some protection if you are walking off the beaten path, which is rarely advised or necessary. 

ABA Sales has a wide selection of products for outdoor activities. Also see Mountain Equipment Co-op

A good addition to the travel kit is a tube of over-the-counter cortisone cream, which acts quite effectively as an anti-itch cream if one of the biting insects should break through your lines of defense. 

Equipment

Good waterproof binoculars (at least 7.5 x 35) are recommended, and a camera. If you are using 35mm film, consider bringing a desiccant to keep the humidity from your slide film. Zip-lock containers come in very handy for protecting items from humidity and rain. 

A small daypack &/or a waist pack is useful for carrying notebooks, field guides, water, etc.

Rite-in-the-Rain notebooks, available at Mountain Equipment Co-op, and others, are very handy for documenting your trip, regardless of type of weather. See Rite in the Rain for details.

For those who prefer to bird from a sitting position and reduce standing time, the use of a combined walking stick-folding stool is very functional. These are available at golfing and outdoor equipment suppliers, as well as ABA Sales. As an example, see Golf South.

A lightweight flashlight, or headlamp, is always useful as 12 hours of every day is dark in the tropics.

Spotting Scopes

The local guide and/or the tour leader will carry spotting scopes during birding outings.  Feel free to bring your own should you wish, but be aware of luggage weight restrictions. (See comments in “Luggage Suggestions”).

Electrical

Standard 120-volt North American flat 2-pin fixtures are available in all rooms.

Laundry

The various lodges will provide laundry services for a charge. It is best to provide any items to laundry early in your stay at a lodge to afford adequate time for return, usually the following day. 

Currency

In Costa Rica the local currency is the Colon, although most places accept US Dollars as well. Major credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but do not use your credit card to pay for your Exit Visa, as it may be treated as an advance, not a purchase.

Field Guides, Suggested Reading

Ridgely, Robert and J. Gwynne. A Guide to the Birds of Panama (2nd edition), Princeton University Press, 1992.

If you plan on purchasing only one guide, this is really the only one needed for the Panama tour. There will, however, be a number of Costa Rican species not illustrated.  And it is heavy, unless you remove the color plates and leave the bulky text at home.

Styles, F. Gary and Alexander F. Skutch. A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (2nd edition), Cornell University Press, 1990. 

Your tour leader will always carry a copy of the appropriate guide in the field. As well, most lodges will have reference copies on hand.

Emmons, L.H., Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: A Field Guide. The University of Chicago Press, 1997. The tour leader will carry a copy of this during the tour.

Kricher, John C., A Neotropical Companion (2nd Edition), Princeton University Press, 1999. This is an excellent overview of the dynamics at work in neotropical rainforest ecosystems. 

Clothing Suggestions

The coastal tropics are warm and humid, so rapid drying, lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts are suggested.  Avoid brightly colored items, as they will often scare off wary forest birds.

The higher elevations can be windy and cool, so layers are appropriate, including a lightweight windbreaker or raincoat.

A hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen are recommended for sun protection. Some bring a compact umbrella for rain showers or extended direct sun.

Footwear should be comfortable walking wear, as many hours will be spent on foot during this tour. A second pair of shoes or sandals should be taken for time spent around the lodges and for “drying time” for your walking shoes. 

Luggage Suggestions

International travel occasionally results in delayed arrival of luggage. We suggest that your carry-on luggage should contain all travel documents, binoculars, medications, personal toiletries and one change of clothes. Be aware of the stringent conditions applied to the amounts of liquids allowed in your carry-on, and the container size that is acceptable to Security. Most airlines have a website link outlining these conditions.

The TSA (Travel Security Administration) of US Homeland Security allows checked luggage to be locked with TSA accepted and recognized locks such as Safe Skies™ TSA Locks or Travel Sentry® Certified locks. These are now available in most travel outlets, airports, etc. Strongly recommended.

In particular, if you are considering bringing a spotting scope, it may be a good idea to carry the tripod on as cabin baggage. If it is in a carrying sleeve they seem to allow it through security screening with no questions asked. If it is not in a carrying case, all bets are off. It can always be checked if they will not allow it into the cabin. This may be preferable to storing it in the bottom of your suitcase where it might attract the attention of Homeland Security who then may pull the luggage off for inspection, thus delaying its departure. (Experience talking!)

The return flight from Bocas del Toro to San Jose is the “pinch-point” for weight of luggage, with a 40lb maximum checked luggage and a 10lb carry-on per person. The airline makes no guarantees that overweight items will accompany the passenger. We have reserved an additional empty seat to allow this increased limit, up from 30lb/person otherwise. There are no overhead storage compartments in these aircraft. Please pack with this in mind. It is also possible to check a second piece of luggage at the hotel in San Jose to be kept until your return.

