Vacation Travelers Group Blog

This is Craig Sutton, the US Representative for FishingNosara.com with the June report.
While the blue water vanished for two weeks in the middle of May, the inshore bite was alive with big Yellowfin Tunas and Cuberras that just won’t quit.

After I left on the May 23 the blue water returned and so did the big Marlin!

Captain William and Alex caught their biggest Black Marlin of the year with our new friends Tyson Wegman and Marcia Mulford. Be sure to check out the photos below…they really lit it up for just two short trips. The Wanderer backed that big release up with several more this month. Captain William can make a big Marlin seem meek with his skills at the helm.

Captain David on the Explorer has continued his year-long lightning pace. Myself and Paula Price loaded up the Explorer with nice size Yellowfin in just a couple of hours on May 20 and David has done the same with a lots of other lucky clients this month.

Captain Vibert on the Cabo had our old friend Ivan Deluca and Tomas out for several days of hardcore Marlin fishing and the photos show the big results. Congratulations Ivan on a super catch.
This year so far has been one of the best in recent memory and the best is yet to come. I am heading to Nosara next week for business but hopefully I will get a chance to try to locate a Marlin or two.

The end of June and beginning of July should be one for the record books. Remember last year the fishing was outstanding till late August and this year should be just as good. For example, last year the Wanderer caught their biggest Marlin of the year on August 14th .

We have several serious groups rolling into town and they will take no prisoners. Stand by because next month will be good!

The calendar is looking mighty full…not many dates left before the rain gets here in late August but if you can make it down call me and we will squeeze you in.

Tight Lines y Pura Vida!

-Craig

(904) 591-2161

Craig@FishingNosara.com

In the Southern zone of Costa Rica Turtle Beach is the translation of  Playa Tortuga. Lots of turtles swim ashore from the turquoise blue ocean to lay eggs on the silvery seashore. The beach is also known as the Playa Ojochal in the local dialect and is situated near a beautiful small village known as Ojochal, in the tropical southern pacific coast of the Costa Rica, a famous region for being the gateway to the Osa peninsula.

From the geographical point of view it is very near from the Playa dominical, and Playa Uvita. Tourists may have to make an about 8 km. southward journey from the Marina Ballena National park, 35 km southward journey from Playa Dominical and almost 15 km. southward journey from Playa Uvita. There also exist convenient access to the Cano Island Biological Reserve, Corcovado National Park, coastal Rainforest and Terraba-Sierpe Rivers. This area has been called by National Geographic the most biological intense place on earth.

Playa Tortuga is the land of turtles and white sand. The beach offers has a wonderful, tranquil scenic beauty that enlivens the hearts of the tourists. The pleasant temperature of the blue ocean, the enjoyable climatic condition and the aesthetic gentle breeze add essence to the beauty. The beach is adversely affected during the hurricane season, claiming lots lives and properties and changing the aspects every year owing to the severe erosion of the beach.

There are many hotels in the Playa Tortuga region, of varied types at varied costs. There a few vacation rentals at this time but as the area blossoms more will come. All the hotels deliver quality range of services with every essential facility such telephone, AC, TV, coffee machine and most importantly safety. There are some hotels that have employed the awesome concept of SPA to facilitate the customers. A few renowned hotels are Hotel La Tortuga, Hotel Villas Gaia, Hotel Posada Playa Tortuga and hotel Las Gaviotas.

Costa Rica Map

Every year, Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill turtles come to Barra de Parismina, Costa Rica, to lay their eggs on Parismina beach from March to October. Poachers steal the turtles and their eggs to sell on the black market for profit. Although this practice is illegal in Costa Rica, as it contributes to the depletion of the endangered sea turtle populations, it is hard to enforce without the help of the local community’s participation.

In April of 2001, a handful of local residents, along with the Costa Rican Coast Guard initiated Asociacion Salvemos las Tortugas de Parismina, or Save the Turtles of Parismina (ASTOP). This community-based, non profit, conservation organization is dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their eggs from poaching, while initiating sustainable development and providing a viable alternative economy to poaching in the small Caribbean community of Parismina.

Prior to the formation of ASTOP, 98% of the Green turtles were killed for their meat and 98% of all three species of turtles?nests were poached on Parismina beach. Since the project started, poaching has decreased to 38%. In addition to saving 10,000 neonates annually, ASTOP economically supports approximately one third of the village. Because ASTOP is a true grassroots project, we have also been successful at redefining the cultural importance of turtle conservation.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the generous help of our volunteers. ASTOP welcomes individual and group volunteers from all over the world that want would like to help us protect sea turtles, and support our community. As a volunteer, you will work alongside our local turtle guides. On the nightly patrols, you will guard nesting turtles, learn to identify turtle tracks, count the number of eggs, record tag numbers and assist with relocating eggs.

