Johan Chaves - Nature and birding Tours
Johan Chaves - Nature and birding Tours
Johan Chaves - Nature and birding Tours
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Johan Chaves is a local naturalist and birding guide who has lived in the region since his childhood. Besides his professional training, the passion for the natural world, enthusiasm and the experience gained at the field during this 16 years in his profession had been key in gathering the knowledge required to lead professional tours. He is always willing to give each customer a lifetime experience through his office: the rain forest. He offers individualized tour services that can be customized, ranging from a fun family vacation to a serious nature history walks thru the stunning scenery of the Manuel Antonio park, or even advanced birding outings locally or throughout the country. Additionally, he also offers photography tours in the area of Manuel Antonio featuring general wildlife, macro or birds.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Johan Chaves - Nature and birding Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
628 reviews
Excellent
628
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S. Weiss
4 contributions
Oct 2019
We hired Johan for a day of birding on our first trip to Costa Rica in October. This experience exceeded our expectations. Johan is fluent in English and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the birds and other wildlife of Costa Rica is admirable. He was quick and courteous in our correspondences. His fee was not only reasonable, but it included park entrance fees and he provided the transportation too. Johan drove from Manuel Antonio and met us at sunrise in Jacó and dedicated the day to birding. He took us to several locations, including PN Carara. He did not disappoint. He showed us birds we never thought we’d see. He helped us with photos and pointed out other local wildlife. He explained how the woodcreepers are differentiated by their bill shapes. When our afternoon at Carara was cut short by torrential rain, Johan was genuinely disappointed because he had more to show us and felt we hadn’t gotten our money’s worth, which was not the case at all. Yet on our way back he went out of his way to hit some other locales to get us more birds. Our day was full and worth every minute of it, My only regret is that I didn’t have a second day to spend with him. I would recommend him without any hesitation.
Written April 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor
Leamington Spa, UK14 contributions
Mar 2020
Johan is an excellent guide to the beautiful birds and the other amazing wildlife of Costa Rica, we had a superb day with him in March 2020 seeing almost 130 bird species including some rarities and true surprises.
Johan was excellent from initial planning through to taking care of us on the day, collecting us promptly, driving to many locations and ensuring that everyone in the group saw all the birds. He arranged the day artfully to maximise our opportunities. And needless to say, his birding finding and identification skills were second to none. He is also a truly nice man and a pleasure to spend time with.
In case you can't tell, I could not recommend him more highly for bird and nature guiding! I hope to take another trip with him once we are again free to travel.
Johan was excellent from initial planning through to taking care of us on the day, collecting us promptly, driving to many locations and ensuring that everyone in the group saw all the birds. He arranged the day artfully to maximise our opportunities. And needless to say, his birding finding and identification skills were second to none. He is also a truly nice man and a pleasure to spend time with.
In case you can't tell, I could not recommend him more highly for bird and nature guiding! I hope to take another trip with him once we are again free to travel.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan H
San Antonio, TX33 contributions
Mar 2022
We took a private tour with Johan through Manuel Antonio national park with our four year old in tow. He was exceptional with her. Very patient and attentive to keep her engaged. I can't believe how he was able to spot the tiniest animals and birds and bugs and bring them into view for us with his scope. He is awesome! Can't wait to take this tour again when we come back. Take his advice and go early - more animals, less crowds, and less heat! And we highly recommend the private tour - very worth the extra money to get individual time with the scope, especially for little kids.
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarChristine G
8 contributions
Mar 2020
Manuel Antonio Park was our last stop after travelling for 3 weeks in Costa Rica. We had seen all the wildlife we wanted more than once. Costa Rica really exceeded our expectations.
We already contacted Johan Chavez months before we left to be our private guide in the park. We had our doubts whether it would still be worth to have a guide since we had seen so much already. But a deal is a deal so we were ready at 7am to be picked up by Johan. He arrived exactly in time and we told him immediately what a big challenge it would be for him to show us something new/different.
But he succeeded! Trying to avoid the crowd he talked to us about the animals in a very passionate way. He managed to show us many other animals we would have never been able to see without him. With his help we were able to take some great pictures through his scope.
