Isla de Chira and Costa Rica Rental Car

Chira Island is a 3 000 hectare Costa Rican Pacific island located at the upper end of the Gulf of Nicoya, an extensive inlet of sea water that is the result of a geological fault that has caused the land to submerge, leaving exposed only the tops of what were formerly low hills. These are the various islands that dot the gulf, the largest of which being the Isla de Chira, Costa Rica's second largest island. The Gulf of Nicoya separates Guanacaste from mainland Costa Rica and is fed by the River Tempisque. Isla de Chira lies just off San Pablo, Guanacaste.

Getting close to nature

Ecologically, Isla de Chira contains the most intact biodiversity of Tropical Dry Forest flora in Costa Rica, if not Central America. Three villages make up the bulk of the population of Isla de Chira, locate along the Northern edge of the island, from the West end to the East end. The eastern end of the island is dominated by mangrove swamps. When you travel to the Isla de Chira with your Costa Rica rental care you will be able to get an up close and personal look and the beautiful Costa Rican nature. Isla de Chira is surrounded by mangroves popular with pelicans and frigate birds, and uninhabited except for a few fishermen, farmers and others who eke out a living from salinas (salt pans). Roseate spoonbills and other wading birds pick among the pans. These islands are protected seabird sanctuaries and off limits for visitors. With binoculars, birdwatchers can nevertheless enjoy bird watching from a boat Getting to know the people When you visit the Isla de Chira with your Costa Rica rental car you will get a chance to experience the unique local culture of the Isla de Chira residents. Approximately 3 000 people live on the island and the main economic activity is fishing, farming or work on the salt pans. These salt pans are popular with roseate spoonbills and other wading birds. Isla de Chira is bisected by a large estuary to the east leading into a canal through vast mangrove swamps. There is only little accommodation on the island. From Puntarenas a daily boat goes to Isla Chira from the fish market. Hireboats might be available in Pájaros or San Pablo.

Taking a hiking trip

With all its beautiful surroundings it is no surprise that hiking is a popular tourist activity. Hiking is a great way to discover Isla de Chira with your Costa Rica rental car. Hiking trails through the protected forest lead to viewpoints or you can make guided tours to the mangroves. Isla Venado is reached by water launch through the mangroves from La Penca, 3 km east from Jicaral.

Protecting our future

Due to the reliance on marine resources and alternative industries being limited in number, you will notice with your Costa Rica rental car that a significant pressure has been put on Isla de Chira’s natural resources. Due to this, a project has been developed to establish a bank of pianguas (Anadara tuberculosa and Anadara similis), a kind of oyster for artisan fishing, in order to create a commercially viable resource for long term economic development. Additionally attempts have been made to encourage various activities related with tourism, primarily using the Island's natural and geographical resources, such as the mangrove swamps and the Tempisque River, as well as the local culture.

Before you go...

For more information when you travel with your Costa Rica rental car to the Isla de Chira check out their official website at http://www.isladechira.net/