If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing tree frogs, monkeys, sloths, and stunning tropical birds—while learning from an 8-time Olympic photographer—this photo tour is made for you. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this adventure both accessible and inspiring. I've taught everyone from first-time camera users to full-time professionals, and yes, significant others are absolutely welcome too!

We’ll be based at the luxurious 5-star Botanika Resort in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, a region National Geographic hails as one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. You'll be immersed in the heart of the rainforest, with daily excursions that bring you face-to-face with incredible wildlife—without the hassle of packing up and moving from place to place.

One of my favorite aspects of this tour is the convenience: we stay in one beautiful location and explore from there, making travel logistics a breeze.

Want to see the kind of images you can expect to capture? Visit my Costa Rica photo gallery. Think you can’t take photos like that? Check out this blog post featuring stunning shots taken by past guests—you might be surprised at what you can achieve!

And here’s an exciting bonus: thanks to my partnership with Canon, you can borrow nearly any Canon camera or lens for the duration of the trip—completely free of charge. (And no, you don’t have to be a Canon user to join—photographers using all brands are welcome.)

Costa Rica is my fastest-selling photo tour, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, I encourage you to reach out soon to reserve your spot. You can view all upcoming tours on my photo tours page.

Here is what our typical itinerary looks like

Day 1: Arrival in San José,

Costa Rica
 

Welcome to Costa Rica! We'll all arrive in San José (yes, the capital of Costa Rica, not California) and settle in for the night at the beautiful Hilton Sabana, conveniently located near downtown. This first evening offers a chance for introductions and to ease into the trip with a relaxing group dinner. It’s also when I’ll introduce the week’s itinerary, discuss goals for the tour, and review recommended camera settings, techniques for photographing in the rainforest, and tips for composition. It’s a great way to prepare for the adventure ahead and build some camaraderie.

Day 2: Flight to Botanika Resort & Half-Day Photo Shoot
 

In the morning, we’ll take a short, scenic domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez on the Osa Peninsula. Be sure to have your camera or phone easily accessible—you won’t want to miss the breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and dense rainforest below. After checking into our base for the week, the 5-star Botanika Resort, we'll enjoy lunch and then dive into our first photo walk around the property. This lush and vibrant environment is teeming with plant life, tropical birds, mon keys, and other wildlife—a perfect introduction to rainforest photography.

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Botanika-50pct
 

Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife Photography Adventure

Today is our first full day immersed in rainforest exploration. Accompanied by experienced naturalist guides, we’ll venture into the forest in 4-wheel drive vehicles, searching for monkeys, sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas, and more. This is a true photo safari—you never know what you’ll find around the next bend. We’ll practice action photography techniques, how to adapt to changing light conditions, and how to anticipate animal behavior for the best possible shots. The day is long but incredibly rewarding.

Day 4: Macro Photography:

 Frogs & Reptiles

We shift gears today with an excursion designed for stunning close-up photography. We'll visit a local expert who safely collects tree frogs, small reptiles, and other colorful amphibians in a controlled setting—ideal for macro photography. You’ll learn how to light and frame these tiny subjects for dramatic effect, using shallow depth of field and creative composition. After lunch we head back to the resort, where we’ll gather in the conference room for a group critique session and image review. This is a great opportunity for feedback and learning.

Day 5: Sloth Safari & Relaxation

In the morning, we’ll travel to a nearby area known for its excellent sloth sightings. These iconic and surprisingly photogenic animals offer a more patient pace to practice photographing these slower moving animals. This is also a great area to capture images of beautiful birds and flowers on the property. We’ll enjoy some local food and return to the resort by early afternoon. This is a great time to organize and review your photos, rest, or join me for one-on-one sessions to work through editing or technical questions.

Day 6: Boat Excursion – Marine Life & Coastal Birds

On this day we are really changing things up as we’ll take to the water for a smooth and relaxing boat ride through Golfo Dulce. This marine-rich environment offers chances to photograph dolphins, flying fish, pelicans, frigatebirds, and, with some luck, migrating whales. You’ll learn techniques for shooting from a moving boat, tracking wildlife in open space, and capturing birds in flight. We are generally back to Botanika by lunch time, leaving some more time for you to photograph on the resort property, review the day's images, or just relax a little.

Day 7: Free Day to Explore, Rest, or Do Your Own Excursion

Today is intentionally left open for you to recharge or personalize your experience. Whether that means lounging by the pool, enjoying a spa treatment, or going zip-lining, horseback riding, or fishing, the day is yours. I like to walk around the property (which is home to hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths, lizards, leaf-cutter ants and other wildlife) This built-in flexibility also gives us a buffer in case of rain on previous days.
 

