GENERAL INFORMATION

The National Park and the National Refuge include among other geographical areas, the Morro and El Hermoso peaks, the beaches Carbón, Ventanas, Grande and Langosta and the San Francisco, Tamarindo and Ventanas mangroves. The protected mangroves are within the Wetlands Convention (RAMSAR), of great importance as habitat for aquatic birds and reproduction areas of the different species, marine and forest.

Generally, the mangrove is well developed, and trees measure up to 25 - 30 meters; the predominant species is the red mangrove but we observe other species, such as the black, and white mangroves, and the piñuela (tea mangrove/peliiciera rizophoure) are also common.

LOCATION

Found on the littoral of the North Pacific of Costa Rica; at 8 km. of the community of Matapalo and 20 km from Tamarindo by land, and 5 km via the estuary, county of Santa Cruz, province of Guanacaste. It belongs to the Tempisque Conservation Area.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

The flora in the National Park are remnant species of the tropical dry forest and mangrove; among the most remarkable of the tropical dry forest, we can mention the cocobolo (dalbugia vetusa), laurel (cordia alliodora), tempisque (masticho dendron) and madero negro (gliricidia sepium). The predominant species in the coastal area are the panamá (sterculia apetala), guácimo (bastard cedar/guazuma ulmifolia) and vainillo (tecoma staris).

Its importance is derived from the point of view of conservation and the main tourist attraction stems from the spawning of the leatherback turtles on the beaches in these protected areas. This turtle species is the largest in the world, and is endangered according to the International Convention for the Commerce of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Except for the leatherback turtle the fauna is not very abundant,; other species may be observed, such as the common opossum, deer, howler monkey, coyote and raccoon. Being a marine area, the reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates are abundant and easily watched. The most common ones we can mention are the tajalín crab (cardisoma rasjum), boa, black or spiny-tailed iguana and the crocodile.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES

• Night Tours to observe the spawning of the turtles.
• Day Tours to travel to the Tamarindo Estuary
• Practice surfing and swimming at Playa Grande.
• Snorkeling or superficial diving with mask at Playa Carbón.
• Beaches of great beauty, mangroves, boat trips, observation of flora and fauna, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the region, in general.

RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT SEASONS OF THE YEAR TO VISIT.

It is recommended to visit the area from September to March, to observe the spawning of the leatherback turtle: The months of December through April are the dry season, so they are good for activities such as enjoying the sun and the beach.

SERVICES OFFERED

Exhibition room, general information, potable water, restrooms, trails, local guides. On the communities of Grande and Tamarindo beaches there are facilities for lodging, transport, meals, runway, Ecological Blue Flag.