Matthew Houde's Blog, page 15

Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Costa Rica translates to “Rich Coast” in Spanish. But it’s not just the palm-lined beaches that offer such biodiverse wildlife. The Pacific Ocean itself is brimming with life and beauty. In this post, we’ll share a fun dolphin watching and snorkel tour that departs from the beach town of Samara.

About the Area

Samara is a smaller beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It is in the northern part of the country but somewhat south from other Guanacaste destinations. The Guanacaste region is known best for its variety of gorgeous beaches. There are surfing beaches, calm coves, and everything in between.

Samara has a fairly sheltered beach, with medium sized waves and some calmer spots that are good for swimming. Just offshore are coral reefs and ledges as well as a small island (Isla Chora).

View of Samara Bay with Isla Chora just offshore

Like much of the Guanacaste coastline, you don’t have to go far to get to deeper water. This makes it an excellent spot to see marine life like dolphins (year-round), whales (seasonal), turtles, and all sorts of cool fish.

There is a nice little downtown set just off the main beach in Samara. Behind the sand are a few blocks of shops, hotels, restaurants, and tour offices. You can read more about the town in our Samara destination post.

Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara

On our most recent visit to Samara, we were excited to take some type of boat tour. Our kids (ages 2 and 6 at the time) love the water and boats. We’ve done catamaran cruises, wetland boat tours, and safari river floats around Costa Rica.

We were looking for something a little different, and the local dolphin watching tour seemed perfect for us. It focuses on finding some sea life offshore, like dolphins and whales, but mixes in time for swimming and snorkeling too.  

 Our AdventureThe Beach Launch

After a short shuttle ride from downtown Samara, our tour started on the very southern end of Playa Samara. Here, we walked out onto the hot sand towards the double-hulled boat near shore. Our captain, Jorge, and two guides, Alex and Nelson, greeted us with smiles.  

The sturdy catamaran for our tour

Alex helped us wade through the shallow water and up onto the back of the boat. At this end of the beach, the waves are small, so we didn’t have much trouble at all.

While we got situated on the boat, Nelson pulled up the anchor and we started to slowly motor away.

Alex did a quick safety talk and showed us where the life jackets, bathroom, and cooler were on the boat. 

Today, we were doing a private tour, so we had the boat all to ourselves. We’d definitely recommend this option for a family or group. It offers a really personalized experience. But we’ve heard that the group tour is fun too.

Snorkeling at the Hole

We weren’t but a few minutes into our tour when Alex asked us if we wanted to do some snorkeling. He said that they often do this at the end of the tour, but that the tide was better now. The swimming would be calmer too since the reef was exposed, blocking the waves.

Of course, we couldn’t wait to jump in.

The boat tied up to a mooring, and Nelson quickly got us set up with snorkel gear and life jackets.

For this part of the tour, Jenn and Sam (age 6) decided to go out snorkeling with the guide, while me (Matt) and Evan (age 2) stayed closer to the boat.

Snorkeling at the Hole in Samara

Evan wasn’t quite ready for snorkeling yet, but he did enjoy floating and kicking around the big boat. The guides even gave us some pool noodles to help stay afloat.

About a half hour later, Jenn and Sam came back with enthusiastic reports of seeing a pufferfish, jewel eel, sea cucumber, and lots of colorful reef fish around the rocks. The guide even swam down deeper to point out a large starfish.

Going Offshore

Once we were dried off from swimming and snorkeling, Jorge fired up the engines and we set off again.

The guides laid out fresh fruits for us and helped us get drinks from the cooler. Before we knew it, we were gaining speed and heading offshore.

The idea behind this part of the tour was to get out into the deeper waters and look for marine life like dolphins. You can sometimes see whales too. The humpback migration seasons are January to March and July to October.

Coastline Views

As we got farther from Samara, our views extended up and down the coastline. Our guides pointed out beaches like Playa Barragona, where celebrity Mel Gibson has a private estate.

Views to the south, towards Playa Carrillo

We also could see far south to the end of the Nicoya Peninsula. The backdrop of mountains set behind the sparkling ocean was beautiful.

The Search for Marine Life

It took us a while to see any signs of life out in the deeper water aside from the occasional flying fish.

At one point, Nelson saw a faraway splash. We headed that direction only to come up with nothing. But Captain Jorge didn’t give up. He continued out, Samara now just a tiny dot along the coastline.

Then, suddenly Jorge stopped the boat. It was a sea turtle!

Jorge kept the boat at a distance but made sure we got a good view. Alex explained that it was an olive ridley sea turtle and that they are often seen near the surface because they need to breath air.

An olive ridley sea turtle we spotted

While we watched him gracefully use his flippers to swim, Alex told us about some of the other turtle species that were local to the area.

Dolphin Watching

About 15 minutes after the sea turtle sighting and with a renewed hope, Jorge quickly turned the boat and slowed down again. He had seen something off to the left and was cautiously checking it out.

Alex and Nelson told us there might be some dolphins nearby and that we should get up onto the bow of the boat. Our excitement grew.

We headed to the front and settled on a big space between the two hulls. The four of us could all sit together here and dangle our feet. We had a clear view of the water below.

Suddenly a dolphin appeared right in front of the boat. Then another, this one swimming literally right under our feet! A few other dolphins surfaced nearby.

Up close with our dolphin friend!

Alex explained that these were bottlenose dolphins and that they are always very curious about the boat. They like to come play under and around it to ride the waves. Sometimes, he said, smaller spotted dolphins also are seen on the tour.

A beautiful bottlenose dolphin

The dolphins gave us a great show for about 10 minutes while Jorge slowly motored along. Finally, they swam off. We were sad to see them go but the look of joy on our kids’ faces was priceless.

Wrapping Up the Tour

With our mission accomplished, Jorge motored the boat back to Samara at full speed. Along the way, we saw a few more splashes in the distance. One wide-looking fish that leapt out of the water, Alex said, was likely an eagle ray. But we didn’t get a close look.

Nonetheless, our tour was spectacular, the guides were fun, and we had a beautiful day of memories out on the water.

Tour Details  The Boat

The dolphin and snorkeling tour is on a medium sized boat that holds about 30 people. The boat is double hulled so quite stable on the ocean. It is completely covered so you can find some shade. There are benches along the side to sit on.

The boat has a bathroom with a flushable toilet.

There are steps at the rear of the boat to help you enter and exit the water so it’s best to wear shoes that come off easily like sandals.

Tour Price

Group Tour: $56 per person adults plus tax; $40 per person children ages 5-12 plus tax. Children 4 and under are free.

Private Tour: $600 plus tax (up to 12 people, $50 each additional person).

Times Offered

8:00 a.m. but private tours sometimes can be arranged at other times.

What Is Included?

This tour includes a professional boat captain, bilingual naturalist guides, round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in Samara or Playa Carrillo, all snorkel and safety equipment, drinks (water, beer, juice), and fruit snacks.

Minimum Age

The tour is recommended for children 2 years old and up.

Booking a Tour

If you would like to book this tour, we would be happy to help. Please send us an email at bookings(at)twoweeksincostarica(dot)com with your preferred date, number of adults and children (with ages), and your pickup location. Booking through us costs the same and helps support our website!

*PLEASE NOTE: We can only book for groups of 4 people or more for Group tours. We also can book Private tours (no minimum number of people required).

Have a question about dolphin watching or snorkeling in Samara? Leave us a comment below. Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these articles:

Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town – Samara is set off, a little south of many Guanacaste beach destinations, but has everything you need for some fun in the sun.

Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste – Just south of Samara is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach which, aside from weekends and holidays, is much less busy.

Rental Car Discount – If you are planning to rent a car for your trip, get a discount plus free extras with one of the best companies in Costa Rica.

The post Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Chances are if you don’t live in Costa Rica or visit regularly, you have never heard of Playa Carrillo. But for those that frequent the country, you have probably discovered this hidden gem. In this post, we’ll tell you what makes the beach, Playa Carrillo, so special and why it’s a favorite for so many. We’ll also give some general information about the area itself.

