Page 87 - NORTHERN GUANACASTE TOURIST GUIDE

Protected Areas
Isla Bolaños
sla Bolaños was created on February 13, 1981 in
order to conserve seabirds and protect one of the few known sites in Costa Rica for the nesting colonies of magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens), as well as the nesting sites of brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and the American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). The refuge is part of Santa Rosa National Park and is located in Salinas Bay, near the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
The island is a rocky mountain 80 meters high, with an area of about 25 ha. It is situated 15 minutes from Puerto Soley, in the northwestern part of the Costa Rica, forming part of the protected block of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
The oval-shaped island’s rugged terrain is composed of numerous layers of sedimentary rocks that are approximately 40 million years old. The geological features left behind in the rocks by the passage of time are extremely attractive and have great scientific importance as evidence of storms and meteorological phenomena that have affected the site. Plant and animal fossils tell how the storms came suddenly and many could not escape.
The island has bright white sand beaches on the eastern end, with shell and clam mounds. In the rocky areas, several species of crabs can be found,
most notably giant land crabs. In addition, the waters surrounding the island are a beautiful clear blue, which make it easy to spot the abundant marine life.
Things to remember
• At Isla Bolaños, there are no facilities on the island.
• Only guided tours with authorized guides.
• Seabirds can be observed from a boat (fishing boats can be rented in Puerto Soley).
• Coordination for visits should be made with the ACG at ecoturismo@acguanacaste.ac.cr and 2666-5051.
• The island has no marked trails, though hiking is possible during the low tide. A single trail is currently being planned, which will facilitate visits to the birdwatching point.
87