No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsTravel and TourismCosta Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge

Costa Rica’s Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge

Tucked away between the major tourist attractions on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, the Punta Mala wildlife reserve goes easily unnoticed. Few of even the most intrepid Costa Rican travelers have set foot in the turtle nesting ground, but a new burst of investment in the area could soon change that. A partnership between conservation NGO Costa Rica Forever and Playa Hermosa’s Local Council for Conservation Areas is launching a new plan to bring sustainable tourism to the area.

Through nocturnal turtle tours and surfing excursions to Playa Hermosa’s famous La Curva, the refuge will soon be easier to access for ecotourists.

A maximum of 40 photographers will get the opportunity to travel to the refuge with a professional photographer guide for a private tour of the reserve. Photographers can then submit their top two photos for judging and the chance to win a $200 prize. The tour costs $50 per person and includes transportation, breakfast and lunch. 

Until then, enjoy some of our photos from the area.

Costa Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Costa Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Costa Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Birds in Costa Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Costa Rica Birdwatching at Costa Rica's Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Costa Rica National Parks
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Crabs in Costa Rica
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Surfing in Costa Rica
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times
Surfing in Costa Rica
Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times

Trending Now

Sabalenka and Rybakina Advance to Australian Open Final After Semifinal Wins

Aryna Sabalenka moved one step closer to her third title at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over Elina Svitolina in the semifinals...

Why Iguanas Are Falling From Trees in South Florida

Residents of South Florida are seeing something unusual this week: iguanas dropping from trees during an intense cold snap. Videos and photos have spread...

Your Digital ID Won’t Let You Vote in Costa Rica’s Elections

With national elections set for February 1, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has stepped up reminders that only the physical cédula de identidad qualifies...

Costa Rican Artists Warn of Authoritarian Threats in Pre-Election Video

Over 30 Costa Rican artists have released a video titled "Voces por la democracia" to speak out against authoritarian threats facing the country. The...

Latin American Governments Violate Human Rights Under Cover of Trump Policies

Far from curbing Donald Trump’s assault on the global human rights system, several Latin American governments are using the U.S. president’s policies as an...

Crowds Rush to TSE for Voter IDs Before Costa Rica’s 2026 Elections

Citizens formed long queues at the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) offices across our country in the days leading up to the national elections. People...
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica