What happens when tourism and science come together? In Paquera, the answer is shared knowledge, new discoveries, and a deeper understanding of one of our most fascinating natural wonders: bioluminescence. Visit Paquera recently joined forces with researchers from the Universidad Nacional (UNA) at La Alfombra Azul, the annual event organized by FECOP, Costa Rica’s Sport Fishing Federation. Together, we highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research with tourism

Who says Halloween has to be celebrated on land? In Paquera, on Costa Rica’s beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, a group of enthusiastic paddlers has turned Halloween into a fun annual tradition – with costumes, kayaks, paddleboards, and plenty of laughter! Every year around Halloween, locals and visitors come together for the Remada Halloween, an informal, free community event that combines a love for paddling with a little Halloween creativity. Costumes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards Ea

A peaceful escape by the gulf. Tucked away on the shores of Playa Naranjo, O’Pacifico Hotel Boutique offers something many travelers come to the Nicoya Peninsula looking for; a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and simply enjoy the surroundings. Set among tropical gardens beside the Gulf of Nicoya, this small boutique hotel combines comfortable accommodation with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Its rooms are spread throughout the property among trees and gardens,

Empowering women, promoting responsible fishing, and creating new opportunities in the Gulf of Nicoya. The waters of Paquera have welcomed a new generation of women ready to make their mark in the world of sport fishing and marine tourism! After an intensive month of learning, teamwork, and hands-on experience, 17 determined women successfully completed the Escuela Para Náuticas, a national training program developed by FECOP (Federación Costarricense de Pesca) and organized

You don't have to be a birdwatcher to enjoy the birds of Paquera. They are simply part of being here - calling from the trees in the morning, soaring above the coastline, hiding among the mangroves or appearing unexpectedly beside a hiking trail. One of the reasons Paquera has such varied birdlife is its landscape. Within a relatively small area, the Gulf of Nicoya meets beaches and rocky shores, rivers flow through mangroves and wetlands, and further inland the landscape cha

Some of the best experiences in Paquera begin when you leave the road behind and head out onto the water. Eagle Ray Bio Tours is a local tour company offering small-group experiences that introduce visitors to the wildlife, islands and marine landscapes of the Gulf of Nicoya. Their tours include sport fishing, Isla Tortuga and snorkeling trips, bioluminescence, whale and dolphin watching, and artisanal fishing. What connects them all is a relaxed, personal approach and time o

In Paquera, the sea and the coastline are an important part of everyday life – and also an important part of our local tourism. Boat tours, snorkeling, sport fishing, wildlife observation and visits to our islands and beaches all bring guides and captains into close contact with the rich marine and coastal environment of the Gulf of Nicoya. That is why we were very happy to recently welcome the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) to Paquera for the course “Biology of Spec

Sometimes the best way to discover Paquera Bay is simply to head out on the water with a local captain who knows the area. Tour Toni is the name local captain Toni Ibarra has given to his small, flexible boat tours around Paquera and the Gulf of Nicoya. Instead of following one fixed itinerary, Toni can tailor the trip to what his guests would like to experience. Snorkeling, Isla Tortuga, Playa Quesera, San Lucas Island, quiet beaches and islands, wildlife, sunset or Paquera'

Look up when you are exploring Paquera and you may be rewarded with one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular sights: a pair — or sometimes an entire group — of Scarlet Macaws flying overhead. With their brilliant red, yellow and blue feathers and unmistakably loud calls, Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) are difficult to miss. But what many visitors don’t realize is that seeing these magnificent birds in this part of the Nicoya Peninsula is also the result of decades of dedicated conser

Some restaurants have a great ocean view. Brisas de la Bahía takes it one step further – the restaurant is actually floating on the ocean. Located in the calm waters around Isla Cedros, between Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita, Brisas de la Bahía is one of Paquera's most unusual places to enjoy lunch. Getting there is part of the experience: you arrive by boat, step onto the floating platform and sit down surrounded by the waters, islands and green hills of the Gulf of Nicoya. F

When people think about sport fishing in Costa Rica, the country’s large Pacific marinas often come to mind. Paquera offers a different kind of fishing destination - more local and personal, without compromising on the quality of the fishing. Located at the entrance to the Gulf of Nicoya, Paquera gives anglers access to islands, rocky coastlines, reefs and deeper waters. Depending on season and conditions, inshore fishing can offer opportunities for roosterfish, snapper, jack

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