Get ready
Photo: Batsú Estudio
Thanks for choosing Pacuare Reserve as your travel destination! Now that you have booked your stay with us, we invite you to get ready for this unique experience and to carefully read the following information about how to plan your journey on the way to the Reserve. Also, please be aware that you need to fill out and sign prior your arrival the forms found at the end of this page, as a condition of access to our facilities and to participate in the different activities we have planned for you.
Where are we?
Pacuare Reserve is located between the town of Tortuguero and Limón, on the North Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The Reserve is only accessible by boat as it is surrounded by canals and the sea. As you will see in the following directions, you will need to reach a dock by land and then take a boat to reach our lodging facilities.
How to get to Pacuare Reserve?
To get to the dock where you will be picked up by boat, you have the following options:
By car:
Option 1 | Leave your car in a private parking lot in Bataan town and then take a taxi, which will take you to the dock. Use the following link to get to the parking lot:
Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hd1u9rtbwr
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/2iKo5Ru69cso8nV76
Option 2: | Get to Bataan town and then drive to the Goshen dock, where you can leave the car in a private parking lot. Use the following link to get to the parking lot in Goshen dock:
Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hd1ucb5z60
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/oSUCgiHvsQ45SuQk7
By bus:
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You must take the bus San José - Siquirres at the Caribeños Station (we recommend traveling early in the morning from San José).
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In Siquirres you must take the bus to Bataan (you must go to the Tracasa bus terminal).
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Once in Bataan, you must take a taxi to the "Alcantarilla" dock.
*If you need a taxi from Bataan to the dock, the Reserve will coordinate this service.
Pick up time at the dock:
Boat transportation is arranged with advance notice. The pick-up time at the dock must be specified at least one week before the date of entry, since the boats are not always at the dock.
● The standard pick up time at the dock is at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
● The last pick-up time at the dock is at 4:00 PM.
● The pick up can be coordinated at times other than the standard ones, subject to availability
and with notice at least one week before the date of admission.
Please notify the reservation office, via phone call or via WhatsApp, when you arrive at
the town of Bataán and report if you have any delays on the way.
Check in time: 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
Check out time: 10:00 AM
In case you require assistance on your reservation or more information, you can contact us by the following means:
Reservations office telephone numbers:
Line 1: +506 89099122
Line 2: +506 62741035
Emails:
pacuare.reserve@ecologyproject.org
Forms
Once you have confirmed your reservation, we kindly ask you carefully read and sign the following forms in order for us to obtain valuable information prior to your arrival at the Reserve:
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Release form
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Characteristics of Pacuare Reserve, contact and medical information form
Please click the buttons in order to fill out and sign the forms:
What do you need to bring to participate in all the activities we offer? Please check out the packing list and get ready to prepare yourself to live the Pacuare Reserve experience!
It is really important for us that you be aware of all the necessary information prior to your visit. Please download here the visitor information package which compiles all the information for you to consult before visiting us or meanwhile you are traveling to the Reserve.
Pacuare Reserve
Special conditions
Pacuare Reserve is located in a remote area and its sustainable operation works based on green energy sources and special communication alternatives:
There is only solar energy, we depend on the environmental conditions to provide this service. Bringing a flashlight is very important for your visit.
There is light only in the rooms of Ecolodge (Casa Grande and Casa Baula bungallow), in the dining room, and at the lab, but this service is not always guaranteed.
We offer Wi-Fi in certain areas, there is no cell phone service and due to the remote conditions of the Reservation this service may fail.
Meals are offered in a dining area that is shared with other visitors and staff.
Safety
The safety of our visitors and staff has always been our top priority. We have established an emergency protocol and Covid prevention measures, this to reaffirm our commitment to offer our visitors a safe place to live a unique nature experience in the midst of a lush natural environment, where they can be part of the research and conservation projects taking place at Pacuare Reserve.
Coexistence standards
In order to offer experiences in contact with nature safely, Pacuare Reserve has established some important safety and coexistence standards that must be followed during your stay:
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Bathing in the sea is not allowed, we are in front of an open sea area; which makes the currents very strong and dangerous.
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It is not allowed to enter the canals, due to the presence of crocodiles and the circulation of boats.
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You are not allowed to go on the trail without the company of a staff member.
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Alcohol consumption is only allowed in the Eco Lodge area (Casa Grande and Casa Baula), for those visitors who have reserved their room in this area.
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The entry or consumption of illegal drugs is not allowed.
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From 8:00 p.m. silence is requested and lights are turned off because the censuses on the beach begin.
Wildlife protection guidelines
Pacuare Reserve maintains active research programs throughout the year and therefore there are many activities that are limited or not allowed so as not to interfere with the projects.
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During turtle nesting season, it is prohibited to walk the beach at night without taking part in a nightly census.
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The use of photographic cameras in censuses or any device that emits light is not allowed, as per the SINAC (National System of Conservation Areas) research permit guideline.
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The visit to the Agami sanctuary is only allowed with a staff member and following the research protocol.
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We reserve the right to implement special rules if necessary to protect the health and welfare of animals or visitors.
Photography and Video Guidelines
Our priority is to respect the integrity and welfare of wildlife, therefore the following regulations are established:
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No photos or videos may be taken during sea turtle night census
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It is allowed to take photos and videos of turtle hatchlings during the day, without flash
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It is forbidden to use flash or any artificial lighting when taking photos or videos
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During research and environmental education activities, photos are allowed respecting proper handling. Animals may not be handled exclusively for the purpose of taking photographs or videos
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Photos and videos that involve hugging or holding wild animals, feeding them or attracting them with sounds are prohibited
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The use of drones is prohibited
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No photos or videos may be taken of other visitors without their authorization, especially minors