Location

Playa Carrillo is located in Costa Rica’s northwestern province, Guanacaste. It sits towards the southern end of the province. Although the Guanacaste region is more developed, especially along the coast, the southern end near Carrillo has a quiet rural feel.

The closest major town to Playa Carrillo is Samara, about a five-minute drive away. Samara is a fun beach town with a downtown set along the sand. You can learn more about Samara with our destination guide.

Playa Carrillo has its own town called Puerto Carrillo. Puerto Carrillo is very small and set up on a hill, with a few hotels, vacation rental homes, simple restaurants, and a couple of basic grocery stores.

Other than the modest development in Puerto Carrillo, most of the land in the area near the beach is pristine tropical forest.

If you keep driving south out of Puerto Carrillo, it becomes even more remote and untouched.

About Playa CarrilloSet Up

Playa Carrillo is a sheltered cove with clear, aqua colored water. A thick row of palm trees backs the light sand. Although there isn’t a ton of shade, you can usually find a good spot under the palms since the beach is fairly long.

Parking is easy. Since there is no development, you can park right along the road (Route 160) and be steps from the sand. The main road runs along the beach. It has a grassy median in the middle where people park cars as well.

The road that runs along Playa Carrillo

Typically, the waves are gentle, making it a great place to swim, even with young children.

Costa Ricans love Playa Carrillo. The beach is very popular among locals, so it does get busier on weekends and during holidays like Easter and Christmas/New Years. Still, the beach almost never feels too crowded.

Playa Carrillo on a Saturday during “summer” (dry season)

Under the palms are some concrete tables and benches. You’ll often find people here set up for the day.

Amenities

One of the great things about Playa Carrillo is that there really isn’t much in the immediate area. So be sure to bring what you’ll need for the day. There is a small grocery store in Puerto Carrillo for drinks or snacks.

You can usually find vendors selling things like cold coconut water, ceviche, or homemade treats. Locals with push carts also sell granizados (a sweet shaved-ice dessert) along the road. But other than that, there’s nothing around.

The southern end of the beachSunset

Playa Carrillo is a popular spot for sunset. People gather along the beach around 5:00 pm to get ready for the big show!

Mirador Puerto Carrillo

If you drive just past the beach and up the hill, there is a nice mirador/lookout (Mirador Puerto Carrillo). From the small parking area, it’s just a quick walk up some concrete steps to get a lovely view of Playa Carrillo and the bay from above.

View of the bay from the lookoutConclusion

Our family all had a great time visiting Playa Carrillo again. The beach has a fun, laid back vibe and we love having all the locals around. If you’re looking to unwind on a quiet, gorgeous beach, we highly recommend it.

Have a question about visiting Playa Carrillo or have you been before? Let us know in the comments below.Looking for more information to plan your visit to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town – Samara is a great place to stay if you’d like to check out Playa Carrillo. This article covers the town set up and gives recommendations for activities and accommodations.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot – Not sure if the Samara/Carrillo area is right for you? Get an overview of other beach towns in Guanacaste here.

Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion – If you plan to stay in Puerto Carrillo, you’ll want a rental car to get around. Learn about how insurance works in Costa Rica and pitfalls to avoid.

The post Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Keeping Costa Rica Green: How We Are Giving Back

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

If you have experienced a trip to Costa Rica, you already know that feeling. Nature surrounds you and wildlife enamors you, not to mention the exotic plants and flowers, scenic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Costa Rica feels alive! It’s a feeling that you don’t want to let go of and one that we certainly don’t want to ever lose. Today we are announcing one way that our company, Two Weeks in Costa Rica, is giving back. We’ll also share how you can take part.  

Our Initiative

It has always been our goal to give back to the place we love and now call home. With two little boys born and being raised here, we find it even more important.

We both have environmental backgrounds. Matt has a degree in environmental science and studied biology in college. Jenn studied environmental law and still is a lawyer in the United States. Though our paths have changed since our move to Costa Rica in 2013, we still try to do our part for the environment.  

With a growing website and travel agency, we feel lucky that we can do something to help keep Costa Rica green, thriving, and a special place for generations to come.

Today, we’re happy to announce a small partnership with Community Carbon Trees. We feel this organization is making a positive impact on the environment by planting trees and offsetting carbon. They do so while educating and enabling the local community to grow and maintain the trees. The model of Community Carbon Trees is unique and has proven to be very effective. You can read more about them below.

Doing Our Part

To kick off our campaign, Two Weeks in Costa Rica is making an initial donation of $2,500 to Community Carbon Trees. This amount will help the organization plant and maintain an ecological corridor with about 100 trees. It also will help nurture relationships with local farmers and community groups.

How You Can Help

We hope our initial donation will make a small impact but are sure that our readers and clients can multiply the efforts.

Each $25 donation plants and cares for one tree until it is mature enough to grow on its own. That means planting, plus paying locals to perform 4-6 years of maintenance. Each tree will offset an impressive one ton of carbon over 25 years.

Here are three ways you can contribute.

1) Plant Trees with Your Shuttle Order – If you book shuttle transfers through our website, you will see the option to add a donation to your order. 100% of those donations will be passed on to Community Carbon Trees (Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. will cover the credit card commissions that are charged).

2) Add Trees When Booking Tours – If you are using our Tour Booking Service, please notify us if you would like to make a donation to Community Carbon Trees. We will add it as a line item on your invoice. Again, 100% of those donations will be passed on to Community Carbon Trees, and we will cover the PayPal commissions that are charged.

3) Donate Directly to Community Carbon Trees – If you are not using any of our website services or just want to donate directly, you can do so through the Community Carbon Trees website. They even have an option for tax deductible donations. If you make a donation, please let us know in the comments below so we know that our outreach is working!

More About Community Carbon TreesOverview

Plenty of organizations plants trees these days, thousands or even millions of them. But what happens next? Within the first two years, unfortunately, a high percentage of these tiny saplings are suffocated by weeds, killed by drought, or mowed over by machinery. They are planted but not given a chance.  

Community Carbon Trees is different. This non-profit organization enlists local farmers (usually cattle farmers) to plant trees on parts of their vast, grassy properties. A section of land is chosen near an existing patch of jungle or along a stream. This develops wildlife corridors that allow animals to safely move from one area to another. It also creates natural buffer zones between farming and development, and the rainforest.

Using donation money and grants, Community Carbon Trees pays the farmers to plant, fence off, and maintain the saplings. They periodically chop the grasses around them and protect them from harm. If one dies, they are given another tree to replace it.

Incentivizing Farmers

As an incentive, the farmers are paid by Community Carbon Trees each year to maintain the trees for about 4-6 years. This provides an important incentive for the farmers to keep the reforested land intact and not use it for farming or ranching.

After 4-6 years, the trees are mature enough to survive alone but are also making an impact on the property. Hardwoods start to shade the soil and keep it from drying out. Wildlife begins to return. Fruit trees also start producing.

The farmers can then sell the fruits, seeds, nuts, and syrups locally. Often, they profit more from the tree-program efforts than they had from their traditional cattle farming.   

Ongoing Involvement

The process doesn’t end there, though. For a total of 25 years, the farmers are in contact with Community Carbon Trees’ passionate staff and volunteers. Each year, they gather to compare notes and see how things are progressing. At some farms, it may be agreed that mature hardwoods can be selectively harvested with new trees planted to replace them. And so, a sustainable cycle continues.

This model has been developed and tweaked since 2009. The program has planted and cared for over 22,000 trees and built relationships with dozens of farmers. Remember, those trees were not just plugged into the ground and left to die; those trees are still growing and thriving today.

We hope that our efforts can help Community Carbon Trees continue to expand, thrive, and plant many more trees.

Why Does Costa Rica Need Help?

