Cahuita - Cahuita National Park Parque Nacional Cahuita

Covering 1,067ha/2,635ac, this small national park is one of the most visited in Costa Rica for its combination of attractive beaches, coastal rainforest and a coral reef. The white-sand Vargas Beach and another 2km/1.2mi-long beach are separated by a rocky headland known as Punta Cahuita. Hiking, swimming and snorkelling are the most popular activities in this park.

A long trail offers observation of various species of animals and birds. Another major attraction of the national park is the reef that is about 200m/656ft to 500m/1,640ft off Punta Cahuita. This is the largest living coral reef in Costa Rica, comprised of at least 35 coral species. This living habitat is home to 123 species of fish and several species of mollusks and crustaceans. The reef can be reached by swimming, but it is recommended to snorkel from a hired boat.