Get To Know The Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most interesting places to visit in Costa Rica. And it is that it allows you to enjoy nature in a unique way. Next, we offer you all the information about what you are going to know in this wonderful reserve. Can you come with us?
Characteristics of the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge
This reserve has a ten kilometer stretch of beach. It also has 300 hectares of forests, two swamps and protects about 5 km² of coral reefs. Not only that, but its mangrove is the largest, most developed and most conserved in the Caribbean.
In total, the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge has more than 5000 continental hectares and more than 4000 marinas. With these dimensions, it is not surprising that it occupies approximately 70% of the country’s South Caribbean.
Regarding the fauna, the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge constitutes a spawning area for several species of turtles. You can also find crocodiles, alligators, manatees and dolphins. In addition, the reserve is home to such striking birds as the tufted harrier, the black curre and the sergeant.
From fauna we move on to flora . The reserve has mostly a tropical rain forest, with a flat terrain formed by small hills. However, there are also floodplain forests and in the wetlands, herbaceous swamps. To this must be added coconut trees and other vegetation present on the beach strip.
What to do in the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge
In the National Wildlife Refuge of Gandoca you can carry out numerous activities of interest, such as bird watching or dolphin watching. And there is the possibility of hiking through the forest or nearby places, such as the small fishing village of Manzanillo.
It is also possible to go diving in the reef sector or kayaking in the sea. And in addition to all this, there is the possibility of going on horseback or by boat and visiting the indigenous reserves in the area.
The refuge beaches
At the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge you can also enjoy the sun and fabulous beaches. One of the best known is that of Cocles. It is ideal to rest and take a bath, but it is also perfect for surfers due to its strong waves.
There are other wonderful beaches. The one in Gandoca stands out for its white waters and gray sands. Meanwhile, Manzanillo beach is a real beauty thanks to its white sands, calm waters and the palm trees that line it.
How to get to the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Costa Rica. It is located between the mouth of the Sixaola River and the Cocles River, in the province of Limón.
To get there you can take a bus, there are several companies that include this area in their itineraries. Another option is your own or rented vehicle. To do it through the Manzanillo sector, you have to follow the Puerto Viejo road; and through the Gandoca Lagoon, take the road that connects Bribri with Sixaola.
More information for the visit
Access to the reserve is completely free, although there are some opening hours. Both the Manzanillo and Gandoca sectors are from Monday to Sunday from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon. Likewise, both in the refuge and in its surroundings there are various services: restrooms, lunch area …
As you may have seen, the Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge is a unique place to enjoy nature. The tourist possibilities that it offers related to the environment are numerous. Therefore, on your trip to Costa Rica do not hesitate to pay a visit to this reserve.
