Hola amigos… Another warm day here in sunny Costa Rica. The temps have ranged from 27-32 degrees daily oceanside, with light morning and afternoon breezes. On Thursday we were up and on the move early after a quick breakfast (thanks Janie) and gathered the necessities for our AM expedition. This time, we’re in the water, with Eileen staying behind to hold down the fort.
So, once again we booked our tour, the Kayak / Snorkelling Adventure, through Adventure Tours Costa Rica. After finishing this second tour (we did Carara National Park yesterday) I can easily add that they really have their act together! All transport was on time (exactly), the guides were fully bilingual and incredibly accommodating/knowledgable, and we did tours of four and three people (no one else)! Absolutely excellent tourism design and packaging.
Upon arrival, our guide “Leo” took over! You could get the Pura vida groove from him… So laid back. The Kayak Jaco facility we visited at Playa Agujas has a great space for getting changed, washrooms and all the fixin’s for paddling / snorkelling gear. All hands gathered up the necessary equipment, then off to the beach to put in. It was exciting when we headed out of the cove, as we met a mild surf on the way to our meeting spot. Exhilarating! Then we paddled our way along the shore while Leo chatted up the coastline, seasons, local species and coastal communities (Punta Leona). Light seas made for an easy roll and the kayaks slipped through nicely.
I’m guessing we paddled for about 45 minutes before putting in on the rocky shoreline, on an isolated head, for water and a stretch. While coming in to shore we could see the water begin to clear and got our first look at the bottom. We set up briefly, then Leo outfitted us with snorkelling gear for a dip in the adjacent cove. It didn’t look like much, but to our delight the briny water was teeming with life. All manner of fish, including schools of damselfish, a porcupine fish, and even a pretty spectacular eel on a bottom decorated with bright blue starfish and spiny urchins. So pleasantly surprised and happy to get the opportunity (it’s often not possible to snorkel due to heavy bottom silt making seeing impossible).
Then back to the beach for drinks, fruit and more sunscreen for the return trip. Loved our chat on the beach about Costa Rica, working as a guide and “pork ribs” (yummy). Leo was great and set the perfect pace for the trip. And man, he could dice up fruit like you wouldn’t believe! Then back to the boats for the return trek… It proved a little choppier with a head wind but nothing unmanageable! It was a quiet trip, as we spread out and turned our way back to the beach we launched from. We lined up after Leo and rode the surf into the beach one at a time (fun), counted and packed up our gear, then finished with showers, juice and change of clothes. Excellent excursion and worth every penny! Back at Bahia Azul by lunch!
While we’re chatting excursion, it’s only fitting that today’s ornithological highlight comes from our kayak trip. These big, angular seabirds were our most frequent coastal sighting today… the Great Frigatebird. In fact a flock were located in a huge tree near our launch location… and it looks as though the excrement from masses of these birds is detrimental to trees and any other type of foliage! But in the air, they are graceful flyers and quite expert anglers! They are abundant on shorelines here, competing with Brown Pelicans for food along the coast.
The midday, which we now most lovingly refer to as nap time, saw everyone have a little something to eat and relax for a bit. At 4:00 PM, all the girls headed for Villa Caletas just 15 minutes outside of town. The location is known for its stunning sunsets and the girls were dressed in their vacation best to enjoy a drink and the vista. I hunkered down to fix a meal! A couple of Piña Coladas helped me through the heat of the kitchen and sunset!
The girls had several thoughts on return. The place is absolutely gorgeous, and the vista from the 1200 ft venue more than impressive. There was a wedding on in the “amphitheatre” so if one is expecting that space to sit a call ahead inquiring would be prudent. Drinks… Well they’re pretty expensive! Taxi… $20 US each way! But hey… It’s a one-timer. I had dinner all set when the girls returned which we all enjoyed. Then pool time and a visit to the terrace before bed! In talking later Janie was quick to say that for our vacation, the location and accommodation we selected was everything as good as the spot they visited. Pretty full day for vacationing. Sleep well.