One Fabulous Day of Kayaking in The Gulf of Nicoya

Being surrounded by water all the time in Costa Rica we figured we might get the chance to do a bit of kayaking.  Our first opportunity was upon us as we found a small outfit, way at the end of a really bumpy dirt road that rented them by the day.  After leaving our car we still had to walk a quarter mile to the property that had been quite nicely crafted to give the effect of the Pura Vida lifestyle we have been experiencing.

Of course Laurie had to try out the hammock before getting a days worth of really cool exercise. Not sure from an engineering standpoint what the 'cut' in the support post was but...

We have never seen anyone put the two halves of the paddle in the water and then shake them out before. Maybe to clean out any sand the previous users placed in it?

The video above shows off Laurie's smooth kayaking stroke.  What a peaceful paddle!

We hugged the shoreline most of the time.  This allowed us to grab some shade in the midday sun as well as find some cool looking fish and marine life as the waters were a bit less 'muddied up'.

Happened upon this nice little beach with a tree swing and some seemingly random signage.  We wondered at the time 'who would do that there?'.  Come to find out it was the beach that served as the gateway to the two cabins owned and rented by the kayak outfitters.  We may have to rent them for a few days on our return to San Jose next month.  Island life would be cool and relaxing for a few days.

There were a number of little communities behind all the trees that relied solely on these small boats for contact with the mainland.

We figured that the inhabitant of this boat above enjoys peace and solitude along with the ability to move from harbor to harbor.  It was in rough shape, but still afloat!

After a few hours of 'lazy paddling' we decided to pull over and give the old backs a rest.  Cannot beat the surroundings for a bit of piece and quiet. Wish we had packed our books so we could lollygag a bit longer.

Back in the water we continued our big explore of the rocky coast.  We kept saying 'just one more bend to see what is around it' and eventually did turn around to head back to find the floating restaurant in the middle of nowhere for a nice midday meal.

The restaurant did not seem particularly fancy from afar but it was a rather nice establishment once we made it inside.  We tied our kayaks up and had to walk the balance beam on the left to earn our meal.  Not only was the 'beam' only about a foot wide, but it bounced up and down as we walked on it.  We figured if we fell in the drink, so to speak, the staff would get a nice chuckle out of it.  We made it without incident.

We hoped our knot tying skills were up to snuff as our kayaks seemed poised to want to float away without us as we ate our lunch.

There was only one other group of 4 there. They had driven in on the larger boat in the background

Here is where we learned how good plantain chips are if done correctly.   Very crispy and salty so they were rather addictive.  The sauce in the middle was to die for.

When you order fish or clams the staff goes out to the holding tanks and actually fishes for your meal with hook and line.  We guessed each tank had a different kind of fish.  The clams around here are enormous too.

The table next to us ordered this large flat green fish for lunch.  The staff nicely allowed us to take its picture before it met its demise. 

Had to take this picture of a large pelican acting as the figurehead of the boat.  It did not move and allowed us to get right underneath it.

Amazing that this pelican is so patient and non-skittish with us being within a few yards of him.

The video above is a bit lengthy but if you are into crabs, looking at them and/or eating them, it is a worthy watch.  Amazing how quickly they move and they always seem to have their beady little eyes on you versus where they are going.

We were wondering where all these incredibly graceful and large birds spend their time when they are not flying?

We found their temporary resting spot on our journey back to the mainland.  We named it 'Pelican Rock'.  There seemed to only be enough room on top for 3 birds so every time a new bird showed up it would nudge one of the three until it took off leaving space for the newcomer.