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This sprawling 92,000 ha. refuge is
geologically and ecologically similar to Tortuguero
National Park, with which it practically abuts on
the southern boundary. The northern boundary is formed
by the San Juan River (the border with Nicaragua) and
runs from its mouth on the Caribbean coast, upriver
to just east of the mouth of the Sarapiquí River.
The protected status of this region
has come only recently and, unfortunately, after the
clearing of much of the eastern sector for farming.
A boat ride along the San Juan River dramatically demonstrates
the difference in regional land use between the two
countries. Much of the Costa Rican side is deforested
right to the river bank, while the Nicaraguan side is
a veritable wall of impenetrable jungle (and is part
of a gargantuan protected area known as Indio Maíz).
The portions of the refuge nearer the
 coast
are more heavily forested, although there are still
small farms and clearings scattered about. Much of this
sector is characterized by swampy soil that is readily
flooded during periods of heavy rains and not at all
suitable for agricultural activities.
A labyrinth of creeks and lagoons provides
abundant freshwater habitat for myriad creatures from
minuscule shrimp that live among the floating mats of
water hyacinth to the large bull sharks that seasonally
migrate into the area (and all the way to Lake Nicaragua)
from the Caribbean Sea. Tarpon and snook also make annual
forays into the freshwater system and the village of
Barra del Colorado is a Mecca for enthusiastic sport
fishermen looking for a potential world-record catch
or just a good day of solid fishing.
As in Tortuguero, wildlife viewing from
a boat can produce looks at Central American Spider
Monkeys, Mantled Howler Monkeys, Three-toed Sloths,
Great Green Macaws, Laughing Falcons, Keel-billed Toucans,
Northern Jacanas, and a plethora of other mammals, birds,
reptiles, insects, and, of course, fascinating tropical
plant life.
Getting there: By boat, Barra
del Colorado can be reached by taking the canal system
114 km. north from Limón (the dock at Moín),
or by coming down the Sarapiquí River from Puerto
Viejo. Flying from San José takes just over half
an hour in a chartered light plane or one of the regularly
scheduled flights on either SANSA or TravelAir airlines.
Fishing: Reputedly the best tarpon
and snook fishing in the world! And even if the fish
aren't biting on a given day, you can't beat the placid
rain forest scenery. Numerous lodges exist in the Barra
del Colorado area and are fully-equipped to cater to
the fishing clientele. For those looking for a change
of pace from fighting the powerful "Silver Kings," as
Atlantic Tarpon are sometimes called, there is the option
of going after smaller species such as Guapote, Mojarra,
Machaca, Drum, and Alligator Gar using light tackle
in the quiet backwater areas.
Climate: Warm throughout the
year, rain is possible anytime, although the driest
months are March and April.
History: This recent addition
to the National Park Service system came about as part
of an ambitious regional project known as "The Path
of the Panther," which is an attempt to preserve a biological
corridor from southern Mexico to Panama along the Caribbean
side of the isthmus. The declaration of this large area
as a wildlife refuge is an important first step to the
protection of the remaining wilderness in the country's
northeastern corner.
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