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Tico Explorers

Explore Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands

Puntarenas and the Gulf Islands offer a maritime view of Costa Rica, where coastal communities, island landscapes and boat journeys connect across the Gulf of Nicoya. Discover how people and wildlife depend on these Pacific waters. Let curiosity lead to understanding, gratitude and care for the people and landscapes that welcome you.

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Pacific Graysby

A small grouper with narrow bars and a dark cheek patch.

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Panamic Sergeant Major

A silver reef fish with a yellow back and five dark bars.

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Cortez Rainbow Wrasse

A small wrasse whose colors change as it grows.

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Threebanded Butterflyfish

A silver butterflyfish crossed by bold black bands.

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Guineafowl Puffer

A round reef puffer with a dotted dark form and a yellow form.

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Spotted Sharpnose Puffer

A tiny puffer with a pointed snout and pale speckles.

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Yellow Snapper

A snapper with warm red and yellow colors.

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Bluefin Trevally

A reef hunter with electric blue fins.

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Bigeye Trevally

A silver jack with a noticeably large eye.

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Golden Trevally

A jack whose boldly barred young look different from adults.

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Razor Surgeonfish

A gray reef grazer with a bright yellow tail.

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Graybar Grunt

A silver grunt crossed by broad dark bars.

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