Chira Island

Chira is the largest island in the Gulf of Nicoya, around forty square kilometres with a population of a couple of thousand living from fishing, shellfish gathering and salt, and it is not a resort: what visitors find is a rural community that has organised its own tourism, with a women's cooperative running a small lodge and guided activities after fishing declined. Trips take in mangrove channels by boat, the mollusc gathering in the mudflats, salt production, birdwatching on the flats and meals of local fish and shellfish. Mangrove covers much of the shoreline and the flats hold large numbers of waders. Facilities are simple and everything is arranged locally.

What you actually see

• Mangrove channels - the boat routes through the island's shoreline forest.
• Shellfish gathering - the mollusc collection on the mudflats.
• The community lodge - the cooperative accommodation and kitchen.
• Waders on the flats - the shorebirds using the mudflats.

When to go

December to April in the dry season for the crossings and the flats; the wet season brings rougher water and mud. Tides govern the shellfish gathering and the mangrove trips.

Honest expectations

Accommodation and facilities are basic community lodging, not a hotel. Activities are arranged locally and need contacting ahead. The island is hot and there is little shade. Ferry schedules are limited.

Nearby

Puntarenas lies south; the Nicoya mainland is west.