Boca Tapada
Bats in Flight Photography — Boca Tapada
Subject to availability confirmation
From · private · per person
$91.00
Taxes included
Gallery
Tour details
- Maximum group
- Private · up to 6 photographers
- Camera level
- All levels · phone, bridge, DSLR or mirrorless
- Hides and feeders
- King Vulture hide and feeder garden
- Guide
- Yehudi Hernández or Elías Peña · VIVO; Edward for the hides
- Target species
- King Vulture, toucans, aracaris, tanagers and hummingbirds
No professional equipment required. Recommended: 300 mm or longer for birds; 100 mm macro and flash at night.
Every guide carries a telescope and helps with phone-scoping.
January–March; operated year-round.
At least 72 hours ahead. Private transport included. Non-photographing companions pay 30% less.
Breakfast and lunch included. Groups of 4–6; more than 6 by manual request only.
Location
Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Boca Tapada · 110 km from La Fortuna (≈165 min drive)
Tour Location· Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Boca Tapada
Tour at a glance
One of Costa Rica's best-kept birding secrets — King Vulture hide, toucan platform, hummingbird multi-flash and macro at dawn. Built entirely for photographers. Full day (~12 hrs) · Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Boca Tapada · From $640.00 USD.
Includes: Private naturalist / photography-focused guide · Breakfast at Laguna Lagarto Reserve · Access to toucan photography platform (~2 hrs) · Edward's bird garden session — tanagers, honeycreepers, hummingbirds (6+ species) · Multi-flash hummingbird photography session (Edward's professional setup) · King Vulture hide photography session · Macro photography of frogs & snakes in natural environment · Traditional Costa Rican lunch · Entrance fees to all photography locations & hides
Book now · See product cancellation terms.
About
Private Full Day Bird Photography Expedition to Boca Tapada — one of Costa Rica's best-kept rainforest secrets. Early start at Laguna Lagarto Reserve with breakfast and access to a top toucan photography platform, ~2 hours at Edward's famous bird garden (tanagers, honeycreepers, oropendolas, euphonias), King Vulture hide for close-range vulture photography, traditional Costa Rican lunch, afternoon hummingbird photography session (multi-flash or natural light), and macro opportunities (2–3 frog species and snakes such as Eyelash Pit Viper, Fer-de-Lance, Jumping Pit Viper). Return to La Fortuna ~5:40–6:30 PM.
PRICE: $640 per photographer ($320 per observer), all-inclusive (private transport from La Fortuna, taxes and card fee included).
OPTIONAL ADD-ON (book at time of reservation): • Evening Bat Multi-Flash Photography (5:45pm–7:45pm or 8:15pm–9:30pm): +$93 per person · all taxes and fees included
Itinerary
4:00 AM · Hotel pickup
Private transport from your La Fortuna area hotel.
4:20 AM · Arrive at Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, Boca Tapada
Briefing with your bilingual naturalist guide.
4:30 AM · Guided experience begins
Immersive interpretation at a boutique pace.
9:30 AM · Wildlife & photo stops
Curated stops for sightings and photography.
2:30 PM · Return to hotel
Comfortable transfer back to your accommodation.
Included
- Private naturalist / photography-focused guide
- Breakfast at Laguna Lagarto Reserve
- Access to toucan photography platform (~2 hrs)
- Edward's bird garden session — tanagers, honeycreepers, hummingbirds (6+ species)
- Multi-flash hummingbird photography session (Edward's professional setup)
- King Vulture hide photography session
- Macro photography of frogs & snakes in natural environment
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch
- Entrance fees to all photography locations & hides
Not included
- Camera equipment, hotel transportation unless stated, meals not listed, gratuities. Observers who start photographing pay the photographer rate.
What to bring
- Camera with telephoto lens (400mm+)
- Macro lens (optional)
- Rain cover
- Binoculars
- Snacks
- Comfortable outdoor clothes
- Neutral, dark or camouflage-friendly clothing
- long pants
- closed-toe shoes or rubber boots for wet ground
- rain cover for you and your gear
Pickup & times
Start time: 4:30am
Pickup can be coordinated
The exact meeting point is shared once the session is confirmed.
Share your hotel or Airbnb name during checkout and we confirm pickup time and any transport cost in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour last?
It lasts a full day, around 12 hours. Start times: 4:30am departure.
Is transport or pickup included?
Yes. Hotel zones 1–2 are included. Outside zone 2, add $60 per reservation (vehicle), all-inclusive. Observers (non-photographers, any age) pay $320. If an observer takes photos, the difference to the photographer rate will be charged immediately.
Why does it start so early?
Boca Tapada is roughly 3 hours from La Fortuna and the wildlife is most active at first light, so we leave before dawn to use the best hours.
How far ahead should we book?
At least 2 days ahead. Availability is confirmed within 24 hours and free cancellation applies up to 10 days before the date.
What happens if it rains?
Rain is part of the rainforest and the tour normally runs; we bring rain gear. If conditions become unsafe, we reschedule or refund according to our policy.
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Boca Tapada – Full Day Bird Photography Tour