Playa Junquillal Area Activities

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FISHING

Deep Sea Fishing for sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin (February – March is the best time), yellow-fin tuna, wahoo, dorado, and roosterfish is excellent in the area:

Ovidio and Sons have lived in nearby Playa Callejones and have fished professionally all of their lives in this area. They are out fishing almost every day, chartered or not. Ovidio is a good choice if you would like a value price and don’t mind going out in a smaller 24 ft boat. The equipment seems good, featuring two new 90HP outboard motors. The family speaks very little English and are quiet to boot, but they really know how to and don’t mind working hard to catch fish. The language barrier will get in the way less than you might think. On my last outing we brought back enough yellow fin tuna to share with the Las Brisas residents. But it’s not just about the fishing, we saw jumping dolphin and sting rays, sea turtles, sea birds and the scenery was pinch yourself awesome. Ask a Las Brisas owner how to find Ovidio’s place in order to make arrangements. Last I checked, the boat, maximum of four fishermen, was $300 for a “long” ½ day and $500 for a full day, lunch and drinks included (If you memorize enough Spanglish to ask).

Semper Fl is a larger 28-foot sports fishing boat moored just south in Playa Lagarto that accommodates up to 4 fishermen – contact Captain Wayne Fite at (506) 658-8434. Wayne is an interesting guy who is also very knowledgeable about this areas. $300 to $675

www.ifishcostarica.com

Tranquilamar Sportfishing in Playa Ocotal has been recommended.

(506) 670-0663

http://www.tranquilamar.com/

Many other boats are available. Please check the WEB.

Surf Fishing - Playa Junquillal

When there are fish to be caught the locals are on the beach catching them for food. On Sundays it’s a Tico family affair; fishing, swimming in the tide pools and picnics. I suggest that you watch and learn. Needless to say I still have a lot to learn about hand line casting. You swing the lure rapidly around your head and let go at the right time. I think the fish are too busy laughing to bite. When you do catch a fish it’s only about 600 feet to the kitchen. Now that is fresh fish!

Estuary Fishing - Playa Junquillal by Steve To make arrangements ask for Steve at Rudy’s. Steve takes you up the Rio Andamojo estuary at the southern end of Playa Junquillal. You will catch Red Snapper along with other types of fish using traditional Tico techniques. It’s a low-profile, entertaining tour. The cost is $10 per hour per person, minimum two hours and maximum three people. On longer tours that bring back enough fish, you might find them cooked for you by Rudy’s staff as part of an included lunch. Update: His boat was stolen and he is currently not running this trip…stay tuned.

AREA SURFING

This north Pacific coastal area was featured in the classic surf film “Endless Summer II”. I’m not personally qualified to review the local conditions but the surfers I meet all seem to have smiles on their faces. When you rent the 4x4 vehicle ask for a surfboard rack (bring your own straps) so you can explore the possibilities. In Playa Junquillal there are a number of breaks (one pictured above) and one slightly further north at Playa Blanca just north of Hotel Iguanazul. The famous surf beaches of Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas are very close and a “must do” trip. Both are nice beaches with bar / restaurants nearby but Playa Negra has more advanced surf conditions making Avellanas more swim able for non-surfing accomplices. The notable Playa Langosta, Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande are close enough for a day trip. Playa Langosta is an estuary break with some rocks and requires more expertise. Witches Rock is best reached by boat trip. It looks like there could be spots further south of Las Brisas also. The beach at Marbella to the south is a locals secret surf spot to give one example. Be sure to have a look at the local Map on this WEB site for reference. Lurenz, the Tico former owner of the glassy Surf Shops in Santa Cruz and Tamarindo, Costa Rica, has a place in the Las Brisas complex. All things considered, Las Brisas del Mar would make an ideal base camp for the surfers, with slightly higher maintenance significant others.

Visit the Overhead Surf and others WEB sites for more surf information and travel tips:

http://www.geocities.com/overheadsurf/info.html

http://www.costaricamap.com/ing/avsnorte.html

http://www.iguanazul.com/surfing

http://www.crsurf.com (Check out the Tide Charts)

LEARN TO SURF

Don’t know how to surf and want to learn? Contact Diana from Pura Mar in Playa Tamarindo. Talk about small worlds; WEB based reviews (sample below) from her customers say that she is the best instructor on this coast and to think that she was raised in the same small town in Pennsylvania, USA that my kids were. We met online, very scary!

