Costa Rica's Isla del Coco Best Scuba Diving Cocos Island

Let's travel Costa Rica to Cocos Island . You can get there on a boat , yes a 36 hour boat ride!

Scuba Diving and Hidden Treasures at Coco Island Costa Rica. Cocos is located about 365 miles off the west coast of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean. You depart from the Pacific port of Puntarenas.  Most famous for scuba diving with giant hammerhead sharks, and the mysteries surrounding  pirates treasures hidden somewhere on the island.  Most travel on live aboard dive boats operated by two companies 1. Okeanos Aggresor and 2. Undersea Hunter Group, which depart year round from the port of Puntarenas.

Cocos Island remains virtually untouched because of its isolation. The island was discovered in 1526 , and it's legends of hidden pirate's treasures envelope the island in mystique. In 1978, then president Rodrigo Carazo named Cocos Island a National Park. Then, it's unique biological diversity earned the island the declaration of UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1992 the government of Costa Rica prohibited anyone from "hunting treasures" on the island.

To visit the pristine jungle island one has to approach in a small rubberized water craft (from a larger boat) and prepare to get your feet wet. One can hike on the island, but to it's highest point 2,080 feet above sea level, be prepared. It is a strenuous hike. Here the water in the streams is pure and drinkable. For the less ambitious, there are shorter hikes around the bays.

Only a small number of people live on the island. They are the park rangers , researchers, and some volunteers. Visitors have to sleep onboard the boats.

The BIG draw to the island is Isla del Coco National Marine Park which extends 12 nautical miles around the island. It is home to many large marine species because it is exposed to multiple marine currents . It is the only emerging point of an underwater mountain range.

Here we find the world's largest concentration of hammerhead sharks. And many other species of sharks such as reef sharks, the enormous whale shark, and the tiger shark.

And that's not all; there is humpback whales, frog fish, batfish, and marble ray

Scuba Divers must be advanced and experienced due to the underwater currents and the deep dives. Advanced skills are required for the night dives, deep dives, and drift dives. Recommender is 25 hours of prior experience (currents and deep dives) before undertaking diving in the Cocos waters.

The Okeanos offers four different dives per day, three buffet meals, and a movie at night.

Visit their website at www.aggressor.com Price around $3,400.00 per person.

I longed to visit Cocos, but am not a scuba diver.  I found a trip offered by the Organization of Tropical Studies in Costa Rica.  You can find out by email  biocursos@ots.ac.cr This organization is friendly, professional, and well organized and reasonably priced.  The guides speak in Spanish, but know some English.  Plus the educational information is provided  in written form, and you could request it in English.  My Spanish is conversational Spanish, and I have been with them on other trips inside Costa Rica, and found them fun as well as educational.

Questions and comments welcomed,    at end of this post  click  no comment  (yes it should say comment)  I need to fix that.

Why Would Anyone Want to Live and Retire in Costa Rica?

Have you been thinking about taking that big plunge into a true learning adventure?   Move to a tropical country, learn a new language, and meet new and interesting people?  Well, I've got just the place for you. Costa Rica!

Top Ten Reasons to  Work, Live, or Retire in Costa Rica:

Many people are coming from the US, Canada, and Europe to live and retire in Costa Rica, last count was over 30,000.   They come for different reasons.  Adventure is one of the reasons, and there is plenty of it in Costa Rica!   Another big  reasons :  to live a simpler and more relaxed life integrated in a tropical  sunny setting.  Get out of the hustle and bustle of a  stress filled life.  Learn a new culture and  a new language.    Another reason:  the cost of living.  The over all cost  here is less expensive than  North America or Europe.

Climate: one of the best in the world.  The weather is great with lots  of sunshine year round!  Average daily temperature in the central valley where most people settle is 72 degrees year round.  With a rainy season of sunny mornings and warm afternoon rains from May thru November.  Everything is always 1000 shades of green!  The dry season December thru April when all the colorful flowers burst into bloom and the sun shines all day.  Unless you live on the beach, air conditioning is not needed so imagine how much money that will save.  Neither is heating which again saves you money.

2. The warmth of the Costa Rican people who welcome you to their country.  They are helpful and genuine.  Also the large expat community gives you the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, who do interesting things, so you learn from one another.