Day tasks include monitoring the hatchery, cleaning the beach of debris, safeguard the hatchlings on their first journey to the ocean, and participating in nest exhumations.

See HERE for special group packages.

Please feel free to contact us for any question about Parismina or our volunteer turtle program.

Phone: (506) 2798-2220
(Costa Rica Country Code: 506)

E-mail: info@parisminaturtles.org

Interesting to note that there are two towns/beaches named Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica. Both are lush and beautiful and have lived up to its name Hermosa which means beautiful in Spanish. How else can you describe a place of cool blue ocean and majestic palm trees?

One is located in Guanacaste which offers an idyllic and relaxed atmosphere for families on vacation and the other lies in the province of Puntarenas where the waves and the surfing action thrive. Either Hermosa is great place to visit or stay when vacationing in Costa Rica.

So, if you are bringing you family for a vacation, take Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste and breath easy. The beach there is safe for kids. This Playa Hermosa is rarely crowded making it a great retreat for those who would like to runaway from busy schedules and heavy traffic. The weather is also ideal with warm temperature throughout the year.

On the other hand, the Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas is known as one of the best surfing havens for professionals all over the world. There are international and local competitions held throughout the year in the area. Located some five kilometers south of the town of Jaco, this place is the haven of those who are adventurous. A word of warning, the beaches of Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas are not as safe for swimming as the beach in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste as the waves and the undertows are much stronger. Waves could reach as high as 13 feet in this area which makes it ideal for professional surfers. Amateurs and beginners, its good advice to take your surf boards somewhere else in the area because the waves here are monstrous! You don’t want to ruin your vacation by getting yourself mauled by huge waves when trying turn learn to surf!

I visited the Tenorio Volcano National Park during a family holiday in Costa Rica. Tenorio lies northwest of the famous Lake Arenal and even though the road up to the park might be challenging, and definitely requires a 4WD vehicle, the destination is worth the jungle ride.

Tenorio is located in the northern part of Costa Rica near the Arenal Volcano and therefor is also part of the same conservation area known as the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area which includes some other territories as well.

The Tenorio Volcano National Park had some excellent hiking paths which can be done by all types of hikers and even I was able to get to the higher points and I do not consider myself that much of an athletic..

The turqoise lagoons, coloured by by means of a volcanic chemical reaction, and the waterfalls add to the almost fairytale-like atmosphere. It’s no wonder they called the river running through the Tenorio Volcano National Park the Celeste River, or Rio Celeste in Spanish.

The contrast of the clear blue water and the lush green rainforest against the volcanic peaks of Tenorio makes this park the perfect place to photograph some of the nicest panoramic views in Costa Rica.  resources

Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica Vacation Rentals- Casa Papillon is an incredible home in a quiet location in Manuel Antonio with amazing views. This superb house has 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, spacious terraces and two pools. It is also fully furnished with very modern kitchen.

This impressive home provides flat screen TVs, cable, Internet connection, air conditioning and security system. This is one of the best equipped rental home in the area and it is also close to many bars and restaurants.
We know you are here to relax. Our massage therapists who will come to your villa to provide massage and beauty services, and nothing will make you feel more beautiful than feeling relaxed.

Personal chef service
Manuel Antonio has the finest restaurant s on the Pacific Coast, but nothing can beat the convenience and luxury of meals cooked in-house by your very own private chef. Services are very flexible. You can choose…  read more

Villa Paraiso (Paradise Villa) our flagship and newly renovated and refurbished villa is a private luxury seven bedroom, seven and a half bath villa (now with an optional eigth bedroom owner’s suite) with a full staff — chef, housekeeper, and bartender. The villa has a large infinity swimming pool with a swim up bar and an eight-person jacuzzi. All bedrooms are air-conditioned, have an ocean view, and face the pool. The living room is uniquely decorated and furnished with custom-made leather furniture, a large 27″ television with cable, VCR/DVD player, and a super stereo system with CD, cassette player, and outside/inside Bose speakers.

Five of the bedrooms have king beds. One bedroom has two queen beds and the other has two double beds. All beds have comfortable feather matresses to ensure that your sleep is as wonderful as your waking hours are at Villa Paraiso. Each bedroom is uniquely decorated and furnished with an individual theme.

Click the links on our sidebar to the right to see pictures and a description of each bedroom and living room. Our bedrooms and bathrooms were recently renovated with the following changes: granite counter tops in the all bathrooms and the kitchen with new tile in all bathrooms with new updated plumbing and light fixtures plus crown molding in all of the bedrooms and living room.

