Gulf of Nicoya

The Golf of Nicoya is a large bay on the eastern side of the Nicoya Peninsula. It cleaves the peninsula from Costa Rica’s mainland. The gulf has shallow, but rich water which has great biological diversity. It is encircled by wetlands, cliffs and punctuated by several islands.

Scuba Diving the Gulf of Nicoya

There are many dive companies in various beach towns in the Gulf, including Montezuma, Tambor, Paquera, and Jaco.

Because of the great flow of milky water from various rivers, especially the Tempisque, the visibility here isn’t the best. However, diving is popular because of the great abundance of marine life, and the fact that there are more shipwrecks here than any other place in Central America.

For an extensive rundown of scuba diving in this area, visit MontezumaBeach.com’s scuba page: Tortuga Islands and Gulf of Nicoya Scuba Diving.

Islands in the Gulf of Nicoya

Chira Island

Chira Island is the second largest isle of Costa Rica; exceeded in size only by Isla de Coco. The pacific island sprawls over 7,400 acres of Costa Rican land on the upper end of the Gulfo de Nicoya, just off San Pablo in Guanacaste. It is said to be one of the most bio-diverse isles ecologically of Central America. There are three villages on the northern coast that form the mass of Chira Island. On the eastern end, the island has a dense growth of mangrove trees in the swamps. The island has an approximate population of 3,000 people. The principal resources for the economy is fishing, farming and working on the salt pans. For going to the fish markets in Puntarenas, a boat is available that goes there daily from Chira Island. Boats can be hired to go to other regions such as San Pablo and Pajaros. Salt Pans attract various sorts of wading birds like roseate spoonbills. For economical development and commercial purposes, tours to Mangrove swamps, Tempisque River, exploration of the local culture and other activities are now arranged.

Venado Island

Map of the Gulf of Nicoya

Curtained by an immense growth of Mangroves trees, Venado Island is an isle of Golfo de Nicoya in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It has a population of about 1100 inhabitants, mostly on the northern side, forming a large fishing community. The tropical island has become popular among the travelers, especially wander-lovers and backpackers. A number of simple and convenient accommodations are present in the inhabited area. Nature lovers will be delighted to see a large number of interesting wildlife including exotic birds. The island offers plenty of fun activities which include fishing, hiking, eco-tours and bird-watching. Venado Island has stunning beaches that are perfect for a leisurely day out.

Isla Caballo and Isla Bejuco

Isla Caballo is clothed by a thick range of dry tropical forests. It is a small island that serves as a home to 200 fishermen. Although, there are no accommodations, it is a beautiful place with unspoilt white-sand beaches and verdurous scenery. Isla Bejuco is a smaller, inhabited island situated besides Caballo.

Isla San Lucas

Isla San Lucas used to serve as the largest prison of Costa Rica from 1873 to 1991, and is now a national park. It is also a part of 11th district of Puntarenas Canton. The island sprawls over an area of 4.6 square kilometers. The island is a 30 minute boat ride from Puntarenas. San Lucas Island has a few archaeological sites such as houses with stone and metal tools and other such objects from 1,000 and 1,500 A.D. The island has become a protected reserve park as it is home to a varied wildlife including howler moneys, pheasants, snakes, spiders, deer, and various species of bats. Sea life is also diverse, hammerhead sharks, turtles and rays have been frequently seen.

Isla Gitana

Isla Gitana is a popular spot among boaters. Historical records have shown that it used to be a burial place.

Tortuga Islands

Tortuga Island Beach

The Tortuga Islands are uninhabited and are the most popular among tourists. They have amazing places for snorkeling and scuba diving, and the Pacific Ocean surrounding it is flourishing with exciting sea life such as whales, sharks, turtles, rays, eels and plenty more. To explore the island, private tours are arranged for vacationers. The secluded tropical isle is natural wonderland with azure lagoon and pristine beaches lined by swaying palm trees.

More info about the Gulf of Nicoya

The Gulf of Nicoya - on Montezumabeach.com