The photo of the hummingbird that you see on the right was taken 10 feet from the pool. 

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Costa Rica Photo ToursCosta Rica Photo Tour - 2023
 

Day 8: Chocolate Plantation & Wildlife Photography

We’ll head into the foothills to visit a small, working chocolate plantation. You’ll get hands-on experience grinding cocoa beans and learn about traditional chocolate-making methods. It’s a fun and flavorful cultural experience. Keep your cameras ready, as monkeys, butterflies and other great subjects are frequently spotted in this area. After lunch on-site, we’ll return to the resort with plenty of sweet memories and more fantastic photos.

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Day 9: Sierpe River Boat Tour

On our final full day of photography, we’ll cruise the serene Sierpe River. This calm boat ride winds through mangroves and wetland forest, offering great opportunities to photograph crocodiles, caimans, monkeys, herons, kingfishers, and more. The slow pace allows you to compose your shots carefully and soak in the beauty of this tranquil environment. It’s a peaceful and fulfilling way to wrap up our wildlife photo journey.

Tanzania - African Safari

Day 10: Return to San José & Departure

After breakfast, we’ll take a short return flight back to San José, where you can connect to your international flights home. You’ll leave Costa Rica with a portfolio full of stunning images, valuable photography experience, new techniques, and, perhaps most importantly, lifelong friendships formed over a shared love of photography and nature.

Schedule is subject to change

The itinerary listed here is the proposed agenda for the trip. Depending on the weather and other circumstances, the schedule is subject to change. But, of course, the goal is to have everyone come home with amazing photos and to learn as much as possible.

Trip Details

Welcome to an unforgettable photography adventure in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest. Here’s everything you need to know:

📅 Upcoming Trips

View all upcoming tour dates on the Tour Page.

👥 Group Size

Each tour is limited to 12 guests for a personalized experience and plenty of hands-on instruction.
Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

✈️ Travel & Flights

Arrival:
Plan to arrive in San José, Costa Rica (SJO) by early evening on Day 1 if you can. We’ll meet for a group dinner at the Hilton Sabana and rest up before flying to the rainforest the next morning.

Departure:
Book your return flight for after 1:00 PM on the final day, giving us time to return from the Osa Peninsula.

Optional Extended Stay:
Arriving early or staying longer? I’d be happy to help you make those arrangements—just reach out!

📸 Skill Level

This tour is ideal for all photography skill levels.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you’ll be guided every step of the way. All you need is a basic understanding of how to use an SLR camera—the rest, we’ll learn together in the field.

💰 Pricing

Total Cost: $6,450 (All-Inclusive from San José, CR)
Includes:

• Round-trip flights to/from the rainforest resort

• All lodging (San José + Botanika)

• All meals + non-alcoholic drinks

Additional Options:

• Private Room: +$1,000 (single supplement)

• Non-photographer guest: –$350
  (They’re welcome on all excursions!)

Note: International airfare to San José not included (typically ~$800 round trip from the U.S.)

🌧️ Weather

Expect warm, humid days with light afternoon rain, typical of the rainforest.
Bring a rain cover for your gear—but honestly, a hotel towel works fine in a pinch.

Don’t worry—this is all part of the experience, and I’ve selected dates to avoid the peak heat of Costa Rica’s summer.

🐾 What You’ll See

While nature always surprises us, past trips have featured frequent sightings of:

• Sloths

• 4 Monkey Species: Spider, White-Faced Capuchin, Howler, Squirrel

• Toucans

• Scarlet Macaws

• Crocodiles

• Tree Frogs

• Lizards & Iguanas

• Butterflies & Hummingbirds

See photos from previous tours →

🎒 Gear Checklist

Recommended Photo Gear:

• Two camera bodies (or borrow one—see below!)

• Long zoom lens (300mm minimum)

• Mid-range zoom lens (24–150mm)

• Tripod

• Durable camera backpack

• Laptop + editing software

• External hard drive (for backups)

Don’t have all this?
No problem—Canon offers free loaner gear to all attendees! Just tell me what you need in advance.

Suggested Clothing:

• 3 pairs of shorts

• 2 lightweight pants

• 4 breathable shirts (quick-dry)

• 2 pairs of shoes (include water shoes)

• Sun hat

• Swimsuit

• Laundry detergent (optional—laundry service also available)

🏞 Physical Requirements

This trip requires minimal physical effort.
No long hikes—most photography happens close to our vehicles with short walks.
You should be comfortable getting in and out of a vehicle and walking brief distances.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there bathrooms during excursions?
A: Yes, we have access to restrooms at all locations.

