Mangrove Estuaries in Costa Rica

Mangrove estuaries can be found all around the shorelines of Costa Rica. Like we mentioned in our ‘beach building’ section, some of these mangroves are protected by law and will limit the use you will be able to give your real estate property if you decide on purchasing it near the sea. They possess a breathtaking natural beauty and are the ecosystems for many of Costa Rica’s shoreline species.

Mangroves are plants that can live or thrive in salty conditions; they are also known as halophytes. The shorelines of Costa Rica are home to five different species of mangroves. They don't require salt water and to tell the truth, they grow better in fresh water; nonetheless, they can thrive where no other tree can. The rivers in Costa Rica carry volcanic ash and silt from the mountains onto the alluvial plains. Algae and other small organisms start to form the base of the food chain in this nutrient rich mud and because this food is brought to the estuaries every day from both land and sea, these few plants and creatures flourish in large numbers. Their sustained health is essential to the health of many other marine ecosystems.

Mangrove estuaries fulfill the role of nurseries for the surrounding marine life and as havens for several water birds such as cormorants, frigate birds, pelicans, herons and egrets. All of these birds feed and nest here by the thousands; they produce guano, which makes the mangroves grow faster. The bigger birds roost on the top canopy, while smaller ones settle in the underbrush. Along the swampy shorelines of the Golfo de Nicoya, frigate birds gather together in vast numbers and construct their nests which sometimes rise around two to three meters above the mudflats.

If you were to take a look into the waters around these mangrove swamps, the alleged abundance of marine life become evident: you will find oysters and sponges attached to the roots of the mangroves, small stingrays can be found flapping slowly over the bottom, tiny fish in schools of tens of thousands swim around and a closer look will even reveal baby black-tipped sharks who spend much of their early lives among mangrove roots out of the heavy surf, shielded by the root maze that keeps out large predators.

Buyowner Costa Rica recommends buying property near such mangrove estuaries for those who are interested in the wildlife and preservation of Costa Rica’s natural treasures. By investing in real estate nearby, you may be able to have these natural jewels just in your backyard.