With all the water in the region it is not surprising that the main attraction here is the fishing. World class tarpon and snook fishing attract anglers from all over, and other gamefish include bluegill, rainbow bass (guapote), alligator gar and machaca in the rivers and barracuda, mackerel, and jack crevalle near the shore. There are several fishing lodges that offer all inclusive packages.

There is also deep-sea fishing here for marlin, sailfish and tuna but most anglers prefer the Pacific side for blue water.

Nature tours and birdwatching

The rivers and lagunas of Barra de Colorado are an excellent choice for a boat ride to see any of the thousands of birds and plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in and along the river. It is relatively inaccessible and thus protected. You are likely to see Glossy Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, Anhinga, American Widgeon, Northern Shoveler, Wood Stork, White Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Snail Kite, Green Backed Heron, and Blue-winged Teal among the birds that frequent the area.

The COTERC (Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation) Biological Research Station located at Barra del Colorado can only be reached by boat and does not have visitor facilities. There are no official accommodations or amenities in the Wildlife Refuge, but there are several private Lodges within the boundaries.

Quick Facts Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge protects 92,000 hectares of beach, estuary, marine, freshwater riverine, and tropical rainforest-lowland habitats ranging in elevation from sea level to 751 feet (230 meters).

When to Visit?

Use the drop down menu to select any month of the year for a summary of the typical rainfall and weather patterns.