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Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas: A Sanctuary for Leatherback Turtles

Discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, a sanctuary for leatherback turtles and diverse wildlife.

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Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, located near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a vital conservation area established in 1990 to protect the nesting grounds of the leatherback turtle, the world's largest sea turtle. The park encompasses beaches, mangroves, and marine areas, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife and a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the nesting process.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas

  • 500 m SO de la Escuela de Playa Grande 933, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste Province, 50308, CR
  • +50626530470
  • Monday 5 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-6 pm
  • Friday 5 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the nesting season (October to March) for a chance to see leatherback turtles laying their eggs.
  • Book guided tours in advance, as they often fill up quickly, especially during nesting season.
  • Wear dark clothing during nighttime turtle tours to avoid disturbing the nesting turtles.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially for evening tours, and wear long pants to protect against mosquitoes.
  • Check turtle nesting schedules beforehand, as tours are regulated to protect the turtles.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Escuela de Playa Grande, the park entrance is approximately 500 meters southeast. The walk is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Local Shuttle

    From the Playa Grande bus stop, taxis and local shuttles are readily available to take you to the park entrance, which is about 1 km away. Agree on a fare before starting your journey; a typical short taxi ride costs around $5-$10 USD.

  • Public Transport

    From Santa Cruz, take the Playa Grande bus. There are limited schedules, typically at 5 am and 1 pm. From Tamarindo, you can take a bus to Matapalo, which is about 6 km from the park. * **Bus fare (Santa Cruz to Playa Grande):** Approximately ₡1000-₡2000 (about $2-$4 USD).

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, or Las Baulas National Marine Park, is a protected area on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, near Tamarindo, Guanacaste province. Established in 1990, the park's primary mission is to safeguard the nesting sites of the leatherback sea turtle (tortuga baula in Spanish), the largest sea turtle on Earth, which is a critically endangered species. The park extends beyond the beaches to include mangrove forests and a significant marine area, creating a rich mosaic of ecosystems. Each year, from October to February, female leatherbacks arrive on the beaches of Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Langosta to lay their eggs. These ancient mariners, weighing up to 1,500 pounds and measuring six feet in length, undertake incredible journeys to return to their birthplace. The park's creation was a crucial step in preventing their extinction due to poaching and habitat destruction. Beyond its role in turtle conservation, the park protects a diverse array of flora and fauna. Mangrove estuaries teem with birdlife, including white ibis, cattle egrets, and roseate spoonbills. Visitors may also spot capuchin monkeys, raccoons, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The park's diverse ecosystems provide opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Visitors can explore the park's natural wonders through guided tours, especially during the turtle nesting season. These tours, led by trained guides, offer a chance to witness the nesting process while minimizing disturbance to the turtles. During the day, boat tours and kayaking excursions reveal the beauty of the mangrove forests and their inhabitants.

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