Q: Are the rooms air-conditioned?
A: Absolutely. Our 5-star Hilton Curio accommodations offer excellent A/C.

Q: What kind of food is served?
A: Delicious, Western-style meals—nothing exotic or too unusual.

Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
A: We can accommodate almost any dietary restriction.

Q: Will we hike through the rainforest?
A: No. We travel by vehicle and stop when we see wildlife or photo ops.

Q: Are insects a problem?
A: Surprisingly no! I rarely need bug spray, but bring some just in case.

Q: Do I need to be a professional photographer?
A: Not at all! This trip is perfect for beginners through professionals.
 

Click HERE to reserve a spot!

Testimonials from attendees on past Costa Rica photo tours

I just returned from an incredible photo tour of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica with Jeff Cable, and it was outstanding from start to finish. Jeff and the local guides went above and beyond to ensure an exceptional experience. Jeff’s technical expertise and artistic insight were invaluable, helping me elevate my photography throughout the trip. The local guides’ deep knowledge of the region and remarkable ability to spot wildlife made all the difference. We encountered and photographed an amazing variety of birds and mammals in their natural habitats. Jeff’s tour exceeded my expectations in every way and offered unforgettable photographic opportunities. I highly recommend it! - Yasmin (Costa Rica 2025)

I have actively been using cameras for the past 50 years.  Throughout that time, I participated in numerous photography tours.  All were good but some clearly better than others.  The pinnacle of these experiences was Jeff Cable’s June 2024 trip to Costa Rica. 

From the day of my first inquiry with Jeff to final the day when my wife and I returned home from the tour, every aspect of our journey was planned and conducted to perfection.  All of which is attributed to Jeff’s experience and attention to detail. 

A great photography tour is more than taking images.  Often, it’s about the leader’s enthusiasm, knowledge of the area, and ability to make effective decisions when local conditions dictate change. 

Jeff offers his participants a high level of knowledge and excitement.   Regardless of individual’s experience or abilities, he worked hard to bring out the best in each person. 

If you want to have the time of your life, then do whatever it takes to secure a place on Jeff’s next photography tour.  You’re going to have a blast! Bob and Becky C (Costa Rica 2024)

Jeff is super knowledgeable and meticulously plans all the details of the tour. He explains difficult concepts really well. Not a single excursion that you would regret. Highly recommend his tours for all levels of expertise. Nachiket K. (Costa Rica 2023)

Jeff’s trip was amazing from start to finish. As a photographer, he is exceptional. As an instructor, he is top notch for any skill level. His guidance is excellent even in extreme places such as the rainforest. Jeff is extremely friendly and personable. He definitely goes out of his way to make sure you’re having a great experience and getting all the shots you’re hoping to get. The outings were fun and loaded with photographic opportunities for our trip. If you’re a “foodie” then this trip won’t disappoint. The dinners we had far exceeded my expectations. Just ask the extra 5 pounds I brought back home. The honest truth is, for a first timer like myself.. Jeff really set the bar pretty high for future excursions. I couldn’t have asked for a greater trip or a better guide. Thank you Jeff, for everything. Jason B. (Costa Rica 2023)

Costa Rica was our second tour with Jeff. We hope it will not be the last as he has so many fantastic destinations. Michael G (Costa Rica 2023)

I joined the photo tour with Jeff because the dates lined up with my conference in California, that was really lucky for me as it was fabulous! I had no idea what to expect as it was my first photo tour, from start to finish the trip was amazing and it was also fun. Jeff is a great teacher, has a great sense of humor, is very approachable and generous with his time. We saw so much wildlife in such a short time, and came away with some incredible photos and memories. Everyone in the group got along well, and it was nice that there were other solo travelers as I was traveling alone. The food and accommodation were excellent, and the guides were exceptional at finding us wildlife at every turn. Emma G (Costa Rica 2023)

Jeff's organized, thorough, detailed, yet relaxed leadership made for a very fine tour. I much valued the great variety of locations and subjects for photo shoots he provided. All these were from one luxurious lodge on this particular trip, with no need to move from lodge to lodge. He is a knowledgeable and highly skilled professional. His teachings helped to hone my skills. Tony L (Costa Rica 2023)

Jeff has the patience of Job when it comes to leading a photo group. Smart, tireless, and always enthusiastic. A true pro that I can't recommend enough! Carl C. (Costa Rica 2023)

