Gulf of Nicoya and Puntarenas Travel Guide
Wildlife and reserves along the shores and in the waters of a Pacific Gulf
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The Gulf of Nicoya separates the Nicoya Peninsula from the mainland of Costa Rica and is a unique marine and coastal landscape of wetlands, rocky islands and cliffs, extensive mangrove habitat, and high biodiversity. Where the Gulf meets the Tempisque River, the slow moving currents make this area shallow and muddy, a perfect habitat for nesting birds and for mussels, crabs and shrimps that shelter in the protected mangroves.
The lower Gulf of Nicoya has fewer mangroves and the area is even less populated. Its densely forested hills are home to monkeys, armadillos, anteaters, jaguars, mountain lions, and giant turtles.
Protected wildlife areas feature prominently is this area and three of the Gulf’s islands, Guayabo, Negritos and Pajaros are protected biological reserves which are off limits to visitors. On land the National Parks of Barra Honda, Las Baulas and the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve protect, amongst many different species of plant and animal life, the leatherback sea turtle.
The Gulf of Nicoya was once a mountainous area, similar to that of the Nicoya Peninsula. A geological fault caused the land to submerge, leaving only the tops of hills above water, forming the many islands that now dot the Gulf.
The Gulf’s shallow, yet nutrient rich water sustains the local wildlife and the few locals that inhabit the islands depend on the sea for their livelihood. The upper gulf which runs into the Tempisque river is an area rich in mangroves whilst the lower gulf has deeper, saltier waters with an abundance of fish.
The islands situated in the Gulf are mostly undeveloped but nevertheless are full of animal and bird life. Chira, the largest island, is a nesting site for many exotic birds including roseate spoonbills. The island is surrounded by mangroves and large estuaries which sustain the wide-ranging wildlife found on the island. Boat trips around the islands and the mangrove swamps can be taken from the main city in the region, Puntarenas.
Attractions in Gulf of Nicoya and Puntarenas
Puntarenas is a lively and attractive city featuring an old town, a historical centre and many beautiful beaches.
Barra Honda National Park protects a system of calcareous caverns with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Las Baulas National Park protects one of the world's most important nesting sites of the leatherback sea turtle, and as well as the mangrove swamps inland the park covers 22,000 hectares of ocean in front of Playa Grande beach.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve protects 1,272 hectares of land with around 140 tree species, part of the ocean and a wide variety of animal and bird life.
Less than 2 hours from San Jose and at just 7m above sea level, the city of Jaco has one of the most visited beaches in the country which is well known for its fantastic surfing.
Activities in Gulf of Nicoya and Puntarenas
A few days can be spent in the area visiting the many National Parks and Nature Reserves in land or touring the islands of the Gulf by boat.
Relaxing
A visit to the city of Puntarenas offers food and drink typical of the area, especially sea food delicacies.
Getting Around
Once in Puntarenas, boat trips can be arranged to the various islands or if venturing inland to one of the National Parks it is probably best to arrange a trip through a Travel Expert who can make the necessary arrangements.
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