Tamarindo - Baulas of Guanacaste Marine National Park Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste

Created in 1991, this marine park covers 420ha/1,037ac of land that is mostly mangrove swamp on the northern side of the Matapalo River estuary. All six Costa Rican mangrove species are present in the swamps; tea, white, red, buttonwood along with two species of black mangrove. 22,000ha/54,340ac of the Pacific Ocean are protected within the boundaries of the marine park.

A variety of crabs, otters, raccoons, coatis and howler monkeys can be spotted in the area. However, the park's main attraction and reason for protection are the leatherback turtles' nesting grounds found on Grande Beach.

Before the park's formation boatloads of tourists arrived to view (and often harass) the turtles. Today, you must be accompanied by a guide and view the turtles from specific areas.