Isla Venado (Gulf of Nicoya)
Nature spot · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
A hilly dry-forest island of about 1,100 people, mostly in fishing villages on the north shore, reached by a short launch through the mangroves. Forest trails climb to viewpoints over the gulf islands, roseate spoonbills and pelicans work the shallows, and the fishers' cooperative runs a floating seafood restaurant out on the water - shrimp, fresh snapper and piangua (mangrove cockle) ceviche.
- Time there
- 6 h
- Best time
- dry season; Wednesday-Sunday if you want lunch at the floating restaurant
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.98667, -85.06301 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Better to book ahead
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Bring
- water, sunscreen, hat
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Plan lunch at the cooperative's floating restaurant (open Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm according to a 2025 local post) and a sunset ride back. A little Spanish goes a long way - this is a working fishing island, not a resort.
Be careful
Hot and exposed - bring water and sun protection, and wear the life vest on the launches.
Getting there
Drive to the La Penca landing between Jicaral and Playa Naranjo (about 3 km east of Jicaral) and take a water taxi through the mangroves; boats and day tours also leave from Puntarenas.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/430429800 · Wikidata Q23735255 · https://www.teletica.com/masqn/ruta-pura-vida-un-viaje-por-las-islas-del-golfo-de-nicoya_416139 · https://www.isla-venado-gardens.com/post/el-restaurante-flotante-de-isla-venado · https://nicoyapeninsula.com/gulf/islands/ · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/430429800