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The Cahuita National Park measures 1067 hectares, was designed
to protect over than 22000 hectares of marine habitat, including
extensive coral reefs, extended outward from Cahuita Point. The
park is more often entered from the east end of Cahuita village,
through the Kelly Creek entrance station and booth. Almost immediately,
the visitor sees a 2km long white sand beach stretching along
a gently curving bay to the east. About the first 500 meters from
the beach have warning signs about unsafe swimming, but beyond
that, waves are gently and swimming is safe.
The
tropical forest shelters various animals, among which are the
following: pacas, racoons, Northern tamanduas, opossums, coati-mundis,
porcupines and capuchin monkeys. The marshes in the park contain
many other animals, like the green iguanas, basilisks, gigantic
blue crabs and many species of birds, like green ibis, blue herons,
gulls, kingfishers and others.
Cahuita
is also known for its coral reef, which unfortunately, suffered
much damage with an earthquake that occurred on April 22nd, 1991.
During this catastrophe, all of the park's facilities were destroyed,
several trees toppled and part of the coast rose above sea level,
thus killing a lot of the coral. Even after this disaster occurred,
the reef still offers 35 species of coral, including elkhorn ,
fan and brain coral. There are also other types of marine life,
like sea urchins, moray eels, turtles, lobsters and sharks. In
total, this incredibly important reef houses 128 species of algae,
44 of crustaceans, 140 of molluscs and 123 of fish. It's essential
to bring a snorkel and a mask, especially during March- April
or September to October, when there is less rain in Limon.
Puerto
Vargas, 5km south of Cahuita, Limon
Opening hours: Daily, from 7:30 to 16:00
Admission: Approx. US$6 per person
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