Newsflash, Diana has sold the business to some young Canadian men an is now offering Spanish lessons.

http://www.puramar.com/

Posted by Kevin Hardy on tamarindobeach.net:

My name is Kevin. I recently spent some time in Tamarindo with my girlfriend. I am an intermediate surfer and my girlfriend had never surfed before. We both took private lessons from Diana from Pura Mar. She was awesome. Both of us left the water that morning so fired up about how we surfed. Diana took me out to the lineup and helped me paddle into the biggest waves of my life. She gave me great confidence for the rest of my trip. My girlfriend got up immediately with Diana. Diana had her getting up consistently and riding waves into the beach over and over again. She was an exciting and informative teacher. She also helped with activities and dining while we were in town. Both my girlfriend and I wanted to make sure we let everyone know that if they want quality surf instruction from a friendly local, Diana is the tops. Can't wait to get back and polish my skills with Diana next year. -Kevin

BEACH TOY RENTALS & SURF LESSONS

Dean grew up renting gear on the beaches of Florida so it’s only natural he continue this business here in Playa Junquillal. His nights are taken up by managing a bar. He earns his living on the beach during the day and in the bar at night … I’m jealous! For a time he served as my Condo rental co-manager and did an excellent job so I will him only the best with his new businesses. Catch him and his rental toys at Bernardo's (Playa Junquillal Hotel +503-658-8432). The ocean, restaurant and bar are only steps away, sounds like a good day to me.

Surf Boards	$20/Day
Boggie Boards	$10/Day
Snorkel Gear	$10/Day
Bikes	$15/Day
Surf Lessons	$25/Hr, maximum two hours.

The surf lessons include board rental & transportation in the price. Depending on surf conditions the location will be either Playa Junquillal on a calm day or Playa Avellanas.

TURTLES NESTING

During the months of October through March, see the Endangered Leather Back Turtles or during the months of May through August, the smaller Ridley Turtles lay their eggs. They seem to prefer well moon-light nights at high tide. Also a deep water approach leading to steep white sand beaches is favored. The females struggle to the beach, dig a hole with their flippers, lay their eggs, cover them up and then return to the ocean. Wear dark clothes, do not shine light into their eyes or otherwise disturb them. Only approach closer when the egg laying begins. Generally it takes about 3-4 hours for the whole process.

Playa Junquillal is a turtle nesting beach that attracts a smaller number of turtles. Enough although to be protected and patrolled by conservationists group CBP. Notice the picture here of the marked turtle nest directly in front of Las Brisas. One night I witnessed volunteers helping a mother turtle with egg laying directly in front of Bernardo's. I also have seen the morning evidence of baby turtles digging out and making their way to the sea. The community is doing its part to help the turtle population recover. If you keep your eyes and ears open you might be lucky enough to experience this yourself.

http://www.wwfca.org/php/news/Abril05/Abril01.php

Playa Grande Parque Nacional Marina las Baulas is located 100 meters east of Hotel las Tortugas. Buy your tickets ($6) 8 AM – 5PM at the gate to the beach for a guided 6PM – 6AM beach visit. While you are there, take time to visit El Mundo de la Tortuga (the world of the turtle museum) ($5). Later, stop by Hotel las Tortugas and have a talk with owner Louis Wilson. It will be an interesting discussion, I can almost guarantee.

http://leatherback.org/ldc/pg/park.htm

COROBICI RIVER RAFTING / FLOAT TRIPS

Safaris Corobici, S.A.

Canas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

(506) 669-6191

http://www.nicoya.com/

NATIONAL PARKS & REFUGES

Rincon de la Vieja

Santa Rosa National Park

Palo Verde National Park

Barra Honda National Park

Diriá National Forest Wildlife Refuge

Maptak http://www.maptak.com/cr/pn/pn.html

SAILBOAT TOURS

Exciting full-day or half-day Snorkel & Sail, Sunset Sailing Cruises or Private Charters:

Hotel El Velero, Playa Hermosa (Just North of Playa Coco) $60 Day, $40 Sunset per person

(506) 672-0016

http://www.costaricahotel.net/sailboat.htm

Samonique Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure, Playa Flamingo

$75 Day, $50 Sunset per person

(506) 388-7870

http://www.costarica-sailing.com

Blue Dolphin Catamaran Sailing Charters Join my new friend Capitan Jeff in Tamarindo for the relaxing trip of your choice, as did the pictured fellow Las Brisas dwellers. Plenty of good food, drinks and a free T-shirt are included with the trips.

