Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Costa Rica Airport Car Rental
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is situated in one of the most stunningly beautiful regions of Costa Rica. Located just a few kilometers north of the Panama border in Talamanca County, this wildlife refuge protects some the region's most endangered flora and fauna. Lying on the Caribbean coast of Limon province and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east, this peaceful refuge is classified as a humid tropical rainforest and also looks after the only natural mangrove oyster beds found along the reefs of the coast. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to discover with your Costa Rica airport car rental.
Major park attractions
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge protects the lowlands of the southern Caribbean coastal region of Costa Rica. This coastal zone is between the mouths of the Rio Cocles and the Rio Sixaola, which forms the border with Panama. The refuge also protects a coral reef front across Punta Uva, Manzanillo and Uva, popular with scuba divers. The area is known for its manatees, dolphins, and several species of sea turtles nest on the beaches from February through Around the area When you travel with your Costa Rica airport car rental you will find that the park is fairly remote and exotic. The Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge lies 73 km from Limon, past the Cahuita National Park and the towns of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. Not very easily accessible as the roads that lead to here are mostly dirt routes, the best way to get to the refuge with your Costa Rica airport car rental is to drive from San Jose to Limon and then head south to the village of Cahuita. Drive past the town of Puerto Viejo for 12 kilometers and you will reach this wildlife reserve. Do keep in mind that the small villages of Punta Uva, Punta Mona, Home Creek and Manzanillo are also part of the Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge. Other nearby parks include Cahuita National Park , Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve., Aviarios del Caribe Wildlife Refuge. and Cuenca Rio Banano Protected Zone.
Experiencing the wild life
Among the plethora of wildlife found here are; crocodiles, pacas, West Indian manatees, caimans, tapirs, tarpons, dolphins, green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, frigate birds, woodpeckers, parakeets, eagles, pelicans, toucans and motmots. Inhabiting the lovely coral reef here are many brightly colored fish and marine life including the blue parrot fish, angel fish, sea anemones, urchins, Venus sea fans, shrimps, oysters, sea cucumbers, lobsters and sponges. While its rains here throughout the year, the best time to visit this refuge is between March and April and from September to October, which are considered drier months.When you travel with your Costa Rica airport car rental to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge you are bound to be amazed at the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife.
Things to do
The refuge is an excellent option for light hikes along meandering trails. Several area tour operators offer informative, guided hiking tours. Surfing is also very popular at the eastern end of Manzanillo's beach, but be careful, as riptides can be strong. Surfboards can be rented at several beachfront shops, and many individuals and surf schools offer surfing lessons. Snorkelers can also enjoy the area's two living coral reefs, which host more than 35 species of coral and 400 species of fish. The best visibility is in the waters off Manzanillo; snorkeling equipment can be rented from hotels and beachfront kiosks.
Before you go...
For more information when you visit with your Costa Rica airport car rental to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge you can find an information station. Restrooms, drinking water and a picnic area are also available.