The South Caribbean of Costa Rica is famous for its paradisiacal beaches, picturesque coastal towns, multiculturalism and their nature reserves: Cahuíta National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Both well recognized, not only because of their natural beauty but also they are becoming unique conservation places in almost the whole South Caribbean Coast.
Established in 1970, Cahuita National Park protects 2,635 acres with approximately one-tenth of the marine area, mangrove and tropical rainforest-lowland habitats, but most important, its coral reefs. In this ecosystem, nestled in the Caribbean but with forest environment, it is the first place in the world with more biodiversity of different ecosystems in each square meter of land and sea, which offers a vast variety of activities for tourism, such as snorkeling or Hiking.
From the hotel of your selection in Puerto Viejo de Limón, an A/C Van will pick you up and will take you on a 30 minutes transfer to the boarding point at Cahuita National Park. Setting off from the shore, this tour takes place in a boat with capacity of 14 people, including the Capitan and certified guide, where you will receive the equipment required including a mask, frog legs, tube and all safety instructions and snorkeling techniques from an expert to set you up.
Sailing around the National Park, you will be snorkeling approximately for 2 hours in the most important coral reef in Costa Rica. With white sand beaches, turquoise seawater and a diverse marine life, you will be observing, along with your guide, many varieties of coral (35 different species), including the Elkhorn species, light yellow brain, and the blue staghorn. Also, several species of tropical fish, sharks, eels, sea urchins, 140 of shellfish, 44 crustaceans, 128 types of algae, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, ocean sponges, lobster, and shrimps, among others.
Consider bringing an underwater camera to photograph fan reef, angelfish, parrotfish, stingray, and barracuda that are often found feeding in the area.
Coral is a living creature and a colony grows a mere 7 inches per year on average. Therefore, you will be advised that touching the animals could injure or kill the reef, which is why it is protected. If the corals, fish, lobsters and clams do not hold your attention, there are also two sunken ships to explore. They are well known and in shallow water so the likelihood of treasure is low, but the exposed cannons insinuate they are protecting something secret.
After the Snorkeling, the boat will bring you to Punta Cahuita to start a 2 hours hike, in companion for your certified bilingual guide where you will be able to observe various types of snakes (boas, bocaraca, velvets, tinsel, micas, frog, etc.). Sloths, white-faced monkeys, howlers, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons. Feast your eyes with the beautiful blue morphos butterfly.
Along the 3km trail, you might be able to spot green ibis, yellow-crowned night herons, Northern boat-billed herons, Swainson toucans, keel-billed toucans, Rufous Kingfishers, and the Central American curassow. There is a lot to spot during this spectacular hike such as medicinal plants, orchids, trees, ferns, bromeliads and so much more, and excellent route to extract your camera to capture a photo of the tamandua, paca, coati, raccoon, or agouti that you have spotted at the edge of the trees.
At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch on the way back to your selected hotel in Puerto Viejo de Limón.
Type of Excursion: Nature and Sea Adventure
Difficulty Level: Suitable for all tourists.
Days of Operation: Monday to Sunday
Approximate Duration: 7 hours.
Approximate Pick Up Time: Between 08:30am to 09:30am, depending on the selected hotel
Recommendations: Quick-Dry Swimwear, Comfortable clothing with lightweight short pants and cotton t-shirt, towel and change of clothes. For footwear, hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good grips are best. If it is sunny, bring sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses for water sports with UV protection, Sunscreen, and Go Pro camera. Do not forget insects repellent and aluminium water bottle
In case of passengers with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, overweight, or women in any stages of pregnancy, please advise us in advance in order to take the previsions and provide them with the best possible care.
Children Policy: Infant from 0-5 years are not allowed. CHD rate apply from 6 to 11 years old sharing the service with 2 adults
Important Remarks: This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and maximum of 30 passengers. Maximum passengers per guide: 10 passengers.
In the event of extreme weather conditions, such as lightning or sustained high winds, the excursion may be cancelled prior to your scheduled departure time. Should severe weather occur while you are on the tour, it will be discontinued for security reasons.
