Costa Rica Mexico
RICH IN BIODIVERSITY T H E WO R L D ’ S AQ UA R I U M
8.54° N / 83.58° W 24.48° N / 110.34° W
WHEN TO GO: DECEMBER TO APRIL WHEN TO GO: DECEMBER TO MARCH
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers excellent access to
an array of natural wonders, both in the water and
ashore. Corcovado National Park and the nearby
Osa Peninsula have been called “the most biologically
intense place on Earth” and are best explored on
horseback, on foot or by ziplining for an aerial view, The Sea of Cortez, also known as the World’s
Aquarium, is a natural haven nestled between the
Baja California peninsula and Mexico’s mainland.
Baja is the second-longest peninsula in the world,
extending out over 1,200km to offer sheltered,
rugged and mysterious waters to cruise by yacht.
The region is popular with those seeking a peaceful
break as well as those who like to explore and adventure
in nature-rich destinations. The Sea of Cortez features
a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 244 islands
and coastal areas, and many travellers come to see the
migrating whale sharks between December and April.
The Marine Protected Area at Cabo Pulmo offers
sanctuary to all manner of wildlife, being one of the
most successful marine parks in the world. Isla Espíritu
Santo to the north of La Paz is regarded by many as
the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. The
uninhabited lunar landscape is a superb backdrop to
a coastal cruise through gem-hued waters with bright
white beaches ripe for barefoot exploration.
The reefs surrounding the island are teeming with the
likes of parrotfish, angelfish and trumpetfish as well as
sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins and whales. A local colony
of sea lions to the north offers plenty of entertainment
for spectators and a chance to snorkel with these
playful sea mammals.
like a toucan in flight.
The Rio Coto’s mangroves near the coast put you in
the heart of a buzzing hub of tropical species, from
noisy howler monkeys and inquisitive capuchins to
scarlet macaws and three-toed sloths. Take a tender
trip up the estuary or travel under your own steam
on a kayak or paddleboard. Alternatively, Manuel
Antonio National Park further north features
rainforest trekking as well as pristine sandy beaches
and snorkelling on coral reefs.
Isla Caño is a hotspot for marine wildlife, and a great
place to visit from the comfort of a luxury yacht.
Voted the country’s top diving spot, keep an eye
out for eagle rays, turtles, reef sharks and colourful
tropical fish. There is a beginner-level wreck dive for
novices and the Devil’s Pinnacle is a must-see highlight
for intermediate divers. Seasonal humpback whale
migrations offer the chance to spot the enigmatic
species along the Pacific coast, from December to
March and August to December.
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