THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk nocturnal trails at Arenal Oasis and see colorful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife active at night. Guided by trained naturalists from La Fortuna, the three-hour tour focuses on frog ponds and habitat restoration.
Walk nocturnal trails at Arenal Oasis and see colorful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife active at night. Guided by trained naturalists from La Fortuna, the three-hour tour focuses on frog ponds and habitat restoration.
Night arrives with a humid hush across the lowland rainforest and the path into Arenal Oasis darkens into a corridor of sound. Guides lead small groups beneath broad-leafed trees while unseen frogs answer one another with high, urgent trills; leaves drip and the ponds reflect pinpricks of torchlight as amphibians and insects move through their busiest hours.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica · La Fortuna, Alajuela
Night arrives with a humid hush across the lowland rainforest and the path into Arenal Oasis darkens into a corridor of sound. Guides lead small groups beneath broad-leafed trees while unseen frogs answer one another with high, urgent trills; leaves drip and the ponds reflect pinpricks of torchlight as amphibians and insects move through their busiest hours.
The Rojas Bonilla family created this private reserve to protect freshwater ponds and native plants that stitch habitat between Arenal Volcano’s forest and the Río Burío. Geologically, the valley is young volcanic terrain where hot soils and frequent rain create the perfect breeding ground for at least 28 frog species, including glass frogs and red-eyed tree frogs that favor the pond margins and low vegetation. Culturally, night tours reflect Costa Rica’s focus on small-scale ecotourism: local naturalists lead visitors, explaining life cycles and conservation work.
On the walk, expect flat, well-maintained trails under canopy cover and close-up encounters with glowing frog eyes, katydids, and occasionally a nocturnal bird or small mammal. Guides carry spotlights and know where to find calling males and egg masses.
Practical guidance: depart from La Fortuna around dusk; the tour runs about three hours and requires a moderate level of fitness. Wear closed shoes, long pants, and a light raincoat; bring a headlamp, insect repellent, and a camera with a low‑noise setting. The operator requires at least two guests and confirms pickup the day before. Stay on trails, keep voices low, and let the rainforest do the talking—this is a nocturnal world best respected at close range.
moderate.
3 hours.
Moderate — able to walk flat forest trails for up to three hours, step over wet roots and short muddy sections
The tour runs about three hours and typically departs at dusk; pickup from Arenal Zone 1 hotels is arranged and confirmed 24 hours prior.
Yes — the tour requires a minimum of two participants; if the minimum isn’t met the tour may be canceled.
Children can join but the operator asks about ages during booking; the terrain is easy but supervision is recommended due to nocturnal wildlife and low light.
Expect many frog species (including glass and tree frogs), insects like katydids, and occasionally nocturnal birds or small mammals near the ponds.
The private reserve was established by the Rojas Bonilla family to protect spring‑fed ponds and native plants linking Arenal Volcano forest with the Río Burío corridor.
Tours support local habitat restoration—stay on trails, avoid touching animals, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Destination Services Costa Rica operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Night arrives with a humid hush across the lowland rainforest and the path into Arenal Oasis darkens into a corridor of sound. Guides lead small groups beneath broad-leafed trees while unseen frogs answer one another with high, urgent trills; leaves drip and the ponds reflect pinpricks of torchlight as amphibians and insects move through their busiest hours.
Night arrives with a humid hush across the lowland rainforest and the path into Arenal Oasis darkens into a corridor of sound. Guides lead small groups beneath broad-leafed trees while unseen frogs answer one another with high, urgent trills; leaves drip and the ponds reflect pinpricks of torchlight as amphibians and insects move through their busiest hours.
The Rojas Bonilla family created this private reserve to protect freshwater ponds and native plants that stitch habitat between Arenal Volcano’s forest and the Río Burío. Geologically, the valley is young volcanic terrain where hot soils and frequent rain create the perfect breeding ground for at least 28 frog species, including glass frogs and red-eyed tree frogs that favor the pond margins and low vegetation. Culturally, night tours reflect Costa Rica’s focus on small-scale ecotourism: local naturalists lead visitors, explaining life cycles and conservation work.
On the walk, expect flat, well-maintained trails under canopy cover and close-up encounters with glowing frog eyes, katydids, and occasionally a nocturnal bird or small mammal. Guides carry spotlights and know where to find calling males and egg masses.
Practical guidance: depart from La Fortuna around dusk; the tour runs about three hours and requires a moderate level of fitness. Wear closed shoes, long pants, and a light raincoat; bring a headlamp, insect repellent, and a camera with a low‑noise setting. The operator requires at least two guests and confirms pickup the day before. Stay on trails, keep voices low, and let the rainforest do the talking—this is a nocturnal world best respected at close range.