El Milagro Hotel

Parque nacional Marino Las Baulas

by a005116

had the luck to be working in this park for some time. Working by night and drinking coffee by the (sleeping was not really possible due to the tiny muscitos terrorizing me).

The national park 'las Baulas' is one of the major spots (the largest of the pacific) for the impressive leatherback turtles (averagely 1m80). Every night (season peak in November-January) the turtles come to lay their eggs in the sand. Because of their weight it takes up to 1,5 hour to finish the job and go back in the sea. In march the little ones come out and start their race to the water, terrorized by hungry birds, iguanas, ... and the sun. Not so many make it, but those who do still have a hard live before them. When you look to the statistics you'll see that the number of leatherbacks are decreasing extremely fast.

I worked together with the other park rangers and the biologists to make sure there is no single problem for these sensitive animals to lay there eggs. The biologists did a great part of the research and wedid the other part and made sure the eggs where save for preditors ánd humans. For the Tico's Turtle (egg) is still a delicacy.

Visiting the park at night (when the turtles come) is only possible with guides. The're organized tours from the neighbooring village of Tamarindo. The park rangers warn the guides over an intercom when the're turtles spotted so you don't have to walk all that end for nothing.

There is also an interesting museum next to the park ranger station, runned by a verry friendly frenchman. Visiting the museum is a good way to get to know more about the turtles before actually seeing them.

NOTE: Don't bring white flashlights with you or at least cover them with a red filter. The turtles are extremely sensetive for light and they would get desoriented by seeing you flashlight.

Phone:
(506) 686-4967 (MINAE - Español)

Website:
http://www.coas.drexel.edu/environ/leatherback/lasbaula.html

Other Contact:
http://www.sinac.go.cr (Español)

Great Inexpensive Seafood

by Jase1177 about Pedro's

Pedro's is a small unassuming locale on the beach. It is easy overlook because it is just a small square building with a few picnic tables at the beach. Although it can look like a dumpy place, the food does wonders for the palate. It does offer a great view of the ocean from any of the tables.

It is also quite inexpensive for the portions that are served. I had the fish tacos that came with a platter of rice & beans and a small salad. The fish was so fresh and had wonderful light seasoning. The soft tortillas were increadibly fresh and grilled. There was a sliver of fantastic cheese and a few grilled onions.

The overall taste of the fresh fish with the cheese and tortilla made a great lunch for a really inexpensive dish.

Fun place to eat!

by NCGabrielle about Joe's!

not 100% Mexican but you know what i mean! they were recommended by the food network... the restaurant was so fun.. lots of excitement... locals all over the place and they were so nice... the owner came over and talked to us, he was eating at one of the nearby tables... GREAT place to bring your kids along to... definitely recommend it!!! :) Nachos, Sushi, Quesadillas

Souvenir Shopping

by doogienj

Do all your souvenor shopping in Tamarindo. The main street has plenty of shops for all your needs. The prices are very reasonable here, and so is the quality.

You can find anything related to surfing, t-shirt, tanks, masks, framed butterflies, etc.

Crazy Tamarindo!

by Moose49

"Great Guys Trip!!!!!"

Was reading most of the posts and they are pretty frickin old when it comes to Tamarindo! My boys and I just took a trip down there at the spur of the moment and went nuts. Would love to share the details, but I have been sworn to secrecy.ha
All I gotta say is if you wanna have a blast with your boys, Tamarindo is a great spot
Rented a condo for the whole week for only $1200 penthouse, 3 bedrooms...slept 8 of us! Amazing
Food was pretty good everywhere, at least no one got sick is what i am sayin I guess.
Super cheap drinks even free drinks everywhere on different nights, lots of ladies nights which were full of chicas( local girls) and everyone was ready to PARTY! Spent 3 different nights of the week @ Aqua bar a semi real club in Tamarindo....bottle service, bottles were only $125....we must've bought 10! Once you buy the bottles....here come the ladies! It was great---crazy, but just the way we like it! Spent tons of nights wasted out walking the beach. Locals were chill and cool to hang out with.
There is one place on the beach for late nighters-like us, but i would say to stay away from. People go there after the bar and it was shady shady-honest don't remember the name.
Overall best guys trip so far! Beats Mexico.