10 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a beautiful country in Central America, with coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific seas.

Visitors can experience rugged terrain and rainforest jungles one minute, then be on a beautiful beach the next.

The country’s cities and towns are teaming with museums, shops, street markets, and ancient cathedrals.

Most of all, Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, with wildlife and flora that is not seen in many other places on earth.

In 2013, legislation was introduced to abolish all zoos in Costa Rica and to release all the animals into the wild.

The legislation went nowhere, but it does seem that Costa Rica is moving away from the traditional zoo concept and more toward conservation, rehabilitation, and rescue.

Many of the facilities that house animals in Costa Rica do not purchase animals for the purpose of display.

Most of the animals visitors will see were rescued.

But if you love animals, Costa Rica has some great places for you to spend the day.

 Read on for the 10 best zoos and aquariums in Costa Rica.

The 10 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Costa Rica

1. Zoo Ave. (Alajuela, Costa Rica)

Also referred to as Rescate Wildlife Reserve, this refuge opened in 1980.

The main objective was to rehabilitate and care for wild animals that were too ill or injured to survive on their own.

In 1995, it was declared an official wildlife rescue center. 

All of the animals at the facility are either rescued from the wild or brought to the center by the Costa Rican government.

If animals cannot be released back into the wild, they are given a lifelong home at the center.

They also have breeding facilities where successful mating has taken place with several species, including the highly endangered Scarlet Macaw.

Visitors to the refuge can expect to see sloths, lions, owls, turtles, rabbits, and a variety of birds, and reptiles.

The park takes about 2 hours to tour.

Guides are available to assist and there is a restaurant on site.

All admission fees go to rehabilitation and care of the animals.

2. Las Pumas Rescue Center (Guanacaste, Costa Rica)

If you want to see a top-notch animal rescue center in action, Las Pumas is a must-see.

Opened in the 1960s, the center focuses on assisting wild animals that have been injured or orphaned.

The park takes about an hour and a half to walk through.

Guides are on hand to accompany you and discuss the animals.

Those animals that are slated for release are kept under wraps to limit their interactions with humans.

For an added treat, go in the afternoon.

That’s when feeding time starts.

Moving around the 40-acre park, visitors will see big cats, birds, sloths, monkeys, and iguanas.

It’s clear that the animals in this center are respected and well cared for, so it’s a happy and fun place to visit.

There is a restaurant and covered pavilion available to eat lunch.

3. Simon Bolivar National Zoo (San Jose, Costa Rica)

Located in the heart of the city of San Jose, Simon Bolivar is the oldest zoo in Costa Rica.

It was opened in 1884 and added a botanical garden in 1921.

The zoo is about 42 acres and will take about 2-3 hours to see everything at a leisurely pace.

The zoo has been working with several non-profit organizations to take in ill and injured animals that are unable to live on their own.

The zoo has about 11 species of mammal, 30 species of bird, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

There is a clinical veterinarian on staff and the zoo runs an environmental education program.

A snack bar is available, along with a gift shop and picnic area.

4. Santa Ana Conservation Center (San Jose, Costa Rica)

Visitors to the city of San Jose looking for a break from the hustle and bustle should stop by this animal sanctuary.

Just steps from the busy streets of San Jose, Santa Ana offers a peaceful environment and some interesting animals.

With over 140 acres of beautiful plant life, surrounded by the Uruca river, they are also the only reserve to have remnants of Costa Rican tropical rainforest.

While strolling along the marked trails, visitors can see crocodiles, jaguars, monkeys, birds, and butterflies galore.

There is also a cactus garden and nursery for flowers.

A museum is on the property where antique farm equipment is displayed.

There’s a lovely picnic area with BBQs and a play area for the kids.

5. La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center (San Carlos, Costa Rica)

La Marina has been family owned and operated since 1957.

They are dedicated to taking in animals who have been orphaned, mistreated, and confiscated by poachers and illegal hunters.

Though the goal is to get as many animals back to their native environments, many stay for the rest of their lives.

