Another newcomer to the list of Costa Rican national parks, Las Baulas was declared to protect two important nesting beaches for the giant leatherback sea turtle, as well as offshore areas where these large marine reptiles spend their days during the breeding season.

Leatherbacks, known as baulas in Costa Rica, are the largest of the world's seven species of sea turtles, averaging 350 kg. and more than a meter and a half in length. Watching one of these great ancient beasts come ashore at night to continue the age-old tradition of nesting in tropical sands is a very moving experience for most people, although others find the two-hour process a bit more than their patience and interest levels can tolerate.

In Costa Rica, this species can be found nesting at a number of beaches on both coasts, however, two of the more heavily used beaches are Playa Grande (Big Beach) and Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach), to the north and south, respectively, of Tamarindo Beach. Together, the aforementioned two beaches make up Las Baulas Marine National Park.

The nesting season at Las Baulas extends from October through February. When away from their breeding sites, leatherbacks range widely throughout the world's oceans searching for their principal food, jellyfish.

Admission policy: All visitors on the beach at night must be accompanied by a certified local guide (available at the entrance to the beach during the nesting season).

To get there: From the intersection on the Inter-American Highway at Liberia, drive west towards the Pacific coast. At the town of Belén, take a right turn and continue on paved road for 21 kilometers until reaching the community of Huacas. Follow a gravel road eight kilometers further through the town of Matapalo and on to Salinas, where you enter the national park at Playa Grande.

Fishing: Located in the most developed part of the country for deep-sea fishing, a dozen or more operators between Playa del Coco and Tamarindo offer charter boat service with the target species being Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, and Pacific Sailfish. Between the three species, there's usually action all year long. Other fish that help pick up the slack if the billfish aren't biting are Dorado (Mahi-mahi), Wahoo, and Roosterfish.

Climate: Hot during the daytime, evenings are usually a very pleasant temperature, although when the winds pick up from December through February, a jacket or sweater might be wanted while out looking for turtles. The rainy season lasts from May to November.

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