Bahia Culebra, Costa Rica

Checking into the country in Cocos was a fairly simple matter of providing all of the necessary paperwork. The downside was that we needed to check through Customs at the Liberia airport half an hour drive away. We found a cheap rental car for the day and drove there to complete our check in, allowing us 90 days to stay in Costa Rica.

The first two weeks we've been hoping around Bahia Culebra, staying at beautiful anchorages in this northern bay. Marina Papagayo is conveniently located at the far end of the bay. It's primarily a sport fishing and luxury yacht destination, but for us it became a convenient place to stop in for a few hours  to top off fuel and water. Interestingly, the water here in Costa Rica is fresh and pure and drinkable right from the tap, unlike other countries in Central America, or even in some parts of the United States.

The anchorages were generally well protected from swell and peaceful. Often we encountered afternoon or evening showers but the daytime temperatures were warm in the 90's and perfect for snorkeling in the rocky reefs.

We continued to travel loosely with our friends Bob and Irma aboard S/V Gaia 

and Roy aboard S/V Mabrouka. Here we are at anchor in Playa Nacascolo.

One of my favorite anchorages, Playa Nacascolo lies adjacent to the Four Seasons Resort 

at Papagayo. One morning we rowed ashore in our dinghy and enjoyed a walk along their beautiful golf course. Howler monkeys and iguanas scurried through the trees in the surrounding jungle while exotic birds flew overhead. the course was hilly, lush and gorgeous.

The path crossed streams and gave us many opportunities to watch the birds.

From the top of the hill we had a delightful view of our boats anchored in the bay below.

Exotic trees such as this Indian Banyan tree were interesting focal points around the course.

Iguana sunning on some rocks.