Basilisk

Rio Penas Blancas, Alajuela, Costa Rica
N 10° 28' 20.313" w 84° 31' 2.694"
 
While on a safari float down the Río Peñas Blancas in Costa Rica, we spotted this common basilisk — often called the “Jesus Christ lizard” for its ability to run across water — sunning itself on a log. As our raft floated by, our guide quickly had us paddle back so I could capture this incredible close-up. With its crests fully flared as if posing for the camera, the basilisk’s vibrant green scales and striking details made it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters of the trip.