Cahuita is located in the Tropical Basal Atlantic Region of Costa Rica and you can be sure that any other wild area of the country protects the resources of plants an animal present in this region as this. The park was created to protect the flora and wild life, the choral reef and several sea ecosystems. This is one of the areas with more beauty in the country because of its white sand beaches, miles of coconuts, turquoise blue sea and choral reefs.
According to the classification of the life zones of Holdrege, the park is located inside life zone of the humid tropical forest. The park has several important habitats; the swamp forest, the mix forest, the mangle and the coast flora.
The choral reef has an extension of 600 hectares and goes all the way to "Punta Cahuita", between "Perezoso" River and Puerto Vargas. Part of the choral platform is submerging up to 11 Mts. over sea level.
According to studies after the earthquake on April 22, 1991, the reef platform emerges approximately 1 Mt. It is the most develop reef in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. You can find many species and sizes of color fishes, "erizos" and others.
The angel queen fish is one of the most beautiful of the reef. There are also others species very attractive like the French angelfish, the "Isabelita" and the blue parrotfish. Other species living in this habitat are the barracuda fish, the "remora", the manta ray, 3 different kinds of sharks, "Morenas", sea cucumber, that measures up to 30 cm of length, the lobster, the sponge, the white shrimp, the green turtle and the Carey turtle. In the Cahuita reef, it has been identify 35 choral species, 140 mollusks, 44 crustacean, 128 algaes and 123 fishes. The sea resources protected here are in a damage procedure cause by the big amount of sediments and agrochemicals contamination move by the sea running to the choral reef.
Inside the wild life is very common to see the Congo monkeys, white face monkeys, the raccoons, the nutria and the "Pizote". Also several species of forest birds.
Cahuita National Park
Exuberant mountains meet the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea at Cahuita National Park. The reserve includes 2,711 acres (1,097 ha) of forest and 55,000 acres (22,400 ha) of surrounding sea, protecting wildlife above and below the water.
The country's most valuable coral reef lies beneath the surf at Cahuita. More than 600 acres (242 ha) of the fascinating formation branches off bringing the underwater world to life. More than 35 different species have been identified including elkhorn, sea fans and brain coral. Crustaceans and schools of colorful salt-water fish swim about by the thousands feeding on 128 varieties of algae.
Scuba diving and snorkeling allow a closer look at the marine spectacle but strict rules are enforced in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. If you don't want to get wet take advantage of the glass-bottom boat tours that provide a dry insight into the magical ocean habitat. The half-hour journey is perfect for shy adventurers.
Leatherback, hawskbill and green turtles nest on the beach just south of Punta Vargas. The site is protected in order to guarantee the survival of the endangered hatchlings but visitors are welcome to watch the giant sea turtles as they fulfill their motherly duties.
At Cahuita you can also relax on the sand and let the wildlife come to you. White-faced monkeys, coatis, iguanas and raccoons often wander off into the beach for a sun bath. Green ibises, toucans, herons, garrulous parrots, scarlet macaws and many rainbow-colored birds fly high above the trees along with hundreds of avian species that flutter uninhibited in the ecological reserve.
The party gets wilder as you hike deeper into the forest. Different trails zigzag through the national park revealing snakes, caimans, anteaters, agoutis and armadillos. White-faced and howler monkeys also play in the trees claiming their territory. The most popular pathway is a 4-mile (6.4 km) stretch that runs parallel to the ocean connecting the Kelly Creek and Vargas ranger stations. The trail will also take you through the swamp forest and wetlands inhabited by lazy reptiles.
Arrangements for guided tours, lodging and water adventures can be made at the town of Cahuita, a laid-back beach community settled by proud African descendants.
Geographical Division 
