If you are searching for a destination in Costa Rica that feels untouched, wild, and deeply connected to both nature and local culture, then Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca Manzanillo may be exactly what you are looking for. Located on Costa Rica’s southernmost Caribbean coast, this refuge is one of the country’s most remote and biologically diverse protected areas. It is very much off the beaten path, offering travelers a rare opportunity to experience Costa Rica as it once was—lush, untamed, and deeply rooted in natural rhythms.
Created in 1985, the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is unique among Costa Rica’s protected areas because it allows local communities to continue living within the refuge boundaries. This balance between conservation and traditional livelihoods makes the refuge not only environmentally important but also culturally significant.
Location and Size of the Refuge
The refuge begins just south of Puerto Viejo, at the Cocles River, and stretches southward all the way to the Sixaola River, which forms the natural border between Costa Rica and Panama. This long, narrow protected area safeguards approximately 1,000 acres of land and an impressive 10,950 marine acres, protecting nearly 70% of Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coastline.
The land portion includes:
- Lowland tropical rain forest
- Endangered wetlands and swamps
- Marshlands
- Mangrove forests
- Rolling farmland that blends naturally into jungle
The marine area protects one of Costa Rica’s only two living coral reef systems, making this refuge critical for both terrestrial and marine conservation.
A Unique Conservation Model
What truly sets Gandoca Manzanillo apart is its community-inclusive conservation approach. Unlike many national parks where human habitation is prohibited, this refuge allows local Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous communities to remain within its borders. Villages such as Punta Uva, Punta Mona, Home Creek, and Manzanillo coexist with protected ecosystems, practicing small-scale farming, fishing, and eco-tourism.
This model has helped preserve not only biodiversity but also the traditional Caribbean culture, visible in the music, food, language, and brightly painted wooden homes throughout the area.
Beaches: The Most Visible Attraction
One of the main attractions of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is its spectacular coastline. The beaches here are stunning—long stretches of fine beige-white sand, lined with coconut palms and backed by dense jungle. The waters shimmer in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, creating postcard-perfect scenery.
Visitors will see:
- Swimmers enjoying calm coves
- Surfers riding Caribbean waves
- Beach walkers savoring the solitude
However, the Caribbean Sea demands respect. Riptides and strong undertows are common in some areas. It is essential to ask locals where it is safe to swim before entering the water. Calm swimming spots do exist, but local knowledge is key.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
For those interested in exploring beneath the surface, the refuge offers some of the best snorkeling on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Just about 100 meters offshore, you’ll find coral reefs teeming with life, particularly during the clearer water months of February through April, when river runoff is minimal.
The reefs are home to:
- Numerous coral species
- Colorful sponges and algae
- Mollusks and sea cucumbers
- Venus sea fans
- Tropical fish in a wide range of colors
The most popular snorkeling area is Punta Mona, but it is too far to reach on foot. Visitors must hire a boat, and doing so also increases safety. Independent snorkeling is possible in some areas, but extreme caution is required due to currents.
For organized diving or snorkeling excursions, travelers can contact the Coral Reef Information Center (Aquamor Talamanca Adventures):
- Phone: 2759-061
- Website: www.greencoast.com/aquamor.htm
Mangroves, Swamps, and Rare Trees
The Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge was established to protect several rare and endangered ecosystems, many of which are found nowhere else in Costa Rica.
Mangrove Forests
The refuge contains the only intact red mangrove swamp on Costa Rica’s Atlantic coast. These mangroves:
- Protect natural oyster beds
- Serve as nurseries for fish
- Prevent coastal erosion
Marshlands and Swamps
Nearly 988 acres of marshland support unique plant life, including:
- The sajo tree
- The holio palm, found nowhere else in Costa Rica
These wetlands also support amphibians, reptiles, and countless bird species.
Rivers and Estuaries
On the southern end of the refuge lies the Gandoca River Estuary, an ecosystem of exceptional importance. These calm waters are home to:
- Spawning Atlantic tarpon
- West Indian manatees
- Crocodiles and caimans
Boat tours through the estuary offer a peaceful way to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Wildlife on Land
Inland, the refuge transitions from small farms into dense lowland rain forest, where wildlife thrives. Visitors may encounter:
- Howler monkeys, heard long before they are seen
- Two-toed and three-toed sloths, often hanging quietly in trees
- Green iguanas basking in the sun
- Poison dart frogs hidden among leaf litter
Birdlife is exceptional. During November and December, millions of migratory birds pass overhead. Year-round residents include toucans, parrots, trogons, herons, and kingfishers.
Sea Turtle Nesting Grounds
The refuge is also a critical nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Both the green sea turtle and the leatherback turtle come ashore here to lay their eggs.
- Nesting season: March to July
- Peak months: April and May
Seeing a massive leatherback turtle—sometimes weighing over 700 kilograms—crawl onto the beach under cover of darkness is an unforgettable experience. Guided night tours led by trained locals ensure turtle protection and visitor safety.
Why Hire a Naturalist Guide
To truly appreciate the complexity and richness of Gandoca Manzanillo, it is highly recommended to hire a local naturalist guide. Many species are expertly camouflaged, and without guidance, visitors might miss much of what makes this refuge special.
A guide can help you:
- Identify plants and animals
- Understand ecosystem connections
- Learn about local culture and conservation efforts
This not only enhances your experience but also supports the local economy.
How to Get There
Reaching Gandoca Manzanillo is part of the adventure.
- Travel east from San José to the city of Limón.
- Before entering Limón, turn south toward Cahuita.
- Continue to Puerto Viejo, then onward to Manzanillo.
- The refuge begins about 7 miles (11 km) south of Puerto Viejo.
Be prepared for dirt and gravel roads, limited signage, and slower travel. If you feel lost, simply stop and ask—locals are friendly and helpful.
A Destination for True Nature Lovers
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca Manzanillo is not a place for luxury resorts or fast-paced tourism. It is a destination for travelers who value authentic experiences, biodiversity, and meaningful connections with nature and community.
Here, the jungle meets the sea, turtles return year after year, coral reefs flourish offshore, and life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. Visiting this refuge is not just a vacation—it is a privilege and a reminder of how conservation and human coexistence can work hand in hand.
For those seeking one of the most diverse ecosystems in Costa Rica, both on land and in the sea, Gandoca Manzanillo is truly unmatched.