Jurassic Park & Costa Rica: Filming Locations Guide
In the story, John Hammond builds his dinosaur park on Isla Nublar, an island off the coast of Costa Rica. But how much of Jurassic Park was actually filmed there — and can you visit the real locations? Here’s the truth about Jurassic Park and Costa Rica, plus where the movie magic really happened.
Is Jurassic Park set in Costa Rica?
Yes — in Michael Crichton’s novel and Spielberg’s film, Isla Nublar is a fictional island roughly 120 miles west of Costa Rica. The country is referenced throughout: the amber mine, the early scenes, and Hammond’s base of operations all tie the park to Central America. Costa Rica’s real reputation for lush rainforest and rich biodiversity made it the perfect fictional home for a park full of prehistoric life.
Was Jurassic Park actually filmed in Costa Rica?
Here’s the surprise: almost none of the original film was shot in Costa Rica. The vast majority of Jurassic Park’s jungle scenes were filmed on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, whose dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and dense greenery stood in for Isla Nublar. Kauai’s Manawaiopuna Falls (often called “Jurassic Falls”) appears in the famous helicopter arrival scene.
Later films in the franchise did bring the cameras closer to the story’s setting and used a mix of Hawaii, mainland studios and other tropical locations — but the DNA of that iconic look is pure Kauai.
Why Hawaii doubled for Costa Rica
Kauai offered everything the production needed in one accessible place: untouched-looking rainforest, sweeping valleys, reliable infrastructure and stunning natural light. It’s a common movie trick — the location that looks right often beats the location that’s technically correct. Ironically, Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai during filming in 1992, and some of that real storm footage reportedly made it into the movie’s atmosphere.
Plan your own “Jurassic” trip
Want the real experience? Kauai offers helicopter tours over “Jurassic Falls,” while Costa Rica delivers the biodiversity that inspired the story — rainforest canopy walks, volcano hikes and more wildlife than you can count. Either way, pack the sense of wonder the films gave you.
Bring the adventure home
Can’t book the flight this week? A Jurassic Park poster of the island gates or a collectible gate diorama brings a little Isla Nublar to your wall or shelf — and the kids can color their own jungle with our free printable pages.
Location FAQs
Where is Isla Nublar supposed to be?
In the fiction, Isla Nublar sits about 120 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s entirely fictional.
Where was Jurassic Park actually filmed?
Primarily on Kauai, Hawaii, with some studio and California work. Kauai’s rainforest and Manawaiopuna Falls stood in for Isla Nublar.
Can I visit the real filming locations?
Yes — several Kauai helicopter and ground tours visit Jurassic Park filming spots, including the famous falls.