Nicoya Peninsula and Gulf of Nicoya Region of Costa Rica

Jutting outwards into the Pacific Ocean, the Nicoya Peninsula runs alongside Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coastline, with the Gulf of Nicoya lying calmly in between. The peninsula’s white-sand beaches, first-rate even for Costa Rica’s standards, are a magnet for tourists seeking the country's most coveted coastal scenery where the luminous sun smiles on the radiant sea.

The jagged mountainous landscape has, in effect, isolated many of the numerous costal towns, adding to their individual allure and authenticity. Indeed, the sleepy villages that dot Highway 21, which runs north to south through the peninsula, perpetuate a compelling laidback attitude that adds to the overall relaxed, tranquil vibe of the region.

The last decade has brought with it a massive boom in construction fueled by tourism and a high demand for property. Foreigners from all walks of life are buying up the heavily sought after Beachfront property at an astonishing rate. Visitors to some towns will be hard-pressed to find many Costa Ricans, where the majority of real estate and business are owned by foreigners.

East of the Peninsula lies the Gulf of Nicoya, a stunning combination of marine habitat and coastal wetlands highlighted by the many islands that dot this aquatic wonderland. Abundant in number and complexity are the region’s extensive mangroves—plantlife that grows in saline conditions—found in the nutrient rich soil. These contorted, unique habitats provide for an incredible biodiversity found in few places outside of Costa Rica. Formed by a Volcanic fault line that caused the once existing land to plunge into the sea, the gulf's water, ideal for sustaining mangroves, is surprisingly shallow. The mangroves play an essential role in the Nicoya Peninsula’s ecosystem, and consequently, have been established as protected territory by the Costa Rican government.

Aside from the many famous Beaches and costal mangroves, the Nicoya Peninsula is full of natural beauty and equally as rich in biodiversity. Dominated by mountainous terrain, Nicoya is a volcanic landscape sheathed by wildlife-rich dry and wet tropical forest. Wildlife lovers will be more than pleased by what Nicoya has to offer.

Access to the region is made easy thanks to the country’s modern public transportation services. Almost all destinations are accessible by bus, and ferries are available to transport visitors from the mainland.

Furthermore, Liberia's new Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, which re-opened in the spring of 2003, as well as a number of smaller airstrips in Nosara and Carrillo beaches, helps to facilitate travelers who visit the region.

The region’s well paved Highway 21 allows access to all of Nicoya’s towns, Resorts, beaches, and numerous national Parks and Reserves, including: Barra Honda, Marino Las Baulas, Vida Silvestre Curú, and Cabo Blanco. Most of the roads that provide access to the coastal villages are unpaved, meaning that the use of a four-wheel drive vehicle is often required, particularly during the rainy season. The general rule of driving on the Nicoya Peninsula is that roads get worse the further south you travel. Journeys of the region’s attractions are often obstructed by torrential downpours which have a tendency to “wash away” roads or simply make rivers of them. Also, some of the region’s rivers still require that you ford them. However hindering this may seem, it is all part of the experience and charm in Nicoya.

Gulf of Nicoya

The Gulf of Nicoya (Golfo de Nicoya) is the result of thousands of years of Mother Nature at work; the once mountainous terrain, similar to that of the Nicoya Peninsula, receded into the sea, leaving only the tops of hills above water to form the many islands that now speckle the gulf.

The gulf is made-up of shallow, yet nutrient rich water that sustains the local wildlife. The few locals that inhabit the gulf’s islands largely depend on the sea for their sustenance. Conversely, the lower gulf is a perfect contrast; the water is deeper, saltier, and devoid of bottom feeders. Fish are more prevalent, while mangroves and estuaries are not.

Of all the islands, the largest is Isla Chira, a nesting site for the many exotic maritime birds that inhabit the island, including roseate spoonbills and other long-legged waders. Vast mangroves and large estuaries support the extensive wildlife found on the island. The area is certainly off the main drag for tourists, offering few accommodations.

The uninhabited Tortuga Islands receive the most visitors in the gulf principally due to ecotourism. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving are also popular around Tortuga, where the shallow gulf radiates a transparent aquamarine, ideal for those curious to explore the natural world that lies beneath the water's surface.

Private tours of the islands can be arranged in the port-town of Puntarenas. Ferries operate between Puntarenas and the hamlet of Paquera or Naranjo Beach (Playa Naranjo), both located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula.

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Agouti Armadillo Bananaquit Black Ctenosaur Bottle-nosed Dolphin Brown Pelican Coati Fiery-billed Aracari and Collare Fishing Bat House Gecko Howler Monkey Magnificent-Frigatebird Milk Frog Narrow-headed Vine Snake Paca Squirrel Monkey White Faced Monkey