Restore, Explore, And Travel With Purpose In Costa Rica

On the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste province, sits one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world. Surrounded by Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to four of the tropic’s five key biomes, Peninsula Papagayo, which was formed long ago by volcanic activity and weather erosion, allures savvy travelers to not only the luxury hotels that are situated here, but also, to the natural landscapes not lost to over-tourism.

This coastal dreamland, full of dry tropical forests, thousands of species of plants and animals, and cobalt water is where you’ll find Central America’s sought after experiences at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica; Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, and the soon-to-be-opened Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Choosing to stay at a property like Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica, innovators in sustainability and conservation, is a keen choice. While on holiday here, sheltered on a hillside overlooking Culebra Bay, you can make a positive impact while also learning about the delicate reef ecosystems. Through coral snorkeling, planting, gardening, and adoption, travelers have the indelible opportunity to make a difference alongside local efforts. Rebuilding the coral reefs around Peninsula Papagayo ensures that future generations will get to marvel at the underwater gardens full of healthy marine life. This is an experience your family will never forget.

While vacationing, carve out meaningful time to give back through an impactful volunteer activity. Helping to revive Papagayo’s coral reef system is something that you’ll be proud to have been a part of. Through the Coral Hero program, which your resort can help organize, you’ll join The Explorers, a team of professional naturalist guides, to learn about the fragile reef ecosystems and the dangers that they’re in due to a loss of habitat, coral bleaching, and other detrimental factors brought on by climate change and rising water temperatures that threaten to dismantle the delicate balance between coral polyps and the algae that supports them. Without the coral, marine life undoubtably suffers.

In collaboration with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment, as well as prominent marine experts, Peninsula Papagayo co-founded the Culebra Reef Gardens Alliance. Restoring coral reefs in the region, an enduring mission, is their number one priority and you can help!

Adopt a Coral

One of the most impactful ways you can give back is by adopting a coral fragment or a coral frame, which helps to restore the reefs of Culebra Bay. Your entire donation will be directly applied to the coral restoration project, which includes the costs of structure maintenance. Currently, over 4,500 coral fragments are growing!

Explore a Coral Nursery

Grab your mask and fins and set out on a snorkeling adventure where you’ll learn about the coral restoration project and see how the scientific efforts are making a direct impact. You’ll have the wonder-filled opportunity to witness marine wildlife in action as you whirl around the coral nursery.

Practice Coral Gardening

If ocean conservation interests you, and you know how to scuba dive, you can participate in coral gardening. You’ll help restore the reef by cleaning baby coral, removing small coral pieces from the nursery, and transplanting healthy coral into the endangered Guiri-Guiri reef. Your efforts will help ensure the survival of this delicate ecosystem.

Plant Coral Fragments

For a hands-on experience that is perfect for the whole family, sign up for the coral planting. Coral fragments are selected from wild colonies and then attached to metal nursery structures where they can be monitored for the best chance of survival. When the coral thrives and is big enough, they’ll be planted at a reef where they can thrive on their own.

Learn the Meaning of “Pura Vida”

If young ones spend time in the sea, wander the land amongst wild flora and fauna, and cultivate a love for the outdoors, they’ll likely want to protect nature for future generations.

While in Costa Rica, you’ll undoubtably hear the quintessential local expression, “pura vida”, or “pure life”, a sentiment that reminds us to relish life and seek happiness. Embracing sustainability and conservation is a well-intentioned way to express your care and thoughtfulness, following the examples set by the people here. Appreciating the sea, and all of its wonders, is one of the simplest pleasures we can experience.