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.

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.

Jan 26, 2020

6 Tips to Avoid a Severe Sunburn During the Dry Season in Costa Rica

If you haven’t already noticed or you’ve yet to visit during Costa Rica’s winter, which is between December and April, the sun is incredibly intense. This time of the year is noted for its consistently clear blue skies, offshore winds, and blazing sunshine. Between the weather being highly predictable, unlike other in months, and Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Easter, this is a very popular time to visit Costa Rica. Hence why it is also known as High Season. 

There are few things worse during a beach vacation than to score a severe sunburn. If the proper precautions aren’t taken, this is a real possibility, especially if you have light or sensitive skin. 

But, fear not! Avoiding a severe sunburn during Costa Rica’s dry season isn’t all that difficult. All you have to do is follow the following tips. 

Regularly reapply sunscreen

First and foremost, you should only be using sunscreen that contains ONLY zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Any other active ingredients are highly detrimental to the ocean environment, especially the coral reefs. 

SIMPLE Apotheca is a local Playa Grande brand that makes and sells amazing and highly effective all-natural mineral sunscreen if you forgot to bring some from home or realize the sunscreen you brought is actually toxic.

It is important to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and right after swimming once your skin has dried off. Being diligent about this will save you from suffering later! 

Wear a sun shirt and hat 

An easy way to protect your skin and save you from having to put on so much sunscreen is to wear a lightweight and fast-drying sun shirt or rash guard when you are at the beach or in the sea. Wearing a hat is never a bad call either. Frijoles Locos, the local surf shop up the road from the RipJack Inn, has a lot of rash guard and hat options if you didn’t pack any.

Seek or make shade

As you will see, there is not a whole lot of shade on the beach in Playa Grande, and often the wind is a bit too strong for an umbrella (also, staking an umbrella deep into the sand is potentially dangerous if there are leatherback sea turtle eggs buried). There is a cluster of palm trees halfway down the beach to the north, as well as some shade spots at the end of the beach near the big rock. 

There are a lot of innovative shade tents and canopies on the market though that are also easy to pack. You can find some of these on Amazon if you want to plan and bring something down with you. You’ll definitely last longer at the beach, and your skin will thank you if you can make some shade. 

Avoid peak sun intensity hours 

According to the American Skin Association between 10 AM and 4 PM, the sun is at its peak intensity. You will undoubtedly feel this in Guanacaste. If you don’t have a source of shade on the beach, it is best to limit or avoid roasting in direct sunlight during these hours. 

The heat of the day is a perfect time to take a nap, read in a hammock, take a tour that doesn’t involve the beach, attend a yoga class, or enjoy a long lunch at a shaded restaurant. 

Don’t try to get tan 

Even if you wear sunscreen, a shirt, a hat, and spend some time in the shade, you will still get sun on your skin. If you try and get a tan, you will likely burn. Just being outside, on the beach, in the ocean, or doing any of the other amazing activities available in Costa Rica, you will return home tanner than you came. 

Embrace sunrise and sunset 

Sunrise and sunset are genuinely glorious times of the day to be on the beach in Playa Grande. The sun’s intensity is lightened, the temperature is cooler, and the sky is swirled with colors other than blue. You are also far less likely to scorch your skin earlier and later in the day.

Happy beaching!

Dec 15, 2019

7 Water Activities You Can Enjoy in Costa Rica that Aren’t Surfing

Costa Rica has long been synonymous with surfing, along with eco-tourism. With over 300 beaches, there are dozens that are ideal for surfers of all different levels and wave preferences. In fact, Playa Grade is recognized as one of the top surfing beaches in Northern Guanacaste. However, if you aren’t surfer, don’t worry, there are still plenty of other amazing water activities that you can enjoy while you are in Costa Rica.

7 Water Activities You Can Enjoy in Costa Rica that Aren’t Surfing

Water activities to do along the coast

Swimming

Costa Rica is hot year-round. And, except for February and March, when the water temperature drops a little bit, the rest of the year, you can expect pleasantly warm seas. When the waves are small, Playa Grande is a lovely place to go for a dip; however, be careful when there is swell in the water as rip currents are common and the waves can be powerful. If the waves are too big for swimming, there are often tide pools around the big rock at the north end of the beach that are nice for cooling off in.

Nearby beaches like Bahia Piratas, Playa Conchal, and Playa Flamingo are typically very calm and perfectly suited for swimming.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

With plenty of protected bays up and down the coast, stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and healthy way to spend some time on the water. Playa Grande is not an ideal place to practice this watersport, but you can find rentals and tours through Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Adventures and Costa Rica SUP & Yoga.

Water activities to do out at sea

Snorkeling / Snuba / Scuba

Just off the coast and a bit to the north are the Catalina Islands. This island chain is famed for its incredible diving. Whether you want to scuba dive, snorkel, or snuba, and whether you are a first-timer or a life-timer, Snuba Costa Rica is who you want to venture below the surface with! Sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, and even the rare whale shark are regular visitors to the Catalina Islands as well as hundreds of species of tropical fish.

