Protected Area · Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica
Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge
A biodiversity treasure on Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean coast, co-managed by its landowners and local communities.
What is the Mixed Wildlife Refuge?
The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area classified as a "Mixed Wildlife Refuge", meaning it includes both state-owned land and private properties under a special conservation and sustainable use regime.
Located in the canton of Talamanca, province of Limón, it covers approximately 9,449 terrestrial hectares and 4,436 marine hectares. It was created in 1985 and is co-managed by SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) together with local communities and landowners.
9.449
terrestrial hectares
4.436
marine hectares
1985
year established
+500
bird species
The natural refuge
Nature & biodiversity
Exceptional biodiversity
The refuge harbors one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet, with ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to coral reefs, including mangroves, wetlands and nesting beaches.
Tropical Rainforest
Primary and secondary forests with closed canopy, home to jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys and hundreds of bird species.
Mangroves and Wetlands
The Gandoca mangrove is one of the most extensive on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast, vital for the reproduction of fish, shrimp and aquatic birds.
Coral Reefs
The coral reefs of Manzanillo are the best preserved on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast, with extraordinary marine diversity.
Nesting Beaches
Gandoca's beaches are nesting sites for four species of sea turtles: leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead.
Featured wildlife
The refuge is home to iconic species of Costa Rican and Central American biodiversity.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Dermochelys coriacea
The world's largest turtle nests on the refuge's beaches between March and July.
Caribbean Manatee
Trichechus manatus
The refuge protects one of the few manatee populations in Costa Rica, in the Gandoca lagoon.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Groups of dolphins inhabit the coastal waters of the refuge throughout the year.
Jaguar
Panthera onca
The largest feline in the Americas has confirmed presence in the refuge's forests.
Great Green Macaw
Ara ambiguus
This endangered species nests in the old-growth forest trees of the refuge.
Baird's Tapir
Tapirus bairdii
The largest land mammal in Central America roams the trails of the refuge.
Nature tourism
Points of interest & how to visit
Points of tourist interest
The refuge offers unique experiences in contact with the nature of the Southern Caribbean. Each site has special characteristics that make it one of a kind.
Manzanillo Beach
The jewel of the refuge. White sand beach with crystal-clear waters and the most accessible coral reef on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast. Ideal for snorkeling, swimming and observing marine life from the shore.
- Coral reef 50 m from shore
- Calm, crystal-clear waters
- Tropical fish, rays and sea turtles
- Free access with park rangers on site
Manzanillo–Punta Mona Trail
A 9 km coastal trail (one way) that crosses primary forest, pristine beaches and cliffs with views of the Caribbean Sea. One of the most spectacular hikes in Costa Rica.
- 9 km coastal trail (one way)
- Primary forest and pristine beaches
- Monkeys, sloths and bird watching
- Level: moderate — local guide required
Gandoca Lagoon
A wetland system with mangrove, lagoon and river mouth. Critical habitat for the Caribbean manatee and hundreds of aquatic birds. Explored by kayak or canoe with a local guide.
- Manatee sightings (if lucky)
- Over 200 aquatic bird species
- Kayak or canoe tour
- One of the most extensive mangroves in Caribbean CR
Gandoca Beach — Sea Turtles
Nesting beach for leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles. Between March and July, guided night tours are organized to observe nesting, strictly following conservation protocols.
- Main season: March–July
- Night tours with certified guide
- Four species of sea turtles
- Limited spots — book in advance
Punta Uva
A sheltered bay with turquoise waters, palm trees and forest reaching the shoreline. Starting point for snorkeling and sea kayaking. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast.
- Protected turquoise waters
- Snorkeling and sea kayaking
- Tropical forest to the shoreline
- Free access — buffer zone
Punta Mona
The southern tip of the refuge, on the border with Panama. A permaculture and agroforestry center. Accessible only on foot via the coastal trail or by boat. A remote and pristine nature experience.
- Permaculture and agroforestry center
- Access only on foot (9 km) or by boat
- Remote and pristine nature
- Near the border with Panama
How to visit the refuge
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge is a protected area. Your responsible visit directly contributes to conservation and the well-being of local communities.
Access hours
The refuge is open every day of the year. Access to the main beaches and trails is free during daylight hours (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.). Nighttime turtle tours require advance booking with a certified guide.
Entry fees
Access to the public areas of the refuge (Manzanillo beach, Punta Uva) is free. Some special activities such as turtle tours, lagoon kayaking and the trail to Punta Mona require a certified local guide with variable rates depending on the operator.
Certified local guides
Hiring certified local guides is strongly recommended, especially for the Manzanillo–Punta Mona trail, turtle tours and the kayak tour through Gandoca lagoon. Local guides are members of the refuge communities and have in-depth knowledge of the territory.
Best times to visit
Dry season. Ideal for snorkeling and hiking. Less rainfall.
Leatherback turtle season. Night tours available.
Rainy season. Lush forest. Fewer visitors.
Transition season. Good conditions for bird watching.
Visitor recommendations
Use biodegradable insect repellent and mineral sunscreen
Do not remove plants, animals or corals from the refuge
Bring enough water — there are no stores on remote trails
Respect signs and do not leave marked trails
On turtle tours: always follow the guide's instructions
Support local tour operators from the refuge communities
Conservation and co-management
As a Mixed Wildlife Refuge, Gandoca-Manzanillo operates under a model unique in Costa Rica: private landowners within the protected area maintain their property titles and actively participate in the management of the refuge.
ASOPROP GM represents these landowners before SINAC and other institutions, ensuring that refuge management decisions respect the rights of those who have inhabited and conserved these lands for generations.
This co-management model is internationally recognized as an example of successful community conservation, where environmental protection and the well-being of local communities go hand in hand.
Private property respected
Landowners maintain their legal titles within the refuge.
Active co-management
ASOPROP GM participates in management decisions alongside SINAC.
Community conservation
Local communities have been guardians of the refuge for generations.
International recognition
A reference model for participatory conservation in Latin America.
Refuge location
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge is located at the southern tip of the Costa Rican Caribbean coast, in the canton of Talamanca, province of Limón, near the border with Panama.
Coordinates
9.6167° N, 82.6167° O
How to get there
From San José: 4 hours via Route 32 (Guápiles) to Limón, then Route 36 toward Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. Direct buses are also available from the Caribbean Terminal in San José.
Canton of Talamanca
Province of Limón, Costa Rica
Border with Panama · Southern Caribbean
Protect the refuge with us
As a landowner within the refuge or as a conservation ally, you can join ASOPROP GM to defend landowners' rights and the future of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Refuge.