Setting Sail on the Rio Frio

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as my wife and I, along with two of our adventurous friends, were picked up by David and Javier at our hotel. The day promised a different kind of thrill than the usual surf escapades we chase along the coastlines of Central America. We were headed to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a place renowned for its vibrant birdlife and exotic animals. As we settled into the van, David regaled us with tales of Costa Rica’s rich history, making the 1.5-hour drive to our boat ride feel like a breeze.

Our first stop was a small riverbank teeming with iguanas. I’ve seen my fair share of wildlife, but never so many iguanas in one place. They lounged in the trees and basked on the banks, seemingly unbothered by our presence. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn’t help but snap a few photos to capture the moment.

Discovering the Wildlife of Caño Negro

Upon arriving at the Rio Frio, we boarded a boat that could have easily accommodated forty people, yet it was just us, David, and the boat driver. The intimacy of the experience was unparalleled. As we cruised along the river, the air was filled with the calls of numerous birds and the rustling of monkeys in the trees. One bird, in particular, caught my attention—the Great Potoo, also known as the Stick Bird. Its camouflage was so perfect that it resembled a dead branch. Thanks to the keen eyes of our boatman, who had spotted it the day before, we were able to disembark and see it up close.

The riverbanks were alive with Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, and Capuchin Monkeys, each troop more fascinating than the last. We even witnessed a Capuchin mother and her baby gracefully swinging from tree to tree. The caimans, with their prehistoric appearance, lounged on the banks, one of them missing the last few inches of its top jaw—a testament to the wild and untamed nature of this place.

A Serendipitous Encounter

As we made our way back, David surprised us with an impromptu visit to the Jacamar Farm. This wasn’t part of the original itinerary, but his willingness to go the extra mile was a testament to his passion for sharing the wonders of Costa Rica. At the farm, we were rewarded with sightings of the elusive Toucan and the vibrant Strawberry Poison Dart frogs, also known as Blue Jean frogs. Their vivid colors were a stark contrast to the lush greenery around us.

Our day concluded with a serendipitous sighting of a sloth and her baby nestled in a tree near our hotel. It was the perfect end to a day filled with unexpected delights and unforgettable encounters. The Caño Negro Wildlife Tour was more than just a tour; it was an adventure that reminded me of the beauty and diversity that lies beyond the waves. If you ever find yourself in Costa Rica, I highly recommend setting aside your surfboard for a day and immersing yourself in the wonders of Caño Negro.