Costa Rica - Nicoya Beaches

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

like this Golden Bamboo

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

Ahhhh.... pura vida!

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.