While Costa Rica already has more than 25% of its territory in protected lands, there is still about 75% that is subject to clearcutting, development, and large-scale farming. The more popular Costa Rica gets as a tourist and live-abroad destination, the more we encroach on the natural environment. This is a problem that is happening right now in popular areas of the country.

These impacts are already felt in Costa Rica. Water is scarce in the dry months, temperatures are rising, oceans are affected, and wildlife is stressed by development. Of course, there has to be a balance. We need development, but we need to remember why we love this place—the spectacular environment around us.

Global Impact

Additionally, there is a global impact here. We have all learned about the impact of carbon dioxide on the atmosphere and have heard about how the planet is warming and changing. If you are interested in helping offset the CO2 emissions caused by your trip, planting trees through this program is an excellent solution.

For each tropical tree that is planted through Community Carbon Trees, approximately one ton of carbon is offset over 25 years.

To give you an idea, here is the carbon impact of some popular flights.

Stats from Community Carbon Trees

*For more carbon-impact information, see this page on Community Carbon Trees’ website.

As you can see, the amount of carbon produced from airfare alone really adds up per person. Another reason to plant trees for your trip!

Conclusion

We hope that this alliance with Community Carbon Trees makes a positive impact in Costa Rica and for the world. But we can’t do it without your help. Please consider donating directly or adding trees to the services we offer on our website. When you gaze into the green canopy, splash into a clear waterfall pool, or have wildlife trot across your path, you will be happy that you did.

For much more about Community Carbon Trees and their passionate leader Jennifer Leigh Smith, visit their website.

Did you make a donation? Leave us a comment below!

Want to get more involved? Visit the farms and see the work being done: https://www.communitycarbontrees.org/events

The post Keeping Costa Rica Green: How We Are Giving Back appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Playa Grande: A Peaceful Sun and Surf Destination

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

If you are traveling to Costa Rica to just lounge on the beach or escape for some much-needed surfboard therapy, Playa Grande is calling you. This small, relaxed beach community in Guanacaste has a mellow, kicked-back vibe. Everything literally revolves around the rising and falling sun and surf. In this post, we’ll cover the peaceful destination of Playa Grande, including some local activities, accommodations, and restaurants.

Location and Layout

Playa Grande is in Costa Rica’s northwestern province in an area called Guanacaste. This region is known for being drier with less jungle than other parts of the country. But what makes Guanacaste special are the many beautiful beaches.

Playa Grande fits right in with a long stretch of golden sand along the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Sunsets are spectacular here and the waves are consistent.

While many towns in Guanacaste are more developed, Playa Grande has remained small. There is a large amount of conservation land that restricts growth. But the town is also set off, just far enough away to avoid the heavy tourist traffic. 

For layout, Playa Grande is quite spread out. Vacation homes and villas are scattered in small neighborhoods separated by shrubby forest. Sprinkled around town are a dozen or so restaurants and a small grocery store.  

A quiet street inside Playa Grande Estates

Tip: It’s nice to have a rental car in Playa Grande since things are spread out. A car is also worth having so that you can explore nearby destinations and attractions. Check out our Rental Car Discount page to save on your rental and get free extras.

Activities Beaches

What most people come to Playa Grande for is the beach. While the main beach goes by the same name as the town, there are a couple of more options nearby. We’ll cover all three here.

Playa Grande

The main beach in town is Playa Grande. It’s a long 4.5 km (2.8 mile) stretch of sand that faces almost true west. The northern end of the beach is marked by a giant boulder named Dante’s Rock.

The southern part of the beach ends at the Tamarindo Estuary. Here, a small river separates the two towns of Playa Grande and the much busier Tamarindo.

The middle section of Playa Grande has little development and feels quite barren, with picturesque grassy dunes as the backdrop.

Surfing, sunbathing, and lengthy beach walks are popular activities on Playa Grande. And at sunset (between 5:30-6:00 p.m.), people love to gather to watch the sky light up with orange and pink hues.

To access Playa Grande, most people take beach paths at either the northern or southern end.

At the northern end, there is a grassy parking lot where the road ends (near the ranger station). Near the RipJack Inn, you’ll find another well-trodden path. Usually, a parking attendant is around these spots to watch your car for a small fee.

At the southern part of the beach, there are a couple of beach paths that connect from the Playa Grande Estates neighborhood.

Sunset on Playa GrandePlaya Ventanas

Just north of Playa Grande is a much smaller beach, Playa Ventanas (Windows Beach). This one-kilometer (0.6 mile) arc of sand is more secluded and usually doesn’t get as heavy surf.

Playa Ventanas is often confused with another beach by the same name in the southern part of the country, which has caves. While this Playa Ventanas doesn’t have caves, it is a wonderful beach to explore. Read our post, Playa Ventanas Guanacaste, for more information on visiting.

Playa Carbon

For a truly unique beach, a visit to Playa Carbon is a must when staying in Playa Grande. It is accessible from Playa Ventanas, either by walking around the point at low tide or trekking over the small hill.

On the other side, Playa Carbon has some of the darkest sand you will find in Costa Rica. In some areas, it is pure black. There is also decent snorkeling if the tide is right.

For more on finding Playa Carbon, read our post, Playa Carbon: Costa Rica’s Blackest Beach.

Surfing

Playa Grande is an excellent surfing destination. The long stretch of beach has different areas for different level surfers. Those with more experience can catch consistent beach breaks, while novice beginners can hone their skills in the whitewater closer to shore.

Picking up a surfboard and giving it a go can be intimidating on a beach like Playa Grande. For this reason, we’d recommend a surf lesson through one of the local surf shops to get your bearings.

We have done a lesson, and Jenn and Sam (age 6) both got up on the board! Read about this fun experience in our post, Family-Friendly Surf Lessons in Playa Grande.

Las Baulas National Marine Park

One special feature of Playa Grande is the national park that is incorporated into the community.

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (Las Baulas National Marine Park) protects 171 square km (66 square miles) of marine zone in and around Tamarindo Bay. It also protects 7.7 square km (3 square miles) of land. The protected zones include the beaches of Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, Playa Carbon, and Playa Langosta. Also included are mangroves and estuaries.

Wildlife within the park includes tropical fish, rays, corals, and much more. On land and in the estuaries, you can find lizards, snakes, tropical birds, crocodiles, and monkeys.

A leatherback turtle statue outside the ranger station.Turtle Watching

One thing that Las Baulas National Marine Park is specifically known for is turtle watching. In the past, the beach has been an important nesting ground for leatherback sea turtles. Tours were previously offered through the ranger station in town. However, because the number of turtles visiting the beach has diminished over the years, tours are no longer offered. The likelihood of encountering them is just too slim.

To give an example, in 2020, there were only four leatherbacks observed during the egg-laying season (October to March). This was followed by only two turtles in 2021.

The good news, though, is that when we talked to the rangers in early January 2022, six turtles had already been seen laying eggs. We can only hope that this trend continues and the number of leatherbacks visiting rebounds.

Turtle-watching tours are still possible in the area if you are set on it. Nearby beaches have other species of turtles that visit them. A list of official guides and their contact information is posted at the ranger station in Playa Grande.

Community Tennis

For an activity off the beach, get out on the local hardcourts and play some tennis. Community Tennis is right off the main road in Playa Grande. They rent courts and rackets by the hour. They also offer lessons with a certified tennis pro.

Restaurants in Playa Grande

Even though Playa Grande is a small town, it still has a nice selection of restaurants.

Pots and Bowls

This patio-style restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere and healthy, refreshing food. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and coffees are served alongside a bowl menu with many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Breakfast is served all day, including waffles and pancakes, which our kids loved. Pots and Bowls is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find their menu here. 