So, we can definitely recommend Johan Chavez; even if you think you’ve seen it all…you didn’t!!
We already contacted Johan Chavez months before we left to be our private guide in the park. We had our doubts whether it would still be worth to have a guide since we had seen so much already. But a deal is a deal so we were ready at 7am to be picked up by Johan. He arrived exactly in time and we told him immediately what a big challenge it would be for him to show us something new/different.
But he succeeded! Trying to avoid the crowd he talked to us about the animals in a very passionate way. He managed to show us many other animals we would have never been able to see without him. With his help we were able to take some great pictures through his scope.
So, we can definitely recommend Johan Chavez; even if you think you’ve seen it all…you didn’t!!
Written April 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LK Traveller
15 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Johan is a very knowledgeable guide who is passionate about his work. Our concierge was happy to book him for us and declared him the best and we could tell why immediately. He was wonderful at spotting animals and gave very detailed information about them, the park, and Costa Rica’s environment and history. He took great care with my elderly father and gave us all the extra time we needed. He’s a great photographer too. Highest recommendation for anyone interested in a private tour.
Written March 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah C
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Above and Beyond is an understatement, Johan took care of literally everything for us. He has an outstanding amount of knowledge on not only birds, but wildlife and the history of Costa Rica. He took us to the best Soda’s, made sure every new place we visited we felt comfortable, and exceeded every birding expectation we had, by a long shot. It was my first time out of the country and I was nervous, but Johan’s customer service was so extraordinary by day two I was planning a time to come to CR again to show my husband all Johan had shown our group. It honestly felt like we were traveling with a friend, I can not recommend his services enough, we will 100% be using them in the future.
Written February 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbird
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Months in advance we booked a 14 days birding journey with Johan. We chose Johan because of his web reputation and were lucky that he was free for that period. We love to travel and we we do travel with our daughter, who is currently 9 years old. Together with Johan we have designed a nice journey with 6 overnight stops outside San José. It was a great variety of landscape and of birds! Johan is always helpful, easy to deal with and ready to go the extra mile to satisfy the clients. While traveling with him, he always tried to get as much as possible for the whole family without missing any bird or animal we could see around. Although we had breakfast included in all accommodations, he also took us out to other locations to maximize the experience and the birding opportunities. It was really outstanding how he managed to get along with our daughter, too! At the end of the trip we had a check list of over 365 species, which is very considerable for a family birding trip!!! With his enthusiasm, Johan is a great ambassador of Cost Rican nature; he has managed to convince us to get back again 😃 We hope to travel soon with Johan!
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jodih1969
Denver, CO5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Johan was tremendous! He led our large group of 11 through Manuel Antonio ranging in ages from 9-70s super smoothly. He kept us moving while giving everyone the space to see every creature we found, answered questions expertly and patiently, and even told some jokes. His command of English is impressive, especially after learning he’s self taught, but the breadth and depth of flora, fauna, history and animals of Costa Rica was mind blowing. Muchas Gracias Johan!
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much dear Jodi!
I am so glad to hear your comments about my tour. I am happy to be in an industry that I love and find pleasure every single day when guiding clients into this beautiful world of nature.
Written August 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
soggy21
Redondo Beach, CA15 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I was fortunate to meet Johan at the market in Manuel Antonio on our first night of our vacation. We had a great conversation and he was so helpful about offering guidance for our trip in general. Without much fanfare he mentioned he was a tour guide so we asked if he could guide us on a tour of the national park. His passion for his country and his job as a tour guide and naturist radiates in every conversation you have with him. He is such a genuine, personable and knowledgeable guy and we left the tour with not only that but a new friend.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yuval s
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Friends
I do not usually give recommendations but this guide really deserves it.
I have already done some guided tours in Costa Rica but I have not come across such a high level of professionalism and knowledge about the animals and also about how to find them, And such willingness not to miss any animal that can be seen.
For example two minutes after we entered the park he suddenly ran back with us to the parking lot because he heard a rare bird that is hard to see, after a few minutes of searching he found it and we looked at it through the binoculars and telescope he brought us.
And when we came across other guides, he seemed to be the only guide who finds the animals that are harder to find, and then he tells them where they are.
