Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica July 11th-18th, 2026

Crocodile Bay and Botanika by Hilton Osa Peninsula

Open to 8 Participants: 7 slots open

General Overview:

Picture yourself standing where the lush rainforest of Corcovado meets the deep blues of the Pacific and the still waters of the Golfo Dulce—camera in hand, surrounded by one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Welcome to Botánika Osa Peninsula, your basecamp for photographic adventure in Costa Rica’s wild southwest.

Set inside a living, breathing ecosystem, Botánika isn’t just a resort—it’s a launchpad for capturing stunning wildlife, vibrant landscapes, and the raw beauty of the Osa. From monkeys swinging through the canopy to the golden light breaking over the mangroves, every corner is a shot waiting to happen.

After a full day in the field, recharge in your air-conditioned room, upload your images, join a post-processing class in the spacious conference room, or relax with a great meal and a glass of wine. The best part? You’re never far from your next photo—scarlet macaws and tanagers are regular visitors just outside your door.

I chose this location for several key reasons.

My scouting trip was a first class, top notch experience I felt compelled to share with other enthusiastic photographers. Every meal was delicious, the service kind and friendly, the rooms incredibly comfortable, the pool area dreamy, and the grounds wild and natural with abundant wildlife right outside the door.

The resort is privately owned and the owners care a great deal about conservation and the guest experience. It showed in the quality of my visit and everyone I met.

Every day’s excursion was productive from a photography standpoint with guides that were amazing spotters and and understood what photographers are looking for when it came to light, backdrop, and location for shooting.

It was also important to me to base from one location … no packing and unpacking during the workshop. This allows for days that are both productive and relaxing.

Travel Information

For travel from the US, you’ll just need a passport, no visa or other documents required. Most of the trip expenses are pre-paid, and US dollars are widely accepted. The local currency is the Colon; you may exchange ahead of the trip or at the airport if you would like. We’ll tip drivers, servers and guides so cash on hand is helpful.

Outlets are the same as the US, so no converters necessary for your plug in devices. Water from taps is consumable.

Itinerary (events/days may be moved/rearranged for weather)

You’ll need to book your own round trip air travel to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) and your room at the Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana. The domestic flight the next morning is included in the workshop fee. We’ll meet at 7pm on the 11th, so plan to arrive in the afternoon at the latest.

Botanika is the Hilton hotel that sits on the same property as Crocodile Bay which runs all of the daily tours.

July 11: Arrive San Jose (SJO). Our meeting place will be the Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana. Please arrange your travel plans so you’re on site for a 7pm dinner meet and greet.

July 12: Fly down to the Osa Peninsula to Puerto Jimenez in the morning via Sansa Air. This is about a 45 minute flight with spectacular views of the rainforest and coastline as we head south. The amazing staff will pick us up at the airstrip and from there it’s just a few minutes to the resort. We’ll have time to check in, unpack, acclimate and have lunch. We’ll gather again for an afternoon exploration of the property and an overview with our guides of the exciting week to come.

July 13: Following breakfast we’ll head out for a tour of the rainforest to spot monkeys, birds and other mammals, followed by a fun macro shoot of beautiful reptiles and amphibians at another location.

July 14: A tour of the Gulfo Dulce by boat to photograph marine mammals like spotted dolphins in the open water, then into the mangrove estuaries for birds, snakes, lizards and perhaps a sea turtle. Humpback whales will begin arriving around this time so we’ll watch for them too.

July 15: More rainforest exploration and time at a family ranch that has been in a Costa Rican family for generations. We’ll have a traditional lunch here and continue to look for birds like Scarlet Macaws and Toucans, and of course the four monkeys in the Osa; Howlers, Spider, Squirrel and White Faced Capuchins.

July 16: Sierpe River tour! This is an amazing cruise in calm water surrounded by lush vegetation that is a habitat for an amazing array of species. The drive to the river through the Costa Rican countryside is beautiful.

July 17: A full day of surprises awaits with more macro photography at two different locations. This is an amazing opportunity to see colorful frogs, lizards, snakes and even insects up close and photograph them safely and ethically in entirely natural settings.

July 18: Return to San Jose in the morning to make your way home. Of course you may choose to extend your stay and enjoy more of the Osa Peninsula!

What Can You Expect to See?

