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Local Wildlife

Local Wildlife in Guanacaste Costa Rica

Hummingbirds are regular visitors to the hotel, feeding from the heliconia and hibiscus in the garden. We are also visited by mot-mots, fly catchers, orioles, doves, blue-throated magpie-jays and woodpeckers. Our exotic garden also attracts beautiful butterflies. Circling high in the sky you may see vultures, frigate birds and the occasional bird of prey. Parakeets pass by every afternoon en route to their nesting sites. On the beach you may see pelicans, spoonbills or herons.

Iguanas and lizards can frequently be seen sun-bathing around the hotel and our small pond is home to two freshwater turtles. Crocodiles can be viewed nearby in the Tamarindo estuary or Palo Verde national park.Local mammals include foxes, coatis, possums, skunks, raccoons, armadillos, anteaters and bats. Troops of howler monkeys are regular visitors, and often their distinctive calls can be heard.

Rich Marine Wildlife

Seasonal marine visitors include humpback whales, breaking their migratory journey in Brasilito bay. Pods of dolphins and turtles are often sighted from the sailing cruises. Scuba divers often encounter giant pacific manta rays and white-tip reef sharks at the nearby Catalina Islands, a well known dive spot. Snorkeling sightings can include turtles, moray eels, parrotfish, puffer fish, grouper, rays and seahorses.

Nearby Playa Grande is home to Las Baulas Marine Park where the critically endangered Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) comes to nest each year. These are the largest of the marine turtles reaching up to 1.7 meters in length and weighing up to 700kgs. Visits during nesting season are strictly supervised by the National Parks service and generally must be booked in advance.