Birding & Nature Photography

Ocean Breeze at Playa Tortuga Resort is the ideal location for birders and nature-lovers alike. Surrounded by lush tropical rain forest, numerous national parks and nature preserves, Ocean Breeze will be your home base for some of the best bird and animal viewing in Costa Rica. This tiny country boasts 850 unique species of birds and many of them live and travel through the Southern Zone.

“As a nature photographer, I have to say this place is outstanding…” Ronald Krieger

“…Great birding! Ended up returning for a 5:30 am birding outing with local guide Giovanni and Jeffers from the staff. Saw several 1st-time sightings for my life list. Wonderful guides, great human beings…” John & Ann

We’ve recently begun an official list of birds seen on our property. Check out the EBirds App for our latest additions.

Whether from your private patio, behind our bird blinds or on tour with our in-house birding guide, you’ll see hundreds of species of birds to add to your life list.

Ocean Breeze sits on a hilltop surrounded by 15 acres of lush tropical vegetation. Our strategic planting program begun years ago has increased the wildlife and bird life dramatically. Our gardens of fruit and nut trees attract a myriad of birds, monkeys and iguanas along with butterflies and moths. Most mornings you will be awakened by the sound of howler monkeys and parrots as they start their day. As the sun rises, the jungle comes to life with the sounds of birds calling and pairs of green parrots squawking overhead en route to their foraging grounds, returning again in the afternoon as vocal as ever. Scarlet Macaws screech and squawk down at Playa Tortuga often flying over and stopping in our almond trees for a snack offering a perfect photo op!

Toucans and Aracaris are a common sight in our trees. Yellow-headed Cara Caras, Laughing Falcons and other birds of prey can be seen from your room or throughout our property. Small, brightly-colored birds and hummingbirds flit continuously around the property just waiting to be photographed. On most days our guests are treated to a show of monkeys swinging and jumping through the trees, snacking on the fruits and leaves. Ocean Breeze grounds are home to both Howler (Mono Congo) and White-Faced (Capucin) Monkeys.

*All photos taken at Ocean Breeze at Playa Tortuga

*All photos taken at Ocean Breeze at Playa Tortuga

While you could spend your entire trip photographing the birds and animals on our beautiful 15 acres, we are also close to some of Costa Rica’s best places for wildlife and bird viewing. Just south of Ocean Breeze lies the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, which makes up much of the southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica. Here, lowland rainforests merge with mountainous terrain and isolated beaches. This patchwork of greenery houses some of Costa Rica’s most endangered plant and animal species, and is considered one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

Even closer, you’ll find the Sierpe Terraba Mangrove National Wetlands. The wetland reserve is an important habitat for many species of birds, fish (55 species), shellfish, mammals and reptiles. Resident and migratory bird species often found in Terraba Sierpe include Herons, Egrets, Cotingas, and Pandion haliaetus. Common mammals include Agouti paca and Lutra annectens; and reptiles Caiman crocodilus, Crocodylus acutus and Tree Boas. You can choose to kayak or take a small ponga to tour and take photographs.

To the north of the hotel is Ballena National Park, where you can see monkeys, birds and iguanas on shore and humpback whales in the protected waters of the park. (click the arrow on the picture for more photos)

Ready to pack your camera and capture Costa Rica’s most photogenic birds and animals?

Our expert guide and friendly staff will ensure you have everything you need to see and photograph our exotic birds and animals in their natural habitat.

Reserve your stay today or contact Orlando at [email protected] for more information.

Looking for group rates?

We love having groups at the Ocean Breeze and can design a package specifically to fit your needs.

Birding adventures, Photography tours, High-Adrenaline packages – its all up to you. Special requests? No problem! We’re here to make your trip the best you’ve ever taken.

Contact Orlando or Bryan and get started today.

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