Nicoya Peninsula facts for kids
The Nicoya Peninsula (which is Península de Nicoya in Spanish) is a large piece of land that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean. It is located on the coast of Costa Rica. This beautiful area is known for its amazing beaches. Many people visit here for holidays.
The peninsula is split into two parts. The northern part is in Guanacaste Province. The southern part is in the Puntarenas Province. It is about 19 to 37 miles (30 to 60 kilometers) wide. It stretches for about 75 miles (120 kilometers) long. This makes it the biggest peninsula in Costa Rica.
The town of Nicoya is the main hub for travel and business in the area. It is one of the oldest towns in Costa Rica. You can take a ferry from Puntarenas on the mainland to reach the peninsula. There is also an international airport nearby in Liberia. Smaller airports are found in Nosara, Carrillo, Tamarindo, and Tambor.
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Discovering the Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is home to many interesting towns and places. These include popular spots like Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, Nosara, and Sámara. Further south, you can find Naranjo, Paquera, Curu, Tambor, Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Mal Pais. Each place offers unique experiences for visitors.
Amazing Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a very special place. It is the second largest beach in the world where sea turtles come to nest. Sometimes, over 500,000 female turtles come ashore in one season to lay their eggs!
This refuge works together with Nancite beach. Nancite beach is located in Santa Rosa National Park. Both areas are super important for the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. Two other types of turtles also nest here. These are the leatherback turtles and the Pacific green turtles. The nesting usually happens for three to five days.
Protecting Nature: Reserves and Refuges
The Nicoya Peninsula has many protected areas. These places help keep the natural environment safe. They are home to many different plants and animals. Some of these important areas include:
- Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
- Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
- Cueva Murciélago Wildlife Refuge
- Curú Wildlife Refuge
- La Ceiba Wildlife Refuge
- Romelia Wildlife Refuge
- Diriá National Park
There are also projects on the islands in the nearby Gulf of Nicoya. These projects also help protect nature.
A Place Where People Live Longer
The Nicoya Peninsula is known as one of the world's Blue Zones. A Blue Zone is a place where many people live very long and healthy lives. It is common for people here to live actively past 100 years old! Scientists study these areas to learn their secrets to a long life.
See also
- Tourism in Costa Rica
- In Spanish: Península de Nicoya para niños
