On our first full day in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, we woke to sunny skies and deep blue ocean views. Guanacaste is covered with lush, tropical dry forest, and we are here at just the right time: the transition period from the rainy to the dry season. We enjoyed a packed morning and started the day by exploring a nearby mangrove forest by Zodiac and kayak. Afterwards, we stopped at the beach for hiking and standup paddleboarding.

In the afternoon, we toured the Punto Zapotal area by Zodiac, followed by either hiking or snorkeling. Hikers enjoyed viewing wildlife, including birds, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. Snorkelers explored the rocky reefs of the area, which are filled with wrasse, cornetfish, and many other tropical Eastern Pacific reef fish. It was a great day in Costa Rica!