Pots & Bowls kale salad with mahi mahiUpstairs at the RipJack Inn

The RipJack has been a mainstay in Playa Grande for years, established in 2004. Named for the owner’s two dogs, Ripley and Jack, this hotel also has a restaurant that is a popular place to meet up for sunset drinks or dinner. Breakfast and lunch are also served. The varied menu offers everything from burgers, salads, and fish dishes to ribs, pasta, and poke bowls. Kid options like mac and cheese are also available.

Casa Inti

This small Peruvian restaurant offers a handful of flavorful dishes. The menu changes weekly and can be found on Instagram. Our family of four shared five dishes and absolutely loved the variety. The favorites were the shrimp with citrus and yucca, and the red snapper stew with lentils and corn.

Casa Inti’s shrimp, citrus, and yucca dishEl Huerto

El Huerto is another landmark in Playa Grande. This busy restaurant has been around since 1998. They serve up steaks, pastas, and some fish options. Honestly, we have never tried that part of the menu because we’ve always been drawn in by the pizzas. They are cooked in a special woodfired oven, crispy and full of flavor. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Here is a link to their website with the menu.

Las Olas Brewery

For local craft beer, the place to go in Playa Grande is Las Olas. Las Olas has been offering their beers in the area for years and has a sister restaurant and brewpub in nearby Brasilito.

Recently, they have built an outdoor facility right on the main road into Playa Grande. You can literally see their beer brewing over your shoulder while enjoying a drink. The restaurant was still in the works during our last visit, but we hope to make it back soon.

Also check out the Playa Grande Community Night Market, with live music and local vendors, held every Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Las Olas Brewery.

Craft beer from Las Olas BreweryPlaya Grande Hotels and AccommodationsVacation Rentals

When it comes to accommodations in Playa Grande, Airbnb, VRBO, and other sites have a lot of options.

Many are larger homes with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, pools, and some are even a short walk to the beach. These vacation rentals are great for groups and bigger families traveling together. Smaller homes and villas are also available on these platforms. We have stayed in a couple of different locations that provided our own private space but shared a common pool and gardens.  

For tips on renting a vacation rental in Costa Rica, check out our post, Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for.

The RipJack Inn

If you’d rather have the conveniences of a hotel, the RipJack Inn is a solid option in a great location. The RipJack has standard and deluxe rooms, family suites, and even a more private bungalow option for some seclusion. The hotel has two onsite yoga studios and two pools but is still small with just 21 rooms. It’s less than a one-minute walk to the beach. $105-300/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.

The RipJack InnThe Grateful Hotel

If you are into the Grateful Dead, you are obligated to visit the Grateful Hotel and its onsite restaurant named Sugaree’s Bar and Grill. Staff with tie-dye shirts, colorful murals with dancing bears and skeletons, and live music almost daily make this place fun. The rooms are basic but clean. This hotel is located on the edge of the estuary, and you can catch a boat nearby to/from Tamarindo. Around $130/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.

Hotel Cantarana

This five-room hotel and restaurant is in a great location inside Playa Grande Estates. The rooms are nicely appointed, and guests really like the staff. Cantarana has a pool and is right across the street from the beach. This hotel is a good quiet option since it is smaller. $80-130/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.

Hotel CantaranaONDA

ONDA is a new boutique hotel/hostel in town. It’s motto is surf, sleep, and work. ONDA is indeed a great place to set up shop, with comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant and bar, pool, and coworking space (coming soon) with 200 Mbps. It’s in the main area of town, about a five-minute walk to the beach. ONDA is adults-only. $30-40 for shared dorm, $80-140 for a private room. Check Rates and Availability Here.

Conclusion

Playa Grande, while geographically close to some larger towns like Tamarindo and Flamingo, continues to feel far from it all. The serene beaches, rhythmic waves, and feeling of community make it the perfect place to unwind and reset.

Have a question about visiting Playa Grande? Are you a repeat visitor? Leave a comment below. Looking for more information to help you plan your trip. Check out these articles:

The Playa Avellanas Area: Going Off-the-Beaten Path in Guanacaste – If you like the sound of Playa Grande, you might also enjoy this more secluded destination.

Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience – If you’re looking for more going on, Tamarindo has a busy downtown, with lots of hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Volcanic Vents and Tropical Forest – This is a popular day trip from Guanacaste’s beaches.

Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands – Another fun activity from the area to see wildlife like monkeys, tropical birds, and crocodiles.

The post Playa Grande: A Peaceful Sun and Surf Destination appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Family-Friendly Surf Lessons in Playa Grande

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Playa Grande draws experienced surfers with its big, consistent waves. We aren’t surfers (yet), but on a recent visit to Playa Grande wanted to give it a try. We did some lessons with our six-year-old and learned that the waves at Playa Grande aren’t just for the pros. In this post, we’ll share our experience taking some fun surf lessons in Playa Grande.

Background – About Playa Grande

Playa Grande is a long, light sand beach on Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast. It is in the region called Guanacaste. Although this area is full of bustling tourist destinations like Tamarindo, right across the estuary, Playa Grande has remained mostly quiet and laid back.

As we mentioned, Playa Grande is known for having consistent waves year-round. So it should be no surprise that surfing is the main attraction here. Many hotels and vacation rentals are just steps from popular surf breaks, making it a great place if you’re looking to catch some waves.

As for surf conditions, we are far from experts, but know that Playa Grande has a beach-breaking wave. If you’re looking for more details than that, we’d recommend referring to the experts at this site or checking out information from a local surf shop.

We did our lessons through Frijoles Locos in Playa Grande. They have some good information on their website about surfing in Playa Grande.

Surf Lessons in Playa GrandeGetting Ready

Our lessons started at the Frijoles Locos surf shop headquarters. They have a big space on the main road right as you’re coming into town with an iconic old Landcruiser out front.

Inside the shop, we were given some yellow rash guards to try on and told that our instructor would be Andy.

We followed Andy to the surf spot we’d be checking out in Palm Beach Estates. Playa Grande is spread out. Palm Beach Estates is a little south towards the estuary and separate from the rest of town.

We parked near a sandy beach trail and met Andy. He greeted us with a big smile, his face smothered in a thick layer of sunscreen.

The beach path leading to one of the popular surf spots inside Playa Grande Estates

From on top of the van, he pulled down two huge long boards. They were soft tops, which he told us are better for beginners since they’re gentler if you accidentally get hit by one.

We followed him to the beach, both of us a little nervous. Our son, Sam, was excited but a little anxious about the experience. I (Jenn) was too.

Once we got to the sand, Andy began the lesson. He started with an important explanation.

Surfing, he explained, is a mix of awareness of the ocean and awareness of ourselves on the board. Today, for the lesson, we would be focusing on our awareness on the board, and he would be taking care of the ocean part. That way, we could focus on getting up on the board and wouldn’t have to worry about reading the water, which wave to pick, rip currents, etc.

With the boards on the sand, we were going to practice standing up. Andy told us to lay on our stomachs. He taught us about keeping our gaze to the ocean, how to place our hands, and our stance when popping up on the board once we had caught a wave. We tried it just a few times before heading into the water.

Getting familiar with our boardsTaking on the Waves

As we walked through the clear warm water, I have to admit that the waves were a little intimidating. I’m comfortable in the ocean but do get nervous with bigger waves and rip currents. The mom in me that day had me pushing through, though, so that Sam would not be scared.

We trudged out towards the breaks. Sam was on his board with Andy in the back, navigating him through the small crashing waves. I was doing pretty well by myself, but it sure was hard work, even just getting to the right spot!

Once we were where Andy wanted us to be, he told us to turn our boards around to face the shore and for me to jump on.

We had to remember just a few things when trying to catch a wave. Keeping the board perpendicular to the wave. Positioning our bodies towards the back of the board in the center. Keeping our hands at armpit level. And looking up at the ocean. Last, but not least, we needed to paddle hard when the wave came!

With a good wave coming, Andy told us to go for it. He had the back of Sam’s board and stayed with him the whole time. He told me when to start paddling. I think Sam made it up on the board on the first try. Me, not so much. I paddled hard but fell even harder. I didn’t have the timing down at all and fell off almost right away after trying to stand up.

