Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, a Diverse and Exciting Place
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a unique park located about 7 miles south of Puerto Viejo. It covers 12,382 land acres and 10,950 marine acres making it one of the most diverse and lively refuges in Costa Rica. Costa Rica car rental
Gandoca is the home of a live coral reef and contains rain forest, swamp and farmland. The refuge starts south of Puerto Viejo, at the Cocles River and continues south to the Sixaola River at the Panamanian border. It is so big that it protects nearly 70% of the southern Caribbean coast which features clear waters, amazing mountains, lowland rainforest, threatened swamps and a stunning ecosystem. Car rental Costa Rica
The beaches of Gandoca Manzanillo are simply the area’s most important attraction. The refuge protects 35 types of coral, 11 species of sponge, 27 species of algae, and 34 species of mollusks, among many other marine species.
The flora and fauna of the refuge is also abundant, and includes many protected and endangered species. The beaches are also a significant nesting spot for sea turtles such as the leatherback, green, hawksbill and loggerhead. Furthermore, a natural oyster bank is protected just south of Monkey Point, which is a large red mangrove. To the south, Gandoca River Estuary protects species like the Atlantic tarpon, caiman, manatee and others.
When you come to the refuge bear in mind that these area doesn’t have a defined rainy season. The least rainy months usually are September-October and February-March, but it can rain any time.
As you can imagine, there are many activities for the visitors here, such as bird and wildlife watching, turtle tours, hiking, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
The southern Caribbean has a large population of howler and white-faced monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, toucans, iguanas, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife.
The beaches are an extremely important nesting site for several sea turtles and the Manzanillo beaches protect small populations of them. Keep in mind that you must have a guide in order to visit the beach during the nesting season. This is required to protect and preserve the nesting turtles.
Additionally, the reserve is a great place to hike. Many hotels offer informative and exciting hiking tours. Just remember that during the rainy season the trails could be muddy.
It is important to know that an office of the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment is located at the entrance of the town of Manzanillo. They provide maps, video presentations, restroom facilities and a lot of information about the refuge.
When you visit Manzanillo, bring rain gear as the weather here could be unpredictable. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent because mosquitoes are abundant in this area.
Manzanillo is usually hot and humid so the best is to bring cool clothing. Try as much as possible to hire guided tours as guides can give you a lot of information and tell you how to enjoy the park to the fullest.
Gandoca Manzanillo is a refuge that is full of life and diversity. Come and enjoy its primal nature!