3. Cost of Living..over all- taking everything into consideration, it is less expensive to live in Costa Rica.  The big things: real estate taxes are much much lower.  On my house valued at $180,000, I paid $400 annually.  The house was concrete block so I don't buy property insurance- I figured it would not catch fire. Nor liability insurance since here everyone isn't always suing everyone else.  Utility bills and phone bills-all much lower .  I paid $50 month for utilities - did not use a clothes dryer.   house phone $10 monthly and cell phone $10 monthly.  I bought a prepaid internet card to go onto the internet, although you do want high speed internet if it is offered in your area.  Around $35 and up per month.

Household help is around $2 per hour because you have to pay a lot of social benefits as well has her salary.  Gardeners  and drivers about the same.

Food,  You can shop weekend local farmers markets and save on fresh fruits and vegetables.  Meat is pricey, about same price as the US. Automobiles are very expensive due to the import tax the government puts on them.  20%-50% higher than in the US.  Also gasoline is around $3.50 a gallon.  Also if you wish you can open a business and make money; the government of Costa Rica has a very positive attitude and encourages new businesses. You just have to meet the requirements which only a very good attorney can instruct you.

4. Health Care- costs much less than in the US and the quality is very good.  Many doctors trained in the US  and  Europe and speak English.  They don't run in and out of your room, they sit down and talk and listen to you.  They are 2 excellent hospitals in the metropolitan area of San Jose and Escazu.  Clinica Biblica in San Jose and Cema Hospital in Escazu.   They are to North America standards with  modern facilities and equipment, and most of the doctors speak English.

5. Dental- excellent and much much cheaper

6. Stay connected all around the world- cell phones, home phone lines, all less expensive. High speed Internet is available in the populated areas-also inexpensive.  Although high speed is not available in some areas.

7. Democratic Government- Costa Rica has a presidential  election every four years. The Costa Rican people are passionate about politics, just be around when the presidential campaign is on.   This stability draws many business down to Costa Rica.  Such as Intel, Proctor and Gamble,  even Google.

8. Two international airports with several flights a day(with connections) to almost anywhere in the world. So it is easy to come and go and you do not have to deal with  big changes in time zones.   So you arrive rested.

9. Live in a Country where you can truly experience new and exciting things: Abundant natural beauty-the rain forest, home to hundreds of colorful tropical birds and wildlife, beaches on both sides of the country, mountains and volcanoes..all in this tiny area!

10.  Lastly, and this one is the best.  Live a simple life.  Unhurried,  time to spend with friends and family.     Costa Ricans do not get in a hurry for much of anything.  They take time to sit down to eat lunch,  spend Sundays with their family,  have time for a cup of coffee with friends.

So, in summary what do I save money on if I live in Costa Rica? 1. Heating and cooling bills  2. basic phone bills  3.  Electrical bill   4. Real Estate taxes if you own a home  5. domestic help   6. Gardner  7. You spend less on clothing because of the casual lifestyle and no change of seasons.  And no fancy silk dresses for the ladies.

9. Medical care and dental  is much cheaper.

What may cost me the same? Housing cost is similar to USA and Canada

What may cost me more? 1. Automobiles are  very expensive due to tax the gov puts on them.  Maintenance on a car is high.  Tires wear out sooner due to poor road conditions   2. food cost are similar to North America, however if you shop weekends at the  local farmer's market you can really save on fruits and vegetables.  3. Gasoline is more expensive than in USA,  around $3.50 a gallon.

Ann welcomes questions and will answer them timely.  At the end of this post click on no comment and state your questions or comments. Or respond in  "reply"

Costa Rica Spotlight: Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge, Limon Costa Rica

One of my favorite special interest tours is Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge located near Limon Costa Rica on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. My husband and I stopped by there on my way to Cahuita National Park which is a few miles down the road. And boy did we get a treat! After meeting Judy and Lewis Arroyo, the founders, We took the tour ( $14.00) which included viewing a well made video about the behavior and life cycle of the sloth. Then, the best part- we meet three university students who come for three months to volunteer their time to care for the sick and injured sloths, then release them back into the wild. Some of the newborn sloths were being bottle fed-so cute!

The Story of Buttercup-the mascot of Aviarios, pictured above in the arms of Judy's grandson. Buttercup was rescued and brought to Judy when she was a baby. She was hit by a car while crossing the roadway near by the refuge. She was nursed back to health and now resides in her own wicker hammock right there on the front porch of the refuge. Buttercup is friendly and loves the tourist. I even had my picture taken wit h her. (no flash photos, please).

