Created in 1985, it was the first refuge of its kind to integrate people whose traditional lifestyle has always been to take care of their natural environment. This protected area encompasses both marine areas (4,436 hectares) and coastal terrestrial areas (5,013 hectares) with several residential area / ecotourism zones and most of the areas designated for conservation. It extends from the Cocles River, south of Puerto Viejo along the coast, to the Sixaola River on the border with Panama and protects unique ecosystems, including: the only Orey (Campnosperma panamensis) Swamp in northern Panama; the only mangrove forest on the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica; an area of 300 hectares (Prioria copaifera) of forests and coral reefs.

Between Punta Mona (Monkey Point) and the mouth of the Sixaola River you can observe three species of dolphins, including the rare Small Pink Tucuxi. The refuge is also home to 358 identified bird species, with almost 40% of the species considered as rare, many of which are migrants from North America.

The nine kilometers of coastline of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge are also turtle nesting beaches where four species of sea turtles lay eggs, the main species being the Leatherback Turtle, which can be observed from February to July.

From February to April and September to October are usually the seasons of better visibility under water, ideal for diving or snorkeling.

Hands down, one of the best places in all of Costa Rica to observe wildlife. Cahuita National Park was established in 1970 to protect a large coral reef off the Caribbean coast. Unfortunately, the reef is fighting for survival. An earthquake in 1992 lifted a large part of the coral, some of which was exposed to the air and the sun at low tide and quickly perished.

It is known that the 242 hectares of reef have at least 35 species of coral, 140 species of mollusks, 44 species of crustaceans and 123 species of fish. On land, a variety of wildlife can be observed, including Northern Tamandúas, Pacas, White-Snouted Coatis, Raccoons, Sloths, Guatusas, Mantle Howler Monkeys, White-Faced Capuchins and birds, including the Green Ibis, the Green Kingfisher -Rojizo and the Keel-Billed Toucan.

The 1,097 hectares of the Cahuita National Park are part of the La Amistad Caribe Conservation Area of ​​Costa Rica, and are located next to the town of Cahuita, in the southern Caribbean province of Limón. This community has managed to obtain a special concession agreement with the government. Entering the park through the entrance to the village, your entrance fee contributes to community projects. The park protects beaches and lowlands and attracts visitors who can dive in the marine protected area that contains patches of extensive coral reefs, as well as marine turtle nesting areas.

From February to April and from September to October there is usually better visibility under water.

Tortuguero National Park is located on the north coast of the province of Limón. Despite its remote location, since it can only be accessed by boat or plane, it is the third most visited in Costa Rica. The park has a great variety of biological diversity due to its eleven different habitats, including forests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons.

The coastal area, which has a long beach that extends for almost 35 km and extensive canals, offer rich nesting places for turtles (hence the name “Tortuguero”). The main species that lay their eggs during the months of February to July are: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle. There are also seven species of land tortoises, Manatees or marine cows, Crocodiles, and a variety of crustaceans, as well as 30 species of freshwater fish such as the Gar, the Eel and the Bull Shark.