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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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Rhombic Cat-eyed Snake

Dark saddle-shaped blotches cross the back of a large-eyed snake.

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Central American Rattlesnake

A segmented tail rattle is a distinctive feature of this dry-forest snake.

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Green Sea Turtle

A smooth oval shell and paddle-shaped flippers belong to this ocean traveler.

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Hawksbill Sea Turtle

A narrow hooked beak and patterned shell help distinguish the hawksbill.

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Redback Coffee Snake

A tiny red-backed snake lives close to the forest floor.

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Mussurana

An adult’s dark body looks very different from a brightly colored juvenile.

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Central American Indigo Snake

A powerful-looking snake may darken from a lighter front to a black tail.

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Almendro de Rio

Purple flower clusters stand out against a dense green crown.

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Black Mangrove

Pencil-shaped breathing roots rise from the mud around this mangrove.

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White Mangrove

Rounded leaves and two tiny stalk glands are useful mangrove clues.

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Buttonwood

Small buttonlike fruit heads help identify this coastal tree or shrub.

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Roble de Sabana

A native tree whose pink trumpet flowers brighten forest edges and open landscapes.

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