Introduction
Table of Contents
We invite you to join the 2022 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour! The tour takes place July 6th to 13th, 2022.
This research focused adventure will take us to the amazingly biodiverse Osa Peninsula in southwest Costa Rica, where we will enjoy the beaches and rainforests and have an abundance of opportunities to find and photograph amphibians.
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a remote corner of the country far from the more famous tourist-filled destinations. It has well-protected rainforests, serene beaches, poison dart frogs, sea turtles, tapirs, fabulous waterfalls and an incredible biological research station. There are lots of frogs to be found, making the Osa Peninsula a perfect place for a SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour.
Please complete the expression of interest form if you would like to join the tour.
If you have questions, email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Native to the Osa Peninsula, this Golfo Dulce Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates vittatus) with tadpoles was photographed by Raby Nunez (@Sierpefrogs), who will be serving as our local amphibian guide.
A Lot More Than Just Frogs
The ecotour has a frog focus, but is much more than just frogs! We will see and learn about a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, snakes and monkeys. We will even be joined by a professional bird guide for the entire tour, so if you love waking up at the break of dawn to spot colorful birds, bring your binoculars and expect to see a lot of amazing birds!
While our nights will be filled with frogs, daytime offers a range of activities, including hiking to waterfalls; swimming at beaches and learning about the range of scientific activities taking place in the Osa Peninsula.
We will meet many biologists and local wildlife guides who will educate us about tropical ecology, wildlife, ecotourism, and the threats and opportunities facing Costa Rica in the modern era.
In short, even if you are not a frog fanatic (yet!), as long as you love nature and wildlife, you will have an incredible time on this ecotour.
We hope to see you in Costa Rica!
“The tour was the best trip ever! A magical combination of smart, knowledgeable, warm, caring people and the most amazing wildlife, terrain, culture, and adventures. I would love to go again!”
–Ann Sigafoos, Virginia, 2018 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour Participant
A beautiful Red-Eyed Treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) found during the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour.
Ecotour Highlights
- Search for poison dart frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, monkeys, sloths, parrots, toucans and more on nature trails and a canopy skywalk.
- Spend time in beautiful natural areas with incredibly knowledgeable local guides.
- Assist sea turtle researchers on a fabulous beach.
- Join a community of passionate, dedicated frog lovers for the experience of a lifetime.
- Learn all about amphibians, tropical rainforests, environmental conservation and how ecotourism benefits the Costa Rican flora and fauna.
Your participation directly funds SAVE THE FROGS! worldwide amphibian conservation efforts and supports local communities in Costa Rica that are dedicated to land and wildlife protection.
“It was non-stop fun, adventure, and education. I had a wonderful time.”
— George Quiroga, Wildlife Photographer, Florida; participant on the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour
SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour Leader Dr. Kerry Kriger photographed these Golfo Dulce Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates vittatus) tadpoles on his 2008 trip to the Osa.
Ecotour Destinations Map
The map below shows a rough sketch of places we will visit. We will begin in the Puerto Jimenez, the main town of the Osa Peninsula. From there we will drive by private vehicle to Los Mineros Guesthouse, on the northeastern edge of Corcovado National Park; then to the Osa Conservation BioLodge take a brief visit to Lapa Rios and Cabo Matapalo at the far tip of the peninsula; and return to Puerto Jimenez.
This Tour Is For Adults - We Have A Separate Tour For Families
In the past we have led tours that had a mix of ages from kids through retirees. This year we are leading multiple tours to Costa Rica:
- This Osa tour, which is adults only and requires a sufficient level of fitness and physical exertion for daytime hikes in hot humid tropical weather.
- The SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour For Families, a family-friendly and family-focused ecotour designed to be fun, safe and interesting for travelers of all ages. Kids, parents and grandparents are all welcome on that tour.
Photo of Red-Eyed Treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) by Raby Nunez @sierpefrogs. Are you interested in improving your photography skills? Raby will be able to give you tips during the tour!
Itinerary
The SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour is truly an experience of a lifetime. We carefully chose locations that are amazing, unique and thoroughly unforgettable, and that offer the best in travel, wildlife, culture and education. Here is our itinerary:
Puerto Jimenez to Los Mineros - Days 1 & 2
Pura Vida! We will pick you up at Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM) on July 6th, 2022 at 3pm and leave shortly thereafter to head to the rainforest of Dos Brazos del Rio Tigre!
In the afternoon, we will check in to the Los Mineros Guesthouse in Dos Brazos del Rio Tigre, near Corcovado National Park’s Tigre entrance. After getting settled, we will have introductions and a safety discussion. The Biodiversity Monitoring Group will give us a presentation about the local ecology and how local people are starting to engage with conservation and use scientific tools to monitor the biodiversity that surrounds the area.