This Costa Rica Vacation Rental all-inclusive plan provides three meals per day, snacks, and a full open bar for one price. The staff is there to provide for your every need and you will enjoy daily mouth-watering meals made by our talented Costa Rican chefs–from fresh seafood to Italian dishes. You will also taste fresh vegetables and fresh fruit like you have never tasted before.

All meals are served outside under the canopy, facing the view. Fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit are house specialties as well as chicken, pork, and Italian dishes. Among the seafood served during the week’s stay are fresh mahi mahi, grouper, snapper, and…

Costa Rica Vacation Rentals

Located in the province of Puntarenas on the Central Pacific coast in Costa Rica, the town of Quepos is situated across a tropical inlet that is enclosed by primary rain forest and is sleepy getaway that is growing in popularity yet manages to maintain its humble origins. Quepos evolved from the banana industry, into the palm oil industry, to now the tourism industry. In the late 1800′s, huge banana plantations were developed throughout the area. Bananas were shipped to locations around world from the docks that now service the renowned sport fishing and diving operations. During the 80′s much of the export was generated around the hearty African Palms with their abundant and quality palm oil.

There are many activities available for tourists to Quepos to enjoy, indeed the town’s primary income is now firmly tourism related. The majority of the town’s tourist activities are situated in the centre of the village, a charming six block square positively filled to the brim with everything from bars and restaurants, to banks, markets, stores, hotels, bakeries, gift shops and even art galleries. And that doesn’t even mention the more natural of the town’s attractions, its beautiful main beach and many associated sport fishing activities.

The dry months between December and April are probably the best, most action packed times, to take a trip to Quepos and those lucky enough to visit the town in February will encounter the annual Festival de Mer, a party that lasts the entire month and features concerts, sporting events, parades and a street carnival that attracts dancers from all over Costa Rica. Quepos is easily accessible via the town’s main bus terminal. Situated less than a hundred miles from the capital city of San Jose, Quepos is also the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which is one of the nation’s smallest National Parks, but also arguably one of its most astonishing and unmissable.

Quepos is a must visit. Just a few minutes from the most visited park in Costa Rica Manuel Antonio.

Situated on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, one kilometer to the north of the center of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a black sand beach that offers miles and miles of beautiful and isolated shoreline, stretching from just north of the downtown of Puerto Vieja (from which Playa Negra lies a very short walk away) all the way down to the beginning of the Cahuita National Park. Playa Negra has been described as one of the natural beaches in the whole of the Caribbean, offset with rock outcroppings and tidepools. It is an ideal destination for tourists looking to escape from the more developed attractions in the area and for keen surfers it offers an uncrowded beach break with plenty of consistent and superb left and rights.

One of the other major attractions at Playa Negra is the Playa Negra Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which aims to improve the conservation of the sea turtles that inhabit, mate, migrate and nest in around the entire south Caribbean region of Costa Rica, and there are various expeditions which tourists can enroll in at a reasonable price, learning about ecology while at the same time experiencing all the usual sights one comes to the nation to see.

Playa Negra is a lively and diverse area with a striking beauty all of its own, offering some of the most beautiful sunrises you will find anywhere in Costa Rica. The beach is easily accessible via a path just off  Playa Negra Norte, and is well worth checking out.

Costa Rica Caribbean

A beautiful coastal destination, Playa Bejuco is located against the delightful Puntarenas province. It is a laidback, immaculate town with a secluded open coast that has become very popular over the years, particularly with the surfing community thanks to its superb quality waves, best sampled during times of rising tides.

With long stretches of shore break peaks fifty two weeks of the year, and iridescent waters, it is little wonder that Playa Bejuco has become such a prominent tourist spot for surfers, although it should be noted that with swells starting at three feet and going up to as much sixteen feet, the more experienced surfer would be better suited to tackling its challenges than the rookie!

There are many other things to do in Playa Bejuco besides surfing, however. It is a marvelous example of the truly unspoiled tropical paradise. The town boasts a myriad of entertainment possibilities, including many adventure tours and outdoor activities such as golf, deep sea fishing, horseback riding, tennis, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, crocodile tours and ATV, Zip Line and Aerial Tram Tours.

It is a haven for nature lovers and photographers in particular in large part because of its truly breathtaking scenery including lush tropical vegetation, the volcanic sand beach which is one of the most beautiful (and relatively unknown) beaches in the whole world and has also been described as the new fish bill capitol of the Americas.

Playa Bejuco is easily accessible via car or airplane and is an ideal for a family vacation or just for anyone looking for a great holiday by the beach.

Costa Rica Beaches