Explore Central Pacific

Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region connects beach communities with forest and river landscapes. Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer different ways to explore the meeting of land and ocean. Look closer with Pico and Tati, ask questions and show care by respecting local communities and leaving nature undisturbed.

Black Marlin in Sunlit Pacific Waters-5

October 7, 2026

Black Marlin

Rigid pectoral fins that do not fold flat against the body.

Striped Marlin Beneath Sunbeams-6

October 7, 2026

Striped Marlin

A long bill and streamlined body.

Mahi-Mahi in Sunlit Tropical Waters-8

October 7, 2026

Mahi-mahi (Dorado)

An electric green-blue back with golden sides.

Indio Desnudo Copper Bark Tree in Costa RIca

October 7, 2026

Indio Desnudo

A tree whose warm-colored bark invites a closer look.

Red Mangrove at Tamarindo Estuary-3

October 7, 2026

Red Mangrove

Follow the shape of the roots where land meets tidal water.

White Ibis in Mangrove Waters-4

October 7, 2026

White Ibis

A long, downward-curving bill.

Mantled Howler in Costa Rican Canopy-6

October 7, 2026

Mantled Howler Monkey

A mostly dark coat with a lighter mantle along the sides.

Brown Pelican on the Pacific Shore-5

October 7, 2026

Brown Pelican

A long bill with a pouch beneath the lower jaw.

Olive Ridley in Pacific Waters-9

October 7, 2026

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

An olive or gray-green hard shell.

Beach Morning Glory by the Shore-10

October 7, 2026

Beach Morning Glory

Creeping stems extending across beach sand.

American Crocodile by the Estuary-7

October 7, 2026

American Crocodile

A long snout and narrow head.

Guanacaste Tree in Costa Rican Dry Forest-2

October 7, 2026

Guanacaste Tree

Look for tiny leaflets and curved pods on this dry-forest tree.