We spent the last part of our cruise making short hops southward to different beaches along the
Nicoya Peninsula. Each beach stop was a "wet landing," that is, the ship anchored nearby, we would transfer to a tender and then to a zodiac that brought us close enough to shore to wade up to dry sand. In choppy water these transfers can be challenging. For example, at Playa Flamingo the bay was choppy with white caps. When we boarded the tender we met several couples returning back to the ship rather than attempt the transfer to the zodiac. Lessons learned on river rafting trips paid off for us doing transfers from one bobbing boat to another.
 |
| Star Flyer at anchor |
|
 |
| Zodiac ride onto a beach |
|
|
 |
| Wading onto shore after jumping off the zodiac |
|
|
|
Playa del Coco
The first beach we stop at is
Playa del Coco, which is the most developed of all the ones we visited. Since it's also the closest to the main highways, it's a first stop for many people coming from the Central Highlands or flying into
Liberia. Consequently, it's has more shops catering to tourists. The beach itself is ok, but not one we wanted to hang out on much.
 |
| Playa del Coco |
|
|
|
Since we need a few items, we decide to explore the town which is bustling with people. We meet several Canadians and US ex patriots who have retirement homes nearby.
 |
| Walking the streets of Playa del Coco |
|
 |
| An octopus in front of a seafood restaurant |
|
|
 |
| Fresh Fruit stand |
|
 |
| A local Tica with her puppy |
|
|
Playa Panama
The next beach is much nicer and much less developed. In fact, there are very few people on our part of the beach except other passengers from the Star Flyer. With the calm bay, we decide to try out some water sports.
 |
| Playa Panama with a sailing laser, kayaks, and zodiac |
|
|
|
Peter elects to try water skiing,which he hasn't done for many years.
 |
| Zodiacs with Star Flyer |
|
 |
| Riding out to mid bay to start water skiing |
|
 |
| He's up and jumping the wake |
|
I go for the easier sport of kayaking. Eve, a fellow passenger from Dublin, and I share a tandem kayak, while Peter picks a single and Hugh takes photos from shore (thank you Hugh for your photos).
 |
| The sports team help Eve and I get launched |
|
 |
| Peter, Eve and me at the far rocky shore of the bay |
|
|
 |
| Eve and I return back to shore after exploring the bay |
|
After landing, a some people ride in on horseback. Apparently they are part of a group from a previous Star Flyer voyage who have stayed in the area a while longer. Close by is a small beach restaurant that we check out.
 |
| Beach riders |
|
 |
| Fellow passengers from San Francisco |
|
 |
| Good eats and good cold beer! |
|
Playa Flamingo
The next one is classic mile long crescent shaped white sand beach with gentle waves perfect for swimming. Although Playa Flamingo is somewhat developed, it is still a far cry from the large beach resorts in Hawaii.
 |
| Looking south on Playa Flamingo |
|
 |
| Looking north on Playa Flamingo |
|
|
This beach is popular for all kinds of activities, some of which we discover as we walk along the full length to a little cafe right on the sand.
 |
| A "Barefoot Wedding" taking place on the sand |
|
 |
| A movie crew shooting scenes for a Kindle production |
|
 |
| Ahhh - a cold mango smoothy for me and an umbrella drink for Peter. You can't beat the view from this cafe. |
|
A modern condo resort occupies the south end of Playa Flamingo. We think this condo complex was once featured on
HGTV's International House Hunters, but we couldn't find the episode.
 |
| Modern condos on Playa Flamingo |
|
 |
| Hey Philip - we found a cheap fixer for you close to the beach |
|
|
Curu
On our last day of touring, we start the day at
Curu Wildlife Refuge, a private reserve of Costa Rica's different ecological zones.
 |
| Peter signs in for us in front of the Administration Building |
|
|
|
Our guide has a PhD in Ecology. He guides tours during his school breaks from teaching high school math.
 |
| Our guide describes some of the flora |
|
|
 |
| and in jungle environments |
|
 |
| of course there are monkeys |
|
 |
| and strange trees covered with thorns |
|
 |
| also, a green iguana lounging on a branch |
|
 |
| blooming banana tree |
|
 |
| shell ginger |
|
 |
| red ginger |
|
Isla Tortugas
After lunch, a Star Flyer zodiac picks us up from Curu and shuttles us to
Isla Tortugas, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees create the feeling we have found paradise.
 |
| Isla Tortugas |
|
|
|
We finally get to put our snorkeling gear to use and see lots of colorful little fishes, but have to admit the snorkeling does not compare well with Hawaii (yes - we are spoiled rotten travelers). The beach itself is wonderful for just plain hanging out on.
 |
| We snorkel the rocky parts of the shoreline |
|
|
|
Outside a tourist gift shop are several tame parrots on sheltered roosts.
 |
| Scarlet Macaw |
|
 |
| Paco and Rosita are a charming couple |
|
 |
| These little guys are quite curious |
|
 |
| A Tico sweet talks a green parrot |
|
 |
| while a Tica makes friends with another one. |
|
|
Homeward Bound
All too soon, it's time return to the ship and {sigh} back home.
 |
| Star Flyer at anchor off Isla Tortuga |
|
 |
| The next morning we climb back ashore at Puerta Caldero |
|
 |
| as Pineapples are being shipping out to the US |
|
Time to say good bye to wonderful people we made friends with aboard ship.
 |
| Barbara from Scotts Valley and Ellyn from Oregon |
|
 |
| Dick and Ellyn from Oregon |
|
|
We are glad to be staying that night in San Jose putting off traveling 'til the next day. Besides, we are able to watch the final NFL League playoffs in the comfort of our hotel room. The only catch is the games are broadcast in Spanish.
 |
| Goodbye San Jose and Costa Rica |
|
 |
| Flying over the Caribbean |
|
 |
| Interesting islands below - wonder what they are. |
|
Fortunately, we are able to land in Houston 20 minutes early. By the time we pick up our luggage, go through US customs, wait in LONG line to go through security (again) and make it to our connecting gate, we have exactly 20 minutes to spare before boarding. We are very glad to have had the extra 20 minutes and vow never to fly through Houston again if we can possibly avoid it. We learn later that our friends missed their connections and had even more trouble than we did. Not a good way to transition back home after a vacation.
 |
| Yes! - we're off the ground in Houston bound for San Francisco and home. |
|
|
|
