Costa Rica Image
Cahuita National Park Map Preview

Cahuita National Park

At 2,711 acres (1,097 ha), Cahuita National Park is small in size compared to its counterparts, yet up to par in terms of its animal, plant, and marine biodiversity. The park is much more regarded for its underwater portion than it is for its land attractions, which are certainly stunning in their own right. This national park enables visitors the ability to explore Cahuita's aquamarine costal waters complete with Costa Rica's largest costal reef.

Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park

The immense 600 acre (242 ha) protected reef off the coast is home to 35 species of coral which in turn sustain a variety of marine species, including: barracudas, urchins, octopi, crustaceans, over 125 species of fish and a variety of sharks. During the 1991 earthquake that shook the region, parts of the reef suffered moderate damage when suddenly exposed to the air, yet the coral is making a comeback. Another popular sea attraction is a run down eighteenth century slave ship. Bound for the coast of Limon, the ship didn't quite make it, and now sits at the mouth of the Perezoso River, encapsulated in marine life. February through April is the best time for viewing underwater habitats.

On land, Cahuita National Park is equal in stature to its marine counterpart. Wildlife includes several types of monkeys, rodents and reptiles. Birdlife is plentiful, including herons, toucans, macaws and parrots. The leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles use the park's beaches for arribadas, coming ashore to lay their eggs. Both of the beaches that line the park are made of lovely white sand. Swimming, however, is dangerous at certain locations, though signs warn visitors of dangers.

Because of the park's proximity to the village of Cahuita, facilities and roads are well developed. Kelly Creek, south of Cahuita, provides an access point to those who choose to enter the park on foot. Vargas Point (Punta Vargas), at the park's south end, is preferred by those staying in Puerto Viejo or anywhere south of the park. Roads access the park from both directions.

Both Cahuita and Puerto Viejo offer an array of accommodations to visitors looking to spend time exploring all that Parque Nacional Cahuita has to offer.

Cahuita National Park HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

15 days | $

A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip

One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
Itinerary
View Details
Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour
Cahuita

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

8 days | $$$

Rainforest and Caribbean Explorer

Costa Rica is amazing! We both tried rafting for the first time and had such a wonderful time. The chocolate was the best I've ever had. This was the tropical getaway we needed!
Rainforest and Caribbean Explorer
Itinerary
View Details
15 days | $

A Coast to Coast Family Adventure

Our trip went very smoothly with all of our pick ups on time. The hotels, destinations and tours recommended by Roy Soto, our tour organiser were all of an excellent standard. For future reference, a lot of our trips were very early so we often missed breakfast at our hotels. It may be useful for fellow travelers to have a list of local cafes/hotels in each location that open early for breakfast. All in all our trip was very enjoyable, the scenery is suberb, the beaches beautiful and unspoiled, the wildlife abundant and incredibly diverse, and the people of Costa Rica are friendly and very hospitable. I would recommend a trip to Costa Rica for an unforgettable experience and I'd recommend Anywhere as a fantastic way to organise the trip of a lifetime, tailored specifically for you.
A Coast to Coast Family Adventure
Itinerary
View Details
16 days | $

Caribbean, Cloud Forests, & Pacific Beaches

It was a beautiful holiday; we had a lot of fun and relaxation. There are a lot of things you can do in Costa Rica –– we never got tired. We saw amazing sights and animals, the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle is unforgettable!
Caribbean, Cloud Forests, & Pacific Beaches
Itinerary
View Details
7 days | $$$

Rainforest Canopies to Beaches

From rainforest excursions to actually seeing sloths in the wild, this had been the most exciting trip we’ve been on. We were looking for adventure, and we got it!
Rainforest Canopies to Beaches
Itinerary
View Details

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari

Fiery-billed Aracari and Collared Aracari Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

House Gecko

House Gecko Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Keel-billed Toucan

Keel-billed Toucan Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Orca, Killer Whale

Orca, Killer Whale Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Common Tink Frog

Common Tink Frog Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details