Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste Tamarindo Playa Grande National Park has a history nearly as its name because for years thousands of leatherback sea turtles that hatched there have returned to lay their eggs. 
They are returning in ever smaller numbers as a result first of settlers who used their meat and eggs to supplement their diet, Then this National Park was created in 1991 to supports the nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles (baulas) on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with a population size of about 800 female turtles nesting per year. Nesting season is approximately November throughApril.
It extends over 936 terrestrial acres, and 54,000 marine acres. The National Park is comprised of the 50-meter zone of four beaches (Carbón, Ventanas, Grande and Langosta), as well as the Tamarindo estuary and mangroves at the mouth of the Matapalo River and the San Francisco River Estuary. To the north, the Cerros Morro and Hermosa are also included. (see park map above)
Driving Directions
From the intersection on the PanAmerican Highway at Liberia, drive west towards the Pacific coast. At the town of Belén, take a right turn and continue on paved road for 15 miles, until reaching the community of Huacas. Here follow a gravel road 5 miles further through the town of Matapalo and on to Salinas, where you enter the national park on Playa Grande.
The ranger station at Playa Grande is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Guided tours are available with bi-lingual park employees. For minimum impact, a limited number of visitors is allowed each evening.
Nesting season is approximately November through April |