We had all different skill levels on our trip to Costa Rica and Jeff was great about catering to all of those. He was happy to take the time and help those of us who needed a little extra instruction. Our days were full of adventure, but also relaxing when we returned to the resort. This trip was a game changer for me in developing my skills as a photographer. I could even tell a difference in my pictures from day 1 to day 3 of the trip. I would definite recommend doing a tour with Jeff, in fact I've already signed up for another. Shauna I. (Costa Rica 2022)

We recently traveled to Costa Rica with Jeff and can say that if you are looking for a general all around great photographer and great guy to travel with, he’s your guy!  He also happens to be an excellent teacher and hard worker who has an excellent supporting cast of assistants at the local Crocodile Bay resort who went out of they way to make sure our stay was exceptional.  The whole team was flexible in rolling with the punches the weather can throw at you so as to maximize our photo opportunities, and the trip was jam packed with a variety of photo opportunities from macro frog shoots to rainforest excursions to cocoa farm visits to endangered sea turtle release—and Jeff was there to help anyone who was unsure of the best way to photograph what they were seeing.  Additionally, Jeff was available to do one-on-one mentoring when time was available, and scheduled periodic image review sessions, as well.  Last, but not least, through Jeff’s association with Canon, he was able to arrange for Canon loaner equipment during our trip—a definite bonus for those of us wanting to try out a special lens or body! - Catherine and Jon (Costa Rica 2020)

The trip to Costa Rica was such a great time. Jeff, the staff at the resort and our local guides were all wonderful. The accommodations at the resort were excellent, the food was delicious and the staff took great care of us the entire time. I felt especially safe traveling despite COVID-19 as all safety precautions were taken by everyone who we interacted with locally. The wildlife sightings were abundant! Seeing my progress from the first day to the end of the trip was really rewarding - Jeff was helpful in sharing a lot of good tips (both taking the pictures themselves and post-processing workflows). I really enjoyed this trip and hope to travel again with Jeff in the future. - Samantha D. (Costa Rica 2020)

We had all different skill levels on our trip to Costa Rica and Jeff was great about catering to all of those. He was happy to take the time and help those of us who needed a little extra instruction. Our days were full of adventure, but also relaxing when we returned to the resort. This trip was a game changer for me in developing my skills as a photographer. I could even tell a difference in my pictures from day 1 to day 3 of the trip. I would definite recommend doing a tour with Jeff, in fact I've already signed up for another. Shauna I (Costa Rica 2020)

2020 has been one hell of a year, so when I saw Jeff’s workshop for November 2020 I was hesitant on going cause of travel restrictions, COVID etc, but it took one phone call with Jeff to convince me to go and I was so glad I did.  This was my first time meeting Jeff and attending one of his workshops and I have to say what an amazing experience.  In the very first day Jeff showed me how to used Back Button Focus, explained how it worked and how to use it, “Game changer” my images were better than ever.  He taught me better composition, better angles, better backgrounds etc.  I’ve been to Crocodile Bay many times but this trip was unforgettable.  The daily schedules were easy, full of wildlife, and a lot of fun, even if we didn’t find what we were looking for we always found something else to photograph. Jeff is great at finding things, be it a plant, a bug, or just what was going on in our surroundings.  We had editing/critique classes which was also very informative.  Jeff pointed out what I was doing wrong and what I was doing right. This was a huge help, since I don’t see my own mistakes. His critique was very much appreciated. I used to download all my images from my memory cards when I got home. Jeff helped me download all my images to my SSD drive and edit on-site instead of bringing back all my images and downloading them at home. This made life so much easier.  I walked away from this workshop very pleased with my images, and I took back home all the things he taught me.  Jeff is a great teacher, great person and fun to be around. I will definitely, without hesitation, go on another workshop with him again. You won’t be disappointed I promise you that.  Looking forward to another adventure with Jeff in the future. - Dana P (Costa Rica 2020)

I just returned from participating in Jeff’s Costa Rica photography tour.  It was a fantastic trip, life changing in some ways. Sure, the Costa Rica Osa Peninsula and it’s wildlife, rainforests, and people were spectacular and inspiring. The photography instruction was superb - Jeff’s a world-class photographer and instructor, and an exceptional person. Crocodile Bay Resort was a comfortably, first-class resort. And the others in the group were fantastic to get to know. But for me, the highlight of the trip was the sparking of a lifetime passion for photography. Jeff, thanks for an incredible adventure. I look forward to many more. - Peter H. (Costa Rica 2018)

Besides being a superb and knowledgable photographer, Jeff Cable is an excellent teacher who wants you to have a special experience with the tour and works hard to make that happen. Because of his teaching abilities, the skill level of the participants is not that important as he will guide you and help you learn how to photograph nature. The people of Costa Rica are very friendly and helpful and the culture experienced in the tour will be remembered for a long time. If you love viewing and photographing monkeys, birds, reptiles and more,. this is the shoot for you and I HIGHLY recommend it - Dr. Larry P. (Costa Rica 2018)

