Extending from the beach of Islita, Punta Islita, Costa Rica, in the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal) has a great deal to offer visitors.

The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge covers from Punta Islita to the tip of the point of the beach of Camaronal along the Pacific coastline, and is the nesting ground for three types of endangered sea turtles being Leatherbacks, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. This area is a conservation that has brought back nesting turtles to the area after a fifteen year absence.

The Punta Islita Beaches of Playa Islita, Corazolito Beach and Playa Camaronal each hold their own individual fascinations. There are places along these beaches where the presence of humans will be an issue for nesting turtles, but for the most part they will stay to the mangroves. In the swamps and forests of this area you’ll find many trails to get better vantages of the beauty of the coast here.

Punta Islita is not only a great place to embark upon a rainforest adventure, but for the fishing that can be done in the area, as well. The fishing in some ways is a singular experience in that it is led by local fisherman whose families have fished the waters for generations. Along with fishing and jungle trekking there are horseback tours, kayaking and watercrafts for rental in and around Punta Islita.

A packing list for Punta Islita may consist of hiking boots and gear, a camera, a fishing pole, sun screen and a swimsuit. There are also a number of places to stay in the Punta Islita area including Hotel Punta Islita, Hotel Hacienda del Mar and Villas Playa Samara. There are some hotels in the immediate area, whereas there are more choices in the neighboring beaches of Carrillo and Samara.

Punta Islita can be reached in many different ways including plane, rental car, bus or private shuttle. The domestic airlines of Nature Air and Sansa Air fly to the area, and Nature Air flies to Punta Islita directly. From San Jose, Punta Islita is five hours and forty minutes away. Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica is four hours away, and the international airport in Liberia is two hours and twenty two minutes from Islita.

Location: Punta Islita, Guanacaste.
Items to bring: Hiking boots and gear, a camera, a fishing pole, sun screen, a swimsuit
Distance from San Jose: 5 hrs 40 mins
Distance from Liberia: 2 hrs 22 mins
Hotels nearby: Hotel Punta Islita, Hotel Hacienda del Mar, Villas Playa Samara
Ways to get here: Plane, Bus, Private Shuttle, Taxi, Rental Car