Costa Rica at Last! Santa Elena Bay

After 9 months and over 4000 miles we are finally in Costa Rica! We left Puesta Del Sol early in the morning, cruising overnight through thunderstorms and head winds along the Nicaraguan coast to arrive in paradise early the following day. Sailing into Santa Elena Bay was truly like entering Eden. This small bay located in the northern part of the Santa Rosa National Park is nearly surrounded by land, thus very protected from strong wind and swell from the ocean. Verdant hills teaming with wildlife reached out to welcome us to this remote anchorage.

Santa Elena Bay, Costa Rica

We dropped anchor in the southeast part of the bay so we would have the most protection from the afternoon wind and thunderstorms that roll in most afternoons bringing cooling rain during the rainy season.

Early the next morning we set out to explore the shore and get some exercise. We hiked a tail that appeared to be an old service road that wrapped around the south side of the bay. There we encountered some very unusual (and large) three toed animal tracks!

A little research back on the boat led us to the belief that these tracks were made by a strange looking animal that looks like a mixture of elephant, hog and horse...the Baird's Tapir.  Too bad we did not get to see the actual animal, but it was wonderful just to see the very fresh tracks of such a strange beast. Perhaps we will see one here on our return trip!

Baird's Tapir, an endangered species

Sirena at anchor in Bahia Santa Elena

Late afternoon rains bring wind and dramatic clouds, often a rainbow as well.

One of the other boats sharing the anchorage with us. 

Snorkeling was on the menu for the following day. We encountered a very large sea turtle about the size of a picnic table near a beach completely covered with seashells. Enchanting!

Back on the boat we saw a puffer fish swimming alongside the boat. I touched it with a fishing net and finally got to see one of these guys all puffed up! They are completely covered with spines and will inflate when threatened.

Puffer fish minding his own business.

All puffed up after being startled by my net.

Our last bit of excitement was the sighting of a sea snake while I was messing around with the puffer fish. He swam around the dinghy and puffer fish with curiosity, then left. Sea snakes are all highly venomous.

Yellow-bellied sea snake, Hydrophis platers

Next stop, Playa del Coco to check into the country officially, then cruising down the coast!