Costa Rica: Osa Exploration
Photo Adventure
Highlights
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Hands-on photography instruction from award-winning, professional nature photographer, and Tamron Ambassador, Alyce Bender, and OM Systems Ambassador Lee Hoy.
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Small group size with a limit of 8 participants for maximum one-on-one instruction as well as best wildlife observation opportunities.
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Explore the Osa Peninsula - home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, boasting lush rainforests, remote beaches, and vibrant wetlands teeming with life.
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Our visit is timed for the end of the rainy season - increasing macro opportunities and wildlife behavior as larger fauna starts to take advantage of receding waters and fruit bearing trees.
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An ideal workshop for those interested in making the most of a shorter visit to Costa Rica as we pack in the photography opportunities to create as stunningly diverse portfolio as the Osa's biodiversity allows - from landscapes to wildlife, bees to whales.
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Settle into Botanika—Hilton’s Curio Collection 5-star retreat—where luxury lodging, a full spa, and resort amenities offer plenty to enjoy after our field sessions or for partners joining the adventure.
Join Tamron Ambassador Alyce Bender and OM System Ambassador Lee Hoy in the subject rich Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica! Photographing wildlife and macro subjects on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica offers a uniquely rich and immersive experience for nature photographers. From elusive jaguars and scarlet macaws to poison dart frogs and leafcutter ants, opportunities to capture compelling wildlife images are virtually endless.
Photographers must often hike through dense jungle trails or wait patently in hushed observation posts, where the reward is a glimpse into the raw and inmate moments of wild creatures in their natural habitats. Macro photography on the Osa Peninsula is equally captivation, with a dazzling array of insects, reptiles, amphibians, and tropical flora just waiting to be explored at a closer scale. High humidity and dense foliage can be challenging, but they also contribute to the lush, thriving environments that make each macro subject more vivid and striking.
To make the most of a photographic journey on the Osa Peninsula, preparation is key. Whether you're capturing the bold stare of a howler monkey or the delicate symmetry of a butterfly’s wing, the Osa Peninsula provides not just subjects, but a powerful connection to the wild rhythms of one of the planet’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
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Photographers should arrive no later than 4:00 pm to get checked into hotel and join us for our opening dinner.
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At dinner we will have introductions and an open session on expectations, preparation, and what to know as we go.
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Meal included: Dinner
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Night in San Jose
Day 2 – Flight to the Osa & Orientation
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We will catch morning flights from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula. Upon landing it is a very short drive to our beautiful resort, The Bontanika! Lush grounds provide a plethora of macro and wildlife subjects including crocodiles on sight!
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Lunch and then afternoon classroom me to learn about macro and wildlife photography so you are be er prepared for the upcoming photographic opportunities!
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The classroom will prepare you for photographing macro with flash, how to diffuse the light, and using supplemental light sources. Pretentions will also discuss the challenges of photographing wildlife in the tropical settings.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Night at Botanika Resort
Day 3 – Wildlife & Lunch with Locals
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Today we indulge in our first submersion in the jungle, seeking out both birds and wildlife before joining a local family for a cultural immersion session over lunch. We will have a chance to learn more about their way of life in this environment that many only think of as a tropical vacation paradise.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Night at Botanika Resort
Day 4 - River Boat
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Today we will go out on a boat excursion on the Siepre River and explore the mangrove forests for wildlife! Crocodiles in the river, monkeys in the trees, and birds flying up and down the river will provide plenty of photographic opportunities.
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Afternoon opportunities for birds and macro on resort grounds.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Night at Botanika Resort
Day 5 - Macro with Expert Entomologist
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Today we have the opportunity to be joined by one of the premier entomologists in Central America for a macro photography extravaganza! Jim will provide an incredible variety of subjects for your photographic indulgence!
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Night at Botanika Resort
Day 6 - Wildlife & Macro Combo
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This day is a cumulation of what we have been doing all week with opportunities for everything from macro to mammals. Today we indulge in another submersion in the jungle, seeking out both birds and wildlife before visiting a property well known for its macro subjects with additional varied backgrounds.
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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Night at Botanika Resort
Day 7 - Depart Osa & Costa Rica
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We enjoy one last sunrise jungle chorus on the Osa before having to check out of the Botanika and catching our domestic flight back to San Jose.
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Participants may fly home at anytime after 2PM
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*Optional night in San Jose and depart the following the day (not included in tour lodging)
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Meals included: Breakfast
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Inclusions
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In-field Photography Instruction w/2 Pro Instructors
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Transportation for the duration of tour in Costa Rica
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Domestic Flights to/from Osa
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6 Nights Lodging
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Meals as Listed
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Local English Speaking Guide
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2+ Macro Sessions
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1+ Boat Excursions
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Pre-tour Zoom Meeting
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All Entrance Fees & Permits
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Exclusions
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Transportation to/from your home to San Jose, Costa Rica
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Optional final night lodging in San Jose if not flying out on final day of tour
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Any pre-tour lodging or transportation
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Alcohol
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Personal Purchases
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Laundry or Spa services
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Guide & Instructor Gratuities
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Passport & Visas
Meet Your Instructors