Then we took the canal tour offered at the sanctuary: This tour took us down a narrow fresh water canal system that is an offshoot of the Estrella River. Our canoe was paddled by our local Costa Rican guide named Jose who spoke very good English. We were out only a short time when we spotted a toucan -jet black in color with a long yellow bill. Boy am I glad I had my binoculars! It was early, around 6:30 a.m. and we could hear a symphony of bird sounds. Such lush tropical vegetation in this exuberant lowland rainforest, a thousand different colors of green. A small black howler monkey lurked in the tree top above us and gazed at us with amusement. And Jorge then explained that this is the home of the reclusive caiman, and other creatures such as anteaters, river otters, turtles, lizards, and the beautiful turquoise -blue morphous butterfly.

Yesterday, upon our arrival to Aviarios, darkenss came around 5:30 p.m. so we decided to rent one of Judy's rooms. She runs a B&B here, so we took the room with air conditioning $100.00 The rooms ( not luxury) are clean with plenty of hot water and a very comfortable queen bed .The price included a delicious full Costa Rican breakfast of fresh fruit (pineapple, papaya, and watermelon-all locally grown.) Then fresh scrambled eggs along with gallo pinto which is a mixture of rice and beans flavored with Salsa lizano (a Costa Rican salsa and yes the receipe is a secret). Then came the fresh homemade tortillas with white cheese called farmers cheese (made locally), and fried plantains- Those big yellow bananas. Yummy!

Highly recommended: What a special treat-Aviarios del Caribe!

How to get there: From San Jose take the main road to Limon (Highway 32) Before Limon city turn south towards Cahuita, Puerto Viejo. Go about 30 minutes , around 18 miles, watch for the signs Aviarios del Caribe. The sign into the property is on the left side of the road.

Please call ahead of time to let them know you are coming. They keep the front gate locked.

How much time do I need to spend there? I felt it was a good thing to spend the night , since we had been driving for almost 4 hours getting there from San Jose, we were tired out.

We got up the following morning at 5:30 a.m. (daylight in Costa Rica is around 5:30 a.m. all year round) and took the canal tour around 6:15 a.m. lasting around 1 hour) Then the sloth film and then the tour of the refuge and actually seeing all the sloths being cared for. By lunch time we moved on to Cahuita National Park. Only a few miles further south.

Special instructions: Use your mosquito repellent at around 4:30 p.m. when the mosquitoes come out. Sunhat and sunscreen. It's hot here, around 80 degrees F. Remember you are in a lowland rainforest at sea level, so dress in cottons and stay cool.

Camera and binoculars for the many nature photography opportunities here!

Best time of year to visit: All Year round, rainfall is heavy here most of the year so remember to get up early and get going. Mornings are usually more sunny. Caribbean side of Costa Rica gets considerably more rainfall per year than any of the other regions.

Credit cards accepted?- check with Judy first as to how she handles credit cards and which ones she accepts.

Costa Rica Spotlight: Costa Rica offers Orchid Lovers a Treat

As you travel Costa Rica you will see many species of Orchids  in Costa Ricain full bloom.  Especially in the dry season of January through April, providing the ideal natural conditions for the orchids to  bloom and thrive.  They are seen mostly in peoples homes and also in hotel lobbies.  It is rare, but not impossible to see an orchid growing in the wild.   These  natural occurring ideal growing conditions include:  1. 70 degree temperatures during the day and 60 degrees at night, with warm tropical breezes  2. Ideal lighting conditions of warm filtered sunshine  8-9 hours a day.  Do not place orchids in direct sunlight.  2 Most varieties of orchids do not like a lot of watering so this natural dry season is perfect.  This makes the orchids bloom and remain in bloom.  3. Natural humidity of 50-60 percent provides the right amount of moisture they need.   Most tropical orchids anchor onto tree bark or even on rocks and thrive because they can exist in nutrient poor habitats.  They are not parasites and do not sap the life from the tree,  instead the thick roots of the orchids catch whatever moisture and nutrients that are in the air, and the thick  leaves and swollen stems store  water for long periods of time.

The exotic orchid makes for the perfect hobby.  Their  beauty will illuminate a room and be the subject of conversation.  You will find yourself attending orchid shows and  cultivating friendships among orchid growers,  attending orchid seminars, learning from one another.

So if Costa Rica is your home, you share this home with the many species of orchids naturally growing in this tropical  paradise.  In fact  most of the 28,000 species of orchids around the world  are found here.

