Following up on a very successful Photo Safari to the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica in September of 2004, I am now planning a return trip that will visit a wide variety of locations and habitats from the Caribbean to the Pacific coasts of this beautiful country. One of the most biodiverse locations on the planet, Costa Rica offers unique opportunities for the nature photographer to see and shoot a wide variety of plant and animal species, as well as the incredibly gorgeous landscape of a number of ecosystems. Waiting there are 4 species of monkeys (white-faced capuchins, howlers, spider and squirrel monkeys), 375 species of birds (including scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks, mot-mots, many species of hummingbirds, etc.), 116 species of amphibians and reptiles (including the famous red-eyed tree frog and poison arrow frogs), and 139 mammal species (including sloths, anteaters, tapirs and jaguars), not to mention the spectacular butterflies, orchids and other flowers, and an extensive array of flora of every type.

As I have learned in my previous trips to Costa Rica, "getting there is half the fun," with an abundance of things to see while getting from one stopping point to another. We will have our own personal guides, drivers, and vehicle, so we can stop at any time to get a closer look, take pictures, and truly experience all this country has to offer. The itinerary has been specifically designed to make sure any non-photographer spouses, friends or family will have the time of their lives, as we travel from one beautiful landscape to another. Photographers of all levels of experience are welcome, from rank amateur to pro.

Some of the locations we'll be visiting include Tortuguero National Park (on the Caribbean coast), Arenal Volcano, Arenal Hanging Bridges, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Carara National Park (on the Pacific coast).

The group will be small (limited to 10 people) to allow ample opportunity for one-on-one instruction. In addition to teaching in the field, we'll be having regular Workshop sessions back at the hotels, covering a wide variety of topics in photography, digital imaging, etc. Once the group's participants are identified, a Questionnaire will be sent to each one, to assess everyone's experience, areas of interest, and expectations. In this way, the Workshop Agenda can be tailored to meet the specific needs of our group. An LCD Projector will be available, to allow us to view and learn from images that are taken as we travel, and the concepts and techniques learned can then be applied in the following day's shooting.

The cost will be $2275 per person, based on double occupancy (the single person supplement is $400), and includes virtually everything except the airfare from your home in and out of San Jose, Costa Rica, where the tour will begin. Most meals are included, with the only exceptions being in a few places where we'll be able to choose from a number of restaurants to fully experience the local cuisine and atmosphere. Not included is the Costa Rica Departure Tax ($26.00/person, subject to change by Costa Rica), alcoholic beverages, gratituities, personal items (laundry, phone service, etc.).

The travel arrangements have been made with Sunny Breeding, Jr., PhD, of World Class Travel and Tours. He has extensive experience in international travel, with a particular interest and expertise in Costa Rica. We have been working together on the arrangements for several months to make this an unforgettable experience. You can access his webpages about this trip here.

Additional information and details can be found here:

Daily Itinerary

Workshop Agenda

Biography of your Workshop Leader, Donald L. Cohen, MD

A deposit of $250 per person will secure a spot in the group, with final payment being due 75 days prior to travel (Sept. 15th).

Comments from past Photo Safari Participants:

”My photo adventure to Costa Rica was an opportunity of a lifetime at an affordable price. Don Cohen led the expedition to the Osa Peninsula where Crocodile Bay Lodge hosted us in first class style. I would have been happy to see a few exotic birds and animals, but what I saw far exceeded my expectations. You name it, it is there - from every imaginable insect, butterflies in abundance, crocodiles, reptiles and birds. The rainforest and waterfalls and landscape were a photographers dream. The plant life was spectacular and an afternoon kayaking through the Mangroves was breathtaking.

Each day Don went over digital photography basics and techniques to help us understand how to capture even better images. The Lodge made sure that no one went hungry or thirsty and our tour guide couldn’t have been sharper. All in all, the value for the experience was unbeatable.”

“This was a fantastic departure from the usual passive tropic resort experience. Interaction with other participants added unexpectedly and greatly to the experience. The guides were very in-tune with our naturalist perspective and very knowledgeable. Don made the evening sessions very educational so it was like a seminar and field trip combined.”

”This portion of paradise had superior accommodations and the staff was always helpful. The local guides were knowledgeable and energetic and Don was a superior photographer and teacher. His helpful ideas tendered before, during and after the safari will always be appreciated and the knowledge we brought home was fresh new and exciting. Thanks for a great trip.”

To see a wide variety of photographs taken during my 2 previous trips to Costa Rica, please visit the following Galleries on my website: