First off the weather cooperated. It was a gorgeous day, and we were picked up by our friends on their brand new beautiful boat, Nai’a, to sunshine and calm waters.
Nai’a was custom built for fishing, diving, surfing, and snorkeling, and especially made for combination boat tours. It has comfortable seating and even has a day bed! Besides being a spacious boat with plenty of shade, there is a bathroom, as well as a fresh water shower for a nice rinse after the final swim.
The wildlife cooperated too! We saw devil rays flying up out of the water and then slamming back into the ocean. One person spotted a blow (signifying a whale sighting), but alas, no luck with a resighting. We also enjoyed watching a large olive ridley sea turtle hanging out, floating in the water, until he got bored with us and dove underwater to escape the boat paparazzi.
We drove around enjoying the jungly coves and bays, ultimately anchoring at Huevos beach, which was amazing. We had the whole beach to ourselves (green season benefit!) and all 3 generations enjoyed paddleboarding on the water, from the grandfather to the parents, to the 3 and 5 year olds! This was the first time on a paddle board for 4 in our group, and a great introduction to the sport on the calm waters of this cove.
This beautiful cove is backed solely by tropical dry forest, so has a wonderful remote vibe. There are lots of tiny hermit crabs, so of course we had to do a hermit crab race, and there was lots of playing in the sand, building things by all of the kids.
There are two amazing tunnels that go through to the other side (we looked for pirate treasure with no luck). There is also a path through the tropical dry forest up to the top with a spectacular view overlooking the other side of the cove. Careful though, because it is a sheer dropoff!
We went to a couple of other areas looking for sealife and enjoying the spectacular views, before heading back to the Marina for a treat at the Dive Bar and Restaurant. On our return we saw 3 large dolphins slowly frolicking in the water, which perfectly reflected the day’s adventures.
What an amazing day! It is such a joy for me to watch my kids land on an empty remote beach, and have an absolute blast playing in the waves, searching for wildlife on the land and in the sea, investigating new areas, like the water tunnel and a hike through the jungle up to a lookout. It is all about experiencing new things, learning about nature, and getting exercise and “free play” outside. While we appreciate the luxuries that Peninsula Papagayo offers, we certainly relish the rugged nature that it affords, as well.
We highly recommend a boat tour during your visit to see a whole other side to Peninsula Papagayo. Trips can be customized to suit your interests, or you can choose to “wing it,” and see where the day takes you.
– story and photos by Jane Moore of Papagayo Luxury –
