This vast wildlife refuge, located at the very southeast end of the Caribbean coast, is made up of about 9500 ha of protected terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It is an incredibly rich and beautiful area made up of pristine beaches and lush forests, and due to its protection of important wetlands and coral reef habitats, it offers refuge to many protected species including turtles, monkeys, sea otters, dolphins, tropical birds, and up to 500 species of fish.
The most popular way to enter the park is from Playa Manzanillo, where there is a parking right along the beach next to the entrance. From here there is a nice trail through the forest that will arrive at a nice viewpoint, a small cave, and Paulo Mena Beach after about 2 kilometers. From there it is another ~3 kilometers to the Punta Mona Beach. You can take your time walking along the jungle trails and keep a look out for wildlife such as sloths, monkeys and birds.
You also have the option to enter the park from the Gandoca beach, which is on the other side of the park. It takes a bit longer to arrive if you’re coming down from Limón, but for this reason it is much more isolated and private. Here you have the option to visit the beautiful Gandoca Lagoon for a kayak tour, or explore the black-sand beaches for turtles.
This area is known for its crystal-clear waters and over 500 ha of protected coral reefs, so it’s one of the best places in Costa Rica for snorkeling and spotting marine wildlife. In addition, the area is an important habitat for turtle nesting, and if you visit during the months of March-July there is a chance of spotting different species including Green turtles, Carey turtles, and the giant Leatherback Turtle.
It is technically free to enter on the Manzanillo side, however they ask for a voluntary contribution ($2-3 is fine, but they always appreciate more as you’ll be contributing directly to the maintenance of the park). Entrance on the Gandoca side is totally free. If you’d like a more organized experience, there are also a variety of tours available such as guided hikes, kayaking, birdwatching, and snorkeling tours.
