Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge

This refuge spans 92,000 hectares of beach, estuary, marine, and freshwater ecosystems mixed with tropical rainforest along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Its territory stretches between the San Juan River and Tortuguero National Park, forming a vast protected zone.

This refuge was established in 1984 to protect the northern Caribbean territories in this region. Its creation marked a major conservation effort for the area's diverse coastal and riverine ecosystems.

Local fishing communities carry on traditional practices, catching tarpon and snook in the rivers while supporting ecological research efforts in the region.

Access requires either a domestic flight to a gravel airstrip or boat travel through the canal system north of Limón. Visitors should expect tropical weather and remote conditions with limited facilities.

Bull sharks migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into the Rio San Juan, creating a connection between marine and freshwater habitats. This unusual phenomenon makes the area distinctive for studying shark movement patterns.

Location: Pococí Canton

GPS coordinates: 10.77167,-83.59889

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24