NORTH CARIBBEAN
From June to October, witness green turtles’ spawning at the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Fish for shad and snook at Barra del Colorado.
ISLANDS
Coco Island, declared by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, is located 330 miles from Costa Rica. The 36-hour boat trip is a memorable experience, as is the natural beauty, diving or hiking in the island. Incredible examples of marine life include whale sharks, white-tip sharks and hammerhead sharks in record quantities as well as tuna, parrotfish, corals and mollusks.
Tortuga and Caño Islands are perfect for diving, as the waters are crystal-clear. Gulf of Nicoya Islands offer diving and fishing and can be reached by tour boats.
PUNTARENAS, BEACHES AND ISLANDS OF THE GULF
Puntarenas
Puntarenas boasts a cruise ship terminal at the remodeled Puntarenas Wharf, which has a series of piers and docking areas from which ferries depart for established tourist destinations, as well as tours around the islands and mangrove swamps in the estuary.
Puntarenas Beaches
These beaches stretch along the coast between the mouth of the Río Barranca and La Punta, where this extensive length of shoreline ends. The area between the wharf (Cruise Ship Terminal) and La Punta is the preferred place for swimmers. Besides swimming, visitors can enjoy other water sports and activities, such as boat tours.
Isla Jesusita
Located very close to and northeast of Isla Cedros, its 30-hectare area shelters a tropical dry forest, transitioning to wet forest. On the northeast part of the island is a rocky coast and lovely beach. Another beach is on the south side of the island.
Isla Pan de Azucar
This islet is located southwest of Isla San Lucas. The beauty of its marine landscape is centered on the shape of the rocks that give it its unique form, and its name: “Sugarloaf Island.” The island has a large population of seabirds, particularly brown pelicans.
Puntarenas Estuary
The estuary waters give anchorage to all kinds of fishing boats, sailboats and tourist yachts. It is a good place for water skiing.