A trip to Chira Island will probably result in you spending most of your time fishing or exploring the island by cycle or on foot. Each year in June and July there are cycle and running races around the island. Tourism is on the increase with cultural tours and tours around the mangrove swamps becoming more popular. The salt pans provide a good backdrop for photographing spoonbills and other waders.
Part of the Puntarenas Province, San Lucas Island was once an infamous prison but is now a National Park which has a good variety of wildlife such as several species of bat, deer, howler monkeys, pheasants, spiders and snakes. Surrounding waters are home to hammerhead sharks, rays, and turtles. Assisting the rangers and helping to increase the island’s attraction to tourists are volunteers belonging to Raleigh International who deserve every encouragement.
The Islas are in fact two islands, Tolinga and Alcatraz. Snorkelling is the most popular activity at the islands and you may be fortunate and encounter rays and dolphins. On occasion, whales may also be seen. It is the ideal spot to enjoy some kayaking and jet-skiing.
If you just want to laze on the beach and be entranced by the beauty of the sea and palms, this is the place for you. Spider monkeys abound and they will present good photo opportunities as they are naturally curious. Fishing around the islands is good and you may hook a tuna or jack or something smaller.
The Nicoya Peninsula is separated from mainland Costa Rica by the Gulf of Nicoya and the Tempisque estuary, and is made up of two provinces, Guanacaste and Puntarenas in the north and south respectively. The north is more developed and has some of the world’s best surfing beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, Avellanas and Playa Negra. There are so many beaches that you will be spoiled for choice deciding which to go to.
Some of the beaches and estuaries like the Ostional Beach within Ostional National Wildlife Refuge are nesting places for different types of turtle, one of the wonders of Nature. For pure relaxation, a stay in Samara with its beaches and surf, can hardly be beaten. From there you can take a drive to the Barra Honda National Park where you will find the Caves to which guided tours are available during the dry season.
The peninsula offers a number of ecosystems and provides great opportunities to view nature. You will come across coatis, countless species of bird, iguanas, monkeys, marine turtles, parrots, sloths, dolphins, manta rays and marlin. Sport fishing is an extremely popular activity together with kayaking and scuba diving.
A surf town at the end of the earth - this is very much the mood at hip Samara Bay. With its long stretch of golden sand, easy peeler waves laid back beach bars and sodas glowing beneath strings of fairy lights, and palm trees crowding their way onto the shore - you couldn’t ask for more. Samara can be found in the glorious Guanacaste region, where warm Pacific waters mingle with warm air. The town itself is small and walkable with a handful of bohemian restaurants, surfer bars, and trendy boutique shops. Those who come to Samara do so for that blissful beach bum life - with boards wedged in the sands, sunset chill-out sessions, and fire dancers performing after dark. For charter guests wanting a taste of Pura Vida, Samara can offer exactly that.
Playa Garza is a very quiet beach between two rocky headlands and is an excellent base to do some serious off-shore fishing. This area has for a long time been the secret spot of many fishermen but now the secret’s out, but you still won’t be swamped. It has not been spoiled by being too touristy, and it has maintained its local village feel.
Closer to the beach are calm, crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling, diving, kayaking or stand up paddling. But why not just lie on the beach and relax? There are a few shops and sodas in the small town and you won’t go hungry. If you can, have some coconut water straight from the shell.
Playa Flamingo has some of the best all year round best deep-sea fishing in the world with mahi mahi, marlin, rooster fish, sail-fish snapper, swordfish and tuna to be found off the coast. Swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, rafting, whale watching and general beach enjoyment are waiting for you when you tire of fishing.
A large number of land-based activities are available aided by its proximity to the Santa Rosa National Park and the Palo Verde natural reserve. Nearby, there is an 18-hole championship golf course which complement the many other activities like ATV tours, horseback riding, zip-lining, hiking, nature and educational activities.
Papagayo in Costa Rica is an ideal yachting destination for discerning guests. Its stunning natural surroundings and rich culture provide a stunning backdrop for luxury yacht holidays. From the unspoiled beaches and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Papagayo, to the lush green valleys and national parks inland, yacht charters in and around the region offer a unique way to explore the attractions of the region. On-shore activities include diving and fishing, as well as jungle treks and visits to local villages, creating the perfect opportunity to discover a little local culture. When the sun sets, guests can relax in the upmarket bars and restaurants, providing the perfect end to a day's exploration. Papagayo offers visitors a chance to take in untouched, unspoiled nature on a yacht holiday they'll never forget.