Founded in 1978, Cahuita National Park, one of the first in Costa Rica, was created to protect the coral reefs. With the town and beach of the same name, it is one of the most attractive places on the Caribbean coast.
Key points
- A protection area was created in 1970 for the coral reef, then extended in 1978 to become Cahuita National Park.
- President Alfredo González Flores, shipwrecked off Cahuita, bought the land of the town and gave it to its inhabitants.
- The park is mostly marine: a reef open to divers with or without equipment, and a protected forest with monkeys, birds and sloths.
- White sand beaches for a swim, surfing waves near the town, water sports equipment and quad bikes for rent.
- The town of Cahuita has restaurants, hotels and stores, and a lively nightlife.
One of the first national parks in Costa Rica, founded in 1978, Cahuita National Park was created to protect the coral reefs.
With the town and the beach of the same name close by, this protected area has become one of the most attractive places on the Costa Rican Caribbean coast.
Let's review a little of the history of the place and its attractions for visitors.
Brief History of Cahuita
The coral reef near Cahuita beach was home to some species of sea turtles, such as the green and hawksbill turtles. This attracted indigenous populations who craved the meat and shells of these species. This is how the first non-fixed settlements were created in the area, until the arrival of Mr. William Smith's family in the 19th century.
He and his family settled in Punta Cahuita and survived by planting different agricultural products such as cassava and cocoa.
During the government of Alfredo González Flores, the president himself was sailing the Caribbean coast when his boat was shipwrecked off Cahuita beach. As an act of gratitude for the help provided by the locals, the president decided to buy the land where the town of Cahuita is located today and donate it to the inhabitants.
In 1970, a special protection area was created to protect the coral reef, home to hundreds of marine species. In 1978 it was decided to extend the protection area and create Cahuita National Park. Nowadays, the inhabitants of Cahuita take the protection of their natural heritage very seriously.
Attractions of Cahuita National Park
Most of the park's surface is maritime. However, there is a portion of protected forest where hundreds of animal species coexist. These include monkeys, birds and sloths.
The coral reef is accessible to divers with or without professional equipment. Hundreds of species of fish of all kinds find their home in these places. The white sand beaches are great for taking a dip near the shore and relaxing under a tree.
The town of Cahuita has many services such as restaurants, hotels and stores, among others. There is a lively nightlife, with bars and restaurants closing late.
The beaches near the town have good waves for surfing. In addition, you can rent water sports equipment and quad bikes to explore the beach and the surrounding area.
More Info
If you want to know more about this park, its opening hours and entrance fees, visit the SINAC website. Cahuita National Park on the SINAC website
If you want to visit the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, book the Free Ride and we will help you plan a trip to Cahuita, Manzanillo and Puerto Viejo. Free Ride
