Collection of Available Guides for Las Baulas Marine National Park in Guanacaste Province

Pacific coast leatherback turtle nesting capital and Ramsar-protected marine sanctuary

Las Baulas Marine National Park

Las Baulas Marine National Park occupies a strategic position along Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, where the dry tropical forest meets the Pacific Ocean. The park's dual terrestrial and marine designation reflects the interconnected nature of coastal ecosystems, where beach, forest, estuary, and sea function as an integrated whole. The Tamarindo estuary, once designated as the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge before becoming part of the national park, contains extensive mangrove forests that serve as nurseries for fish and crustaceans while providing critical habitat for waterfowl and crocodiles. The park extends inland to include the forested slopes of Cerros Morro and Hermosa, adding topographic diversity to the protected landscape. The marine component encompasses the waters of Tamarindo Bay, where underwater visibility and wave conditions support both recreational activities and marine ecological function. The park's proximity to the popular tourist town of Tamarindo makes it one of the most accessible marine protected areas in Costa Rica, offering visitors the chance to experience wildlife encounters while supporting conservation through tourism.