Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Photo credit
Simon Dannhauer
Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
,
Costa Rica

Tour Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

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Costa Rica

Inspiring you to tour Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and share your authentic travel experiences

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Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Costa Rica, close to the border with Panama, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is an unsung hero of conservation and biodiversity. Covering both land and sea, this protected area serves as a haven for a remarkable range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and mangroves to coral reefs and seagrass beds.

One of the most distinctive features of the refuge is its coastline. The beaches here, particularly Gandoca Beach, serve as vital nesting sites for several species of sea turtles, including leatherbacks, green turtles, and hawksbills. During nesting season, guided night tours offer the incredible opportunity to witness these ancient creatures complete their arduous journey to lay eggs.

Inland, the refuge boasts a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The dense rainforests are a sanctuary for numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. From howler monkeys and three-toed sloths to the red-eyed tree frog and poison dart frogs, the range of wildlife is astonishing. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, with more than 360 bird species having been identified in the area.

The underwater world is equally enchanting. The coral reefs of the refuge are among the most pristine in Costa Rica. Snorkeling or diving here reveals a dazzling array of marine life, such as colorful parrotfish, angelfish, and even the occasional reef shark or stingray.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the refuge through its network of trails, some of which traverse both beachfront and forest. Kayaking through the serene waters of the Gandoca Lagoon offers another perspective of the area's diverse ecology, especially the mangrove forests that serve as nurseries for many fish species.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is more than just a protected area; it's a vibrant and dynamic showcase of Mother Nature's finest work. Whether you're trekking through lush forests, watching sea turtles on moonlit beaches, or exploring coral gardens beneath the waves, the refuge offers a holistic and awe-inspiring experience of what makes Costa Rica's ecology so unique and precious.

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Geeky Facts about Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Fact 1

The reserve covers a 10 km beach strip, a coral reef, 2 swamps and, a 740 acre forest.

Fact 2

About 70% of the southern Caribbean is covered by the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Fact 3

Over 360 bird species have been identified.

Tours in Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Costa Rica Active Adventure
Costa Rica Active Adventure
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Walking, Hiking & Trekking
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

13 days from

£1,299 / person

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Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure
Costa Rica Tortuguero Adventure
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

9 days from

£4,799 / person

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Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

14 days from

£1,871 / person

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Costa Rica Adventure
Costa Rica Adventure
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

16 days from

£1,349 / person

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Grand Tour of Costa Rica
Grand Tour of Costa Rica
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

17 days from

£5,999 / person

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Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

14 days from

£849 / person

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Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
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Costa Rica
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

8 days from

£1,199 / person

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Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining

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Countries that cover Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife

Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
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