Every morning in Costa Rica is different and exciting. This morning was spent with Kayak Jaco and was a highlight of my month. Guides Wilbur and Jacob taught the group the basics of paddling, with Kayak Jaco’s homemade bamboo paddles, prior to pushing off for a three-hour journey that exceeded my every expectation! Playa Agujas, the beach of origin, has gorgeous green-blue flat water that begs an invitation. After the guides assisted the five of us into the water, we paddled over to a small cave. They taught us about the hundreds of birds that inhabited the trees just above the cave. A paddle around the rocks treated us with an osprey eagle and numerous pelicans. The water was glassy, smooth, and emerald green along the rocks. My guides checked in numerous times to assure that the pace was not too strenuous for each paddler.
After a leisurely paddle, of about 20-30 minutes, we landed in a beautiful cove for a swim. The cove is often home to monkeys and scarlet macaws. During the dry season (November- April) there is decent snorkeling just 20 feet from shore along a rocky reef. When conditions aren’t great for snorkeling, usually during the wet season, (May through October), the tour heads to a beautiful waterfall, hidden just 50 meters away.
While the monkeys didn’t make an appearance for my trip, the macaws, blow fish, a variety of star fish, a sea cucumber, and numerous other creatures did! Wilbur lead the small group to the best places to experience the underwater world. He dove down to the reef countless times and brought up a variety of star fish and other wonders for us to touch and experience. He even caught a blow fish with his bare hands! My wife isn’t the snorkeling type, but instead of her missing out on this natural petting aquarium, Jacob offered to paddle her out to us in the kayak so that she could wouldn’t miss out! We both had an amazing time! After living in Costa Rica for over two years, Kayak Jaco’s, Wilbur and Jacob were by far the best kayak and snorkel guides that I have had in country.
After the snorkel, we indulged ourselves with the sweetness of pura vida through the the consumption of perfectly ripened watermelon and pineapple, then hopped back aboard our kayaks and returned to Playa Agujas. A 3-5 minute walk up the street landed us at the Kayak Jaco office, where they had a row of showers to freshen up in, and a cooler of fresh mango juice to replenish us. After this experience I’d like to try out their sunset/night kayak tour (includes bonfire, wine, cheese and crackers, ceviche, and roasted marshmallows!
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