Nocturnal Natural Experience

This tour was so much fun! Our guide was very good at spotting the wildlife, even in pretty steady rain. Our group was small, six people, and just the right size to share the experience without being too spread apart and unable to see. In addition to frogs, we saw sleeping birds, an iguana, and a porcupine up in a tree! We did not realize the frog sanctuary was in a private residence's yard! This made the excursion all the more charming. The family was very friendly and prepared a delicious, home cooked meal for us after the walk. Tips for future visits - wear closed toe shoes (a toad jumped on my foot), only have one person shine a flashlight on the creature in view (too many lights just wash out or reflect off the skin making photos less than desirable), and maybe most important, wear a rain jacket with a hood (umbrellas get in the way and make holding a light and camera challenging). Pura Vida!

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience! The transportation was on time, we were greeted warmly when we arrived by our host family, the rain did not deter us from seeing many creatures (including a porcupine, iguana, some birds, and several varieties of frogs). The frog sanctuary was actually created and maintained on a private property. It was quite lovely. Dinner was traditional Costa Rican and we ate everything. Closed toe shoes or sandals are best due to uneven walking surfaces in the dark and rain. Most of the time you are looking up, not where your feet are stepping. Ponchos or hooded rain jackets allow you to carry a flashlight and camera; umbrellas get in the way. Biggest tip - only shine one light on animals while photographing. Everyone got excited and pointed all lights in same place and several of my pictures are washed out.

Our guide was very knowledgeable. We saw 11 different species of frogs plus a sloth, basilisk, iguana and other interesting insects too. The tour was capped off by an authentic Costa Rican meal at a beautiful home. I'd highly recommend this tour.