Every year, the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya become a temporary home for one of the ocean's most spectacular visitors—the humpback whale. From July through October, humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters of Costa Rica to give birth and care for their calves. This makes the Gulf of Nicoya one of the best places in the country to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Several local tour operators offer whale-watching excursions departing from bo

A Unique Island Escape in the Gulf of Nicoya Just a short boat ride from Paquera lies one of Costa Rica's most unique places to stay. Nestled on the lush island of Isla Jesusita, Isla Chiquita Glamping offers an experience that perfectly combines nature, comfort, and adventure. Rather than traditional hotel rooms, guests stay in beautifully designed safari-style tents. These spacious accommodations feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, outdoor decks, and stunning views

One of the greatest joys of visiting Paquera is discovering that it is more than beautiful beaches, lush forests, and incredible wildlife. It is also a community where traditions are alive, neighbors come together, and visitors are welcomed into authentic Costa Rican culture. Every year, communities across Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula celebrate the Annexation of Nicoya, commemorating the historic decision in 1824 when the Partido de Nicoya became part of Costa Rica. In

Perched high above the Gulf of Nicoya, Vista Las Islas Boutique Hotel offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Paquera area. Surrounded by tropical forest and overlooking a scattering of islands, this boutique hotel is more than just a beautiful place to stay—it is a gateway to experiencing the natural beauty, wildlife, and warm hospitality that make Paquera such a special destination. A Boutique Hotel in Harmony with Nature One of the first things guests no

Bioluminescence has become one of the most recognized natural attractions in Paquera and this part of the Gulf of Nicoya. Every year, visitors from around the world come to the region hoping to experience the magical glow that illuminates the water at night, making bioluminescence one of the district's most important nature-based tourism attractions. As Paquera continues to position itself as a sustainable tourism destination, protecting and understanding the natural resource

On June 6, 2026, Playa Pochote became the setting for a day filled with learning, excitement, and plenty of fishing action as 33 children and youth participated in the third edition of the Paquera Youth Fishing Workshop and Tournament. A Day of Learning and Fishing Organized by the Asociación para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ) through the Visit Paquera committee, the event combined education, conservation, and hands-on fishing experiences for local youth. We brought together

A Hidden Experience on Isla Cedros, Paquera Located along the peaceful shores of Isla Cedros, Flor de Cedro is one of those special places that feels authentic, natural, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Recently opened after years of effort and dedication by local entrepreneur Dayana Cruz Loria, this small beachfront restaurant is much more than a place to eat — it is a space to relax, breathe deeply, and experience island life in its most genuine form. At Flor de Ce

If you come to Paquera, Passion Fruit is a must-stop destination! In Paquera, a family business with more than 15 years of experience has made its mark by offering ice cream, smoothies, fast food, and much more. Passion Fruit was born as a dream built with effort, dedication, and the desire to create something different for the community and those who visit the area. Located in the heart of Paquera, Passion Fruit has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, where

In the Gulf of Nicoya, there are places where nature, art, and creativity exist in harmony. Punta Eternia is one of those places. Nestled between the tropical dry forest and the calm waters of the gulf, Punta Eternia is building a unique vision: a place where art and nature come together to create authentic and inspiring experiences. The vision behind Punta Eternia goes far beyond a traditional tourist destination. The project aims to create a sculpture park immersed in natur

If you’re planning a visit to the Nicoya Peninsula, the tranquil coastal area of Paquera offers one of Costa Rica’s most magical natural experiences—bioluminescence. As night falls over the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, something extraordinary begins to happen. Every movement in the water sparks a glowing, shimmering light, turning the ocean into a living galaxy. Bioluminescence is caused by microscopic organisms that emit light when disturbed, and while this phenomenon

Tucked away on the quiet shores of the Gulf of Nicoya, Bahía Rica Adventures offers more than just tours—it offers a genuine connection to nature, community, and the rhythm of coastal life in Paquera. Operating since 2007, Bahía Rica has welcomed both international and Costa Rican travelers to experience the gulf in a personal and authentic way. Over the years, thousands of guests have explored these waters—whether heading out for sportfishing adventures or discovering the m

Sunday afternoon (February 22nd 2026), a small but enthusiastic group of young people gathered for a friendly volleyball tournament in Paquera. Organized by the Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ) , the event was simple, local, and full of positive energy — exactly the kind of activity that helps strengthen community bonds. Volleyball in Paquera is still growing. At the moment, it is practiced regularly by two small groups of youth who train together a

Saturday’s Stunt Tournament in Paquera was much more than an afternoon of impressive tricks and friendly competition. Organized by the Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ), the event had a deeper purpose: to motivate local youth to continue developing their skills — and to advocate for safer places where they can practice. In recent years, a small but passionate group of young riders has been steadily building their stunt and BMX skills. Without a ded

The Paquera region lies within the world-famous Nicoya Peninsula, one of the planet’s recognized Blue Zones —places where people live remarkably long, healthy lives. But here in Paquera, longevity isn’t a trend or a wellness slogan. It’s simply a way of life. For generations, daily movement has been built into everyday routines. Long before gyms or fitness apps, people walked everywhere, paddled, fished, farmed, and worked outdoors under the tropical sun. Many of the local

On Saturday, December 6, the community of Paquera came together with great joy and enthusiasm to celebrate a new edition of the Paquera Brilla 2025 Festival — an evening filled with lights, music, and Christmas spirit. Our Association ADEJ was proud to participate with a beautifully decorated Christmas float, created with dedication and care for the enjoyment of the entire community. This achievement was made possible thanks to the support and collaboration of many individual

Just off the coast of Isla Tortuga, beneath the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, lies a living classroom — the Coral Garden (“Jardín de Corales”), an environmental restoration project dedicated to reviving the coral reefs of the region. On 27 November 2025, an important step was taken for Paquera’s youth. Under a new agreement between the Colegio Técnico Profesional de Paquera (CTP), the Asociación de Juventudes de Paquera (ADEJ) and Bay Island Cruises the first group

In 2024, we began an inspiring collaboration with the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) to bring education and professional development closer to our community. Together, we identified the key training needs in the Paquera region and designed a learning plan that could truly make a difference for local residents and tourism workers. As a result, four professional courses were successfully held in Paquera, each taught by highly qualified instructors from UTN and attended by

A few months ago, our Peace Corps volunteer , Amanda Guti, held a very special workshop with the students of the Technical High School of...

The Asociación de Desarrollo para la Juventud de Paquera (ADEJ), in collaboration with the Federación Costarricense de Pesca (FECOP),...

If you're looking for a peaceful place to stay surrounded by nature while being just minutes from the beach, Tortuga Vida Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem near Playa Órganos in Paquera. Conveniently located just a few minutes from both downtown Paquera and the ferry terminal, Tortuga Vida offers a relaxing escape that blends seamlessly with the tropical surroundings. It's an excellent choice for couples, families, and anyone wanting to discover the authentic beauty of the south