As a nature photographer, I frequently travel to tropical locales where moisture and heat support a spectacular diversity of wildlife. My nine weeks in Costa Rica, spread over three trips, allowed me to explore national parks, remote coastlines and luxuriant landscapes. Each place fueled my creativity and spurred me onward to the next bend in the trail.

With consistent, year-round surf, water temperatures averaging in the low 80s, and breaks ranging from beginner to expert, Costa Rica is a world-class surfing destination; Photo by Eric Lindberg

With a guide or companions and a good map—and armed with common sense—experienced hikers may opt to go off-trail. A beach walk such as this one in Corcovado National Park is safe yet scenic; Photo by Eric Lindberg

Awaking one morning to a mirrorlike ocean surface, I decided to skip breakfast and, instead, paddle quietly through this tranquil seascape; Photo by Eric Lindberg

Although some beaches in Costa Rica are bordered by resorts, roads and shops, others are less accessible and offer the opportunity for strolling secluded sands where the only sign of civilization is the footprints you leave; Photo by Eric Lindberg

One of two sloth species in Costa Rica, three-toed sloths live mostly in the trees and eat leaves, branches and, occasionally, insects. Slow-moving and well-camouflaged from predators with their matted, canopy-colored fur, the sloths are difficult to spot without a guide; Photo by Eric Lindberg

Among the more than 900 bird species found in Costa Rica, a sighting of the scarlet macaw is most treasured by many birders; Photo by Eric Lindberg

The green iguana, the largest iguana in the Americas, grows up to six feet long; Photo by Eric Lindberg

Playful and socially tight-knit, the commonly seen Panamanian white-faced capuchin is a medium-sized monkey, with adults averaging six to eight pounds; Photo by Eric Lindberg