Located across from the city of Puntarenas, the Puntarenas Estuary covers 52.4 km² and contains one of the most important mangrove wetland systems in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. The estuary and mangroves can be explored by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, thanks to the calm waters. Birdwatching is popular, with more than 50 species roosting there, including the endangered roseate spoonbill. Various species of fish, crustaceans, annelids, and mollusks inhabit the intertidal waters and mudflats.