[1] It possesses an extensive inlet of seawater that is the result of a geological fault that has caused the land to submerge, leaving exposed only the tops of what were formerly low hills.

The Gulf of Nicoya separates Guanacaste from mainland Costa Rica and is fed by the Tempisque River.

[4] Ecologically, Chira contains the most intact biodiversity of tropical dry forest flora in Costa Rica, if not Central America.

Chira Island is bisected by a large estuary to the east leading into a canal through vast mangrove swamps.

Additionally, attempts have been made to encourage various activities related with tourism, primarily using the Island's natural and geographical resources, such as the mangrove swamps and the Tempisque River, as well as the local culture.