Cabo Blanco is the oldest protected wilderness area in Costa Rica and in Central America, created by Executive Decree No. 10 on 21 October 1963 — seven years before the country had a national park system at all.
Where the model began
Founded 21 October 1963.
Before Costa Rica established its national park system in 1970.
By two people: the Swede Nils Olof Wessberg and his Danish wife Karen Mogensen, who between 1960 and 1963 bought roughly 1,250 hectares at the southern tip of the peninsula with help from Scandinavian donors.
That founding is the moment Costa Rica's conservation policy starts. Everything the country now sells — the parks, the ecotourism, the green brand — traces back to this airstrip.
The numbers
1,172 hectares (2,896 acres) of land and 1,790 hectares of marine area, with protection extending one kilometer offshore.
Including Isla Cabo Blanco
, 1.6 km (1 mi) from the coast.
Around 140 tree species
, across primary forest and regenerated secondary forest.
And the largest brown booby colony in the area
, with roughly 500 pairs.
"Absolute" means something
It was designated an Absolute Natural Reserve, a category that initially permitted no visitors at all.
It opened to the public in 1985.
Which makes it one of the few places in Costa Rica where nature takes precedence and human activity is strictly controlled. Verify current hours and conditions before going.
The detail that explains the reserve
Its watercourses — short, steep and very rocky — supply fresh water even through the dry season, which is rare in this region.
That is the lesson Wessberg and Mogensen set out to protect: forest sustains water.
The wildlife
Howler and capuchin monkeys, deer, coati, paca, agouti, armadillo, ocelot and puma.
And abundant seabirds: brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, laughing gulls and brown boobies.
The peninsula's three airstrips
Nicoya has three, with opposite characters:
| Airstrip | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo (TNO) | Most developed, full services | Surf, catamaran, fishing, golf |
| Nosara (NOB) | Wellness-oriented, Playa Guiones | Yoga, longer stays, quieter surf |
| Punta Islita (PBP) | Most isolated, boutique | Scarlet macaws, real disconnection |
| Cóbano (ACO) | Southern tip | Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa, Mal País |
And the reason to fly between them: the peninsula's roads are dirt in several sections, with conditions that change considerably in the wet season. Ground transfers take longer than any map suggests.
Santa Teresa and Mal País
The other pole of the Cóbano district — surf, yoga and high-end lodging, the opposite profile to the reserve, and a short distance away.
On surfing: being a confident swimmer is a requirement, ask locally which break suits your level, and do not assume permanent lifeguard service.
Getting to Cabo Blanco Reserve Costa Rica
The conventional route is San José – Puntarenas – Paquera, using a ferry, then on to Cóbano and Cabuya.
The reserve administration sits 2.5 km southwest of Cabuya, 16 km from Cóbano and 47 km from Nicoya.
A charter removes the ferry — the link that adds the most time and the most variability to the whole trip.
Climate
Dry season December to April, wet May to November.
Average temperature 27 °C (81 °F).
From the air
The peninsula's southern tip with the reserve occupying it, and Isla Cabo Blanco 1.6 km offshore.
The contrast between primary and regenerated secondary forest, visible as differences in canopy texture — sixty years of protection, made legible.
And the Gulf of Nicoya to the east.
Fly with AeroRide
Three airstrips serve the peninsula, and hopping between them beats the roads. Tell us your route, dates and passenger count.
Quoted on request for the whole aircraft, round trip, up to five passengers. Final pricing depends on route, date and aircraft assigned.
If your trip spans more than one beach town, tell us the sequence. On this peninsula, the road is the part worth skipping.
Related
- How to get to Tortuguero
- Barra del Colorado
- How to spot a responsible operator
- Corcovado access
- Flying Central America
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest protected area in Costa Rica?
Cabo Blanco, created by Executive Decree No. 10 on 21 October 1963. It is also the oldest in Central America, established seven years before the country's national park system existed.
Who founded Cabo Blanco?
The Swede Nils Olof Wessberg and his Danish wife Karen Mogensen, who between 1960 and 1963 bought roughly 1,250 hectares at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula with Scandinavian donor support.
Can you visit Cabo Blanco?
Yes, since 1985. It was originally designated an Absolute Natural Reserve, a category that permitted no visitors. Human activity remains strictly controlled, so verify current hours and conditions.
Which Nicoya beach town should you choose?
Tamarindo for services and variety, Nosara for wellness and quieter surf, Punta Islita for isolation with high-end lodging, and Cóbano for Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa and Mal País.
Why fly between the peninsula's airstrips?
The roads are dirt in several sections, with conditions that change considerably in the wet season. Ground transfers take substantially longer than maps suggest.
What wildlife is at Cabo Blanco?
Howler and capuchin monkeys, deer, coati, paca, agouti, armadillo, ocelot and puma, plus abundant seabirds including the area's largest brown booby colony at roughly 500 pairs.