Cahuita National Park starts at the southern edge of the town of Cahuita and the rainforest a beautiful white-sand beach.  Running parallel to the coastline is a 4 mile trail that passes thru the rainforest to Cahuita Point which is encircled by a 1 ½ sq mile coral reef. It is this coral reef that Cahuita National Park is best known for as it is close to shore and has 2 sunken ships to explore near the shallow waters of the shore. There is great snorkeling  here and you are apt to see parrot fish and angelfish among the colorful coal, sponges, and seaweeds.  You can start hiking in Puerto Vargas and hike to Cahuita in the course of a day.  Along this route you might see howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin, coatis, raccoons and armadillos.

You can rent snorkeling equipment in Cahuita or Puerto Viego de Talamanca. It is best to go with a guide as they can bring you to the best reefs, but also because the waters can be very dangerous even for experienced swimmers.  And remember, a coral reef is very delicate-just touching a reef damages it, so please do not disturb the reefs in any way. Glass bottem boats are another way to enjoy sea life and are best in Sept - Oct.

Mountain biking is another popular activity even though the trail can get pretty muddy during the wet season.  You can rent bikes in Cahuita or Puerto Viego.

Cahuita National Park is about 3 miles from Cahuita at GPS coordinates Lat - 9.753, Long -  82.7937 on the soutern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The park is 2635 acres and was established in 1970 to protect the coral reef.

The weather is summed up easily: hot, humid and rainy. But there are drier seasons from mid Feb - April and again Sept - Oct.

Although Costa Rica national park entrance fees do change often, plan on $10 park admission fee – open 8am-4pm daily. The fee does not include a guide. We highly recommend a guide to thoroughly get the most out of the natural flora and fauna and wildlife that you almost certainly will not see on your own.

Fun fact - This area was settled mostly by Africans brought in by way of Jamaica.  You will notice this influence in the foods, the music, and the culture of the area.

Click here to view Cahuita hotels

Click here to view Cahuita tours