These fascinating plants over centuries have  served as the symbol of love, beauty, and luxury, and have  been regarded as aphrodisiacs and a main ingredient in love potions.  The Greeks though them a symbol of virility,  the Chinese- The Plant of the King's Fragrance-

At local colorful farmers markets in every little town around Costa Rica, we can find for sale many beautiful and colorful orchids at very inexpensive prices.  And the best part is:  just enjoy them as they thrive naturally.

Costa Rica hosts it's National Orchid Show in San Jose in mid March.  More information at

www.costaricanorchids.com

Costa Rica National Parks about The Entrance Fees

I have been asked about the entrance fees to the National Parks.  The fee is $7 per person.

However, if you are a student and carry a student ID card, ask at the entrance gate for a possible discounted  student entrance fee.

Also you may ask for a senior  discount,  showing your passport-however; at this time I am not aware of any senior discounts.

Multiple entrance passes (sold at discount)?  The office of Costa Rica Tourism  ICT  (located downtown San Jose)  may offer this.  But,  getting down town to obtain it is probably not worth the time and expense.  San Jose is a very crowded city and traffic jams are common.

Traveling to Costa Rica, Should I Rent Car?

I have often been told by my clients- We want to see as much as Costa Rica as possible, but not spend all the time in the car.

So what are the condition of the roads?  Costa Rica is a mountainous country so to get most anywhere you have to drive over, thru, or around a mountain.  So the going is slow.  The roads are curvy and not very wide.....although now a days the roads in C Rica are better...still we encounter potholes  (due to heavy rainy seasons).  So a distance may look like a short distance on a map, but the travel time can be quite longer.   Roads tend to get crowded, esp on week-ends and holidays.

Don't drive at night if you can avoid it.  Visibility, esp. during the rainy season is not always good.

Fill your fuel tank in the cities as rural areas don't have as many service stations.

If you are going outside the central valley of San Jose area, a car that is higher up off the ground is definitely better.  (although you do not need especially a four wheel drive)  Most car rental agencies have a good selection of SUV type vehicle.  With air conditioning which you do need.

You  need to specify if you want automatic or straight shift.

Road signs definitely have improved, but sometimes we still need just to stop the car and ask directions.  Costa Ricans are more than nice about helping out. You don't even need to speak Spanish.  Just be able to say what your destination is.

Should I rent a car or purchase a tour where I am provided transportation?  Many people are renting cars now in Costa Rica.  With the road system somewhat improved and road signs also better, it easier in that respect to drive yourself.  But- the draw backs are:  Costa Rican drivers follow a different set of rules than we do.  Aggressive behavior- passing on curves, going thru red lights, driving on the  curb of the road.  Costa Ricans seem to be such nice people but the male population when behind a wheel seem to change to creatures from another planet.

Also auto rentals are not cheap.  Around $50 a day for a small 4x4 which seats really comfortably 2 persons with your luggage in the back seat. And there is an insurance deductible which you have to put on your credit card of around $900.  You get this back  (they tear up the credit card voucher) if you don't have an accident where your cost is $900. (insurance deductible) Be sure you go over in detail with your car rental agency as to what exactly does the insurance cover that you are buying.

Gasoline is around $3.50 per gallon for regular.  Additionally: The insurance will not cover if you have an accident by crossing a river (in the water) ,  driving while drinking alcohol,

or whatever else they categorize as "reckless -neglectful  driving.

Carry you passport and drivers license with you while driving.

Make sure the spare tire is locked.

Don't leave valuables visible inside your locked car when you are not in it.  It's common to have windows bashed to get whats inside.

Have a great Costa Rican vacation!    And rent a car in Costa Rica!   Take it from costaricalearn. Renting a car  in Costa Rica will enhance your enjoyment and give you freedom to travel at your own pace.

Reasons to Choose Costa Rica for Vacation

Why choose Costa Rica for  vacation?

Many reasons:  Costa Rica is a stable democracy-with free and open elections every four years.

Since 1949 it has no standing army.   Costa Rica does have  policemen,  however; they appear to be non aggressive and go about their jobs in a friendly manner.  What one does see (and this disturbs a lot of people) is private guards with guns  in front of most private and public places of businesses.  However,

we won't expect to experience a military coup or see a dictator take over- like some of Costa Rica's neighbors.

The weather is great, especially December thru April which is the dry season..very little rain.

