Cahuita National Park and the Point of Cahuita on the eastern seaboard of Costa Rica is the perfect place to relax and observe the ebbs and tides of nature.

There’s no charge at the door when you enter Cahuita National Park. This feature distinguishes Cahuita from pretty much every park in the network of national parks of Costa Rica. Along with being free, Cahuita maintains some of the best diving that can be found in the country. The coral reefs are clear from February to April, and attract scuba enthusiasts the world over. The beaches of Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica are pristine, and they are also the nesting ground for Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead Sea Turtles at varying times throughout the year.

Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica is easily accessed from the town of Cahuita and there are paved roads through-out the area. On foot, the Kelly Creek makes the best point of entry for coming into the grounds of Cahuita. The grounds of Cahuita’s protected area stretch out into the sea, so there are plenty of things to do on land and in the water. The vibe of the local area is a bit more laid back in the Caribbean coast, and Cahuita National Park fits into that niche nicely, as well.

Cahuita is primarily a tropical rainforest, and the vegetation and animal life correspond to that type of ecological zone. Some of the local marine fauna include the angelfish, the isabelita, the blue parrotfish, the barracuda, the manta ray, sharks, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, sponges, sea snails, white shrimps and snakes like the terciopelo (a very poisonous snake). On land you could come across the howler monkey, the capuchin, the raccoon, the otter, the coati or the two and three-toed sloth, whereas in the sky, perched on branches or next to the sea you’ll find the green ibis, the hummingbird, the kingfisher, the heron and the boat-billed heron.

As to plant life in the 2,071 acre Cahuita National Park, there is plenty on land and in the sea. On the land can be found cativo, the sangregao, the fruta dorada (golden fruit), the yolillo, the sangrillo, the guaitil, the jorco, and the cerillo. In the ocean there are hundreds, if not thousands, of plant species that help in the development of the spectacular coral reefs that surround the Punta Cahuita and the beaches in the area.

A packing list for Cahuita should include hiking gear and boots, scuba gear, snorkel, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a camera, binoculars and maybe a folding bike by Dahon. There is enough to do on the land and in the sea that you most certainly will not be bored spending time in Cahuita National Park.

Location: Cahuita National Park
Items to bring: hiking gear and boots, scuba gear, snorkel, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a camera, binoculars, a folding bike
Species of fauna: the angelfish, the isabelita, the blue parrotfish, the barracuda, the manta ray, sharks, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, sponges, sea snails, white shrimps, snakes, the howler monkey, the capuchin, the raccoon, the otter, the coati, the two and three-toed sloth, the green ibis, the hummingbird, the kingfisher, the heron, the boat-billed heron
Species of flora: cativo, the sangregao, the fruta dorada (golden fruit), the yolillo, the sangrillo, the guaitil, the jorco, the cerillo
Cities nearby: Cahuita, Puerto Vargas
Ways to get here: Private Shuttle, Taxi, Bike, Rental Car