The five islands in Jurassic Park’s Muertes Archipelago are Isla Sorna, Isla Muerta, Isla Matanceros, Isla Pena, and Isla Tacaño.
Geographic Context
The Muertes Archipelago sits 322 km (200 miles) southwest of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean, formed by tectonic plate collisions over 15 million years.
This volcanic chain is remote, wild, and dramatic—steep cliffs rise from the sea, jungles grow thick and tangled, and steam vents hiss where the Cocos Plate grinds against the Caribbean Plate. That kind of isolation and biodiversity made it a natural stand-in for Isla Nublar in the Jurassic Park films. (Honestly, if you’re looking for a real-life “lost world,” this is it.) Today, scientists still trek out here to study its unique geology and marine ecosystems, which include coral reefs and migratory species like hammerhead sharks.
What are the five islands in the Muertes Archipelago?
The five islands are Isla Sorna, Isla Muerta, Isla Matanceros, Isla Pena, and Isla Tacaño.
| Island | Size (km²) | Coordinates | Notable Features |
|---|
| Isla Sorna | 52 | 9.12° N, 87.18° W | Largest island; volcanic caldera; freshwater lagoons |
| Isla Muerta | 18 | 9.01° N, 87.22° W | Densely forested; abandoned research station |
| Isla Matanceros | 12 | 9.15° N, 87.15° W | Steep cliffs; nesting seabird colonies |
| Isla Pena | 8 | 8.98° N, 87.25° W | Smallest island; rugged terrain; rare orchid species |
| Isla Tacaño | 22 | 9.05° N, 87.09° W | Central plateau; freshwater springs |
Source: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT), 2024
Environmental and Scientific Significance
- Marine Biodiversity: The surrounding waters belong to the Cocos Island Biological Reserve, a UNESCO site with over 300 fish species—think hammerheads and manta rays.
- Volcanic Activity: Isla Sorna still has hot springs and gas vents, a reminder that the volcano isn’t fully asleep.
- Endemic Species: A 2023 study by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) found at least 12 plant species and 4 bird subspecies found nowhere else on Earth.
Why are the islands called “Las Cinco Muertes”?
The name “Las Cinco Muertes” (“The Five Deaths”) comes from 17th-century Spanish sailors who lost ships and crew trying to land there.
Early maps warned of deadly currents and no safe harbors—so many ships vanished that the name stuck. It’s a grim piece of history, really. Think of it as the original “here be dragons” on nautical charts, except this wasn’t fantasy. The death toll was so high that even centuries later, the name still carries weight. Similar tales of perilous islands can be found in other parts of the world, like the disadvantages of barrier islands.
Have any of the islands been used for industry?
Yes—Isla Sorna briefly hosted a tuna cannery in the 20th century before shutting down in the 1980s.
The cannery operated for about a decade, but the islands’ harsh conditions and financial struggles forced it to close. Today, rusted machinery and crumbling buildings are all that remain, slowly being swallowed by the jungle. It’s a ghost of an industry that couldn’t survive this remote, unforgiving place.
How did the Muertes Archipelago become linked to Jurassic Park?
The islands were fictionalized as “Site B” in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), where dinosaurs were secretly bred.
Filmmakers picked the Muertes Archipelago for its dramatic landscapes and isolation—perfect for a secret dinosaur-breeding facility. While no real dinosaurs ever lived there, the films turned these islands into a pop-culture landmark. By 2026, Costa Rica still blocks tourism to protect the environment and avoid the logistical nightmare of managing visitors to such a fragile ecosystem. Fans of the franchise might also wonder about other island settings, such as whether the Bahamas is made up of multiple islands.
Is it possible to visit the islands today?
No—access is strictly controlled, and no tourism is currently allowed.
If you’re dead set on going, your only legal route is a private boat from Puntarenas, but you’ll need permits from SINAC and must follow strict conservation rules. Even then, it’s an 18–24 hour slog one way, and you’ll need a satellite phone, rescue insurance, and nerves of steel. Rough seas from May to November make the trip even riskier—so unless you’re a researcher with a very good reason, it’s best admired from afar. Those interested in remote island travel might also explore visiting the Aran Islands.
What’s the best time of year to attempt a visit?
December to April is the driest, calmest window for any potential trip.
This is your best shot at smooth sailing and stable weather. Outside that window—especially May through November—expect big waves and stormy skies. Even in the “best” season, this isn’t a vacation spot. It’s a place for serious expeditions only, not casual tourists.
Are there any endangered species on the islands?
Yes—several endemic species are considered at risk, including orchids and seabirds.
Isla Pena’s rare orchids and Matanceros’ seabird colonies are particularly vulnerable. The remoteness that protects them also makes them hard to monitor. Any disturbance could have big consequences, which is why Costa Rica keeps visitors out. The islands are part of a delicate ecosystem where every species plays a role. For more on island ecosystems, see the first settlers of the Pacific Islands.
How do the islands compare in size?
Isla Sorna is the largest at 52 km², followed by Isla Tacaño (22 km²), Isla Muerta (18 km²), Isla Matanceros (12 km²), and Isla Pena (8 km²).
Size matters here—Isla Sorna’s vast terrain made it the perfect filming location for Jurassic Park’s fictional operations. The smaller islands, while less dramatic, host unique microhabitats. For comparison, Isla Sorna is roughly the size of a small city’s downtown, while Isla Pena is more like a large suburban park. Those curious about island geography might also look into Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.
What kind of permits are required to visit?
No permits exist for tourism; only researchers with approved projects can apply for access.
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) handles all requests, and approvals are rare. You’ll need a detailed research proposal, proof of funding, and a plan that demonstrates minimal environmental impact. Even then, the process can take months, and approval isn’t guaranteed. Check SINAC’s website for the latest requirements, as policies may tighten further.
Are there any abandoned structures left from past operations?
Yes—Isla Sorna has remnants of a tuna cannery and Isla Muerta has the ruins of a research station.
The cannery on Isla Sorna, built in the 1970s, was abandoned in the 1980s and is now half-swallowed by jungle. On Isla Muerta, a research station from the 1960s stands decaying, its purpose long forgotten. These structures are off-limits to visitors, both for safety and to prevent further environmental damage.
What’s the most dangerous part of visiting?
The journey itself is the most dangerous part, with rough seas, no rescue infrastructure, and extreme isolation.
Even if you make it to the islands, the real risks start before you arrive. The 18–24 hour boat ride crosses remote waters with no cell service and no Coast Guard patrols. Add in the possibility of storms, mechanical failure, or medical emergencies—there’s no 911 here. The islands themselves are rugged, with steep cliffs, venomous snakes, and dense jungle that can hide hazards. If you’re not prepared for self-sufficiency, stay home.
