Best Tours in January & February in Costa Rica

As winter peaks in the United States, Canada and Europe, summer is in full swing in our beautiful tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Humans aren’t the only ones heading south this time of year. Costa Rica also hosts a number of migratory species during the sublime months of January and February. From birds to whales, several species make an appearance when the weather is warm and the skies are blue. You can even spot some of them from our luxury vacation villas in the southern zone of Costa Rica.

Here are the top tours during January and February in Costa Rica. You’ll have the best chance at spotting migrating species as well as the locals like sloths, monkeys and macaws.

Snorkeling at Caño Island

Now that we are in the “dry season” or summer months in Costa Rica, blue skies are most frequent and the rains that keep the jungle a vibrant green have receded. The lack of storms churning up the ocean water means great visibility for both diving and snorkeling. January and February in Costa Rica are prime months for heading out to Cano Island for an epic snorkel adventure. The species you can spot on this tour include bright colored fish, large sea turtles, pods of dolphins and maybe even a whale or two!

Kayaking the Ventanas Caves

An amazing adventure tour that’s only available a few months per year is the Waves & Caves Kayaking Tour to Ventanas. First and foremost, this is a very challenging tour and only those with intermediate ocean kayaking skills can book this tour. It’s a high-adrenaline experience and a great workout to navigate through the caves along the shoreline. The tour is heavily dependent on the swells, so let us know early if you’re interested and we can help you get scheduled on the best date.

Sport fishing in Osa & Quepos

As the temperature warms up, so do the waters in the central Pacific Ocean. January and February in Costa Rica are prime time for sportfishing tours. In fact, February is the top month for sailfish. Fishing in the Osa is also the best it gets during these summer months. For this time of year, top catches are blue marlin, dorado, roosterfish, sailfish, tarpon and yellowfin tuna.  And if you’re interested in fresh water fishing, we can help you book a tour as well. January is the start of the fishing high-season in the freshwaters of Costa Rica. 

River Rafting in Southern Costa Rica

Rafting the rivers of Costa Rica is one of the most exciting, adrenaline filled experiences we can think of! But as the rains of the wet season subside, the water in the rivers recede to a level that is perfect for beginner rafters and families. The milder rafting experience is still a thrill, but one that the whole family can experience together. Age restrictions differ by tour, send us an email ([email protected]) with the ages of your little ones and we will let you know the best river for your group.

Whale Watching in Uvita

If you decide to head out on a whale watching tour in January or February, keep your eyes peeled for the northern humpback whales.  There’s a chance you won’t even have to get on a boat to see one of these massive visitors to the Whale’s Tail formation on the coast of Uvita, Costa Rica. You can easily spot this famous beach formation, and hopefully a whale breaching, if you have a good set of binoculars and some patience. Just sit out on the pool deck at Meridian House, Ballena Royale or Casa Alta Vista. All of these luxury vacation villas have incredible ocean views of the migrating path of these majestic humpback whales.

Bird Watching in the Southern Pacific

Just as our guests put away the snow shovel and pack up their swimsuits, the birds in your backyards also gear up for the trip south. The chestnut-sided warbler and the golden-winged warbler both come to Costa Rica from North America in the summer. So birders get to see even more species than ever in the warm January and February mornings. But don’t worry, aside from the visiting birds, you’ll also see our local Dominical macaws, tons of toucans and parades of parrots.

If, however, you are one of the luckiest birders around, you could see the resplendent quetzal. Their mating season begins in February, when their favorite tree, the avocado, is fruiting. The quetzal is an endangered species but Costa Rica’s protection efforts have led the country to have one of the largest populations of this stunning bird. It’s considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, so if you see one be sure to let us know!