One big factor that we were dealing with that day was a huge undercurrent. Usually, the current is manageable, but that day, in Andy’s words, it was like a river. That made it exhausting to get back out where the good waves were. It was also really hard not to drift down the beach.

We tried a few more waves and Sam did amazing! He was up on the board like a pro. I was so happy for him, even though I still hadn’t caught a wave.

Sam catching his first wave

Andy had a good idea at that point. He could see that I needed some individual instruction. Normally, he said, with a semi-private lesson, he would let Sam go on his own with him close by. But because of the strong current, he didn’t feel comfortable leaving him. So we took Sam out of the water for a few minutes so that I could have some individualized instruction.

Back in the water, Andy told me again to keep the board perpendicular to the wave. With a good-looking wave coming, he told me to go for it.

I did it! I stood up, no problem—finally! I had been trying to stand up way too early before, when the wave was too powerful, and that kept knocking me over. I tried it a couple of more times with success, then we brought Sam back in.

We both caught some more waves, even in unison. It was a great bonding experience for the two of us.

The Importance of a Good Instructor

Andy was an amazing instructor. He made us feel very comfortable. He wasn’t intense and helped make the experience fun. Importantly, he also didn’t overwhelm us with information.

Andy has been teaching surf lessons for ten plus years. He told me that over time, his philosophy has changed. He used to try to get beginners to get everything right from the start but has learned that focusing on one thing works best.

Every person, he said, has one specific thing that they need to do to get up on the board. He identifies that after spending some time with them in the water, then encourages them to focus on that one thing.

It clearly worked for Sam and me. I needed to keep the board perpendicular to the wave. I asked Sam what Andy told him he needed to do. He said Andy told him to focus on standing up after he got going “pretty fast.”

We left with a new appreciation for surfing thanks to Andy. Sam went on to rent a board at our next destination, Samara. He got better on the smaller waves there, cruising on the whitewater with his dad.

We highly recommend Andy and Frijoles Locos if you’re looking to try a surf lesson in Playa Grande. Their team is super nice and helpful.

The amazing Andy!Lesson Options

Frijoles Locos does group, private, and semi-private lessons. Feel free to reach out to them directly through their website if you’d like to organize one.

Conclusion

We had a great time taking surf lessons in Playa Grande. It was a little scary at first, but so rewarding when we finally caught a wave.

Thanks to Frijoles Locos for hosting us on our lesson. As always, all opinions are our own.

Have a question about taking a surf lesson in Playa Grande? Ask us below. Looking for more information to plan your visit to the Playa Grande area? Check out these posts:

Playa Carbon: Costa Rica’s Blackest Sand Beach – This secluded black sand beach isn’t far from Playa Grande, but you can’t drive right to it. Learn about the options for visiting.

Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste – This beautiful light sand beach is just past the northern end of Playa Grande. The waves are smaller, perfect for splashing.

Getting a SIM Card for Costa Rica – Not sure what to do about phone and internet on your trip? Learn about local SIM cards with this post.

The post Family-Friendly Surf Lessons in Playa Grande appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

While Playa Grande is famous for its consistent surfing waves and stunning sunsets, there are a couple of other beaches in this small community to visit. Today, we’ll tell you about Playa Ventanas, just north of Playa Grande. This beach is a little more sheltered from the big waves of Playa Grande and is a fun place to relax for the day.

Location

The Playa Ventanas that we are talking about in this post is located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica in an area called Guanacaste. The closest large destination is Tamarindo. Closer still is the community of Playa Grande, just across a small river from Tamarindo.

It can be a bit confusing because there is another beach on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast with the same name. The Playa Ventanas in the south is near the towns of Uvita and Ojochal.

Other websites and even Google Maps show pictures of the two Playa Ventanas interchangeably.  

There is, however, a big difference.

The Playa Ventanas in the south has caves that you can visit at low tide. Whereas the Playa Ventanas in Guanacaste has no caves. It is still a special beach though, and well worth the visit.  

Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from LIR Airport in Liberia and roughly five hours from San Jose’s SJO Airport. 

Playa Ventanas, looking southGetting There

Once you arrive in Playa Grande, there are two ways to get to Playa Ventanas. You can either walk or drive.

To walk, just follow the sand north from Playa Grande. You’ll eventually reach a small point separating the two beaches. If you do this, you’ll pass between the shore and a giant rock named Dante’s Rock (popular for sunset). Just on the other side of Dante’s Rock is Playa Ventanas.

If you have a car, you can drive to a small sandy parking lot near Dante’s Rock or continue north on a road paralleling the beach until the road ends.

There are two more sandy parking lots at the northern end of Playa Ventanas. These two lots are also good if you want to get over to the next beach, Playa Carbon, which has unique black sand.

One of the sandy parking lots near the beach

Tip: Be careful not to leave valuables in your car at any of the beach parking lots. When we visited, there were no attendants. The locals told us it was fine to park here, but we have heard of car break-ins happening in the past so it’s best to be cautious.

About Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste

From rocky point to rocky point, Playa Ventanas makes a smooth arc that is about one kilometer (0.6 miles) long. The sand is a whitish-tan color. Distant hills covered in short, shrubby brush form the backdrop.

From the middle of the beach, you can see over to Tamarindo. You just need to look between Dante’s Rock and the shore. This little window could be the reason the beach gets its name, Playa Ventanas or Windows Beach. 

Dante’s Rock, which divides Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas

On both points of Playa Ventanas are some nice tide pools at lower tide. On the northern end, there is a steep rock cliff face.

Also at the northern end is a seasonal river and small estuary. Be aware that crocodiles sometimes can be found in the mangroves here but shouldn’t pose a threat if you keep your distance.

Tide pools on the northern end of Playa Ventanas. These are fun to explore at low tide.

If you are lucky, you may encounter some other wildlife at Playa Ventanas. This beach is part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, which protects not only the marine zone, but also tropical dry forest and wetlands. The park is most famous as a leatherback sea turtle nesting beach but there are other animals like monkeys, racoons, lizards, tropical birds, and crabs.   

A rose-bellied spiny lizard we spotted near the beachTips for Visiting

Because there are only a few larger trees scattered along Playa Ventanas, it can be difficult to find any shade. Bring along a beach umbrella or find some relief from the sun at the very northern end. Depending on the time of year, the rocky cliff creates a large shady area, especially in the afternoon.

For swimming, use caution as rip currents can be present. And while the waves are usually smaller than those at the neighboring Playa Grande, they can still be very powerful and toss you around.

If you’re planning on spending the day, be sure to bring everything you need for food and drinks. There are no stores or restaurants at Playa Ventanas. The closest are in nearby Playa Grande.

Finally, if you are hoping to catch a nice sunset, Playa Ventanas is a great choice. People often hang out near Dante’s Rock or anywhere along the sand. We caught a great one on our last visit.

Conclusion

We hope this post helps you visit and experience Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste for yourself. We also hope it clears up any confusion about the two Playa Ventanas and how they are different. We’ll never forget exploring this beach for the first time many years ago. We were desperately searching for rocky caves that didn’t exist. It still makes us laugh today.

Have a question about visiting Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste or want to share your experience? Leave us a comment below. Want more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for – The Playa Grande area has lots of vacation rental homes. Read this post for Costa Rica-specific tips on picking a great one.

Hot Springs and Mud Baths in Rincon de la Vieja – A popular day trip from Playa Grande is the Rincon de la Vieja volcano area. Here, you can find relaxing hot springs and some other fun activities.

Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands – This is another day trip from Playa Grande that will allow you to see lots of wildlife and a bit of local culture.

The post Playa Ventanas, Guanacaste appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Playa Ventanas Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

While Playa Grande is famous for its consistent surfing waves and stunning sunsets, there are a couple of other beaches in this small community to visit. Today, we’ll tell you about Playa Ventanas, just north of Playa Grande. This beach is a little more sheltered from the big waves of Playa Grande and is a fun place to relax for the day.

