Islas Murcielago, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Today we awoke to yet another morning sailing along the spectacular coastlines of the northwestern-most province of Costa Rica: Guanacaste. Our morning’s destination is an offshore part of the large protected area of Santa Rosa: the Murcielago (or bat) Islands.
This small, remote island group is situated just southeast of the fishing port of Cuajiniquil, on the Santa Elena peninsula, and is rarely visited. It is a rugged, impressive area of rocky peaks and valleys that is largely deforested but is a centre of ecological restoration efforts. Our visit here concentrated on the rich and wonderfully warm waters that bathe the island group. Being further away from the mainland means that the waters are not affected by runoff from the myriad rivers, so are remarkably clear. We disembarked just after breakfast, and while some of us chose to hike to the top of the island for some great scenic views, most of us, dedicated large amounts of time to exploring the underwater world. Although pretty much devoid of large coral reefs, the waters of the Tropical Eastern Pacific are extremely rich with life, including many large and colourful reef fish. These flit amongst the odd clump of branching coral or rocky outcrop, and include species of wrasse, puffer fish, grunt, angelfish and butterfly fish.
Other activities on the sandy beach included both kite-flying and an impromptu game of aquatic volleyball – we had to drag many guests (of all ages) out of the water to return for lunch!
We repositioned to a paradisiacal spot discovered by our captain, and christened with the decidedly odd name of “Bahía Huevos” or Bay of the Eggs. The calm deep green waters were perfect to kayak, swim and snorkel in, whilst Zodiacs took some of us to explore the fascinating world of mangroves, lining a neighbouring river. The day ended with cocktails up on the sky deck, featuring what might just be the most spectacular sunset I have ever witnessed, with brilliant colours enhancing the shapes of clouds, cliffs and trees, a double rainbow crowning the picture.
Today we awoke to yet another morning sailing along the spectacular coastlines of the northwestern-most province of Costa Rica: Guanacaste. Our morning’s destination is an offshore part of the large protected area of Santa Rosa: the Murcielago (or bat) Islands.
This small, remote island group is situated just southeast of the fishing port of Cuajiniquil, on the Santa Elena peninsula, and is rarely visited. It is a rugged, impressive area of rocky peaks and valleys that is largely deforested but is a centre of ecological restoration efforts. Our visit here concentrated on the rich and wonderfully warm waters that bathe the island group. Being further away from the mainland means that the waters are not affected by runoff from the myriad rivers, so are remarkably clear. We disembarked just after breakfast, and while some of us chose to hike to the top of the island for some great scenic views, most of us, dedicated large amounts of time to exploring the underwater world. Although pretty much devoid of large coral reefs, the waters of the Tropical Eastern Pacific are extremely rich with life, including many large and colourful reef fish. These flit amongst the odd clump of branching coral or rocky outcrop, and include species of wrasse, puffer fish, grunt, angelfish and butterfly fish.
Other activities on the sandy beach included both kite-flying and an impromptu game of aquatic volleyball – we had to drag many guests (of all ages) out of the water to return for lunch!
We repositioned to a paradisiacal spot discovered by our captain, and christened with the decidedly odd name of “Bahía Huevos” or Bay of the Eggs. The calm deep green waters were perfect to kayak, swim and snorkel in, whilst Zodiacs took some of us to explore the fascinating world of mangroves, lining a neighbouring river. The day ended with cocktails up on the sky deck, featuring what might just be the most spectacular sunset I have ever witnessed, with brilliant colours enhancing the shapes of clouds, cliffs and trees, a double rainbow crowning the picture.