Travel Options

For residents of the BC Lower Mainland it may be cheaper, and connections often better, to drive/bus/train to Seattle, stay overnight in one of the many motels near Sea-Tac Airport, and catch an early flight to Costa Rica. It is also possible to depart directly from YVR in Vancouver. Guests traveling from the eastern seaboard have the option to arrive from the early afternoon and into the evening depending on airline choice and departure time. Please note that the various arrival times of participants precludes providing a standard meal option for the day of arrival, so you will be on your own to enjoy one of the restaurants near, or within, the hotel. 

Transportation to the hotel is scheduled to meet the 9:45 PM Continental flight. If you are arriving at any time other than around 9:45 PM, you are asked to proceed on your own to the Hotel San Gildar and check in. Please advise Whiskeyjack Nature Tours of your arrival particulars in advance so we may make the hotel aware of arrival details and have transport arrangements in place for you.

Some Flight Options

Continental 166/1499 leaves Sea-Tac Airport (Seattle) at 7:45 AM, arriving San Jose at 9:45 PM. Other Seattle departures are available.

Continental Airlines 288/1499 leaves from Vancouver, BC at 7:45 AM, also arriving at 9:45 PM, with an increase in cost of about C$300 per person.

American Airlines 1165/937 leaves JFK in New York at 8:05 AM, arriving San Jose at 1:55 PM, connecting in Miami.

The local flight from Bocas del Toro returning to San Jose leaves around 3 PM in the afternoon, and we will return to the Hotel San Gildar. This flight is included in the tour cost.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required, and must be valid for at least six months beyond the stated departure date on your airline tickets. No visas are needed for Canadian or U.S. citizens. See “Not included”, above, for Tourist Card & Departure Tax information. 

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time Zone 

Language

With the exception of Belize, Spanish is the principal language of Central America, although English is often spoken in Costa Rica and Panama. Our guides are bilingual. 

Tour Reservation Policy

Your space will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of $600 CAD/USD per person (cheque or credit card). The balance of the tour price is due 120 days prior to departure date or the space will be released and the deposit forfeited. Tour balances paid by credit card are subject to a surcharge of 3% (Mastercard) or 3.65% (Visa).  Whiskeyjack Nature Tours will make every effort to provide single rooms to those who request them. If they are not available you will have the option of sharing a room at the double occupancy rate, or if no double is available, a single supplement will be charged, amount to be determined.

Please forward the Whiskeyjack Nature Tours Registration and Liability Waiver Form with your deposit.

Trip Cancellation Policy

If written or e-mail cancellation notice is given 120 or more days prior to trip departure your deposit will be refunded, less $100 CAD. No refund will be given if cancellation notice is received less than 120 days prior to departure.  

Disclaimers

Whiskeyjack Nature Tours function solely as agents for tour participants with regards to transport by air, car, bus, boat or rail, and therefore can assume no liability for damage, delay, accident, injury or loss as a result of vehicular defect or any other cause, or failure to perform by any individual or company involved in travel or other tour activities. Tour arrangements are for specified times only, therefore any losses or delays resulting from weather, illness, war, quarantine, strike, or terrorism will be at the expense of the participant. Luggage loss remains the responsibility of the passenger. Should it become necessary, Whiskeyjack Nature Tours may substitute leaders, may alter night of arrival and departure hotel accommodation, or may cancel outright any tour prior to scheduled departure date. Full notification will be provided, and in case of cancellation, a full refund of Whiskeyjack Nature Tours fees will be provided, and will represent final settlement with the tour participant. Whiskeyjack Nature Tours does not accept responsibility for airfare replacement in the case of trip cancellation. Please ensure that you carry trip cancellation insurance.

Whiskeyjack Nature Tours reserves the right to accept or retain any tour participant. 

Tour Leader

Rand Rudland is a medical doctor who has spent 29 years in rural general practice on B.C’s Sunshine Coast, Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic, and the Northwest Territories. He has been aboard the M.V. “World Discoverer” as ship physician on numerous eco-tours. He developed a passion for the outdoors at a young age growing up in the small town of Fort Fraser, BC. He began guiding at the age of 12, starting with fishing tours from his grandparents resort. He honed his whitewater skills on the local rivers and then spent 12 seasons rafting as a head boatman for Canadian River Expeditions and Whitewater Adventures on such famous rivers as the Fraser, Thompson, Chilcotin, Chilco, and Nahanni. After an Honours degree in Biology and Forest Ecology at UBC he completed his medical training at UBC and McGill.

Other than North America, Rand has birded in Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, New Zealand, Eastern Russia, the Aleutians, Japan, Guam, Maug, and elsewhere. He has a particular interest in nature photography.

Upon completion of the tour, Rand will compile a CD collection of some of his photographs taken on the tour and will send them to all participants as a souvenir of the tour.

For more information or to reserve your space:

click here to email

phone: 604 885-5539

Box 319,  Sechelt, British Columbia, V0N 3A0, Canada