Founded in 1975, this park runs along the Caribbean Coast about 80 kilometers NE of Puerto Limon. It has 18,946.9 hectares of land area and 52,265 in the marine portion.

The most important aspect of this park is that it protects the biggest nesting site for the green sea turtle in the western half of the Caribbean. The baula and carey turtles also nest here.

The park is crossed by a system of channels and dredged canals for navigation, These are of great scenic beauty and are also the habitat for many aquatic animals, including the manatee and 52 species of fresh water fish.

Much of the behind the beach vegetation is herbaceous swamp and yolillo palm marsh. This is one of the wetest areas of the country, receiving some 5,000 to 6,000 mm/year.