Snorkel Sail - 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, Price: $75

Sunset Sail - 3:30 PM to Sunset, Price: $60

Phone: 506 653-0867 / 506 842-3204

Email: info@sailbluedolphin.com

http://sailbluedolphin.com/

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Beach volleyball in not big in Costa Rica… yet. The best way to ensure a game at your level is to bring three players and a ball with you. Playa Negra has a net on the beach as the Hotel owner, Lito, loves to play. The best time to stop by is 4:00PM after the heat of the day. I managed to get a few good doubles games with Chilean tourists on the court at the Father Rooster Restaurant in Playa el Ocotal one day. The Barceló Playa Langosta Resort has a tourist-style net right on the beach at the estuary, but bring a water proof ball. Guacamaya Lodge in Playa Junquillal has a court filled with river sand as removing beach sand is not legal. They play Sunday afternoons, usually. I suggest knee pads and foot protection for those with “winter” feet. Stop in for a meal or a drink and ask when the next game is. No doubt there is an optimum spot for a portable net on the north beach near Las Brisas Del Mar (but I have not as yet surveyed for it). Playa Avellanas would be an excellent beach for a portable net if you have the players.

HANGING ON THE BEACH

Funny thing, I spend summer weekends sitting on the beach in Delaware, USA but it's rare that I ever see anybody laying on the beach in Costa Rica. This maybe is because they have not discovered the beach umbrella or aluminum beach chairs yet? There is no reason you could not use our condo beach towels or the two teak sling chairs on the beach in front of the complex. I recommend morning or after 3:00 PM. The suns rays are very strong in Costa Rica because it's so near the equator. Don't try to get a tan, as you will get one even if you try to avoid the sun.

We do walk long miles on the beach, swim, fish and surf but sit at the pool in the shade or in the sun. We just always seem to gravitate to sitting at the pool, as the ocean is right next-door also. The ocean is 150 feet to the right the pool 6 feet to the left. Take your pick where to take the refreshing dip.

If the beach is your goal, may I also suggest some day beach trips so the scene varies? Playa Negra, Playa Avellanas both are white sand surf beaches with lunch stands and bars. There is a good chance you will see monkeys in the trees of Playa Avellanas as well. There might be as many as six people at the pool of Las Brisas. If you want to “avoid the crowd” there are nice spots within walking distance north and south. The beach to the north in front of Bernardo's (Playa Junquillal Hotel) would again have lunch options and a bar.

GOLF

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course is a 7,500-yard, par 72 course. It is the creation of Mike Young, who is responsible for some of the finest courses in the southern United States. It is located on the back road to Tamarindo, approximately 25 minutes north of here. Greens fees are $105 to $125. Cart fee is $15 p/p. Replay Fees (9 or 18 holes) are reasonable. Ask about the Saturday 8:00 AM golf handicap blind draw tourneys. Breakfast, green/cart fees, range balls all for only $50, with prize money to the top three teams. This golf course is part of a development that is owned and staffed by some very nice people. Recommended! Don’t forget the 19th hole stop at Playa Avellanas on the way home.

Contact the resident pro, Chris Crabtree, at Tel: 680-7000 Fax: 680-7002

http://www.haciendapinilla.com/top_menu/golf_and_tennis.htm

Papagayo Golf and Country Club is located in Libertad, near Sardinal and about ten kilometers south-east of Playas del Coco, offers nine completed holes of an 18-hole golf course, there’s a practice tee, a driving range, and a club-house. Nine holes of golf including mandatory and cart rental cost $20 for Members and $30 for Non-members. Tel: (506) 697-0169 Fax: (506) 697-1306

http://www.papagayo-golf.com/

Paradisus Playa Conchal Course part of the five star resort of the same name, is located just south of Playa Flamingo (formerly Meliá Playa Conchal). This is a top-rated, 18- hole, par 72, 7,030-yard, championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The course is approximately a 45-minute drive north of here. Greens fees are $170 with cart, practice balls, cooler with complementary beverages, and sometimes they throw in a golf towel. This resort is gated so call ahead for a confirmed tee time. Scheduled to be closed to the public effective 1/1/06 unless you know a guest or a Conchal condo owner.

