Mairno Las Baulas is located on the northern area of the village of Tamarindo. It is a national park that protects the Playa Grande. The Playa Grande is home to one of the universe's largest and most important nesting sites for the Baula or leatherback turtle.

The Importance of Marino Las Baulas
Leatherback turtles are very large in size, the largest reptiles that exist in the world. Some of them grow to be as long as 16 feet from head to tail. The leatherback turtle has been named an endangered species by the United States federal government so the protected nesting ground that Marino Las Baulas provides is incredibly important to the existence of the species.

The leatherback has front flippers that are longer than those of other marine turtles. The hatchlings of the leatherbacks appear mostly block when you look at them; however, their flippers are lined in white. They have white scales on their backs which makes their backs appear to be white-striped.

Since leatherback turtles prefer open beach access, the area of Marino Las Baulas is ideal. The theft of leatherback eggs is responsible for much of the extinction of the species so protected nesting grounds are very important. You should certainly make some time to visit this area during your Costa Rica stay.

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