Whales, Sea Turtles, and Active Volcanoes—Discover 9 Essential Costa Rican Parks

Home to majestic volcanoes, enchanting cloud forests, and stunning beaches nestled against tropical jungles, Costa Rica boasts remarkable natural diversity. The country features 29 national parks, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites, with over a quarter of its territory designated as parks or reserves.

To assist you in selecting which parks to visit, here are nine of the most unique and captivating national parks in Costa Rica.

1. Cocos Island National Park

• Nearest town: Puntarenas

Known as a scuba diving haven, Cocos Island National Park boasts one of the world's largest populations of hammerhead sharks. Several liveaboard operators, such as Aggressor Adventures and Undersea Hunter, offer 10-day excursions to the island. Due to strong currents, a certified diving license is required for visitors.

2. Braulio Carrillo National Park

• Nearest Town: San Jose

Just a 45-minute drive from the vibrant San Jose, Braulio Carrillo National Park sits in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, nestled between the Poas and Irazu volcanoes. This mist-shrouded, dark-green haven is perhaps Costa Rica’s most overlooked national park. Spanning over 108,000 acres, the park's steep terrains and lush forests are home to more than 500 bird species, including quetzals and toucans, as well as nearly 100 mammal species, from jaguars to pumas.

3. Tortuguero National Park

• Nearest town: Tortuguero

Situated on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park boasts the largest protected nesting beach for green turtles in the Western Hemisphere. An elaborate network of rivers and canals bordered by tropical jungles makes this a prime location for exploration by motorboat, kayak, or canoe. The park is rich in biodiversity, featuring 60 mammal species, 111 species of reptiles, and 300 bird species. Its distinctive Caribbean flora and fauna attract researchers and ecotourists alike.

4. Corcovado National Park

• Nearest town: Drake Bay

Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is not only Costa Rica’s largest national park but also a remarkable conservation success story. Once heavily deforested, this area now protects one of the last remaining lowland tropical forests globally, boasting 500 species of trees. Hikers can encounter a variety of rare wildlife, including harpy eagles, Baird’s tapirs, tamanduas (small anteaters), and groups of peccaries. Additionally, six wild cat species, including the endangered jaguar, roam the jungles. To navigate the park, visitors must hire an accredited guide from the Costa Rica Institute of Tourism (ICT).

5. Ballena National Marine Park

• Nearest town: San Isidro de El General

Located along the southern Pacific coast, Ballena National Marine Park is named for the majestic humpback whales that migrate to its warm waters from July to October. In a unique rocky and sandy formation that resembles a whale's tail, or tombolo, these whales return annually to give birth. Snorkelers and divers can explore a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life, including parrotfish, bottlenose dolphins, and stunning corals.

6. Arenal Volcano National Park

• Nearest town: La Fortuna

Home to its stunning cone-shaped volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is among the most sought-after destinations in northwest Costa Rica. Nestled between the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range and the San Carlos Plains, the park encompasses 8 of Costa Rica’s 12 life zones (a scientific classification of ecosystems) and is home to nearly 850 recorded bird species. Until recently, Arenal was highly active, experiencing an average of 41 eruptions daily. While access to the caldera is restricted, the park offers numerous hiking trails where visitors can encounter sloths and other native wildlife.

7. Cahuita National Park

• Nearest town: Puerto Viejo

Situated on the eastern coast of Costa Rica, this small reserve is famous for its picturesque sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively coral reefs teeming with marine life. Here, schools of tropical fish and sea turtles flourish, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. Visitors can also observe iguanas basking in the sun and monkeys playing in the coastal rainforest. To access the park, consider staying in the charming town of Cahuita. On weekends, this coastal town can become crowded with cruise ship passengers and tourists, so visiting during off-peak times allows for a more enjoyable experience in the park.

8. Irazu Volcano National Park

• Nearest town: Cartago

Towering over the landscape, Irazu is named after one of Costa Rica's renowned volcanoes, offering stunning views from its peak. It's one of the few spots in Costa Rica where visitors can gaze at both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea simultaneously. The volcano remains active, and its crater features a mesmerizing green lake, enhancing its geological fascination.

9. Manuel Antonio National Park

• Nearest town: Quepos

Renowned as one of the most stunning national parks globally, Manuel Antonio is situated along the southern Pacific coast. The park boasts pristine white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and shimmering blue waters, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. With a lush rainforest crisscrossed by numerous trails, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Although it covers only 1,680 acres, Manuel Antonio is teeming with diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, armadillos, and toucans. Due to its unique blend of jungle and beach scenery, it is Costa Rica's most popular national park—consider visiting during the off-peak season (around May to November) to escape the crowds.