Howler Monkeys

Squirrel Monkeys

Spider Monkeys

White Faced Capuchin Monkeys

Sloths (two / three toed both live in the area)

Anteaters

Toucans

Hummingbirds

Scarlet Macaws (largest population in Central America)

Tree Frogs (various – but especially the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, possibly dart frogs as well) Lizards / Iguanas

Parrots / Parakeets

Various Raptors (Caracaras, Common Black Hawk, Etc)

Snakes (professionally handled)

Various Songbirds (Cherry, Golden-Hooded And Blue-Grey Tanagers are right at the resort!)

Leaf Cutter Ants

Of course this is just a sample … the Osa Peninsula is home to 2.5 % of the world’s biodiversity!

What Is the Weather Like?

In July, the Osa Peninsula experiences a mix of sunny mornings and afternoon rain, typical of the green season. Expect average temperatures between 75-87°F (24-31°C) and vibrant landscapes due to the rainfall, which usually occurs in short bursts. My experience was rainfall in the late afternoon after I had returned from my shoots.

How Do I Register?

Kerem Williams is the contact for registration. Crocodile Bay will handle all of the details for you, from booking your domestic flight, extended stays if desired, to handling payment. Just let them know you’re coming for my workshop.

Phone: 707-283-7631       Email: reservations@crocodilebay.com

Websites: www.botanikaresort.com             www.crocodilebay.com

Hilton Hilton Garden Inn

What Should I Bring

As recommended below, a long, fast lens goes a long way for this trip. You may consider renting a lens that allows f2.8 or f4 fully extended to handle the low light of the tree canopy.

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Body (bring a backup if possible)

Long zoom or prime lens (e.g., 100–400mm or 200–600mm) for wildlife

Macro lens (e.g., 90–105mm) for frogs, insects, and flora (I used my zoom and prime for macro with great results, so a specialty lens is not required)

Sturdy but lightweight tripod or monopod (will help with stability and allow lower shutter speed to combat low light situations)

Ball head or gimbal head for telephoto lens

NOTE: I do not shoot with a flash, but for true macro work some of you may have the gear for that and you’re welcome to bring it.

Flash unit (external speedlight or macro flash)

Flash accessories: diffuser, snoot, small softbox

Extra batteries (humidity can drain them faster)

Charger(s) and power adapters (Costa Rica uses 110V, U.S. style plugs)

Ample memory cards

External hard drive or SSD (and backup system)

Laptop with Lightroom/Photoshop for image review and processing (my editing sessions will be shown in Lightroom Classic)

Rain cover for camera/lens and waterproof gear bag

Microfiber cloths, lens cleaning kit, and sensor cleaner

Clothing & Footwear Tropical & Rainforest-Ready:

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts (long-sleeve and short-sleeve)

Quick-dry pants (zip-offs are handy)

Waterproof rain jacket or poncho

Breathable hat with brim (for sun and rain)

Hiking boots or trail shoes (water-resistant preferred) Very easy terrain when we need to walk but can be slippery when wet!

Packable umbrella (great for sun and shooting in light rain)

Swimsuit

Sunglasses

Bug-spray (Only a couple of locations needed spray)

*The resort does offer a reasonably priced laundry service, mine came back same day. There are no washer/dryers to do your own laundry.

*There are 3 locations for dining, casual attire works in all of them.

Other Items You Might Find Useful

Small daypack or photo backpack (water-resistant or with rain cover)

Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)

Sunscreen

Reusable water bottle

Personal medications, band-aids, antiseptic wipes

Travel insurance (recommended for gear and health)

Notebook and pen (for field notes or shot planning)

Pricing and Inclusions

$5750 Double occupancy

+$960 Single occupancy supplement – I can try to pair those that would like a roommate

Your family and/or spouses and partners are welcome to enjoy this Costa Rican experiance as well! Crocodile Bay offers up to 20 different excursions as well as the beautiful grounds to enjoy. The additional rate below includes domestic airfare from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, hotel (room shared with you), all meals and taxes. Daily excursions and pricing are listed on the Crocodile Bay website.

$2475 Tag Along Rate per person

Your Workshop Price Includes:

Round-Trip Domestic Flight from San Jose (SJO) to Puerto Jimenez (PJM)

Six nights in a standard room at Botanika Resort (July 12-17)

All Meals & Non-Alcoholic Beverages

All Excursions/Activities per Trip Itinerary

Guide Services, Field Instruction and Post Processing Sessions

All Fees and Taxes

Our vans have stocked coolers for the day with snacks, drinks and lunch when not eating on the property or another venue. Food allergies can be accommodated.

Not Included:

Alcoholic Beverages, Tips and Gratuities

Your Round-Trip Flight to San Jose, Costa Rica

One Night’s Stay in San Jose at Hilton Garden Inn