La Isla Palo Seco, Central Pacific, Costa Rica

La Isla Palo Seco, which means the Island of Dry Wood is located in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast in the region of Puntarenas, in Parrita, approximately 2 1/2 hours drive from the International Airport in San Jose or 20 minutes from Quepos Airport.

Playa Palo Seco is a long narrow beach island on the Central Pacific near the town of Parrita, Costa Rica. It is about 9 km in length and less than 300 meters wide in most areas.

The island has the Pacific Ocean on its southern shore and the Estuary (Estero de Palo Seco) on its northern shore. The wider portion of the estuary is on the east end of the island near the small Costa Rica hotel "Cabinas la Tranquilidad". The estuary is a popular area for mangrove tours to view Costa Rica wildlife such as white-faced monkeys and an a huge array of birds.

The local Playa Palo Seco Elementary School has a sea turtle sanctuary program which has helped to protect, hatch and release thousands of "Baby Sea Turtles" which come ashore here to lay their eggs. Best time to see the baby sea turtle hatchlings is August through November.

Fishing is popular here. The world record snook (robalo) was caught from the surf on this beach. This beach is still very natural and unspoiled even though is is very close to Manuel Antonio National Park. It is possible to walk for several kilometers without seeing another human being. The beach has many sand dollars which indicate a very healthy marine environment.

As all beaches in Costa Rica fall under the Maritime Means Law, the beach is completely unspoiled for it’s entire length. The island has several new and upcoming Costa Rica resorts that will unfortunately be changing the face of the people and this island itself.