Barú National Wildlife Refuge

This national wildlife refuge, one km north of Dominical, was created from a 330-hectare private preserve at Hacienda Barú (tel. 506/787-0003, fax 506/787-0004, hacbaru@racsa.co.cr, www.haciendabaru.com). It protects three km of beach plus mangrove swamp and at least 40 hectares of primary rainforest: a safe haven for anteaters, ocelots, kinkajous, tayras, capuchin monkeys, and jaguarundis. More than 310 bird species have been recorded: roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigate birds, boat-billed herons, kingfishers, curassows, falcons, cormorants, anhingas, and owls, among others. Olive ridley and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest at Playa Barú. Trails ($3 pp access fee) lead through pasture, fruit orchards, cacao plantations, and forest. More than a dozen petroglyphs carved onto large rocks are the most obvious remains of what may be an ancient ceremonial site.

There’s a canopy tour observation platform suspended 100 feet up ($35), and guided tree-climbing is offered ($40 low season, $45 high season) in either a bosun’s chair with a winch or using rappelling equipment ($70). You can rent horses (from $15, two hours). A series of guided hikes (from $20) include “A Night in the Jungle” that ends at a fully equipped jungle tent camp ($50 low season, $60 high season). Kayak tours of the mangroves cost $35.

Local children have a “Save the Ridley Turtle” program; a nursery raises turtle hatchlings.