National Parks

CAHUITA

Area:
1,067 Terrestrial Ha
22,400 Maritime Ha

Location: On the Atlantic coast, Limon Province, 42 Km southeast of the city of Limon.

This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Cahuita's Costa Rica Natural Travel attractions are its white sands, miles of coconut groves, clear seas, and a coral reef.

The most serious environmental hazard facing Cahuita is the build-up of silt from the Estrella River. It has been shown that the silt is affecting the individual corals as well as the entire coral community.

The reef sits off Cahuita Point and fans out over 240 hectares. It is the only mature coral formation found along Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline.

Among the coral species are the Elkhorn and smooth brain. Venus sea fan, sea urchins and a multitude of fish in all colors and sizes are found among the corals as well.

Some of the reef's most beautiful fish include the French angelfish, rock beauty and blue parrotfish. Other species present are the sea cucumber, lobster, white shrimp, green turtle and various crustaceans.

The howler monkey, raccoon and white-nosed coati are widely found, as are several species of swamp-forest birds, such as the green ibis, yelow-crowned night heron, and Northern boat-billed heron. The four identified species of crabs are also very abundant.