Caribbean Coast - Costa Rica - page 389

trammeled, clearly marked and doesn't require a guide. Once you pass Tom Bay, however,
the path gets murky and it's easy to get lost, so ask about conditions before you set out, or
hire a guide. It's a rewarding walk - with amazing scenery, as well as excellent (and safe)
swimming and snorkeling at the end.
Another, more difficult, 9km trail leaves from just west of Manzanillo and skirts the
southern edges of the Pantano Punta Mona, continuing to the small community of Gan-
doca . This trail is not commonly walked, as most people access Punta Mona and Gandoca
from the park entrance at the northern edge of the refuge, which is located on the road to
Sixaola. If you want to try to hike this, be sure to hire a guide.
Snorkeling & Diving
The undersea portion of the park cradles one of the two living coral reefs in the country.
Comprising five types of coral, the reefs begin in about 1m of water and extend 5km off-
shore to a barrier reef that local fishers have long relied on and researchers have only re-
cently discovered. This colorful undersea world is home to some 400 species of fish and
crustaceans. Punta Mona is a popular destination for snorkeling, though it's a trek so you
may wish to hire a boat. Otherwise, you can snorkel offshore at Manzanillo at the eastern
end of the beach (the riptide can be dangerous here; inquire about conditions before setting
out). Also check out the Coral Reef Information Center at Aquamor Talamanca Adven-
tures in Manzanillo.
Conditions vary widely, and clarity can be adversely affected by weather changes.
Kayaking
You can explore some of the area's waterways by kayak, available from Aquamor Tala-
manca Adventures (per hour/day US$6/25). Paddle out to the reef, or head up the
Quebrada Home Wark , in the west of the village, or the tiny Simeon Creek , at the east
end of the village. These are short paddles - ideal if you've got kids.
Dolphin-Watching
In 1997 a group of local guides in Manzanillo identified tucuxi dolphins, a little-known
species previously not found in Costa Rica, and began to observe their interactions with
bottlenose dolphins. A third species - the Atlantic spotted dolphin - is also common in this
area. This unprecedented activity has attracted the attention of marine biologists and con-
servationists, who are following these animals with great interest.