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Las Baulas de Guanacaste Marine National Park
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Las Baulas de Guanacaste Marine National Park

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Description

Established primarily to protect the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest sea turtle in the world, which is critically endangered. The park encompasses all of Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, Playa Langosta, and the Tamarindo estuary, an important RAMSAR wetland.

ClassificationAdministrative and legal categories that govern how this area is managed and protected.

Protected Area TypeLegal designation that determines allowed activities and protection level: National Park (strictest), Biological Reserve, Wildlife Refuge, Wetland, Forest Reserve, etc.National Park
Management TypeWho administers the protected area: government agency (SINAC/MINAE), private organization, indigenous territory, or co-managed.Public (State)
IUCN CategoryIUCN Protected Area Management Category — a global standard from Ia (strict nature reserve) to VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources).II – National Park
SINAC Conservation AreaSINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación) — Costa Rica's national system of 11 conservation areas managed by the Ministry of Environment (MINAE).ACT – Tempisque
Year of Creation1991
Legal DecreeLey N° 7524
Administered BySINAC - Área de Conservación Tempisque (ACT)

HistoryHistorical background, founding story, and timeline of legal protection designation.

Created by decree in 1991 and ratified by law in 1995, following the alarming decline in leatherback turtle populations. Before its creation, egg poaching and coastal development threatened to extinguish the Eastern Pacific nesting colony. It is a key research site supported by The Leatherback Trust.

Record Completeness
29%
Coming soon

Surface AreaTotal surface area subdivided by terrestrial, marine, and buffer zones in hectares.

Total Area (ha)22,400 ha
Terrestrial Area (ha)900 ha
Marine Area (ha)21,500 ha
Coastline (km)15 km
Min. Altitude (m) – Max. Altitude (m)0 m – 20 m

Entry FeesEntry fee structure for Costa Rican residents and international visitors, in CRC and USD.

Entry Fee TypeFixed Fee
Local Adult (CRC ₡)₡1,100
Foreign Adult (USD $)$15
Local Child (CRC ₡)₡500
Foreign Child (USD $)$5
Opening Hours06:00 - 18:00

The park entrance fee allows daytime access. Night tours for turtle watching (in season) are regulated and managed by authorized local community guides, with an additional cost and limited capacity per night.

EcosystemsVegetation communities and ecosystem types present within this protected area.

It has a complex marine-coastal ecosystem. The park protects extensive white sand beaches ideal for nesting, the Tamarindo estuary (with 5 species of mangroves), and a vast marine sector that ensures a safe corridor for turtles offshore.

WildlifeNotable fauna and flora documented through scientific surveys and long-term monitoring.

In addition to the Leatherback turtle (October to March), the park protects olive ridley and black turtles. The mangrove is a refuge for crocodiles, herons, ibises, kingfishers, howler monkeys, raccoons, and coatis. The marine sector is frequented by manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales.

How to Get ThereHow to reach this protected area by road, public bus, boat, or guided tour.

Paved road access about 20 km from Santa Cruz or from Tamarindo. To reach Playa Grande, you can cross the estuary by boat from Tamarindo (daytime only) or drive around the estuary via Matapalo. Accessible year-round with any vehicle.

ClimateTypical weather patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal rainfall affecting this location.

Tropical savanna climate, very hot and sunny. Temperatures between 27°C and 34°C. Defined dry season from December to April. During the nesting season (Oct-Mar), nights are usually cool and windy on the beach.

Visitor RegulationsVisitor rules and restrictions designed to protect the natural heritage of this area.

During turtle season (October to March), access to Playa Grande is strictly PROHIBITED from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am unless participating in an official tour with a local guide. Using white lights, flash photography, bringing pets, making campfires, or using beach chairs near the water are prohibited.

Best Seasons to Visit

October – NovemberDecember – March

Regions

GuanacasteNicoya Peninsula

Facilities & ServicesInfrastructure and services available: ranger stations, restrooms, parking, and lodges.

Visitor CenterRestroomsParkingRanger StationGuided Tours

HighlightsDistinctive features and attractions that make this protected area exceptional.

Turtle NestingMangrove

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species.

  • Desarrollo inmobiliario excesivo cerca de la zona de amortiguamiento
  • Contaminación lumínica que desorienta a las tortugas
  • Robo de huevos y pesca incidental
  • Cambio climático (el calor altera el sexo de las crías)

ConservationActive programs and initiatives working to protect and restore this habitat or area.

  • Patrullaje nocturno estricto en temporada alta
  • Reubicación de nidos vulnerables a viveros protegidos
  • Campañas de concientización sobre luces apagadas en la comunidad
  • Investigación genética y marcado de tortugas (The Leatherback Trust)