Wildlife Gallery of Caño Negro Refuge

Highlights of wonderful days in nature
Baby spider monkey costa rica wildlife cano negro refuge

Unforgettable
wildlife encounters at the National Wildlife Refuge of Caño Negro

If you do not come, you will not see.
The only way to spot wildlife is to go into the wild.
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge offers an easy way to enjoy nature during the most incredible boat tours in Costa Rica.

Get your binocular, prepare your camera and enjoy this precious wetland or Costa Rica.

Costa Rica: A Global Leader in Ecotourism and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife in Costa Rica is everywhere—its rich biodiversity and thriving ecosystems make it one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations, as recognized by the renowned online magazine Global Green Travel, which has ranked Costa Rica among the best ecotourism spots multiple times.

Protected Areas of Costa Rica

Today, approximately 25% of Costa Rica is protected—home to:

  • 28 national parks
  • 58 wildlife refuges
  • 32 protected zones
  • 15 wetlands and mangroves
  • 11 forest reserves
  • 8 biological reserves
  • And other conservation regions, safeguarding the country’s natural habitats

Among these, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge stands out as one of the top must-see ecotourism destinations.

Nestled in a small protected area dominated by seasonal wetlands, the Cano Negro Refuge spans roughly 10,000 hectares. Its wetlands and forests extend from the base of the Tenorio Volcano down to Lake Nicaragua, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

Here, you will find seasonal lagoons, rivers, creeks, and lush forests, forming the perfect habitat for numerous species:

  • Over 150 bird species including kingfishers, herons, ospreys, and migratory shorebirds
  • Reptiles such as caimans, turtles, crocodiles, and iguanas
  • Mammals like jaguars, sloths, and three monkey species

For nature lovers, a boat tour in Caño Negro offers an easy and unforgettable way to experience this unique wildlife sanctuary up close and personal.