There are a lot of crocodiles living in rivers and lakes in Costa Rica and subtropical and tropical areas of the world. They can be divided into about 25 species which are further divided into three families; real crocodiles, alligators and gavials. Two species of these crocodiles live in Costa Rica, the American crocodile and the caiman. Both are masters of camouflage as they have water-adapted bodies such as elevated eyes and nostrils that allow them to submerge almost completely while still breathing through their noses. Their tail, which is flattened at the sides, is also an adaptation to their environment and allows them to move quickly and unobtrusively through the water.
Another feature that distinguishes these extraordinary animals is a mechanism that helps them swim silently through the water without fins where they shift their lungs. For example, if they want to dive, the lungs are pulled towards the tail when surfacing, towards the head and for a sideways roll, and to the side accordingly. This allows crocodiles to perform the well-known death roll. With the caught animal in their mouths, they roll around their own axis several times and can rip out large pieces of their prey. Despite their large teeth, crocodiles are unable to bite their prey apart.
Another interesting phenomenon of lung displacement is, in order to be able to relocate their lungs, primeval animals use certain muscles such as the diaphragmaticus muscle. This originated from the rectus abdominis muscle (in mammals, this is the diaphragm) and helps the lungs move toward the head or tail. The shift to the side is carried out by intercostal muscles and pelvic muscles. A special feature of the body structure of the crocodiles is that the pelvic bone does not grow together in the middle as in mammals. The left and right half of the pelvic bone is connected to the pelvic muscles on the respective side.
Costa Rica is home to two different species of crocodiles, the American crocodile and the caiman, and are not uncommon to see when staying near the rivers. American crocodiles and crocodile caimans look very similar and are difficult to tell apart. The only distinguishing features are the snouts, behavior, and teeth. The easiest way to tell caimans and crocodiles apart is by their teeth. The caiman’s upper row of teeth points all the way down and with the crocodile, one canine tooth is pointing upwards. The snout of a crocodile caiman is wider and more rounded than the snout of the American crocodile.
These crocodiles which are considered endangered live in many parts of Costa Rica and can usually be observed from close range. Boat trips in Tortuguero National Park or river tours in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí make it possible to see and experience the impressive animals live. There is also a good chance of spotting caimans on the shore with the famous tours in Caño Negro which is best in the dry season when the water is not too high.
The American crocodile is between 15 and 20 feet long and weighs between 800 pounds and 1700 pounds depending on the sex. This species of crocodile has a high crested tail and between 66 and 68 teeth. They are gray to gray-brown and are cream-colored or whitish on the ventral side. American crocodiles are nocturnal animals that only lie in the shallow water or on the sandy shore of their home waters during the day.
The American crocodile, as the name suggests, is native to America and mainly Central America. It has been sighted in the southern US such as Florida and also in northeastern South America such as Venezuela and Ecuador. American crocodiles have also been sighted on isolated islands such as Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
American crocodiles are the only species along with saltwater crocodiles that can live in both fresh and saltwater. They are also found in mangrove swamps or lagoons. This is important to know, because we recommend our guests to only go swimming in the sea if you can be sure that there are no crocodiles living there. Especially at river mouths crocodiles are very common and it is better to stay on land there. Always ask your guide or at least locals whether the beach section is endangered before you go swimming.
The prey of the American crocodile includes fish, turtles, snakes and crustaceans, but also larger mammals. Such prey is caught by the head with a quick sideways movement and then smothered or strangled. They reproduce at around 12 years of age after which the females lay between 30 and 60 eggs.
The crocodiles are best observed on the Río Tarcoles (at the bridge on the way to Manuel Antonio) or we especially recommend on the Río San Juan, the river that borders Nicaragua. But of course there are many other places where you can see crocodiles. In the Maquenque Lodge the crocodiles even come close to the front door.
Caimans are a subgroup of alligators. There are 3 different types of caimans: real caimans, black caimans and smooth-fronted caimans. Caimans are only at home in South America and only the crocodile caiman, a genus of true caimans, can be found in Central America especially in the Tortuguero Channels in Costa Rica. The crocodile caiman is a relatively shy creature and is therefore rarely seen.
If you really want to see a caiman while traveling in Costa Rica, you should pay a visit to the Ecocentro Danaus, a former reforestation project in La Fortuna. Some caimans now live there alongside other animals such as tiny frogs, sloths or butterflies.
The crocodile caiman grows up to 8 feet long and is found on the Pacific side of Costa Rica as well as on the Caribbean side. It lives mainly in lakes, rivers and swamps and feeds on crustaceans and fish. The young animals also feed on insects and snails. A crocodile caiman lays up to 40 eggs. These are placed in a mound nest built from earth and plant materials and cared for there until the baby caimans hatch.
The best opportunity to see crocodiles is at the bridge of the Río Tarcoles which is located at the Carara National Park. Here hundreds of crocodiles bask on the shore. Please only carry valuables close to your body in the Río Tarcoles parking lot and park your car near the police station as there are many pickpockets there who like to break into cars.
There are also very good chances of seeing crocodiles on the Río San Juan, the natural border with Nicaragua. Beautiful boat tours are offered there and braver ones can paddle canoes. Caimans have been settled in the Ecocentro Danaus for a long time and can be seen there from the safety of shore. At Laguna del Lagarto Lodge they live in the house pond.
Incidentally, we recommend that you do not take part in the famous crocodile shows. Feeding wild animals always involves unforeseen dangers. The animals get used to being fed and if a tourist comes by without food, it becomes dangerous.
We are your contacts for a successful stay in Costa Rica and look forward to your inquiries: info@costaricainsider.com
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