Location

The Playa Ventanas that we are talking about in this post is located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica in an area called Guanacaste. The closest large destination is Tamarindo. Closer still is the community of Playa Grande, just across a small river from Tamarindo.

It can be a bit confusing because there is another beach on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast with the same name. The Playa Ventanas in the south is near the towns of Uvita and Ojochal.

Other websites and even Google Maps show pictures of the two Playa Ventanas interchangeably.  

There is, however, a big difference.

The Playa Ventanas in the south has caves that you can visit at low tide. Whereas the Playa Ventanas in Guanacaste has no caves. It is still a special beach though, and well worth the visit.  

Playa Ventanas Guanacaste is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from LIR Airport in Liberia and roughly five hours from San Jose’s SJO Airport. 

Playa Ventanas, looking southGetting There

Once you arrive in Playa Grande, there are two ways to get to Playa Ventanas. You can either walk or drive.

To walk, just follow the sand north from Playa Grande. You’ll eventually reach a small point separating the two beaches. If you do this, you’ll pass between the shore and a giant rock named Dante’s Rock (popular for sunset). Just on the other side of Dante’s Rock is Playa Ventanas.

If you have a car, you can drive to a small sandy parking lot near Dante’s Rock or continue north on a road paralleling the beach until the road ends.

There are two more sandy parking lots at the northern end of Playa Ventanas. These two lots are also good if you want to get over to the next beach, Playa Carbon, which has unique black sand.

One of the sandy parking lots near the beach

Tip: Be careful not to leave valuables in your car at any of the beach parking lots. When we visited, there were no attendants. The locals told us it was fine to park here, but we have heard of car break-ins happening in the past so it’s best to be cautious.

About Playa Ventanas Guanacaste

From rocky point to rocky point, Playa Ventanas makes a smooth arc that is about one kilometer (0.6 miles) long. The sand is a whitish-tan color. Distant hills covered in short, shrubby brush form the backdrop.

From the middle of the beach, you can see over to Tamarindo. You just need to look between Dante’s Rock and the shore. This little window could be the reason the beach gets its name, Playa Ventanas or Windows Beach. 

Dante’s Rock, which divides Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas

On both points of Playa Ventanas are some nice tide pools at lower tide. On the northern end, there is a steep rock cliff face.

Also at the northern end is a seasonal river and small estuary. Be aware that crocodiles sometimes can be found in the mangroves here but shouldn’t pose a threat if you keep your distance.

Tide pools on the northern end of Playa Ventanas. These are fun to explore at low tide.

If you are lucky, you may encounter some other wildlife at Playa Ventanas. This beach is part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, which protects not only the marine zone, but also tropical dry forest and wetlands. The park is most famous as a leatherback sea turtle nesting beach but there are other animals like monkeys, racoons, lizards, tropical birds, and crabs.   

A rose-bellied spiny lizard we spotted near the beachTips for Visiting

Because there are only a few larger trees scattered along Playa Ventanas, it can be difficult to find any shade. Bring along a beach umbrella or find some relief from the sun at the very northern end. Depending on the time of year, the rocky cliff creates a large shady area, especially in the afternoon.

For swimming, use caution as rip currents can be present. And while the waves are usually smaller than those at the neighboring Playa Grande, they can still be very powerful and toss you around.

If you’re planning on spending the day, be sure to bring everything you need for food and drinks. There are no stores or restaurants at Playa Ventanas. The closest are in nearby Playa Grande.

Finally, if you are hoping to catch a nice sunset, Playa Ventanas is a great choice. People often hang out near Dante’s Rock or anywhere along the sand. We caught a great one on our last visit.

Conclusion

We hope this post helps you visit and experience Playa Ventanas Guanacaste for yourself. We also hope it clears up any confusion about the two Playa Ventanas and how they are different. We’ll never forget exploring this beach for the first time many years ago. We were desperately searching for rocky caves that didn’t exist. It still makes us laugh today.

Have a question about visiting Playa Ventanas Guanacaste or want to share your experience? Leave us a comment below. Want more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for – The Playa Grande area has lots of vacation rental homes. Read this post for Costa Rica-specific tips on picking a great one.

Hot Springs and Mud Baths in Rincon de la Vieja – A popular day trip from Playa Grande is the Rincon de la Vieja volcano area. Here, you can find relaxing hot springs and some other fun activities.

Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands – This is another day trip from Playa Grande that will allow you to see lots of wildlife and a bit of local culture.

The post Playa Ventanas Guanacaste appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Using At-Home Covid Tests to Enter US from Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Covid testing is a requirement to get back home for many people. Although Costa Rica has labs and clinics around the country that can do testing, many people prefer the convenience of an at-home test. In this post, we’ll explain the requirements for using at-home/self-tests to reenter the US. We will also cover something essential to know about using at-home tests in Costa Rica.

CDC RequirementsOverview

The CDC sets the requirements for Covid testing to enter the United States after your trip. Remember, it’s the US, not Costa Rica, that decides the entry requirements.

Currently, you must do either an antigen (rapid) or NAAT test (e.g., PCR) one calendar day before your flight. Most people do an antigen test because it’s faster and less expensive.

The CDC website has a lot of information so is a good place to start if you have general questions about these requirements. You can also read our post, Preflight Testing for Departing Costa Rica: Logistics and Tips.

At-Home Testing

The CDC allows at-home testing, provided the test meets certain requirements. Here is a simplified breakdown. For the full list, go to the CDC website and look for the FAQ on self-tests.

The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (NAAT or antigen) with Emergency Use Authorization from the US FDA.The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the test manufacturer that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.The telehealth provider must confirm your identity, observe the sample collection and testing process, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets CDC requirements.Airlines must be able to review and confirm your identity and the test result details. You must also be able to present the test results to US officials and local/state health departments, if requested.How It Works

Basically, what you will do is order your at-home test before your trip and bring it with you. At-home tests have only recently been approved in Costa Rica and are hard to find.

You’ll follow the manufacturer’s instructions on registering your kit and scheduling a test time.

You will do the test one day before your flight back to the United States. It can be anytime one calendar day before, not necessarily within 24 hours. For example, if your flight is at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, you can do the test anytime in the morning or later on Monday.

A proctor will help you administer the test at the scheduled time. You will need an internet connection and webcam.

They will then give you the results. Results are provided immediately or within a couple of hours, depending on the test you use.

You will present this digital test result to the airline when you check-in for your flight departing Costa Rica.

We have been hearing from many people who have successfully used an at-home test to get back into the United States after visiting Costa Rica, so don’t worry, they are being accepted.

Where to Get a Test That Meets CDC Requirements

Most US airlines have information on their website about at-home tests that meet CDC requirements. You can often buy them directly through the airline’s website.

Here are some links to the Covid pages for major US airlines:

Alaska Air: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/next-level-care/covid-testing  

American Airlines: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/covid-19-testing.jsp

Delta: https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-planning-center/know-before-you-go/us-entry-requirements

JetBlue: https://www.jetblue.com/covid-19-info-hub

Southwest Airlines: https://www.cityhealthuc.com/rapidreturn-southwest/

Spirit Airlines: https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-US/category/article/KA-01496

United Airlines: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/covid-testing.html

Specific Tests

Here are some tests that meet the requirements. They are rapid antigen tests.

Qured

Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test – can buy on eMed or Optum 

CityHealth’s RapidReturn Test Kit

Young Children

Some of the tests are authorized only for children ages 4 and up (e.g., Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test). So keep that in mind if you are traveling with young children. The US requires a negative Covid test for all children ages 2 and up.

At-Home Testing in Costa Rica and Testing Positive

In Costa Rica, the government does not recognize at-home tests for purposes of confirming a positive case. For a test to be recognized, it must be done in an authorized lab or medical center.

