Bahia Santa Elena
06 July 2011 | Costa Rica
Becky/89 degrees air, 85 degrees water
The Republic of Costa Rica (pop. 4,075,261) is aboiut the size of West Virginia, yet 28% of its land is preserved in national parks, wildlife refuges, forest preserves, wetlands and biosphere reserves - so eco-tourism is one of the biggest industries. Ten major volcano peaks dot the highlands and western half of the country; earthquakes are not uncommon. The people here are well educated, its government stable and the 540 mile Pacific coast has long been popular for yacht cruising, diving and sportfishing. The best time to visit is during dry season (Dec - Apr), even if the jungle doesn't look as lush as in summer. Rainy season (May - Nov) can bring torrential downpours with squalls, logs of lightning and an occasional water spout. Hurricanes don't strike this Pacific coast, but after heavy rain in the mountains, expect dangerous submerged logs in the tide lines well off shore here.
Becky