At night, we will enjoy our first Costa Rican dinner together, get to know our fellow ecotourists a bit better, and survey the guesthouse’s surroundings for frogs and other creatures of the night.
On Day 2, we will explore the world famous Corcovado National Park during the day, and look for frogs at night, staying once again at Los Mineros.
After breakfast on Day 3, we will hear a presentation about the local community’s transition from mining to ecotourism. After lunch, we will pack our bags and head to Osa Conservation!
Photo of Granular-backed Poison Frog (Oophaga granulifera) by Raby Nunez @sierpefrogs.
Osa Conservation BioLodge - Days 3 to 8
We will arrive at Osa Conservation around 3pm on Day 3 and check in to the Osa Verde BioLodge, a newly constructed building with clean, comfortable, modern rooms and a great view. We will have the entire place to ourselves for five days.
Osa Conservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the globally significant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. We are excited to have them host us for five days and nights of science, conservation, research, hiking and of course frogging!
After getting settled, we will have a brief safety presentations by Osa Conservation staff, and then enjoy a delicious dinner together. In the evening we will put on our headlamps and go frogging on the nearby Piro River.
After breakfast on Day 4, we will visit the Osa Conservation research station and hear a presentation about the variety of research activities taking place there. Then we will hike the Ajo and/or Ocelot trails and eat lunch at the station. Later we will visit the farm to learn about the Regeneration & Rewilding project. After a dinner at the BioLodge we will go frogging at the Discovery Swamp.
After breakfast on Day 5, we will conduct a frog related project, such as constructing a pier on the frog pond to minimize foot traffic and subsequent damage to the edges of the pond. After lunch, we will hear a sea turtle presentation and take part in the release of baby turtles. We will have free time to swim in the ocean and explore rock pools. After dinner at the BioLodge, we will have an informal discussion about SAVE THE FROGS! activities in Costa Rica and around the world. We will take a night off from frogging to prepare for an early morning.
On Day 6 we will head out at 4:30am to do a sea turtle patrol. After breakfast, we will have the morning free to relax and siesta. After lunch at the BioLodge, we will head south to visit beautiful Matapalo Beach and do a waterfall hike. In the late afternoon we will visit Lapa Rios and hear presentations by Dr. Kerry Kriger and Chelsea Carson about SAVE THE FROGS! worldwide amphibian conservation programs. After dinner at Lapa Rios, we will put on our headlamps and go frogging on the Lapa Rios property, then return to the BioLodge.
After breakfast on Day 7 we will visit a local school to give frog presentations or complete the project we started earlier, if need be. After lunch, we will hear an amphibian biology/ecology/conservation lecture by our amphibian guide Raby Nuñez. That evening, we will have a celebration BBQ dinner at the lagoon/rock pools, joined by the Osa staff. We will enjoy our last dinner together and reminisce about the great times we shared, and end the evening with an illuminated drum circle.
The Masked Treefrog (Smilisca phaeota), a common frog throughout Central America.
Puerto Jimenez Return
On the morning of July 13th, 2022, we will arrange transportation for you to the Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM) and say our goodbyes!
Photo of Barbours Pygmy Snake (Trimetopon barbouri) by Raby Nunez.
Meet Your Tour Leader
Dr. Kerry Kriger
The 2022 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour will be led by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, who has been involved in global amphibian conservation efforts since 2003, and who has been leading SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotours since 2013.
“Hi, my name is Dr. Kerry Kriger and I am the Founder & Executive Director of SAVE THE FROGS!. I am an amphibian biologist and have helped coordinate over 2,000 educational events in 60+ countries to raise awareness of the threats amphibians face and ways people can help. I have also traveled to 66 countries, including every country in Central and South America. My first visit to Costa Rica was in 1996, when I had a life changing experience watching a treefrog calling near a rainforest stream on the Osa Peninsula.
I have led five SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotours, including the inaugural 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour, and have been involved in the design, development and coordination of all twelve SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotours that have taken place since 2013.
Costa Rica has incredible wildlife, beaches, rainforests and volcanoes and I am very excited to introduce you to the country’s abundant amphibians and rich culture. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet and our SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour will be something you will remember for the rest of your life. I look forward to frogging Costa Rica with you!”
Dr. Kerry Kriger taking a bamboo flute break on Tortuguero Beach during the inaugural SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Ecotour, July 2017.
