| Cahuita National Park | |
|---|---|
 Beach in Cahuita National Park | |
 Cahuita National Park area. | |
| Location | Costa Rica |
| Nearest city | Cahuita |
| Coordinates | 9°43′45″N82°49′30″W / 9.72917°N 82.82500°W /9.72917; -82.82500 |
| Area | 10.679 km2 (4.123 sq mi) (land) 224.00 km2 (86.49 sq mi) (marine) |
| Established | 27 December 1982 |
| Governing body | National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) |
  Location in Costa Rica | |
Cahuita National Park is a terrestrial and marinenational park in theCaribbean La Amistad Conservation Area ofCosta Rica located on the southernCaribbean coast inLimón Province, connected to the town ofCahuita. It protects beaches and lowlands and attracts tourists and other visitors who are able tosnorkel in the protected marine area which contains the coralline reefs, as well as being a nesting ground forsea turtles. It covers a land area of 2,732 acres (1,106 ha), and a marine area of 55,200 acres (22,300 ha).[1] February through April typically have the best underwater visibility. This is also one of the nicest and least developed beaches in Costa Rica.[2]
The 600-acre (242-ha)reef is known to have at least 35 species ofcoral, 140 species ofmolluscs, 44 species ofcrustaceans, and 123 species offish. The outer reef is about 4 km long.[3] On land there are many types of animal as well includingnorthern tamanduas,pacas,white-nosed coatis,raccoons,sloths,agoutis,mantled howlers andwhite-headed capuchins.It has a variety ofbirds as well including thegreen ibis,green-and-rufous kingfisher andkeel-billed toucan. Marine mammals are also present includingorcas.[4]
Due to its proximity to the town of Cahuita, the park's roads and facilities are well developed. Roads access the park from both the north and south. It can be reached on foot via Kelly Creek, which is just south of Cahuita.
Originally the site was created as the Cahuita National Monument in 1970, and was reformed as aNational Park in 1978. This change was ratified in 1982. Cahuita National Park also has the distinction of the only national park in Costa Rica not to charge an admission fee (at the Cahuita entrance) and instead relies on donations.
In 2025 twoDanish slave ships, theFridericus Quartus andChristianus Quintus were identified as the shipwrecks from 1710, their existence has been known for years in the national park.[5]
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