This has very important implications for visitors who are using at-home tests.

If you test positive on an at-home test in Costa Rica, you will need to go to a lab or clinic for an official test. Only then will your mandatory quarantine period begin.

The way it works is the Costa Rica lab or clinic that administers your test will send a report to the Ministry of Health about your positive result. The Ministry of Health will then issue you a sanitary/quarantine order by email (typically for seven days). The start date is usually the date of your positive test at the lab. That’s why it’s so important to get to a lab for an official test if you test positive on an at-home test and think you have Covid.

A private clinic in Jaco that does Covid testing

We have been hearing from people who have waited to go to a lab after testing positive on a self-test. They are often frustrated because the Ministry of Health will not base the start of their quarantine period on the date of their at-home positive result. So they end up spending much more time quarantining in Costa Rica than was necessary. You can avoid this frustration by getting to a lab or clinic for an official test ASAP if you test positive on a self-test.

If you need an official test on your visit, here is a link to our post, Where to Get a Covid Test in Costa Rica. It gives testing options by town all around the country.

Conclusion

At-home tests are an inexpensive and convenient way to meet US testing requirements. As long as you know what test you’ll need, you can bring it with you and get it done quickly the day before your flight. Hopefully yours won’t come back positive, but if it does, now you’ll know what to do to get that quarantine period started.

Have a question about at-home testing? Leave us a comment below.Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Testing Positive in Costa Rica: Learn more about what happens if you test positive in Costa Rica. Quarantine requirements, what to do to get back home, and people’s experiences.

Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Get current requirements to enter Costa Rica for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance that covers Covid can be a good idea even if you’re already vaccinated. Read our article for recommended companies to use.

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Playa Carbon: Costa Rica’s Blackest Sand Beach

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Many of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches have sand that ranges in color from light to dark gray. Fewer are tan, a handful are almost white, and one or two even have a pink hue. But there is something mysterious about a truly black sand beach. In this post, we’ll take you to Playa Carbon. This secluded beach, hidden just north of Playa Grande and Tamarindo, has some of the blackest sand in Costa Rica.

Location

Playa Carbon is located in northwestern Costa Rica in a region known as Guanacaste. It is closest to the beach town, Playa Grande.

This quiet community sits just across an estuary from the much bigger destination of Tamarindo. There are several neighborhoods made up of vacation homes, villas, and a few small hotels.

In Playa Grande, you also will find Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (Leatherbacks National Marine Park). This park protects beaches, estuaries, forests, and marine zones in and around Playa Grande.

Las Baulas is most famous for its protection and conservation of leatherback sea turtles.

Playa Carbon is one of the four beaches in Las Baulas National Marine Park. The others are Playa Langosta (south of Tamarindo), Playa Grande, and Playa Ventanas.

Why Is Playa Carbon’s Sand Black?

The sand at Playa Carbon is very unique, which makes it a special place to visit. While adjacent beaches in the area have gray or tan colored sand, this one has a thick coating of almost pure black.

If you take a closer look, you’ll actually notice that the sand on Playa Carbon forms in layers. The top crust is close to pure black, but underneath is almost a white color. In certain spots, the sand is pure black on one part of the beach and pure white on another.

Black sand with bright white sand in the distance

The mystery of this black sand lies in the sea currents. Currents collect and then deposit high concentrations of magnetite and magnetic iron oxide onto the shore. These black compounds are formed naturally when volcanic rocks break down from the friction of the ocean into smaller pieces. They get swept up in high concentrations, making the sand black.

There is an interesting University of Costa Rica study that relates to Playa Carbon. The University was studying the opportunities to extract metals from the country’s beaches back in the 1960s. They found the highest amounts of iron oxide at Playa Carbon. The beach’s sand was between 75-82% pure iron oxide!

Fun Fact: Since these compounds are the building blocks of raw metal, if you were to take a magnet with you to the beach, you’d be able to pick up some of the sand with it.

Getting to Playa Carbon

Part of the allure of Playa Carbon is that it is secluded and not accessible by car. To get there, you’ll need to start from a different beach named Playa Ventanas (the one in Guanacaste).

You can get to Playa Ventanas by either walking north along Playa Grande or by driving the beach road through Las Baulas National Marine Park. There is no fee to enter park limits.

Playa Ventanas has two small parking lots near the northern end. After you reach the first lot, the road will get very narrow and end at the second lot. You can park at either lot but the farther one is a bit closer to Playa Carbon.

The parking lot closest to the trail

Be sure not to leave anything in your car, as this area is remote and car break-ins have happened here. There was no parking attendant providing security when we visited.

From the parking lot at Playa Ventanas, there are two ways to get to Playa Carbon. At low tide, you can walk north right along the beach. There’s a point/cliff with some uneven rocks so be sure to have good-gripping shoes.

Or, at any tide, you can take a short, forested trail over the hill.

The Trail to Playa Carbon

The trail to Playa Carbon is easy to find. From the parking lot, walk up the beach to the very northern end of Playa Ventanas. During rainy season, you may have to cross a seasonal stream.

Look for a large tree a little inland from the point. The trailhead is on the right side of the tree where the hill is less steep.

View of trailhead from Playa Ventanas. The trail starts behind the big tree.

We weren’t sure what to expect from this trail as there wasn’t much information online. We wore sneakers and brought a baby carrier for our youngest. But in reality, the trail is very short and only took us about five minutes. It is not very steep and easily walkable even with flip-flops.

The trail through the forest to Playa CarbonAccessibility

Although the trail is not very steep, it is narrow and has some uneven spots. It’s just a simple rustic trail through the forest so you won’t find railings or manmade steps.

The very end of the trail, right before you get to the beachExploring the Black Sand Beach

When you arrive at Playa Carbon, you can immediately see the unique black sand on the upper parts of the beach. At low tide there are also some rocky tidepools to explore.

Playa Carbon curves around in a tight “U” shape. Smaller rocky points divide the beach into small sections.

Toward the middle of the beach, we found some good snorkeling at lower tides. The water was very clear for us in January since there hadn’t been any rain. Keep in mind that the ocean currents here can be stronger so it’s best for more experienced snorkelers.

Being Prepared

One thing about Playa Carbon is that it can be extremely hot. On sunny days, the black sand can reach scorching temperatures that will burn the bottom of your feet.

There is also absolutely no shade on the beach, as it is backed by short grasses and shrubs. There are very few trees and none close to the sand.

If you are planning to spend some time at this beach, we definitely recommend carrying in a beach umbrella and whatever food and drinks you will need. There are no amenities in the immediate area. Also remember to have some kind of footwear and plenty of sunscreen.

Conclusion

If you are visiting the Playa Grande area or going beach hopping in Guanacaste, you should definitely add Playa Carbon to your list. The black sand is something that makes it unique and different. And the secluded feel will be just what you need if you are trying to get away from the more crowded beaches.

Have a question about visiting Playa Carbon or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below. Looking for more information to help you plan? Check out these posts and pages:

Rental Car Discount – A car is essential when exploring beaches in Guanacaste. Use this page to get a discount and free delivery to your hotel or vacation rental.

Playa Conchal: The Allure of Shell Beach – One of our favorite beaches in the area is Playa Conchal. The sand is made up of tiny seashells!

Guanacaste: Regional Snapshot – Learn more about the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, including seasonal weather, major attractions, and destination information.

The post Playa Carbon: Costa Rica’s Blackest Sand Beach appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Villa Vanilla Spice Farm: A Rainforest of Flavors Near Manuel Antonio

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

One of the best things about Costa Rica is the variety of things to do. One day you can be zip lining through the forest canopy or rafting on a river, and the next, you can be exploring local wildlife and beaches. In the Manuel Antonio area, the list of activities can be almost overwhelming. In this post, we’ll share one tour that is often overlooked. The Villa Vanilla spice farm tour is low key and great for a variety of ages. This interactive activity will let you see, touch, and taste the rainforest of flavors growing nearby.

