Created
in 1991, the National Park of Las Baulas
spreads for about 381 hectares. A big part of it is
made of mangrove swamp containing all six of the mangrove
species found in Costa Rica. This kind
of forest represents the best natural habitat for caimans,
American crocodiles and numerous bird species, including
the beautiful roseate spoonbill. Other creatures to
look for when visiting are howler monkeys, raccoons,
coatis, otters, and a variety of crabs.
However,
the main attraction of the Park is Playa Grande.
The Playa is also the main place for the reproduction
of the Baula turtle that is the biggest one in the world.
It has a shell of about 1.6 meters and weights, on average,
300 kg!! Some rare examples reach the 500 kg! Nesting
season is October to March, with its peak between November
and February. But one can find several other species
all over the year.
Playa
Grande is also a favored surfing beach. Some
of the best waves in Costarica are to be found
around here. “Sol y Luna” organizes night
trips, with local experts and guides, to admire the
turtles nesting, horse riding, scuba diving in the near
Catalinas Islands where all sorts of fish can be admired:
sharks, dolphins, whales, the beautiful manta rays (some
are up to 6 meters large) and other stingrays.