Osa Peninsula Wildlife Photography Workshop
A Conservation Photography Experience
June 20–26, 2027 | Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Explore and photograph the most biologically intense place on Earth alongside a Costa Rican-American wildlife photographer and field biologist. This immersive small-group photography experience combines expert photography instruction with discovery of the natural history, ecology, and conservation of Costa Rica's legendary Osa Peninsula. Together, we'll photograph an extraordinary diversity of wildlife—from brilliantly colored treefrogs, snakes, and insects to scarlet macaws and monkeys—all while learning about the ecological and conservation stories that make this rainforest one of the most remarkable places on Earth.
Workshop Overview
7 Days / 6 Nights
Limited to 8 Participants
All Camera Systems & Skill Levels Welcome
Day & Night Wildlife Photography
All-Inclusive Once You Arrive in Costa Rica
Led by an Award-Winning Costa Rican-American Wildlife Photographer & Conservation Biologist
Conservation-Focused Experience
Signature Wildlife Experiences
Photograph the Osa's Incredible Wildlife
From colorful treefrogs and venomous snakes to scarlet macaws and monkeys, photograph the Osa Peninsula's remarkable biodiversity through immersive day and night field excursions.
Explosive Treefrog Breeding
Experience one of Costa Rica's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles as we monitor seasonal breeding ponds for the chance to photograph thousands of gliding treefrogs and other rainforest amphibians at dawn.
Conservation in Action
Go behind the scenes of active conservation by visiting sea turtle programs, rainforest restoration projects, and research initiatives while documenting the people working to protect the Osa Peninsula.
Learn from Science in the Field
More than a photography workshop, this experience combines expert photography instruction with tropical ecology, natural history, and conservation storytelling led by Costa Rican-American wildlife photographer and conservation biologist Dr. Brandon A. Güell.
What You May Photograph
Throughout the workshop, we'll explore a variety of rainforest, freshwater, coastal, and canopy habitats during both daylight and nighttime excursions, focusing on wildlife behavior, natural history, and conservation storytelling. Every outing is designed to maximize photographic opportunities while providing a deeper understanding of the remarkable biodiversity of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula.
Below are just a few of the wildlife species, conservation stories, and photographic moments participants may have the opportunity to experience.
About the Osa Peninsula
Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea
Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to lush tropical rainforest, the Osa Peninsula is a place where ancient forests, winding rivers, mangrove estuaries, and rugged coastline come together to create one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Often described as "the most biologically intense place on Earth," the Osa protects one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and supports an astonishing diversity of plants and wildlife.
Throughout the week, we'll explore the lowland tropical rainforests along the Piro River Watershed and the adjacent remote beaches, searching for everything from colorful treefrogs and glassfrogs to scarlet macaws, monkeys, tapirs, snakes, butterflies, and countless other species. Every day offers new photographic opportunities as the rainforest changes.
For me, however, the Osa is much more than a workshop destination. Since 2017, I've spent multiple field seasons conducting amphibian research and working alongside scientists, conservation practitioners, and local communities dedicated to protecting this remarkable landscape. Those experiences have shaped every aspect of this workshop.
Rather than simply photographing wildlife, we'll explore the rainforest through the lens of conservation. We'll visit active research and restoration projects, learn from the people working to protect these ecosystems, and document conservation in action alongside unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether we're photographing explosive treefrog breeding events at dawn, searching for rainforest wildlife after dark, or visiting sea turtle conservation programs, every experience is designed to deepen your understanding of one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots while helping you create photographs with purpose and impact.
Accommodations
Stay Where the Scientists Stay
Our home for the week is the Osa Nature Retreat at Osa Conservation, one of Central America's leading conservation organizations dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula through research, habitat restoration, education, and community engagement.
More than just a beautiful field station, the Osa Conservation campus serves as home base for scientists, researchers, volunteers, and conservation practitioners working to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It's also where workshop leader Brandon A. Güell spent six field seasons conducting his Ph.D. research on tropical amphibian ecology.
Wake to the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws, enjoy fresh farm-to-table meals, and spend your evenings reviewing images before heading back into the rainforest for another night of wildlife photography—all while immersed in an active conservation field station where science and nature come together.
2027 Workshop Dates, Pricing & Inclusions
This workshop is limited to just 8 photographers to maximize individual instruction, create a more intimate learning experience, and minimize our impact on wildlife and sensitive habitats.
Dates
June 20–26, 2027
Participants should arrive in San José, Costa Rica (SJO) on June 20, where an overnight stay is recommended before the workshop begins.
On the morning of June 21, we will travel together on a short domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez, followed by 4WD ground transportation to Osa Conservation
The workshop concludes on June 26 with return transportation to Puerto Jiménez and a domestic flight back to San José.
Pricing
Photographer:$4,990 USD *
Non-Photographer:$4,740 USD *
*Pricing is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy may be available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Included
Round-trip domestic flights between San José (SJO) and Puerto Jiménez (PJM)
All ground transportation throughout the workshop
Six nights’ accommodations at Osa Conservation's Nature Retreat
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the workshop
Professional wildlife photography instruction
Guided photography excursions and conservation experiences
Not Included
International airfare to and from Costa Rica
Hotel accommodations in San José before or after the workshop
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities
Personal purchases
Our Commitment to Ethical Photography & Conservation
Every Conservation Photography Experience follows our Photography Ethics Policy. We photograph wildlife exclusively in situ, prioritize animal welfare over any image, and strive to leave every place better than we found it.
Read our full Photography Ethics Policy