Nature has prodigiously showered beauty and splendor on the forests, marches, coral reefs, beaches and almost white sands, dottet with coconut trees, that belong to the most remote and exotic site south of the 10th parallel. This is Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge located in the southern Caribbean, a few miles from the border with Panama.
It protects 4,436 hectares of coastal waters, 15 kms of coastline, and 5,013 hectares of lowlands and hills 115 meters above sea level. The mainland sector is 65% tropical rainforest and the remainder grasslands and second growth. The tiny hamlets of Punta Uva Manzanillo, Punta Mona, and Home Creek form part of the refuge.
The forest of the hills and coastal plains is composed of very tall trees, very thick under storeys and innumerable palm trees, the most significant being the wild palm and mahogany, a species which inspired the Zambo Mosquito Indians to call Cahuita Point, Mahogany Point. The marshes are carpeted with holillo palm, which provides food for tapirs, and the tree species known as sajo. Cahuita National Park is located near Gandoca- Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge protects a variety of wildlife, such as the crocodile, tapir, West indian manatee, cayman, tarpon, magnificent frigatebird, brown pelican, collared aracari, lineated woodpecker, chestnut-mandibled toucan, red-lored amazon, sulphur winged parakeet, and ornate hawk-eagle, among many other species. There are also approximately 500 hectares of coral reefs that abound with brightly colored fish, sea anemones, sea urchins, sponges, lobsters and other marine creatures.
The climate of the southern sector of the Costa Rican Caribbean is typically one of moderate rainfall, which is distributed throughout the year but with less intensity from March to April and from September to October, seasons when there are even occasional droughts. The average annual temperatures are 25ºC-26ºC with a maximum of 33ºC near midday.
Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Endangered species migrate south to Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, a green jewel where environmental protection comes first. The 23,348-acre (9,450 ha) reserve is located on the southernmost section of Costa Rica's Caribbean shore, just 12 miles (20 km) from Puerto Viejo.
Lush vegetation lines the shore and grows denser and wilder as you explore the inland jungle. The refuge protects several rare habitats such as lowland rainforest, wetland, mangrove, and the country's only orey and jolillo palm swamps. Gandoca river and lagoon meet the ocean forming estuaries where tarpon and many other underwater species breed peacefully.
More than 360 bird species find safe haven in the reserve, as well as the endangered harpy eagle, manatees, American crocodile and Baird's tapir. The unique Tucuxi, a pink fresh-water dolphin endemic to the region, swims at ease in the lagoon and surrounding rivers.
The palm-lined beach is equally impressive. The crystal-clear water meets brown and white sand stretching for miles on end. Few visitors make it this far and the shoreline remains somewhat of a hidden secret where you can relax and absorb the undisturbed beauty. The Caribbean Sea is particularly refreshing in Manzanillo beach so don't be afraid to take a swim. The enclosing forest provides plenty of shade if you would rather rest on the sand and enjoy the view.
Gandoca and Manzanillo are visited by thousands of leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles that come to lay their eggs as they have for centuries. The nesting site is protected as well as almost 11,000 acres (4,435 ha) of surrounding ocean that guarantee the survival of the endangered sea turtles. Visitors are welcome to watch the nightly rituals of nesting and hatching of the eggs, a process that may take a few hours but is certainly a once in a lifetime experience.
The refuge also safeguards the ocean floor where coral reef stretches for miles creating a colorful underwater spectacle. The formation is by far one of the most intense environments in the region. Coral is the main attraction but the habitat is also formed by limestone structures and sea grass beds that feed the majority of fish. Herbivore species attract larger ones and the marine circle of life begins.
Scuba diving, kayaking, boat tours, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and canopy allow you to explore Gandoca-Manzanillo inside and out. Arrangements can be made in town through tour operators. The village of Gandoca offers modest lodging for affordable prices; however, most tourists stay at Puerto Viejo and take the 20-minute bike ride to visit the wildlife refuge. The neighboring town is lined with hotels, cabins and hostels ranging from nicer to basic rooms.
Geographical Division 