(506) 654-4123

http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/hoteles/jsp/C_Hotel_Description.jsp?codigoHotel=5891

http://www.vacationcity.com/costarica/hotel/paradisus-playa-conchal/golf/

Four Seasons Golf Club at Peninsula Papagayo is an Arnold Palmer signature golf course that boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on 14 of its 18 holes. Greens fees are $180 with cart. The course is about 70km away and hence only for the dedicated golf enthusiast staying at Las Brisas. Here also you need to be a guest of a guest.

http://www.fourseasons.com/costarica/vacations/golf.html

Royal Pacific Golf & Country Club Course in the Playa Grande area is a par 72, 6,802 yard, Ron Garl design. The course is approximately a 35-minute drive north of here. Greens fees are $30 low / $50 high season with cart. Club rental $5. (Closed, currently undergoing renovations)

COOKING SCHOOL

La Buena Cocina con Sibyl (The beautiful kitchen with Sybyl) is a very nice way to spend a few hours if you enjoy cooking. Certified Chef Sibyl Altenkirch (left in this picture) will customize the cooking class for you. Just work out the menu with her and she does the rest including the shopping. The class, given in English, German or Spanish, can be held in her kitchen at Casas Pelicano, Playa Junquillal or in your kitchen if it’s well equipped. The best part is it can also be a party. My friend Sue and I cooked in her kitchen while our significant others played Sommeliers. It ended up to be a nice afternoon, a learning experience and a multi course meal at a very reasonable price.

The approximate price for 1 cooking lesson of 4-5 hours for 1 persons is $ 50, for 2 persons are $ 60, for 3 persons $ 70, including all materials.

+506 (658) 9010

sperlingjo@racsa.co.cr

http://www.casaspelicano.co.cr/cooking_school.htm

BEACH WALKS

This is absolutely a great area to hike on a beach that is still owned by nature. Bring waterproof hiking sandals with good treads and lots of drinking water for this. The sun is hot, so hats and sun-screen are a must. I bring a backpack to carry the twenty-five pounds or so of unique shells the wife collects and the 12 rolls of film that I shoot each trip (slight exaggeration here). It’s a 4 mile (6 Kilometer) walk north to the Playa Negra surf beach. We like to leave in the morning and stop here at the Hotel for lunch and refreshments. On one hike during high season, we came across four visitors (pictured) and about 6 Ticos fishing on our 8 mile walk to and from Las Brisas del Mar. There were 25 or so people on and around Playa Negra including the surfers and hotel restaurant workers. If you are not up to the full hike Bernardo's and a Tico run Soda at Playa Callejones are along the way for rest stops.

The alternate direction is a 2 miles (3 Kilometer) southward hike to the Playa Lagarto fishing village. Here you have to ford the Rio Andamojo estuary so watch the time and tides. The hiking is a more difficult at times due to rocks.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Paradise Riding Guided Tours offers you a variety of 2-hour or longer tours for beginners and experienced riders on the beach or in the backlands. You can also make arrangements to rent a horse for a longer period. Owner Erica and her riding buddy are pictured here. The stable is located across from Bernardo’s (Playa Junquillal Hotel). Her home is on the same road as the Guacamaya. Watch for their sign located on the left side of the road, when driving from Las Brisas to Paraíso. Alternately, you can make arrangements with Alice at the Guacamaya Hotel for their rides. Personally my prior experience with horseback rides was not great. Besides I’m a big guy and those poor Costa Rican horses are small. I have to say I was a little worried when a guest first booked us on a ride and then picked the more advanced Big Mangrove Tour (2 Hours / $29). It all turned out well, as I lived to type this. I expressed my inexperience and Erica, hand Chícho and the sturdy horse Blanco took good care of me. Blanco followed my instructions well unless I was asking him to do something stupid. Having done this a few times before he simply took the alternate correct route. I’m now a fan and will be back for more! Wear long pants and sunscreen.

http://www.paradiseriding.com/

On the beach under the trees in front of Barceló Playa Langosta Resort you will often find an independent Tico tour operator. Take an impromptu ride or make an appointment. I know of two very inexperienced riders who each had a personal guide and a great time for a very reasonable price. They even lived to tell the story!