Although many people who love rain come here May through November when we see sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoons.

Above photo-Heliconia

Tourist come to experience the vast unspoiled outdoor adventure  Costa Rica has to offer.   The National parks and biological reserves, the secluded beaches, and breathe the cool clean air of the mountains.

For such a small country, Costa Rica has about twenty different and diverse ecosystems.  The government was very smart when it set aside 20% of it's land surface for protected areas which are the more than twenty national parks and numerous biological reserves.

Costa Rica  is an agricultural country:  among its main crops-coffee, sugar cane, pineapples, papayas, and rice.  These products are  exported to the United States, Canada, and Europe. Of course the best known export is coffee which is excellent;  even Starbucks is a fan and purchases it's organic coffee from Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican people are the country's national treasure.  They are educated, polite, friendly and helpful.  Many of them speak English which is taught in school starting in the primary grades.

Many people come from around the world to retire in Costa Rica.  Many are  from US and Canada.  They come to live the simple life and a life somewhat less expensive than back home.  The weather is a big factor..all that sunshine and flowers, and warm rains.   Things we need as we grow older are available here at a reasonable cost.  A woman to live in your home, caring and cooking if you are not able to do it yourself, is affordable  (nothing like the cost in US)

Most importantly, North Americans and other nationalities  are genuinely welcome in Costa Rica.

Learn Your Lesson: Problems with buying real estate in Costa Rica

Have you had problems with buying real estate in Costa Rica?  Did you put money down on a property in Costa Rica?  And now the construction  is stalled or the lot is not being developed?   The developers are unable to perform on their promises?

The basic problem is that many of these developers used your down payments to finance his first phases of the development project which he has not built yet!  But has done "something with you money" And now he cannot borrow any more money -because the banks have frozen lending.  So the construction project or development is at a standstill.

The present world financial situation as caused "havoc".  So what do you do?

If you have a Costa Rica attorney in whom you put your trust, of course, you will sit down with him and go over you options. If you do not have one..get one.  Talk to Americans who live there and own property for references.

What we don't always take into consideration first--before embarking upon the purchase of property in Costa Rica is that the Costa Rican laws (and the way things work there) is very different from the USA, Canada, or other foreign countries.

So we cannot assume anything.

You may have been one of the lucky ones and your developer refunded your down payment.

Or you may have been an unlucky one and have found that your efforts to recover you money are in vain.

So what lesson do we learn from this?

First: do not put a down payment to purchase a property in another country  over the phone (sight unseen).

Second:  in Costa Rica obtain the services of a reputable competent attorney who speaks good English to  draw you a contract where you know what is going to happen in all phases of the deal.  Make sure if your money is held "in trust" that it will remain in the attorney's trust account and not paid out to any builder or developer until AFTER he has delivered the first phase (for which the money is going to pay for)

If something does not "seem right to you" then don't get into it.

Stewart Title operates in Costa Rica.. they claim to guarantee your title free, clear and good

(for a fee)  MAKE SURE you read everything in detail that you sign with Stewart Title.  And have you own attorney go over it all before you sign it.  Because Stewart T. is not cheap, and you must understand what  is exactly they guarantee to you.

You may say, well your article is too simplistic.  Anyone would know what you are saying.....But, believe me..I have seen many people get scammed.  Dont be one of them.

Establish yourself with a reputable English speaking attorney (get references from the American Community..someone who has lived there for a long time.)

"The Wise Man Built his House upon a Rock"  Have you ever heard your grandmother say that?

Jaco Beach, Costa Rica's Surfer's Paradise

Surfing Costa Rica . Jaco Beach , one of Costa Rica's top ten beaches with it's black sand and big waves  attracts surfers from around the world.  Generally, it is known for it's laid back lifestyle,  a small sleepy beach town where locals hang out with tourists to enjoy a cold Imperial "cerveza", Costa Rica's famous local beer.    Yet, now we see tall cranes and  construction equipment; evidence of the high rise Condo boom that has hit this once quiet little stretch  of dark volcanic beach.  Only 2 hours from the central valley- San Jose area makes it an easy drive.  Drive during the day light hours because the route is a winding, narrow mountain road, and heavily trafficked.  Also, one can catch a public bus from any public bus station and easily arrive to Jaco.  However, there is no landing strip  for small planes.

