Mar 23, 2020

Here, Now, Together: A Time for Reflection and Introspection

In the wake of all the current uncertainty and chaotic energy that is buzzing around the world, it is easy to become consumed in the negative. 

Between the ever-increasing contamination rates, fast-changing decrees that prohibit some of the freedoms we’ve taken for granted (i.e., surfing, buying brews, social gatherings in public places, community yoga classes), the anxiety that accompanies food shopping, and watching as millions of people hoard things like toilet paper and meat, it’s understandable to feel angst. 

But if we ride out this pandemic in a state of negativity, we are doing ourselves and the world a disservice by missing the bigger picture. 

Collectively as humans, we have lived for generations like we own the Earth and that her resources are infinite. We act as if our lives are superior to any other living creature. We behave like we are indestructible. We live like there is always a tomorrow, and that our work, money, material possessions, and social media presence take precedence over health, family, the environment, and real happiness. 

When we are forced to spend time with ourselves and are removed from our norm, it is possible to gain a clearer perspective on what is really important and what needs to change within and collectively. For many, spending time alone or more confined than usual is difficult at first because we aren’t used to it. But we must remember the most important relationship is our relationship with ourselves, and perhaps that is the relationship that has been neglected for too long. 

If you are fortunate enough to have a home where you feel safe inside, have the basic supplies to sustain for a while without going out, and have support from friends and family, then the best thing you can do is just be and let be; you can’t control the uncontrollable. And while this all unfolds as it’s going to, this time can be used to reflect and reconnect. 

While we’ve been urged to social distance, it has already become apparent that we are becoming more connected than ever. Many of us are actually picking up the phone and catching up with family; we are live video chatting with groups of friends that we’ve long since seen their faces to cope with physical isolation; we are exercising in our living rooms, playing games and doing arts and crafts; we are taking the time to prepare meals and bake cookies; we are drinking more water. 

We are slowly waking up. 

And while times ahead will undoubtedly be challenging for everyone in different ways, switching our conscious mindset from purely negative to the positive is a powerful coping and healing mechanism. We should take comfort in knowing that we are in this together. When was the last time the entire world was basically on a similar page? And so long as everyone abides by the safety advisories, we will overcome this somehow, someway, someday. 

In the meantime, find solace in your space. 

Find peace in a place within that maybe you haven’t accessed in a long time. 

Find positivity in the present. 

Find healing in your home. 

And from the entire RipJack Inn family we are sending out our love and light to each and everyone of you.

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Mar 2, 2020

Where to See Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

There are seven species of sea turtles—green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley, Kemp’s ridley, flatback, and leatherback—that live a life adrift in the tropical oceans. Six of those seven species are endangered, and five of those seven species depend on the waters around Costa Rica. There are also a few very special beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coast of Costa Rica that host tens to hundreds of thousands of nesting sea turtles at various times of the year. 

What threats do sea turtles face?

Sea turtles worldwide face a lot of hardships and dangers due to humankind. Between the oceans turning into plastics seas, industrial fishing, discarded nets and ropes that are littering the oceans, rising land and sea temperatures, illegal poaching, and rapid and widespread coastal development, it’s sadly no wonder almost all sea turtle species are threatened.

Fortunately, in Costa Rica, specific beaches that have been used as nesting sites long before we arrived in Costa Rica, are under protection and guardianship. 

One of the easiest things you can do to help the sea turtles is to eliminate your single-use plastic consumption and pick up any litter you see when you are at the beach, especially straws, nets, fishing lines, and ropes. 

The five types of sea turtles found in Costa Rica 

The most abundant sea turtle specie in Costa Rica and globally is the olive ridley sea turtle. They are one of two turtle species that nest in arribadas (mass nesting). During the rainy season in Playa Ostional, hundreds of thousands of nesting females come ashore around the new moon every month.

This phenomenon is a wildlife spectacle that should not be missed if you find yourself in Playa Grande between August and the end of November. 

The rarest and most endangered sea turtle in Costa Rica and globally is the massive leatherback sea turtle. Playa Grande used to be a prime nesting beach for this species, but due to various human impacts, their numbers have significantly dwindled here. If you see a leatherback sea turtle, consider yourself incredibly blessed. 

Green, hawksbill, and loggerhead sea turtles can also be found in Costa Rica. 

The top sea turtle nesting beaches in Costa Rica  

As previously mentioned, Playa Ostional is one of the most famous turtle nesting beaches in Costa Rica. During the nesting season, it is illegal to go to Playa Ostional without a certified guide. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic sea turtle protectors and guides at this beach. 

The Santa Rosa National Park in northern Guanacaste is home to two sea turtle nesting beaches. This secluded and slightly challenging park to access is an incredible place to enjoy wildlife in the rare dry tropical forest. 

Las Tortugas Research Center on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast is also world-renowned for its sea turtles. This remote location is only accessible by small plane or boat, but worth the journey for not only the sea turtles but the abundance of other fantastic wildlife. 

The Osa Peninsula is also host to several sea turtle nesting beaches and the location of one of the most spectacular national parks in the country, the Corcovado National Park. 

All of the above places in Costa Rica are best visited with an experienced and certified naturalist and guide. While each sea turtle species has different nesting seasons, because there are five species here, there is almost always a sea turtle nesting event taking place somewhere. 

But aside from seeing sea turtles on the beach nesting (or if you are lucky, baby sea turtles emerging from the sand and scurrying down to the sea), you can see sea turtles in Costa Rica all year long out on the water, whether you are snorkeling, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding or surfing. Just keep your eyes peeled!

If you are interested in setting up a local sea turtle tour, let us help you at the front desk.

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