The national park is situated in the Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area of southern Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica, in the Limon province. The Cahuita National Park is quite different from the other national parks of Costa Rica in the sense that it protects the vast sea shore and the forests surrounding these beaches. The 14 kilometers of beaches surrounded by palm trees, mangroves and lush green tropical forest together constitute the Cahuita National Park. The national park was established in 1970 to protect the unique coral reef that has distinguished this park from other Costa Rican National parks.
The wide range of physical features and climactic conditions has encouraged the growth of several species of plants and animals. The visitors keen in viewing the diverse wildlife of the Cahuita National Park, can enjoy a grand view of its animals on the beach. On the beach one can easily catch a glimpse of tamaunda anteaters. Other exotic species of animals include pacas, coatis, raccoons, tree-dwelling sloths, agoutis, armadillos, iguanas. The major attractions though are the howler and caopuchin monkeys that visit the shore very frequently. The Cahuita National Park is also a bird watcher's paradise. Exotic varieties of birds like green ibis, Swainson, rufous kingfisher and keel-billed toucans are among the common species here.
The coral reef present in the Cahuita National Park covers an
offshore area of about 240 hectares. The site is favorite among
tourists for scuba diving and snorkeling. The wide varieties
of corals like brain corals, sea fans, sea feathers, elkhorn
corals and gorgonian corals form the major part of the coral
reef. Besides the corals there are also many colorful varieties
of fish that play around the coral reef.
The Cahuita National Park is open from Monday to Friday between
8 am and 4 pm. While in weekends the timings changes to 5am
to 7 pm. The entrance fee to the park is $6.
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