Location

Villa Vanilla is a 155-acre (63 hectare) farm located about 30-minutes outside the popular tourist destinations of Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

This area and the small town of Villa Nueva, where the farm is located, is quite different from the touristy beach towns. A drive out here will give you a glimpse of everyday life in Costa Rica’s countryside. The town has a small school, church, a few basic supermarkets, and a friendly community of locals.  

Background

Villa Vanilla has an interesting history. It was founded in 1987 by Henry Karczynski. Henry was born in Germany but raised in the United States. His interest and studies in agriculture led him to Costa Rica where he started what was then a conventional vanilla farm.  

While he had some initial success, Henry’s farm was practically devastated by two consecutive years of flooding rains. The soil was saturated and crops ruined. But he did not give up easily.

Henry learned about biodynamic farming and how surrounding his vanilla with other plants and trees could give new life to the soil.

The view of the property from the tasting platform

Biodynamic farming, in general terms, creates an intricate ecosystem that works together to stay healthy. The farm and surrounding environment are looked at as a whole to make the entire property more sustainable.

Now, the farm is planted with a mix of herbs, spices, tropical fruits, flowering trees, and medicinal plants. This has created a healthy ecosystem, less susceptible to environmental changes, infestation, and disease. It also has drawn back local wildlife common to the area, like monkeys and birds.

[image error]A cured vanilla beanVilla Vanilla Spice Farm Tour

When you arrive at the spice farm tour, you will immediately understand that Villa Vanilla is a special place. There are beautiful gardens with exotic flowers and thick forested parts of the property as the backdrop. If you’re lucky, a few special spices may be drying in the yard.

A Refreshing and Surprising Start

Under a covered tin roof, our tour started with Joyce, a local spice farm guide. Her passion for the property and what was growing around us was apparent from the start. Joyce quickly passed around tiny glasses of a special cold tea.

We won’t ruin the surprise by telling you what the tea was made from, but we can say that we were quite surprised when our picky 2.5-year-old son guzzled down the entire glass.

While the rest of us sipped the tasty tea, Joyce showed us some cured vanilla beans. We learned some interesting facts about the vanilla and gained a whole new appreciation for it.

One fact we won’t soon forget was about the origins of imitation vanilla. Joyce shared that the knock-off vanilla you buy in stores actually comes from the anal glands of beavers!

Needless to say, we purchased some real vanilla extract from the gift shop at the end of the tour.  

Tea and roasted cacao beans, ready to be turned into chocolateThe Origins of Chocolate

As we found out, not everything we would learn about on the spice farm tour was a spice. A large cacao pod was the next thing Joyce held in her hand.

Joyce explained the origins of the fruit and how chocolate has been used for thousands of years in different cultures. We then got to taste the gooey white insides of the pod, which are delicious but don’t taste much like chocolate at all.

After learning how the slimy cacao seeds get fermented, dried, roasted, and eventually made into chocolate, we got to taste some of the rich chocolate nibs. And then we were off on our walk through the property.

The first stop was a tall cacao tree just outside. Joyce pointed to the tiny flowers on the bark and explained how they get pollinated and grow into the large, colorful cacao pods.

Our guide beside a cacao tree

We learned that Villa Vanilla has around 1,500 of these trees. They each produce 40-80 cacao fruits per year. One fruit is about the equivalent to one small chocolate bar.

The Spice Trail

With a moderate rain falling now, everyone in our group was given umbrellas and led to the entrance of a trail. The afternoon rains common in the rainforest keep everything so lush and alive. While a bit wet, we were all still happy to follow Joyce and learn about what was growing along the trail.

The rainforest-covered trailVanilla Vines

The major crop on the farm is, of course, still vanilla. Though we had been told previously how it grows on vines, we still had a lot to learn. Joyce pointed to some of the vines on a nearby tree. They had many long, green vanilla beans growing on them.

Joyce explained that the reason that real vanilla is so expensive is because the process to grow, harvest, and refine it is very labor intensive. The vines need to grow in 50 percent shade and 50 percent sun. Additionally, the flowers need to be hand pollinated.

Hand pollination wouldn’t be so bad; however, the vanilla plant only flowers once per year. And the flower must be pollinated in a window of just seven hours. For this reason, each vanilla vine is trained by the farm workers to stay low to the ground, within an easy reach. Each one is also labeled so they know what stage it is at.

A vanilla vine

After the vanilla beans mature, the work is not nearly done. The beans must go through a five-month process of curing. The process involves rotating them back and forth between drying in the sun and sweating in a moist environment.

Of course, we would soon find out that the labor-intensive process is well worth it.

Other Spices

Along the heavily forested trail, we saw many other spices mixed in between flowers and native trees.

There was ginger, growing as a root below a patch of thin stems. Clove, picked off a medium-sized tree. Peppercorn, forming a long row of green balls. Cardamom, in sort of oval-shaped seeds. And the bark of cinnamon, which Joyce scraped right off the tree with her knife.

Joyce passed around each spice for us to smell and gave tons of facts about how long they take to grow, how they are harvested, their uses, and much more.

The Tasting

At the end of the trail, a tall, covered platform came into view. This was the tasting part of the tour that we had all been waiting for.

We climbed the stairs and took our seats on the lofty structure. The view of the thick jungle as the rain let up was spectacular.

Platform where you do the tastingsLocal Rainforest Flavors

Joyce, along with two colleagues, made sure we were comfortable and told us about the tasting menu. Each item was made using local ingredients, and of course, the spices and fruits from the farm.

We were then presented with three mini-courses of delicious treats.

Our first course was a curry masala cookie served with golden milk. The second was an oatmeal-cacao nib cookie with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. And the last course was a flourless cacao cake with xocoatl, the chocolate drink of the gods.

Curry masala cookie and golden milk

Each bite and sip was spectacular. Joyce elaborated on what spices and rainforest flavors were in each recipe, but we honestly didn’t take good notes because we were too busy enjoying them.

After a little time to relax and enjoy the view, we made the short walk back to the reception area and bought some rainforest spices to bring home.

Planning Your Visit to Villa Vanilla

Tours of the Villa Vanilla Spice Farm are offered twice per day, Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. On Saturday, only the 9:00 a.m. tour is offered. Sunday the farm is closed.

Reservations are required for tours, but you can stop by the farm during business hours to visit the gift shop and buy spices.

Inside the gift shop

You can book a tour directly through their website.

Tour Cost

$45 per person adults. $25 per person children ages 5-12. Children 5 and under are free (option to pay $5 to let kids participate in the tasting).

With Transportation from your hotel in Quepos/Manuel Antonio – $55 per person adults. $40 per person children ages 5-12. Children 5 and under are free (option to pay $5 to let kids participate in the tasting). 

Tour Duration

About 2 hours   

Accessibility

The trail is fairly flat and very easy, but there are some rustic stairs in one spot. It’s also a walk up some stairs to the tasting platform.

The tour is not handicap-accessible. 

Conclusion

Though often overlooked because of the many tour options nearby, Villa Vanilla/Rainforest Spices makes an excellent addition to your Costa Rica itinerary. Learning about the farm and how these spices grow in harmony with the rainforest is a fun and tasty experience that you won’t forget. Especially when looking at that imitation vanilla on the shelf at the grocery store!

Have a question about visiting the Villa Vanilla Spice Farm or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below. Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these posts:

Rainmaker Conservation Project: Unspoiled Nature Near Manuel Antonio – Looking for another unique experience near Manuel Antonio? This park is much less busy that the national park and offers some hanging bridges and a small waterfall.

Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide – Looking for tasty eats, beautiful sunset dinners, or some comfort food? We’ve eaten our way through Manuel Antonio many times and share our favorites.

8 Things to Do in Dominical – Just a little south is the jungle-backed surfing town of Dominical. Check out some of the best attractions nearby.

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