Southern Caribbean Coast Attractions

Cahuita National Park 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.

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge This refuge extends southeast to the Panamanian border and lies on the coast around the Manzanillo village. One of Costa Rica's two living coral reefs is found here, approximately 200m/656ft offshore. The refuge protects 5,013ha/12,382ac of land and 4,436ha/10,957ac of adjacent sea.

A variety of habitats are protected in this refuge, including rainforest and the only red mangrove swamp found in Costa Rica. Hiking trails lead to beaches lined with coconut palms and are separated by rocky headlands. South of Punta Mona is an interesting 400ha/988ac swamp containing sajo trees and holio palms.

Atlantic tarpon spawn in the Gandoca River estuary and marine turtles (especially leatherbacks) nest on the beaches. Several species of birds can be seen, including toucans, parrots and parakeets. Hiking and snorkelling near the reef are the most popular activities.