We visited the Cano Negro Boat tour as part of an optional tour offered by Gate1travel. In the morning, we rode the Gate1 bus from our hotel in the La Fortuna area and reached the small village of Los Chiles, at the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The roads were comfortable and in good condition, and it took around two hours to get there. Upon arrival in Los Chiles, we were transferred to a motorboat to explore the wetlands of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, fed by the Rio Frio river. It was a significant birding hotspot, and you can find waterways, canals, and lagoons that provide the perfect habitats and an exclusive way to spot animals in a natural environment. The boat was covered to keep out the rain and sun, but we were lucky to have pleasant weather.
This was the easiest and most comfortable way to get to know the national refuge of Caño Negro. Be prepared to discover as much wildlife, including birds, monkeys, caimans, bats, iguanas, lizards, and more. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a sloth, although they are good at hiding.
We kept our eyes on the water and spotted Jesus Christ lizards on the log. They can walk on water and runs fast as the boat comes closer.
There was an iguana on the tree branch. It was camouflaged with the tree branch.
The flora and fauna along the Rio Frio river always offer extraordinary sights and chances for a great photo.
Howler monkeys were difficult to spot because they were hidden in the trees but howled loudly as the boat approached. We also saw them jumping from one tree to another.
There was a Kingfisher bird on the branch on the riverbank. Edges, where water meets land, are rich and diverse habitats because many resources come together.
The guide told us they were bats on the tree trunk; they were so small that we couldn’t see them unless the guide shone the laser light to point them.
Caiman was camouflaged with the logs but could see the stripes between the log and water. It looked similar to an alligator.
This is a male Jesus Christ lizard, as you can tell by size and crests.
Another Kingfisher bird on the branch.
We visited in the wet season so the river’s water level was higher. The boat tour lasted around two hours. We might be unable to spot all that wildlife ourselves if the guides didn’t point that out. The guides were fantastic and knew where to find the wildlife. Each time the wildlife was visible, they tried to stop the boat and move close to get a good view. After the boat tour, authentic Costa Rican cuisine like Chicken Rice, fries, Salad, Pineapple, and juice was served. After that, we took the bus back to our hotel. The total trip took around 7 hours, and it was a comfortable bus and boat ride and cost $71 booked through Gate1 only. You can also book similar tour yourself.