Walk the edge of any stream or estuary and watch the bank ahead. A lizard drops from a branch, hits the water and keeps going, upright on its hind legs, feet slapping the surface, for an absurd distance before it sinks and swims for the far side.
Where you’ll see it
Anywhere with water and overhanging branches: estuaries, river banks, ponds and irrigation ditches. Tamarindo’s estuary edges and the mangroves around Playa Grande have plenty.
What to know
Males have the tall crest on the head and back. The water running is real and is done with big fringed hind feet and sheer speed; it lasts a few metres and then the lizard swims or dives. They eat insects, fruit and small animals and are prey for nearly everything, which explains the exit strategy. Entirely harmless to people.
