Coral reefs in Costa Rica are vibrant underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of reef-building corals. Found primarily along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, these reefs support an extraordinary diversity of marine life. They serve as crucial nurseries for fish, stabilize coastal zones, and provide essential ecosystem services such as tourism, fishing, and shoreline protection. Although limited in extent compared to other tropical regions, Costa Rica’s coral reefs are considered biologically important and ecologically fragile.
Cahuita National Park (Caribbean)
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Golfo Dulce Marine Area
Dry season (December–April) for best underwater visibility
Costa Rica’s coral reefs, though not expansive, are ecologically vital and highly sensitive to environmental changes. Community-led reef monitoring and coral restoration initiatives are growing across the country.
