This park is located in the Pacific, between Punta Uvita and Punta Piñuela in the Cortés district, in the province of Puntarenas. It was established by means of law No. 19441, on December 14th, 1989. It has an extension of 110 land hectares and 5.375 sea hectares.
This area was created to secure the reproduction and desove of many sea species, and also to preserve the productivity of biological communities that lives in the zone. Also protects different environments like: sand beaches, rock beaches, cliffs, islands, organic reefs, etc. It has a great value for environment education and tourism.
One of the most important sea environments of the area is the organic reef, also called coral reefs. The structure of these reefs is porous, with 50% empty space. When the reefs grows, many canals are created that communicate with each other, allowing great variety of life to grow.
This coral reef is tropical communities that grows in a temperature between 18ƒ and 23ƒ. They are very sensitive to changes in temperature, exposition and sediment depositions. Only three species of coral are known here.
Crabs, worms, lobster, several species of fish, sponges and mollusks are common species protected in other environments off the park. Also two kind of reptiles are reported. Among sea birds we find pelicans, bobo birds and others.
The piece of land that joins Punta Uvita Island to the coast is one of the geological formations that scientists and tourists like most.
Park Facilities and Hours
The park station is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Near Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge. Costa Rica.
