Marino Las Baulas National Park
Created in 1990 to protect Leatherback turtles from profit-making egg poachers, Marino las Baulas National Park is one of the foremost nesting sites for the leatherback turtle. The park protects 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of swampy mangrove coastline as well as 54,000 acres (21,850 hectares) of inland forest.
Incredible white-sand beaches separate the park's protected seas from its vibrant forests that are home to 174 species of birds as well as countless other animal species. Mangroves and estuaries are plentiful, packed with a biodiversity known to few places outside of Costa Rica.
On Grande Beach (Playa Grande), female leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from October to May-an incredible spectacle to behold if you are lucky enough to see it. Guides are available for hire for those interested in this rare, but unforgettable opportunity.
Leatherback turtles are not only the world's largest turtle, but its largest reptile, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900kg)! For all of their weight, these reptilian behemoths ironically have a pin-prick brain that weighs in at a measly 28 grams. Leatherbacks wander the open seas in search of their favorite food, jelly fish, which they will dive to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 m) to pursue. Unlike other species of turtle that have external carapaces, the leatherback has a tough leathery skin and internal skeleton.
Marino las Baulas National Park is just due north from Tamarindo. Driving to the park is best done in a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the road north of Grande Beach is rather rough and unpaved. An alternative to this route is by ferry across the Straight of Tamarindo. The process of making a reservation to see the Giant Sea Turtles is a little different than a normal tour and guide experience. Basically you can reserve a place on the list no more than 8 days in advance of the tour date by calling the Marino Las Baulas Station at 2653-0470 or from the U.S. it is 011 2506 653-0470. You must give them your complete name and passport number in order to be be put on the list. On the day of the tour you must arrive at the station of Marino Baulas at Sundown to pay for your ticket about $15 per person and be assigned in a group.
If there is a healthy nesting Turtle found by the biologists they will allow 1 group to come and view the process for about 15 minutes. Sometimes people must wait hours until a turtle arrives on the beach other times there are enough turtles for everyone to get a chance to view the nesting process. In some cases no turtles arrive at all. The Leatherback Turtle nests on Playa Grande from October to March but their numbers are drastically declining and in 2008 only 32 Leatherbacks came to nest on the beach.
Where to stay in Marino Las Baulas National Park
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Marino Las Baulas National Park accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Occidental Tamarindo Hotel
Occidental Tamarindo Hotel sits on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This region has warm tropical sunshine, outstanding white sand beaches, and an abundance of marine life.
Cala Luna Hotel and Villas
The elegant Cala Luna Hotel and Villas are located on the northwestern shoreline of Costa Rica, in the bustling tourist town of Tamarindo. This picturesque region opens a doorway to flat lands, green mountains and rich foliage. Because of the unique climate, the area boasts a tremendous diversity of terrain, from dense rain forests to airy deciduous forests, towering active volcanoes to lush sugarcane fields, and thick lagoons to untouched beaches.
Sueno del Mar Bed & Breakfast
The enchanting Sueno del Mar is located minutes from Tamarindo, on Playa Langosta, on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You’ll fall under the spell of this Costa Rican paradise of lush tropical forests, rushing rivers, monkeys, leatherback turtles, serene mountains, and active volcanoes.
Capitan Suizo Hotel
Capitan Suizo Hotel is situated on the beachfront boulevard of Tamarindo, a small but lively town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The property occupies a modest stretch of sand‑lined road just a short walk from the town’s main commercial area, giving guests easy access to both the ocean and the conveniences of downtown Tamarindo.
Casa Amor
Casa Amor is a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom house that overlooks a verdant strip of Tamarindo beach. It’s ideal for groups of 4, but there is a sleeper sofa in case you have any extra guests.
Hotel Pasatiempo
Hotel Pasatiempo is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. This hotel has adorable rooms and a gorgeous pool area.
Mar Rey Hotel
The Hotel Mar Rey is located in the sunny Province of Guanacaste in the beach town of Tamarindo. Tamarindo is just an hour from the Liberia International Airport and four from San Jose Airport. The bustling multi cultural community of Tamarindo lends itself to splendid surroundings and nearly perfect weather.
Lucky Monkey
The Lucky Monkey property contains two three-story vacation houses in Tamarindo. It's a large house with enough room for either 10 or 14 guests – it's up to you if you want to rent the extra room. Guests come here for the panoramic view and lots of space. The amenities are basic, and the property is perfectly suited to people who plan on spending a lot of time a the beach.
Tamarindo Diria
Tamarindo Diria sits directly on the golden sands of Playa Tamarindo in the north‑west province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The hotel’s address places it within a short walking distance of the town’s main boulevard, where restaurants, shops and the bustling nightlife are concentrated, while the Pacific Ocean stretches out just beyond its front doors. Its location makes it convenient for travelers who wish to combine beach time with easy access to local amenities.
Jardin del Eden
The luxury beach hotel of Jardin del Eden, or "Garden of Eden" in English, is located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the sunny province of Guanacaste. The town of Liberia and the international airport are a short drive away from the popular beach community of Tamarindo and this magical hotel.
Wyndham Tamarindo
Wyndham Tamarindo is designed so that guests can get the most out their stay in the seaside town of Tamarindo. Staying here you’ll have access to the hotel’s well-maintained section of the beach, and have easy access to Tamarindo’s most famous attractions.
Cabinas Las Olas
The wonderful cabinas of Las Olas are situated in the North Pacific of Costa Rica in the sunny Province of Guanacaste. Playa Avellanas white Sand Beach, located on a Mangrove Reserve permits you to discover nature intact right from the hotel. Las Olas is a beautiful hotel interested in a balance between human and nature. It is conveniently located near the popular beaches of Playa Negra and Tamarindo.
Flora & fauna in Marino Las Baulas National Park
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Marino Las Baulas National Park, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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