Visitors can walk the trails and view owls, big cats, pigs, birds, tapirs, monkeys, and many other wonderful creatures.

Volunteers are always welcome to not only help but to learn about the process of rehabilitating animals.

If you visit, plan on spending about 3 hours.

6. Osa Wildlife Sanctuary (Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica)

This animal sanctuary has an interesting backstory, in that it was never meant to be a sanctuary.

It started out as an eco-lodge, owned by Carol Patrick.

Soon after opening, local folks began asking her to take in injured and abandoned animals, since she had so much land.

She did, and as any “animal person” will understand, she soon had more animals than people.

So in 2003, she officially opened the animal sanctuary.

The lodge was replaced by animal enclosures and facilities for staff.

At any given time, visitors can view monkeys, anteaters, birds, sloths, and various big cats.

Besides the animals, one of the best things about the sanctuary is getting there. It’s only accessible by boat.

On the way, you’ll get to see a lot of dolphin activity.

You can also take the tour as a secondary destination when on a snorkeling adventure.

Though there are no eateries inside the sanctuary, there are plenty of restaurants just a short walk up the beach.

So if you’re looking to make a day of it, this is a great choice.

Plus, the admission fee goes directly to the care of the animals and facilities. 

7. Africa Safari Adventure Park (Liberia, Costa Rica)

Visitors to this 250-acre park can expect to enjoy a full day of animal watching, water fun, and adventure.

Begin your day with a safari.

On the guided tour bus, you will get up close and personal with the over 300 animals that live in an 80-acre freedom-controlled environment.

Don’t worry, all the animals are herbivores!

You can even feed carrots to a select few.

Knowledgeable guides ride along with guests to educate them on wildlife.

Some of the animals you can expect to find include giraffes, zebras, warthogs, emus, peafowl, deer, antelope, camels, and ostriches.

Upon completion of the safari, visitors are welcome to enjoy swimming in the river with a beautiful waterfall.

There is kayaking and even zip-lining available too.

If a tranquil stroll is more your speed, nature trails run throughout the park.

The complex also offers many food options.

8. Parque Marino Del Pacifico-Pacific Marine Park (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Just about the only traditional aquarium in Costa Rica, this small facility has a nice variety of marine life.

What’s even better is, they, like most places on this list, have a rehabilitation program.

Sick and injured animals are taken in and cared for with the hope of sending them back to the sea.

Some animals visitors are sure to see are small sharks, turtles of all sizes, manta rays, crocodiles, iguanas, and pelicans.

At the site of an old train station, strolling outside is some fun as well.

There are activities for children, as well as a playground and splash pool.

There is a gift shop and a picnic area.

9. Neo Fauna (Herradura, Costa Rica)

As their website states, Neo Fauna is dedicated to the reproduction and preservation of endangered species.

They also rehabilitate injured animals.

If you’re looking for nature and animals on a smaller scale, a visit to this quaint park is in order.

The park specializes in frogs, butterflies, and snakes.

But visitors will also be treated to some parrots, turtles, and macaws as well.

The local guides are very knowledgeable and will give you a history of the area as well as information on the animals.

Peanuts are given to guests so they can feed the birds.

For an extra fee, there is a tour where a guide will take you into the jungle area and more wildlife can be viewed in the swamps and rivers.

10. Bat Jungle (Monteverde, Costa Rica)

If your taste in animals runs a bit left of center, or you’re just looking for a unique experience, a trip to the Bat Jungle may be for you.

Designed by renowned bat biologist, Dr. Richard Leval, the bat jungle is home to over 90 bats.

Once inside the 57-foot enclosure, visitors will be transported to a night, cloud-covered jungle.

The bats eat, socialize, nurse their young, and fly right before your eyes.

There is a special microphone set up so visitors can hear the sounds of socializing among the bats.

Guides are on hand at all times to educate and inform about everything from eating habits to the bats’ important role in the ecosystem.

The entire experience takes about 45 minutes, so it’s a great activity to add to the itinerary if you’re in Monteverde for the day.

10 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Costa Rica – Summary Table

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