Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge

Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge is, by far, one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. This virtually unknown and undiscovered 3 km long Pacific coast beach is also one of the best kept secrets. Located less than 10 miles from the popular beaches of Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo, Camaronal is untapped nature at its very finest. The only sounds are the Pacific waves pounding the black volcanic sand beaches. Time seems to stand still. This long lonely stretch of sand and the river leading to it are completely undeveloped. Tidal pools along the head of the Rio Ora are filled with sea creatures, and the beaches are strewn with beautiful driftwood, small shells, and treasures from the sea. Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge is also an important nesting site of Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill Sea Turtles. Birdwatch, swim, surf, fish, beachcomb, horseback ride, or do nothing at all. Welcome, paradise awaits you.

Wildlife

This is nature so undeveloped that much of the wildlife show very little fear of man. Sit back and relax, take pictures, or just enjoy the serenity of it all at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge. Monkeys frequent the treetops and innumerable birds make this their winter or year round home. Some of the animals you may encounter are white tailed deer, nine banded armadillos, opossum, squirrels, otters, coati, margay, beautiful blue morpho butterflies, and more. A three kilometer long stretch of black volcanic sand awaits you at the river's end.

Birds

Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Frigate birds, Fiery-billed Aracaris, hundreds of hummingbirds, Wood Storks, White Ibis, Cattle Egrets, Sunbittern, Great Curassow, Trogons, Hawks, Kingfishers, Egrets, Cranes, Parakeets, Parrots, and many other birds abound all along the completely undeveloped banks of the Rio Ora Estuary and on the beaches of the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge. These birds have had very little interaction with humans and it is possible to get up close and personal with them.