Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge

Location: Playa Hermosa, on the Central Pacific Coast, 3 miles south of Jaco

See Central Pacific Tourism Region

Size: 109 acres

Date of Creation: December 1999

Part of: Central Pacific Conservation Area

About:

Five kilometers south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is a place of undeniable beauty – its broad grey-sand beach contrasted by pounding white surf. The beach is part of a wildlife refuge that protects nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles. Between the months of July and December, females come ashore to lay their eggs and begin the life cycle anew.

Locally known as the tortuga lora, Olive Ridleys are one of the smaller sea turtles, weighing in at a mere 90 pounds. At Playa Hermosa, females typically arrive solo or in small groups, unlike the mass arribadas (huge waves consisting of tens of thousands of turtles) that occur farther north in Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

Activities:

Playa Hermosa is much less developed than neighboring Jaco, and attracts experienced surfers from around the world with its consistent waves, annual surf contest and air of tranquility. Swimmers are advised to take caution as strong riptides are common. There are no organized turtle tours in this area; however visitors during the nesting season may spot an Olive Ridley come ashore at night.

Facilities:

There are no public facilities within Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge.

Where to Stay:

Travelers can choose from a variety of hotels and hostels, many of which cater to surfers in the laid-back village of Playa Hermosa. Another option is stay in Jaco, a five-minute drive north of Hermosa. This developed beach town has a larger selection of accommodations, from camp sites along the beach to luxury four-star resorts.

Nearby Parks:

Carara National Park - home to a large population of scarlet macaws and American crocodiles.

Manuel Antonio National Park - a haven for over 100 mammal species including the highly endangered squirrel monkey, or mono titi

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