Tamarindo Beach and Zapotal Bay
After a very different type of day in Nicaragua, where we came into contact with various aspects of the culture of the country as well as many local inhabitants, we returned to the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica for yet another experience.
The Pacific coast of Central America is long, unsheltered and exposed to the vast Pacific Ocean. It also receives silt from innumerous rivers emptying into the ocean waters and nutrients from the deep that upwell as oceanic currents hit the coastline and are driven upwards. These conditions make for poor snorkeling, but maybe the best waters in the continent for the surf lovers. Endless hours of fun have been had over the last week, between boogie-boarding, body surfing and one of the highlights of the week: surfing lessons.
These occurred this morning, as we reached the surf Mecca of Tamarindo. This small beachfront community has much to offer, as it has a spectacular beach, a picturesque little town with great shopping and surf culture galore. Once we dropped anchor, those who had signed up for surfing lessons departed to meet the surf instructors and pick up soft boards and skins. After an hour or so of class, all our wannabes found themselves riding waves to much hilarity. The lure of the powerful ocean and its water movements has found true expression among our young guests!
On returning to the ship and after a wonderful lunch, one of our naturalists, Fico, told us more about his beloved country: the unique Costa Rica. Our captain repositioned the Sea Voyager to a more remote and totally exclusive little bay named Zapotal (after an abundant plant species) where we partook in our last snorkeling opportunity, the ever-popular banana boat and Zodiac driving lessons. The more land-inclined followed one of our naturalists for a birding and wildlife walk. Towards the end of the afternoon the sky clouded and the rumbles of thunder led to rare lightning strikes that drove us back to the ship. We were rewarded, however, by one of the most spectacular double rainbows I have ever seen.
After recap, many went to enjoy another delicious meal down in the dining room, while our younger guests partook of a fantastic pizza and movie night organized by the hotel department. It really is unbelievable to think that we are near the end of this trip – time really does fly when we are having fun!
After a very different type of day in Nicaragua, where we came into contact with various aspects of the culture of the country as well as many local inhabitants, we returned to the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica for yet another experience.
The Pacific coast of Central America is long, unsheltered and exposed to the vast Pacific Ocean. It also receives silt from innumerous rivers emptying into the ocean waters and nutrients from the deep that upwell as oceanic currents hit the coastline and are driven upwards. These conditions make for poor snorkeling, but maybe the best waters in the continent for the surf lovers. Endless hours of fun have been had over the last week, between boogie-boarding, body surfing and one of the highlights of the week: surfing lessons.
These occurred this morning, as we reached the surf Mecca of Tamarindo. This small beachfront community has much to offer, as it has a spectacular beach, a picturesque little town with great shopping and surf culture galore. Once we dropped anchor, those who had signed up for surfing lessons departed to meet the surf instructors and pick up soft boards and skins. After an hour or so of class, all our wannabes found themselves riding waves to much hilarity. The lure of the powerful ocean and its water movements has found true expression among our young guests!
On returning to the ship and after a wonderful lunch, one of our naturalists, Fico, told us more about his beloved country: the unique Costa Rica. Our captain repositioned the Sea Voyager to a more remote and totally exclusive little bay named Zapotal (after an abundant plant species) where we partook in our last snorkeling opportunity, the ever-popular banana boat and Zodiac driving lessons. The more land-inclined followed one of our naturalists for a birding and wildlife walk. Towards the end of the afternoon the sky clouded and the rumbles of thunder led to rare lightning strikes that drove us back to the ship. We were rewarded, however, by one of the most spectacular double rainbows I have ever seen.
After recap, many went to enjoy another delicious meal down in the dining room, while our younger guests partook of a fantastic pizza and movie night organized by the hotel department. It really is unbelievable to think that we are near the end of this trip – time really does fly when we are having fun!
