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.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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.
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.
Related Attractions
Grande Beach
This beach is Costa Rica's most important nesting ground for leatherback turtles. Throughout October and March more than 100 turtles can be seen nesting and laying their eggs overnight.
Each season, about 2,500 nests are made. Playa Grande is also a favorite surfing spot, as the breaks found here are believed to be the most consistent in the country.
Each season, about 2,500 nests are made. Playa Grande is also a favorite surfing spot, as the breaks found here are believed to be the most consistent in the country.
World of the Turtle
This is a very informative exhibit about leatherback turtles that is narrated over headphones in a number of languages. From here, night tours to watch the turtles are offered, and many of the guides are reformed poachers.
