Cahuita national Park is located in Limón province; it protects one of the most developed coral reefs on the Caribbean coast and one of the most important in Costa Rica. It also protects a unique swamp forest with large areas of pinecone palm trees (yolillo palm) and sangrillos and beautiful beaches.

The Cahuita National Park measures 1067 hectares, including 240 hectares of reef that extend outward from Cahuita Point. The tropical forest shelters various animals, among which are the following: pacas, racoons, Northern tamanduas, opposums, porcupines and capuchin monkeys. The marshes in the park contain many other animals, like the green iguanas, basilisks, gigantic blue crabs and many species of birds, like frigatebirds, green ibis, blue herons, gulls and others. Cahuita is also known for its coral reef, which unfortunately, suffered much damage with an earthquake that occurred on April 22nd, 1991. During this catastrophe, all of the park’s facilities were destroyed, several trees toppled and part of the coast rose above sea level, thus killing a lot of the coral. Even after this disaster occurred, the reef still offers 35 species of coral, including elkhorn , fan and brain coral. There are also other types of marine life, like sea urchins, moray eels, turtles, lobsters and sharks. In total, this incredibly important reef houses 128 species of algae, 44 of crustaceans, 140 of mollusks and 123 of fish. It’s essential to bring a snorkel and a mask, especially during March- April or September to October, when there is less rain in Limon.

Cahuita offers the combination of beautiful beaches, national park, the best points for snorkeling, trails and rain forest.

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