My wife and I just returned from a wonderful photo tour of Costa Rica with Jeff Cable.  This was a small group tour of only 9 people.  Jeff did a great job of organizing the tour with excellent guides and comfortable accommodations at the Crocodile Bay Resort.  The weather was much better than we expected with only light showers on a couple of our outings that did not interfere with our photography.  Jeff arranged a variety of excursions that included drives through the forest searching for a variety of wildlife along with a couple of controlled shoots that provided excellent macro opportunities.  On several of the excursions, there were opportunities to interact with the local residents and culture.  The small tour group allowed for a lot of social interaction and it allowed Jeff to work with each individual providing one-on-one photo guidance as needed.  My wife is a non-photographer and she enjoyed the sighting and observation of wildlife and interaction with others in the group.  The staff at Crocodile Bay helped to make this an above-average trip. Olympia, the restaurant staff, and tour guides were outstanding and a joy to interact with.  This was a excellent tour and highly recommended for both photographers and non-photographers.  We are looking forward to our trip to Tanzania with Jeff in January 2019. - Glenn and Kathy H. (Costa Rica 2018)

I participated in Jeff’s November 2017 expedition to Costa Rica. For several years I have been following Jeff’s social media posts and presentations at B&H, I like his presentation and teaching style so much that when the opportunity to go to Costa Rica with him arose I jumped on it. That decision turned out to be the best photography-related decision I’ve made in the last ten years. The images I returned home with are outstanding. I’ve posted to photo critique websites and have gotten rave reviews. Everyone I show the images to are in awe at the quality of the images and the exotic subject matter. Jeff’s instruction during the tour made all-the-difference in the quality of my captures. He paid close attention to each of us in the field and during non-shooting discussions and critiques.

The staff at Crocodile Bay Resort were outstanding. They treated us as if we were royalty. The menu for all three meals is extensive and the quality of the food is beyond expectations.  Our guides, Dennis and Diego, had an incredible eye for spotting wildlife. As photographers themselves, they knew which sightings would offer better photographic opportunity.  

In closing, the one tour feature that places Jeff’s Costa Rica tour far ahead of other Costa Rica photography tours is his arrangement with Canon Professional Services for tour members to obtain loaner camera bodies and lenses at no cost. I received on loan an EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS and EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens. These are the same lenses Jeff used, which made implementing Jeff’s shooting suggestions instructions work so well. David A. (Costa Rica 2017)

Our Costa Rica trip was great. Jeff and everyone else we met were friendly and helpful. The resort was great and we saw a LOT of animals including birds, monkeys, sloths and frogs. Jeff was super enthusiastic and a good teacher. He was constantly helping us take better photos and he really gave me some good post processing tips. I would be happy to travel with him again. We were a couple with a photographer and a non-photographer and both of us had a great time. Bob P. (Costa Rica 2017)

I'm not a photographer, but still like tagging along with my photographer husband on trips. It's a wonderful opportunity to see the world and experience the adventure that goes along with capturing the photos. Jeff's trip to Cost Rica did not disappoint. It was a unique opportunity to see so many different animals, birds and insects and take time to just observe them in their habitats. I thoroughly enjoyed all the field trips as well as hiking around the resort. Jeff was even gracious enough to give me a beginners photo lesson one afternoon, and I got a few nice shots.  Our guides were excellent, helping us not only find the wildlife but also learn about the animals, environment & locale. The resort was very comfortable; we were treated like we were part of their extended family.  Tracy P. (Costa Rica 2017)

I have wanted to see a rain forest for some time and this tour exceeded my expectations.  Jeff did a great job of selecting adventures spaced with some free time.  The accommodations were very good and the food was fantastic.  The entire staff was friendly and helpful.   Each adventure yielded many animals, most of which I had not seen before.  Admittedly, some of the photo opportunities were "assisted" by the guides, but I believe I would have found it difficult to spot an inch long frog on my own.   The guides were expert in spotting the animals, and I even learned some things.  “ If you see isolated leaves falling from the trees above, and it is not windy, it is likely an animal moving about.”   The photography was a bit hard at times with the subject high in the trees, moving about and just as you located and focused on them, they would rapidly move away.   Jeff was always there to assist in your photographic efforts. All in all, this was an excellent trip!  If you are interested in the rain forest and its animals, go with Jeff to Costa Rica  and say hello to Sweetie the monkey for me. Carol C. (Costa Rica 2017)

For more information - email Jeff at [email protected]