Kelly Creek
The northern entrance, next to the village. Entrance is by donation. The trail starts here along Playa Blanca.
Cahuita · Limón · Costa Rica
Cahuita National Park
A coastal trail through jungle and along white beaches, with Costa Rica's best-known Caribbean coral reef offshore.
- Created in 1978
- About 1,000 ha of land and a large marine area
- Coastal trail and coral reef
- Snorkelling only with a guide
About the park
Cahuita National Park lies on the southern Caribbean coast, a few kilometres from the village of Cahuita. A trail follows the shore for several kilometres between the jungle and white-sand beaches, with monkeys, sloths and crabs on the way and a reef offshore.
The park is entered from two sides: Kelly Creek, at the edge of the village, and Puerto Vargas, at the southern end. You can walk the trail in sections or all the way and take a boat or a snorkelling trip to the reef with an authorised guide.
- A flat coastal trail through jungle, on the beach
- Sloths, monkeys and raccoons close to the path
- Coral reef for snorkelling with a guide
- Two entrances: Kelly Creek and Puerto Vargas
Wildlife
Howler monkeysWhite-faced capuchinsThree-toed slothsRaccoonsLand crabsSnakes (seen with a guide)Reef fish and corals
Entrances and trail
Puerto Vargas
The southern entrance, with a ranger station, parking and toilets, reached by road. A fee is charged here.
Coastal trail
A flat trail that runs along the shore for several kilometres, part of it on the sand. You can walk it in one direction and be picked up at the other end.
Coral reef
The reef lies offshore and is visited by boat with an authorised guide. Visibility depends on the sea and on rain.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. The hours of the two entrances differ; we confirm them when you book.
- Entrance
- Kelly Creek is by donation; Puerto Vargas charges a fee according to the SINAC schedule. We confirm the current price.
- Reef
- The reef can only be visited with an authorised guide. Boat trips are subject to the weather.
- Best time
- February to April and September to October are the driest months on the Caribbean coast; the sea is calmest in September and October.
- What to bring
- Swimwear, water shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and water.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
Cahuita is about 4 hours from San José on the Caribbean highway and 45 minutes from Limón. The Kelly Creek entrance is in the village and Puerto Vargas about 5 km south.
Transfer
We arrange shuttles and private transfers from San José, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo and the Bocas del Toro border. Ask us for a quote.
Tours around Cahuita
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide?
The trail can be walked alone, but a guide helps to find animals. The reef can only be visited with an authorised guide.
Can I swim and snorkel?
Yes, on trips to the reef with an authorised guide and when the sea allows it.
How long is the walk?
The whole trail is several kilometres and can be walked in three to four hours one way. Many guests walk a part and return.
Is it free?
Entrance at Kelly Creek is by donation; Puerto Vargas has a fee.
Where should I stay?
In Cahuita, or in Puerto Viejo and Playa Chiquita to the south; we offer Colores del Caribe and Casa Merlin.