Situated east of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Gulf of Nicoya once mountainous terrain, is a fascinating example of nature at work. A geological fault line plunged the land into the sea, leaving only hilltops exposed, forming the gulf's many islands. The aquatic region is an amazing combination of marine habitat, coastal wetlands and rocky islands, dotted by numerous islands.

The gulf separates the Nicoya Peninsula from the mainland of Costa Rica. Made up of nutrient rich water, the Gulf of Nicoya is an ideal habitat for mangroves, a unique tree that grows in saline conditions. The extensive mangrove forests create incredible biodiversity in the Nicoya Peninsula's ecosystem and have been established as protected territory by the government of Costa Rica.