Meet Your Amphibian Guide
Raby Nuñez
Raby was born and raised in Costa Rica, mainly in the town of Sierpe, Cantón de Osa, which is surrounded by great biodiversity. He is a naturalist and tour guide, wildlife photographer and independent researcher. He has written more than 12 scientific notes about the amphibians and reptiles of the Osa Peninsula, including collaborating on the description of two new snake species (Liotyphlops albirostris and Trimetopon pliolepis). Raby is the Founder of Sierpefrogs, a company that offers herpetofauna and photography tours all over Costa Rica. He also visits schools in the communities to give lectures about snakes, as environmental education is a very important tool to protect and preserve our species.
Raby Nuñez in action! @sierpefrogs.
Photos From Past Years' Tours
These photos from past tours will inspire you and give you a good idea of what you can expect on a SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica ecotour:
One of the Osa Peninsula’s beautiful beaches, at Cabo Matapalo.
Group Size
Our group will consist of up to 11 participants, two tour leaders and an amphibian guide. During hikes, we will split into smaller groups as needed.
Waterfall on the Osa Peninsula
Prepare For Your Costa Rica Ecotour
Traveling in Costa Rica may be a different experience than what you are accustomed to, so we wrote this article with Costa Rica travel tips! Please read it so you are well-prepared for your adventure in Costa Rica.
Photo of Black-headed Bushmaster (Lachesis melanocephala) by Raby Nunez.
Waterfall on the Osa Peninsula
Trip Pricing
Are you ready to join SAVE THE FROGS! in Costa Rica? Fabulous!
The 2022 SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour pricing is as follows:
- Base cost for one participant: $3,345
- Base cost for a party of two: $6,345
- Base cost for a party of three: $9,245
- Base cost for a party of four: $11,845
- Student Discount: Full-time students receive a $100 discount.
- All participants will receive a complimentary year of SAVE THE FROGS! Membership, or if you are already a member, we can gift a membership to someone of your choosing.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation.
All proceeds support SAVE THE FROGS! worldwide amphibian conservation efforts, enabling us to protect amphibians and promote a society that respects and appreciates wildlife and nature.
Your ecotour payment will cover:
- All lodging, meals and in-country transportation starting and ending in Puerto Jimenez
- World-class tour guides and their scientific expertise
It is your responsibility to pay your own costs of:
- International Airfare
- Domestic travel to and from Puerto Jimenez: the tour begins and ends at Puerto Jimenez Airport (PJM).
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs
- Note again that you will be required to pay your own airfare to and from Costa Rica and independently travel to/from Puerto Jimenez.
Payment Options & Securing Your Space On The Tour
- To secure your space on the tour, you can pay a $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit if you prefer not to pay in full all at once.
- Full payment is due by May 6th, 2022. Failure to pay by that date may result in forfeiture of your deposit money and your space on the ecotour.
- We accept checks and credit cards.
Cancellations
– To cancel your tour, you must notify us directly.
– If you cancel on or prior to May 6th, 2022, your entire trip will be refunded, minus your deposit (as deposits are non-refundable).
– If you cancel between May 7th and June 6th, you forfeit your entire deposit and half the remaining trip fee.
– If you cancel after June 6th, you forfeit your entire payment.
– As such, we strongly recommend all ecotourists purchase travel insurance, which generally covers unforeseen events that lead to cancellations.
Terms & Conditions
In order to take part on this trip, you will be required to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of ecotourism in Costa Rica, and legally releasing SAVE THE FROGS! and affiliated trip operators and personnel from legal damages and consequences. Please click here for our full ecotour terms and conditions and to review our payment and refund policy.
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to find glass frogs, like this beautiful Cochranella granulosa photographed by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, who has been visiting Costa Rica since 1996.
The Osa is home to some amazing non-amphibious life as well!
A beautiful Osa sunset
Sign Up For The Ecotour Here
If you would like to join the SAVE THE FROGS! Costa Rica Osa Ecotour and have the trip of your lifetime, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and we will be in touch with you soon to answer all your questions and help you register. We are looking forward to finding frogs and enjoying the amazing Osa Peninsula with you!
“I work in ecotourism and would love to do an ecotour in a different ecosystem and photograph frogs, turtles, sloths, plants, landscapes, etc. I think it’s important to choose tours that are ecologically conscious and responsible and SAVE THE FROGS! sounds like a great option.”
— Sara G., Ecology teacher, Chile
Frogs of the Osa Peninsula.
Any Questions? Let Us Know!
There will be lots of excitement through each place we visit as we learn about ecology, conservation, and environmental protection in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. And with a group of SAVE THE FROGS! participants and your tour leaders, there will certainly be lots of smiles, laughs, and learning going around. We thank you for your interest in SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotours and we hope to be frogging the jungles of Costa Rica with you soon!
Please contact us with any questions.
A rainforest stream in Corcovado National Park.