We also talked to him about the history of Costa Rica and he is full of knowledge on the subject.
And when the tour was over he stayed with us and told us full of recommendations for the rest of ower trip.
Conclusion:
Level of professional knowledge and equipment - very high
English level - very high
He is really nice and was worth every dollar, and even more
I have already done some guided tours in Costa Rica but I have not come across such a high level of professionalism and knowledge about the animals and also about how to find them, And such willingness not to miss any animal that can be seen.
For example two minutes after we entered the park he suddenly ran back with us to the parking lot because he heard a rare bird that is hard to see, after a few minutes of searching he found it and we looked at it through the binoculars and telescope he brought us.
And when we came across other guides, he seemed to be the only guide who finds the animals that are harder to find, and then he tells them where they are.
We also talked to him about the history of Costa Rica and he is full of knowledge on the subject.
And when the tour was over he stayed with us and told us full of recommendations for the rest of ower trip.
Conclusion:
Level of professional knowledge and equipment - very high
English level - very high
He is really nice and was worth every dollar, and even more
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do your have an e-mail address we could use? I assume calling you is not convenient. Please get back to us soon.
Michele and Sid Phipps
Written September 5, 2017
If you follow the TA link to his website, then click on Contact me you'll find his email address.
Written September 9, 2017
Hi! My husband and I will be at a hotel near Manual Antonio in early December 2017. We would like to do a private tour with you. Could you tell us the prices for half-day or full-day tours? My husband is especially interested in wildlife. I am 72 years old and my husband is 69. I hope we can arrange this with you. Thanks very much. Michele Phipps
Written September 5, 2017
Hi Michele, I believe your message was intended for Johan, but it came to me (I left the review). You should be able to contact him via his website link through TripAdvisor or FaceBook. He is a great guide, so I hope you're able to get it squared away.
Written September 5, 2017
I have emailed Johan Chaves using the address on his wed site and another email address that seemed to be just a personal one. I also telephoned him and left a message. I have heard nothing back from him and we so want to hire Mr. Chaves as a guide in early December. Does anyone know how to get in touch with him?
Written November 9, 2016
En qué consiste este guía y cuál es el precio en dólares¿
Gracias
Written August 30, 2016
Saludos Miriam!
El tour consiste en una caminata naturalista de aproximadamente 2hrs a 2.5hrs con la intención de observar y comprender la vida silvestre de este parque. La caminata termina dentro del parque en una de las mejores playas por lo que puede aprovechar y quedarce en ella.
Para mas info contactar el email.
Muchas gracias.
Written August 31, 2016
What is the cost of a guided day tour in the Park? Also, what would be the cost for a 1/2 day of birding, or a full day of birding. My hotel will be just outside of the park. I will have no car, so I will need transportation. I'm hoping to be in Manuel in March of 2017....thank you for your response.
Written July 28, 2016
I think we paid about $45 a person and that included transportation from our hotel. Worth every penny!
Written January 7, 2017
Hi,
I've wanted to make a booking with you for a long time and have sent you two emails from two different email accounts and also inquired through the contact form on your website over the last month but have had no response to any of them so I don't know what else to do!
Written March 18, 2016
I am at La Palapa Ecolodge. Will you have bird guide walk at Manuel Antonia on Thursday or Friday?
Written March 2, 2016
Do you have availability for your Thursday this week?
Written December 1, 2015
Hi! Thank you for your interest on my service. This type of questions are best done via e-mail for a much quicker response, please contact me via email or contact form on my website.
Thank you!
Written December 8, 2015
We will be in Manuel Antonio July 16 to the 18th. How can we contact you to set up a tour (3 persons all total).
Written July 3, 2015
Hi! Unfortunately this was a little late. I am best contacted via e-mail Which can be found on the info above.
Written July 29, 2015
Hi, how do we contact you - number? Thx - Jim
Written June 16, 2015
Thank you for your questions, on my TA profile you will find all my contact info, however I am best contacted via e-mail since while I am guiding I am afraid my phone remains silenced so it does not interfere with the tour, my apologies for the inconvenience.
Sincerely
Johan
Written June 17, 2015
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