Best places to photograph wildlife in Central America

Central America, a region renowned for its incredibly diverse wildlife, offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photographers. Despite its relatively small size, it harbors 5–12% of the Earth's biodiversity, making it one of the most ecologically rich areas on the planet. This natural haven is home to fascinating wildlife, including sharks, monkeys, dolphins, parrots, and countless other creatures.

 

Besides supporting research and conservation, Earthwatch expeditions provide unique opportunities for wildlife encounters. Many Earthwatch participants are exceptional storytellers who utilize photography to convey the impact of volunteering. We recently asked the Earthwatch community to share their tips for photographing wildlife. Now, we are spotlighting a few top destinations for wildlife photography in Central America. 

Central America is a treasure trove of opportunities for photographers passionate about traveling and capturing unique wildlife. Costa Rica and Belize are among the top destinations for wildlife photography, renowned for their exceptional wildlife sightings. 

 

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica's rich and varied ecosystems account for an impressive 5% of global biodiversity. Costa Rica boasts astonishing biodiversity, including over 12,000 plant species, 1,200 butterfly species, 800 bird species, and 650 mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. This abundance makes Costa Rica an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to coral reefs, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities to capture stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitats.

 

 

 

Combine Your Passion for Wildlife Photography with Conservation

For those seeking to combine their love for photography with conservation work, Earthwatch offers a range of expeditions in Costa Rica. These expeditions not only provide unique opportunities to photograph wildlife but also allow participants to contribute to vital research and conservation efforts.

 

 

 

CLIMATE CHANGE AND CATERPILLARS

Join scientists studying the effects of climate change on caterpillar populations. This expedition occurs at La Selva Biological Station, a protected area covering 1,536 hectares of lowland tropical rainforest in northeastern Costa Rica. Capture stunning macro shots of these captivating insects, highlighting how climate change impacts their species and raising awareness through the lens of your camera.

 

Learn More About Climate Change and Caterpillars

 

Tarchon felderi (Apatelodidae) in Costa Rica (C) Angela Smilanich. | Earthwatch
Close-up of two recently hatched Leatherback sea turtles resting on a sandy beach, their textured skin and shells prominently visible. | Earthwatch

 

COSTA RICAN SEA TURTLES

Participate in efforts to protect endangered sea turtles in Guanacaste province, located in the country's northwestern region along the Pacific Ocean coast. Witness the intimate moments of nesting, egg-laying, and the hatchlings' first journey to the sea. Photographers can contribute to raising awareness about the conservation of these ancient mariners.

 

Learn More About Costa Rican Sea Turtles

 

 

CONSERVING WILD BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS OF COSTA RICA

Engage in the mission to conserve pollinators crucial to our ecosystem in the rugged tropical forests of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or the lower elevation site of San Luis de Monteverde. Capture close-up shots of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in action, showcasing their vibrant interactions with flora and underscoring their importance to biodiversity.

 

Learn More About Conserving Wild Bees and Other Pollinators of Costa Rica

 

A group of bees gathered around the entrance of their hive on a wooden surface, with one bee in flight approaching the hive. | Earthwatch
A humpback water breaching in Costa Rica | Earthwatch

 

MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION IN COSTA RICA

Document the stunning diversity of marine life in Golfo Dulce, a narrow inlet on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Photograph majestic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales, highlighting the beauty and diversity of marine life in these waters.

 

Learn More About Marine Life Conservation in Costa Rica

 

 

RAINFOREST REVIVAL IN COSTA RICA

Document the stunning diversity of marine life in Golfo Dulce, a narrow inlet on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Photograph majestic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales, highlighting the beauty and diversity of marine life in these waters.

 

Learn More About Rainforest Revival in Costa Rica

 

The chestnut-mandibled toucan or Swainson's toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) is a subspecies of the yellow-throated toucan.

 

Belize

The beautiful country of Belize has diverse wildlife, home to astonishing creatures such as jaguars, monkeys, toucans, and a wide variety of bird species. Its landscapes range from lush rainforests to sandy beaches, providing photographers with endless opportunities for captivating shots. However, it is the marine life in Belize that truly stands out for photographers. Belize is home to the remarkable Belize Barrier Reef, a biodiverse ecosystem that hosts a variety of shark species, including blacktip, hammerhead, and lemon sharks.

 

Earthwatch expeditions provide unparalleled opportunities for photographers interested in wildlife conservation. By participating in volunteer expeditions, photographers can document marine environments and contribute to their conservation efforts. Photography is a powerful medium that can raise awareness about the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.

 

 

SHARK CONSERVATION IN BELIZE

Join the mission to monitor shark populations in Riversdale, Belize. Capture close-up shots of sharks as you document their abundance along the coast. Highlight the innovative methods used to track and conserve these essential marine species, showcasing the critical role of conservation efforts in protecting their populations.

 

Learn More About Shark Conservation in Belize

 

Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) (C) Duncan Brake and Jillian Morris

 

Join an Earthwatch Expedition

Join an Earthwatch expedition to directly contribute to critical research and conservation efforts worldwide. Beyond the memories of a great photograph, our expeditions empower people to support lasting solutions. Data collected by expedition volunteers have supported policies, legislation, and management plans worldwide.

 

Connect with one of our Expedition Advisors today!

 

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