Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge encompasses tropical jungle, rare mangrove forest, and Caribbean coastline?plus some of Costa Rica?s most endangered flora and fauna. With round-trip transportation from local hotels and insight from a certified nature guide, this walking tour allows you to avoid the hassle of navigation and fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica?s rich biodiversity. Plus, the tour?s small-group size encourages a personal atmosphere while you hike.
Highlights
- Hike through Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge alongside a certified nature guide
- Get a chance to see rare flora and fauna such as manatees, caimans, and toucans
- Hassle-free transportation from local hotels
- Small-group tour size for a personalized experience
What You Can Expect
The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is situated in one of the most stunningly beautiful regions of Costa Rica. Located just a few kilometers north of the Panama border in Talamanca County, this wildlife refuge protects some the region?s most endangered flora and fauna. Lying on the Caribbean coast of Limon province and bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east, this refuge is classified as a humid tropical rainforest and also looks after the only natural mangrove oyster beds found along the reefs of the coast.
Encompassing several rare habitats like a lowland rainforest, a wetland, and a mangrove swamp, the Refugio Gandoca Manzanillo also safeguards the only orey and jolillo palm swamps in Costa Rica. This wildlife reserve is very important from an ecological point of view because it contains the only intact mangrove swamp in the Atlantic, and the primary lowland small rainforest found here is the only one of its kind in the region. A unique habitat, this reserve includes a 10-kilometer beach strip, a 740-acre forest, a coral reef, and 2 swamps. The Refugio Gandoca Manzanillo is also the nesting area for several species of turtles, manatees, crocodiles, caimans, tarpons, and dolphins. The turtle nesting season here lasts from March to May.
Among the plethora of wildlife found here are; crocodiles, pacas, West Indian manatees, caimans, tapirs, tarpons, dolphins, green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, frigate birds, woodpeckers, parakeets, eagles, pelicans, toucans, and motmots. Inhabiting the lovely coral reef there are many brightly colored fish and marine life including the blue parrot fish, angel fish, sea anemones, urchins, Venus sea fans, shrimps, oysters, sea cucumbers, lobsters and sponges. While its rains here throughout the year, the best time to visit this refuge is between March and April and from September to October, which is considered drier months.
Inclusions
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Walking tour
- Fruit
Exclusions
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- What to bring: Close-toed shoes or shoes that can get wet, comfortable clothes that can?get dirty, repellent, sunscreen, towel, camera, water.
Ticket info
You can present either a paper or mobile ticket for this activity.
Local operator information
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Ticket. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Schedule and Pricing
Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible – we 100% guarantee it. Your currency is set to USD.
Departure point
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Departure time
7am
Duration
4 hours (approx.)
Return details
Returns to original departure point