Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge is located on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, eleven kilometers south of Playa Samara, in the province of Guanacaste. Established in 1994, it is made up of 578 acres and serves as the nesting area for four of the seven different species of sea turtles currently in existence. All four of these species, Olive Ridleys, Loggerheads, Leatherbacks and Hawksbill turtles are listed on the endangered list.
Best Time to Go
The rain season (May though November) provides the best opportunity to witness the nesting process at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, though turtles can be observed at night nearly year round. On a typical night, visitors can usually spot between one and five female turtles laying eggs. Night time hours are the peak time to witness the adults laying eggs. Tour guides are not only recommended, but mandatory after park hours.
Willdife
Fishing, birdwatching and surfing are popular daytime activities as well. Birds to look out for are trogons, hawks, cranes, hummingbirds, frigate birds, white-fronted parakeets, roseate spoonbills, tiger herons, boat billed herons, green kingfishers, social flycatchers, and mangrove warblers. Some other animals that visitors will see are crabs, iguanas, monkeys, coatimundi and armadillos. Sea bass, yellowtail and roosterfish are the most common fish catches.
Park Admission Fees
The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge is free to enter during the day, but has a 4USD admission fee at night.
Weather and Packing List
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Camaronal Wildlife Refuge has a turtle release program that releases baby turtles most nights.