ESTUARY TOURS

Playa Junquillals Rio Andamojo by Kayak- Stop by Hotel Villa Serena a day or two before your trip to book the kayaks. The tide charts will dictate the timing of your adventure, high-slack tide being preferable. The cost is $15 per hour per kayak with and hour being about right amount of time to explore either the right or left fork of the estuary through the mangroves. I suggest you meet the truck with the kayaks at Villa Serena about 15 minutes before your reserved time and travel with it to the estuary just south of Las Brisas. This is a good group activity for 4-8 people so ask around Las Brisas to see if anybody wants to join in. It’s a fun cost effective tour if you have the experience and physical fitness to do this unguided trip.

At Playa Tamarindo’s north end is Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Tamarindo, a saltwater refuge. A two hour boat ride will take you deep within the mangrove estuary park to see a variety of birds, caymans basking in the sun and howler monkeys. Sometimes the trip also includes a guided hike midway to spot wildlife. Walk up to the boats in the estuary mouth and look interested. It should cost about $12 for the ride plus a $6 national park admission during the ride, per person. This park admission goes to finance the park’s operation. Good value!

OFF-ROAD 4X4 DRIVING

Well that’s what they call it in the States and some do it for a hobby. In Costa Rica they call it back-road driving. Pick any of the dark brown roads on my Map and you are there. I have seen car sized pot holes. Its more of a challenge during green season but beware of the river crossings as at times the rental car might not make it to the other side.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Opportunities abound! Except as noted all pictures on this WEB site were taken by us using automatic, compact, film-type cameras. I can’t wait to get some real equipment down here and rediscover a hobby from long ago. Bring lots of film or memory, your longest telephoto lens and spare batteries, they are expensive in Costa Rica.

SAN PEDRO, SANTA CRUZ & GUAITIL ARTISAN TOUR

From Las Brisas head towards Santa Cruz. The first stop is on the right near San Pedro. Watch for Aserradero El Caimito (Sawmill The Caimito) offering woodcarving and pottery on the right. The real gems here are the exotic hardwood carvings done by José Francisco Escalante (pictured). Cocobolo, Cachimbo and more all very hard woods and he does this with a machete and sandpaper. I debate if I’m more impressed by his reasonably priced carvings or the fact that he still has all his digits. He also stocks some pottery. Check it out and buy on the return trip from Guaitil if he has the pieces you like.

Next is Santa Cruz,the Folkloric Capital of Costa Rica. The Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market on the main square every Saturday morning brings activity to this town.

Also nearby is the town of Guaitil, where you'll see how artisans manufacture and color Indian pottery, using the same techniques used by their pre-Columbian ancestors, the Chorotega Indians.

SNORKELING

Playa Callejones, San Juanillo, to the south, is a beautiful, white sand beach – great for snorkeling and swimming as well. The protected cove hosts the boats from this local fishing village. Don’t attempt the old road which heads straight downhill to the beach. The new road which is just past this is challenging enough. While it’s hard to find a bad sunset on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica this is one of the better spots to be for one. Nearby for food and drink is the unusual and slightly expensive El Sueño restaurant and Buddha bar and a small Tico Soda just up the hill from the beach.

NIGHTLIFE

If you’re looking for nightly pumping dance clubs, frankly Playa Junquillal is not the place. Bernardo’s does host dances complete with DJ, large sound & lights systems from time to time. Otherwise those visitors that are not worn out early from the day,s activities can find lower key entertainment at the local establishments. Check the food link for Hotel Iguanazul, Bernardo's, Guacamaya Lodge, Hotel El Castillo Divertido or El Lugarcito B&B. Ask around, as the “hot spot” seems to move night to night.

Las Brisas del Mar beachfront vacation condo for rent in Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica !