Boat safari on the Frío River
A slow boat trip of two to three hours along the river and the lagoon with a guide who finds the birds and the animals.
Los Chiles · Alajuela · Costa Rica
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
A wetland near the Nicaraguan border, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see water birds, caimans and monkeys from a boat.
- Wildlife refuge and Ramsar wetland
- About 10,000 ha
- Visited by boat on the Frío River
- Best in the dry season
About the area
Caño Negro is a national wildlife refuge in the north of Costa Rica, about 25 km from the Nicaraguan border. In the rainy season the Frío River floods a large plain and forms a lagoon, and in the dry season the water recedes and concentrates fish and birds. It is a wetland recognised under the Ramsar convention.
It is a refuge, not a national park: the land is protected for wildlife and is visited on boat safaris on the river and the lagoon, with a guide. The best time for birds is the dry season, when migratory species join the resident ones.
- Boat safari with birds, caimans and monkeys
- A large wetland recognised under the Ramsar convention
- Quiet and remote, far from the crowds
- A day trip from La Fortuna
Wildlife
Jabiru and roseate spoonbillsAnhingas and cormorantsSpectacled caimansHowler monkeysIguanas and basilisksSlothsMigratory ducks and waders in the dry season
What to do
Village of Caño Negro
A small village at the refuge with simple restaurants where lunch is usually taken.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. The boat trips are arranged with local operators. We confirm the times.
- Entrance
- The refuge charges a small entrance fee in addition to the boat; it can change. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April for the birds; in the rainy season the lagoon is full and parts of the area are hard to reach.
- What to bring
- A hat, sun protection, binoculars, insect repellent and a light rain jacket.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 2 hours from La Fortuna through Los Chiles and Caño Negro village, about 4 to 5 hours from San José. Most visitors go on a day tour.
Transfer
We arrange the day trip with transfers from La Fortuna. Ask us for a quote.
Tours to Caño Negro
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time?
The dry season from December to April, when water birds concentrate and migratory birds are present.
How long is the trip?
A full day from La Fortuna, with about two hours on the boat.
Do I see caimans?
Yes, spectacled caimans are common on the river banks.