Although the town has only one main street, it seems larger  and one immediately senses the  busy hustle and bustle of tourism. Hundreds of surfers,  beach strollers, lots of young people from all over the world and also lots of young Costa Ricans.

Why travel to Jaco as part of your Costa Rican vacation?

As I said, the close proximity to the international airport in the central valley-Alajuela-San Jose area makes it an easy two hour drive. It is famous for it's year round high surf-big big waves and the surfers love it.

What's there to do when I get there?

Most come for the beach experience and surfing.  Big waves are what it is famous for.  The beach itself is black sand due to it' s volcanic origin.

The small town of Jaco has lots small hotels as well as the larger and more luxury hotels, among them  The Best Western Jaco  with about one hundred rooms.  The local restaurant scene is varied:  from fresh seafood to authentic Italian pizzas and typical local foods such as tacos, rice and chicken, fried yucca, chayote with corn,  and of course coconut flan for  desert.

Imperial, Costa Rica's infamous beer flows like honey.  The disco scene is alive with the latest pulsating Latin beats.

So if you are looking for a "fun and sun" filled  surfing town,  plenty of bars and discos- night life, and great waves for surfing during the day...you have found it at Jaco Beach.  Wall to wall souvenir shops and young tourist from all over world (Costa Ricans too)  flock here especially during holidays and school breaks.  The guys are  looking for the girls and the girls are looking for the guys.

And Surf boards can be rented in town.

With Jaco's recent face lift (high rise condos  and several new high rise hotels) , the atmosphere is changing a little from the sleepy beach surfers hang out to somewhat of a "mini Miami Beach".

If you are in Jaco to  experience an "eco-vacation"  there's plenty of that too.  Ask at your hotel front desk for tourism companies offering horseback treks, sport fishing, jungle canopy tours,  birding and wildlife watching, and much more.

To see the scarlet macaw: take a tour to Carara Biological Reserve located 9 miles north of Jaco.  Get there as early a.m. as possible since these birds tend to be more active in the early morning or late afternoon.

The bridge crossing the River Tarcoles is a look out point to view crocodiles.  Binoculars are a big help to see them up close.  This river crossing is several miles (about 25 minutes)  before the Jaco turn off  ( it is easy to see on your Costa Rica map.)

Hard core surfers go 6 miles south of Jaco to Playa Hermosa where the annual international surf convention is held.  Taxi ride from Jaco cost around $5.50

A most beautiful beach is located about 10 miles south of Jaco (look for a small sign on right side of road...it's easy to miss)  to Playa ESTARILLOS OESTE   Waves are big and strong.   The community is laid back with a mix of North American who live here and local Ticos.

Beware of undertows  which are common and strong.

What time of year is best to visit?  September and October are rainiest months.  December thru April is the dry season so this is the best time to visit.

But visitors seem to come here all year round.

Temperature are in 80's range.  Most hotels have air conditioning.

What should I bring:  Backpack to carry essentials such as bottled water, binoculars, sunscreen, sunhat,  camera, etc.

Will I have internet access?  Yes, there are many internet cafes scattered around town, and the cost is nominal.  You pay per minute of use.

Recommendations:  Keep passport and  other important documents in the safety deposit box in your hotel.  Most hotels now have these in your room.

Don't carry around large sums of cash in your wallet.   Don't leave camera, binoculars, etc. laying on park benches, hotel restaurant seats, etc.   Petty theft can be a problem.

Can I drink the water?  No,  drink only bottled water  (which has a seal on the lid.)

Public Bus Schedule from San Jose Coca-Cola terminal depart to Jaco 6 a.m.  7 a.m. 9 a.m.

11 a.m.  1, 3, 5 , 7 p.m. Ticket costs $3.50   Takes around 3 hours

Resource: There is a cute small  hotel at Playa Hermosa catering to surfers  called Surf  Inn Hermosa

www.surfinnhermosa.com  One bedroom studio apartment around $100 plus tax of 16.3% per night   2 bedrooon ocean front apartment around $250 plus tax per night.

A taxi from Jaco to Surf Inn Hermosa costs around $5.50.  and takes only about 10 minutes

What to bring:  sunscreen, sunhat,  cool cotton clothes very casual, bathing suits,  mosquito spray for after 4:30p.m.  Camera,  and if you are a birdwatcher bring your binoculars

Surf boards can be rented in Jaco town.

Happy Travels,  Ann

Post questions by clicking on "no comment"at the end of the post.  Yes it should say comment.  I need to fix that.