Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is a coastal and marine-protected area on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast in Limón Province, noted for its fringing coral reef and long coastal trail. It combines seaside beaches with lowland rainforest and is popular for snorkelling and relaxed wildlife viewing.

A shoreline trail runs along beaches and mangrove-fringed forest, linking access points and providing frequent opportunities to see howler monkeys, sloths and coastal birdlife. The offshore reef protects nearshore waters and supports marine species that snorkelers commonly encounter.

The park was established to conserve coastal reef and beach habitats and is managed to balance low-impact visitor access with marine protection. Local communities and park authorities coordinate visitor services and guided snorkel options.

The park sits on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast near the town of Cahuita and is reached by a short coastal drive from regional roads.

• Snorkelling advice: Snorkelling the fringing reef is a main activity; bring reef-safe sunscreen and local guides for best access to healthy coral patches.
• Trail length and nature: The park’s main trail follows the shoreline and is an unpaved coastal route of several kilometres, providing continuous beach and forest viewing.

What to See#

• Coral reef: The shallow fringing coral reef that runs offshore and provides the park’s primary snorkeling sites and marine habitat protection.
• Coastal trail: The shore-side trail that extends along the beach and fringe forest for several kilometres, offering regular wildlife sightings and beach access.

Cahuita National Park is on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast at the village of Cahuita (Limón Province). You can reach Cahuita by bus from San José’s Caribbean bus terminals (Route to Limón/Puerto Viejo/Cahuita) - the trip typically takes about 4-5 hours by road via Route 32 and coastal roads. The park’s main entrance is in Cahuita village and is a very short walk from the town center and local bus stops; there is also roadside parking by the entrance.

• Begin the coastal trail from Cahuita village early in the morning to see more wildlife and avoid the peak of day‑visitor traffic; the shoreline walk is the park's main attraction and quietest at first light.
• Bring snorkel plans for the reef off Punta Cahuita - the marine area is accessible directly from the trail and offers good snorkel wildlife without the boat trips many tourists expect.
• If you prefer fewer people on the trail, start from the smaller Puerto Vargas entrance and walk toward Cahuita rather than joining the popular beachside stretches that attract larger groups.