Along the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, where the jungle meets the sea in one of the most untouched corners of the country, lies a place of extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity: Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Often overlooked in favor of Costa Rica’s more famous national parks, this refuge is truly one of the most exotic and biologically diverse protected areas in the nation.
Located approximately 9 miles southeast of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Gondoca Manzanillo stretches along the Caribbean coastline from Puerto Viejo through the small coastal village of Manzanillo and all the way to the border with Panama. What makes this wildlife refuge so special is not just what it contains—but what it deliberately lacks. There are no high-rise hotels, no large resorts, no strip malls, and no billboards. Instead, visitors are greeted by pristine rainforest, uncrowded beaches, and the timeless rhythm of nature.
This is Costa Rica as it once was—and as conservationists hope it will remain.
A Sanctuary of Untouched Nature
Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is entirely natural and protected, offering a rare glimpse into a coastal ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Dense tropical rainforest grows right up to the edge of the Caribbean Sea, creating dramatic scenery where towering trees lean toward turquoise waters.
Within this rainforest, you’ll find valuable and ancient hardwoods such as orey and cativo, species that once fueled Costa Rica’s timber trade but are now protected within the refuge. These trees rise high above the forest floor, forming a canopy that shelters countless species of plants, insects, birds, and mammals.
The refuge encompasses six miles of unspoiled Caribbean coastline, making it one of the most important coastal conservation areas in Costa Rica. Its beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, and forests together form a complex and interconnected ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of life.
Beaches That Belong to the Turtles
One of the most remarkable features of Gondoca Manzanillo is its importance as a nesting ground for sea turtles. Four different species of turtles come ashore here to lay their eggs, making this refuge a critical area for marine conservation.
During nesting season, visitors may witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events: adult turtles emerging from the sea at night to dig nests in the sand, lay their eggs, and return to the ocean. Weeks later, hundreds of tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand and instinctively crawl toward the sea under the moonlight.
Because turtles are highly sensitive to light and disturbance, it is essential to observe this process only with a certified local guide. Guided turtle-watching tours help protect these endangered species while offering visitors an unforgettable and educational experience.
Caribbean Waters: Snorkeling and Surfing
The refuge is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, whose calm, warm, blue-green waters are ideal for snorkeling and beginner-to-intermediate surfing. Offshore coral reefs provide habitat for many species of colorful tropical fish, making snorkeling one of the most rewarding activities in the area.
Because coral reefs are delicate and conditions can change with tides and currents, it is strongly recommended to hire a local guide with a small boat when snorkeling. Experienced guides know the safest entry points and the best locations to see healthy coral and abundant marine life.
Surfing is also popular along certain stretches of the coast, but reef breaks and shifting sandbars mean that local knowledge is invaluable. An experienced local surf guide can take you to the same spots used by the local surfers and ensure both safety and respect for the environment.
Rainforest Wildlife Encounters
Beyond the beaches, Gondoca Manzanillo’s rainforest is alive with wildlife. This refuge is home to howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, two-toed sloths, iguanas, frogs, and countless insects. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by sightings of toucans, parrots, motmots, herons, and many other tropical bird species.
The best way to explore the rainforest is on foot, and the best way to truly see wildlife is with a naturalist guide. Guides know where animals tend to feed, rest, and travel, greatly increasing your chances of memorable encounters. They also explain the delicate relationships between plants, animals, and the ecosystem as a whole—turning a simple hike into a fascinating learning experience.
What Can You Expect to See and Do?
So, what exactly can you expect if you visit Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge? The answer is simple: nature at its purest.
1. Hike Along the Coastline
Walking along the shoreline is one of the most peaceful and rewarding experiences here. The beaches are uncrowded, the sand is soft and white, and the jungle provides natural shade. Along the way, you may spot crabs, birds, driftwood sculptures shaped by the sea, and even dolphins offshore on calm days.
2. Snorkeling in Coral Reefs
With a guide, explore shallow reefs filled with colorful fish and living coral. Visibility is often excellent, and the warm Caribbean water makes snorkeling accessible for all ages.
3. Hike Deep into the Rainforest
Guided rainforest hikes reveal hidden trails, medicinal plants, and wildlife that most visitors would never notice on their own. Sloths resting in treetops and monkeys moving through the canopy are common highlights.
4. Wildlife Photography
This refuge is a dream destination for photographers. The combination of rainforest light, coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife offers endless opportunities for stunning images.
5. Turtle Watching at Night
During nesting season, guided nighttime walks allow visitors to witness sea turtles laying eggs or baby turtles hatching and heading toward the sea—an experience that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Why Gondoca Manzanillo Is So Special
What truly sets Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge apart is its commitment to preservation over development. In a world where coastal areas are often dominated by concrete, commercial tourism, and noise, this refuge stands as a reminder of what can be protected when conservation is prioritized.
The local communities near Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo play an important role in preserving this area. Many residents work as guides, conservationists, or small eco-lodge owners who depend on sustainable tourism rather than mass development.
Visiting Gondoca Manzanillo means supporting conservation, respecting wildlife, and experiencing Costa Rica in its most authentic form.
A Destination for Nature Lovers
Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is not for travelers seeking nightlife, shopping malls, or luxury resorts. It is for nature lovers, photographers, adventurers, and families who want to slow down and reconnect with the natural world.
Here, the soundtrack is birdsong and waves. The scenery is untouched rainforest and turquoise sea. And the memories are of moments that feel rare and real—watching a sloth move slowly through the trees, snorkeling over a coral reef, or seeing baby turtles crawl toward the ocean for the first time.
If you are looking for one of the most exotic, unspoiled, and meaningful wildlife experiences in Costa Rica, Gondoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is a destination that will stay with you long after your journey ends.