City: Costa Rica
Top Things to do in Costa Rica
Top Hotels in Costa Rica
- 1. Shana By The Beach Manuel Antonio
- 2. Tulemar Resort
- 3. Nayara Gardens
- 4. Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs
- 5. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
- 6. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
- 7. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- 8. The Springs Resort and Spa
- 9. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- 10. Hotel Lomas del Volcan
Things to do in Costa Rica, Costa Rica: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
Coordinates: 10°N 84°W / 10°N 84°W / 10; -84
Restaurants in Costa Rica
1. The Buttercup Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By lilacgirl41 - Asbury Park, United States
We visited as part of our cruise. However, we signed up for the BEHIND the SCENES tour which was a bit pricey. That said, it was worth every penny.. Just getting to see baby sloths up close is an incredible experience. We learned so much about the sloths and their care. The facility is wonderful and a true must see for animal lovers. It was a privilege to meet the woman who started the organization as well as her daughter. We were, however, saddened to learn of the passing of Buttercup as she started the entire operation. Really, it is a wonderful place.
2. MiniZoo y Jardin Yori
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
3. Ave Azul de la Osa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Ave Azul de la Osa is a federally licensed Avicultural compound, supporting conservation through captive propagation.Owner / Director of Ave Azul de la Osa, Patrick S. Dunn was director of Kauai Zoological Gardens and curator of birds for 8 years while managing the parrot park for near 17 years simultaneously. Now with Ave Azul he prevents endangered birds from extinction.
Reviewed By busysuzy
A trip to Osa is not complete without meeting Patrick. If you want to meet a true ambassador of the natural world then you must take the adventurous road to Ave Azul de la Osa. Patrick's wealth of knowledge, his impressive birds and his extraordinary museum of specimens were a highlight of our time on the Osa Peninsula. Our three boys were in awe of his commitment to rehabilitation and conservation as well as his extensive experience with and knowledge about birds, snakes, and insects. We highly recommend, to anyone who has the chance, to drop in and have a visit.
4. Mariposario Alas del Destino
5. Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 800 reviews
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Rescate Animal Zoo Ave) is a non-profit that has been rescuing wildlife for over 30 years. While educating the public about local wildlife, this rescue center and sanctuary also breeds endangered species for release to the wild. They have reintroduced several different species to previously extinct areas of Costa Rica and their current Scarlet Macaw breeding program plans to reintroduce a further 500 of the species by 2030. Every admission fee to the sanctuary goes to supporting their cause.
Reviewed By Allagash98 - Newton, United States
The center is 15 minutes from the airport, and it was an excellent place to spend a few hours before our flight. We enjoyed spotting the sloths, and seeing the peacocks and lizard which roam freely throughout the paths. Eating early at the cafe was a good call, since a bus tour arrived that Saturday and filled up the restaurant just as we finished.
6. Granja Burros de Portal
7. The Bat Jungle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 752 reviews
# 85 live bats free-flying in our huge enclosure, designed to resemble the cloud forest at night# Guided tour by professional guides takes about 45 minutes# The tour is both informative, educational and entertaining, with a focus on biology and conservation# Cleverly designed interpretive exhibits, like our giant ears, huge bat heads, and bat skeleton.# You will see, at close range, 85 tropical fruit-eating and nectar-feeding bats from the Monteverde area# Our bats fly, eat, socialize, and even give birth before your eyes
Reviewed By alicew239
Located on the way to Monteverde reserve from Santa Elena there is a poster/inyetactive exhibit on the walls about bats & a dark room in which you can see about 100 bats (5 species) up close. They are behind glass (obvs so they don't escape) but can get good photos. It's a lot more to have a guide but felt worth it for the extra facts & probably helps support a small quirky business. Takes an hour max.
8. Neo Fauna CR
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Neofauna is a conservationist project focused on the reproduction, rescue and release of wild animals; this a private project financed by the sale of tours.
Reviewed By 928ilanah - Toronto, Canada
The place is a pretty little refuge in Jaco down a cute little street past a local school. The surroundings are lush and in March the shade was a blessing and there was a breeze! When we arrived there was someone there to greet us and to tell us what animals they had, how much it cost (25 USD per person) and where the money went to. As it was a conservation effort to save species we were fine with the amount! We set off with our guide who was kind and very knowledgeable. Our 3 year old daughter is normally quite shy but his demeanor quickly won her over. When we visited the different animals he told us why they were there and the treatments they were receiving. The butterfly area was gorgeous and beautiful- so many butterflies! Our guide went above and beyond to show us the animals and make us all so happy. I can't wait to go again! It was my daughter's favourite excursion in Costa Rica- including Manual Antonio!
9. Arenal Eco Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By 890yvonnew
We had an awesome time visiting here. The animal keeper Jose gave us a great tour and taught us a lot about all the animals. He was very helpful and made the visit a ton of fun. They are very willing to answer any questions, and to point out all the animals that are sometimes hard to find due to their camouflage. The facility looks small and unassuming, but it is filled with a large variety of snakes, frogs, lizards, and more. It is a great place to learn about the animals, many of which are native to Costa Rica. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves seeing and learning about reptiles and other creatures!
10. Frogs Heaven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Best place to spot Frogs, birds, sloths and learn about organic farming and local people! My family are always able to make you feel better than Home... Ask for Homestay and cooking lessons
Reviewed By eladnava - Miami, United States
Absolutely incredible, the owner was able to spot the blue jeans frog, the black and green poisonous frog, and the national frog of Costa Rica, the red eyed tree frog ???? Even saw a sloth, venomous snakes, and a toucan! Highly recommend!
