Aerial view of two whales swimming in clear ocean waters near Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Punta Leona Natural Reserve

Costa Rica Ecological Tourism

Punta Leona is a premier natural scientific laboratory in Costa Rica. Spanning over 40 hectares, it features a unique geographical blend of dry tropical and rainy transitional forests, a private reserve, two beaches, and the country’s only Marine Wetland. Our diverse ecosystem supports ongoing research and conservation projects, welcoming national and international scientists and students dedicated to studying and preserving these delicate environments. 

Close-up of cracker butterfly on a leaf in Punta Leona Natural Reserve near Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Butterfly Farm 

Explore the life cycle of butterflies at our Butterfly Farm. Witness the metamorphosis of 20 native species, including the stunning Morpho butterfly. Join our naturalist guides for daily tours from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or visit the garden independently. As part of the Natural Lab, no pupae are purchased to conserve the genetics of native butterflies. Host plants are planted around the hotel to encourage natural reproduction of the species. 

Aquaponics

Our aquaponic nursery garden is an organic system where we cultivate tilapia and vegetables such as lettuce, arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, and more. Learn about sustainable agriculture and how this method promotes healthy, eco-friendly food production. 

Hydroponic system with plants growing in PVC pipes at Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort
Distance view of a bee farm at Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Bee Hotel “Las Meliponas”

Our Bee Hotel is dedicated to Melipona bees, a stingless species known for producing high-quality medicinal honey. These bees play a crucial role in pollination and honey production. This educational project highlights their importance in biodiversity and conservation efforts. 

Scarlet Macaw Regenerative Project 

Since 1994, we’ve been working to protect the scarlet macaw population under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Vaughan. Through a comprehensive Regenerative Project—including artificial nests, 24/7 monitoring cameras, environmental education, and tree planting—we’ve expanded their habitat from 600 km² to 2,400 km². Discover more about our efforts at this website. 

Macaw flying against a sky near green foliage at Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort
Man checking a plant in a greenhouse at Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Native Species Vivarium

Punta Leona has been busy for years reforesting the canton of Garabito through its reforestation program that includes internal and external plantings, and donations. The objective of the Punta Leona Vivarium is to supply the Reforestation Program throughout the year with native tree species which serve as home and food for wild animals, and remove carbon dioxide. 

During the dry season, the vivarium maintains small trees with manual irrigation so that when the rainy season arrives from June to November, the planting day begins. 

Approximately 300 surviving specimens and up to 200 donations are planted annually within the Adopt a Tree Program. 

Among the representative species in the Vivarium are: 
Icaco Tree, Genipa Tree, Jacaranda Tree, Purple Bark Tree, Sotacaballo Tree, Guava tree, ¨Casco de Venado¨Tree, black Wooden Tree, Hogberry fruit, Ceiba, Beach Almond Tree, ¨Corteza Amarilla Tree , Espavel, Guapinol Tree, Breadfruit, Water Apple, Cocoa and Savannah Oak. 

Regenerative Constructed Wetlands

We’ve created regenerative lagoons using treated water to purify and safely reintegrate it into nature. These wetlands attract bird species like the tiger heron and water pigeons, along with amphibians and frogs that provide a nocturnal symphony. 

Northern jacana standing on green leaves over water at Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort
Welcome signs and a national flag at the entrance to Mirador El Silencio in Costa Rica near Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort
Two people walking on a jungle trail near Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Protected Nature Reserve  

Our 15-hectare reserve is a haven of biodiversity, offering educational tours that showcase the area's unique ecosystem. Located at the transition between dry tropical forests to the north and rainy tropical forests to the south, the reserve is home to a diverse array of species. 

Approximately 30 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds inhabit the reserve, including peahens, toucans, bellbirds, trogons, owls, flycatchers, manakins, and hummingbirds, making it a prime destination for bird watchers. 

In addition to avian life, you may encounter various amphibians and reptiles, such as numerous species of leaf litter frogs, rain frogs, and the occasionally spotted, rare short-legged frog. 

Playa Blanca Marine Wetland

The Playa Blanca Marine Wetland is the only marine wetland in the Central Pacific Conservation Area. It’s home to crucial marine species, including the Parrot Fish, which creates the white sands of Playa Blanca. Declared a Marine Wetland in 1994, it’s protected by decree and supports vital monitoring, education, and research efforts. Here, we carry out monitoring activities, environmental education and collaborate with universities to study and conserve its biological wealth which is of utmost importance for the Gulf of Nicoya. 

Aerial view of a rocky shoreline with green foliage and ocean waters near Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort

Scientific Tourism Program

At Punta Leona, we are committed to promoting scientific knowledge and contributing to nature conservation by addressing specific environmental challenges. Our property serves as a natural laboratory, equipped with the infrastructure to foster learning and discovery. Our goal is to bridge the gap between science and tourism, combining the strengths of both to support environmental regeneration and education. 

Our Activities: 

  • Scientific Research: We collaborate with academic institutions, NGOs, and government programs to study and address scientific challenges within our reserve. 
  • Scientific Exploration: We host scientific visits to gather valuable data and insights from our unique environment. 
  • Knowledge Dissemination: We facilitate the sharing of scientific research by providing logistical support for spreading research results. 
  • Species and Event Observation: We offer firsthand observation opportunities for students and scientists studying species or events of scientific interest. 
  • University Alliances: We support research with universities such as James Madison University, Texas A&M, and national institutions like UCR, UNA, and UNED.