To do inland

White-water Rafting

Costa Rica is home to several world-class white-water rapids. The most famed rapids are the following: La Fortuna, Penas Blancas, Rio Toro, Rio Balsa, Turrialba, Sarapiqui, Pacuare, Reventazon, Savegre, and Naranjo. You will find everything from gentle but fun class I rapids to powerful and adrenaline-pumping class IV in Costa Rica. While it will make for a long day, it is possible to embark on a day trip to go white-water rafting from Playa Grande.

Thermal Hot Springs

There are currently three active volcanoes in Costa Rica (that number can change at any time, though!), along with over 200 volcanic formations. For this reason, Costa Rica has a lot of thermal hot springs! La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations to go to if you want to soak in some of nature’s hot tubs; which is highly recommended.

Whether you are a surfer or not, there are plenty of refreshing, relaxing, and active ways to spend time in the water while you are vacationing in Costa Rica. These seven water activities should get you started off on the right foot!

Nov 30, 2019

9 Must-Have Items in Your Bag for a Playa Grande Beach Day

A favorite way to spend the day in Playa Grande for both locals and visitors alike is to have a Playa Grande beach day. With nearly four miles of golden sand beach, there is ample space to claim your own spot and post up for the day by the sea. In preparation for your beach day, you’ll want to make sure that you pack the following essentials. Aside from the list below, you might also want to consider packing a little picnic complete with a couple of beers, a cold-pressed juice, or some fresh coconut water. As we begin December, we begin the dry season in Costa Rica, which marks the start of perfect beach weather.  

How to Pack: 9 Items You Must Have in Your Bag for a Playa Grande Beach Day

Natural Mineral Sunscreen

While the dry season (December through April) is noted for consistent cloudless blue skies, the sun is intense. This is not the time or the place to go sans sunscreen in hopes of getting a tan! You could cover your body in the thickest and highest SPF sunscreen and would still find yourself kissed by the sun at the end of the day. It is also important to remember that what you put on your skin will end up in the ocean too. So, make sure that you only use sunscreen that contains the active ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium oxide; anything else is toxic to the coral reefs, the marine environment, and your body. 

SIMPLE Apotheca and New Body Costa Rica are two local brands that are making 100% environmentally friendly and effective sunscreen products.

Natural Insect Repellent

Around sunrise and sunset, the no-see-ums can be brutal on the beach, and mosquitos are common year-round and all-around Costa Rica. To avoid having to cut your beach time short, pack some natural insect repellent, and you will have no issues with biting bugs. 

Microfiber Towel

A microfiber towel is not only light and easy to pack, but it dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto the sand when you shake it out. This is a must-have item for any beach vacation. 

Reusable and Insulated Water Bottle

Aside from the obvious avoidance of single-use plastics, an insulated reusable water bottle is a must-have for the tropics. Nothing is satisfying about drinking hot sunbaked water on a hot day at the beach. An insulated water bottle will keep your water nice and chilly for the entirety of your beach day. My personal favorite is the Yeti 36-ounce Rambler Bottle. Regardless of how hot it is outside, my icy water stays icy until the very last drop!  

Local Fruit

There are few things more refreshing after swimming in the salty ocean than slices of watermelon, pineapple, mangoes, papaya, or oranges, or perhaps some pitaya or mamón chinos. Costa Rica is rich in native tropical fruit! 

Small Bills 

You definitely don’t want to bring anything valuable down to the beach, especially if you plan on swimming or leaving your belongings unattended. However, you might want to bring a few smalls bills in case you want a couple of tacos later in the day from Taco Star or head up to the RipJack Inn for happy hour. 

Latest Edition of The Howler Magazine

The Howler Magazine is a free monthly lifestyle, travel, and adventure magazine that is available all around town, including at the RipJack Inn, Pots and Bowls, Frijoles Locos, and the Wilmart. This English-written magazine includes articles and stories about Costa Rican culture, history, attractions, local happenings, surf, wildlife, tours, restaurants, business and investment information, and current events. This informative, inspiring, and beautifully designed magazine offers great reading material for your Playa Grande beach day.

Bag for Collecting Trash During Your Playa Grande Beach Day

If you see any trash on the beach, please pick it up. Keeping our beaches and our ocean clean is a collective effort. While Playa Grande is actually a really clean beach, sometimes, and especially after big swells or storms, plastic and other debris end up on our shoreline. You can repurpose a plastic grocery bag or any other bag you’re able to reuse to collect any little pieces of trash you find around your beach spot. 

Change of Clothes or Beach Cover-Up 

Following the magnificent sunset, you might want to go straight from the beach to the RipJack Inn for post-sunset drinks or dinner. If you bring a change of clothes or a cover-up, you can easily transition from the beach to happy hour and dinner! 

Of course, you’ll want to bring sunglasses and maybe a hat and a sun shirt, as well for your Playa Grande beach day. You can also rent a beach chair from the RipJack Inn reception if you want to update your beach set-up!

Nov 17, 2019

Forest Bathing in Costa Rica and Why It’s Amazing for Your Health

National Geographic listed Costa Rica as one of the best countries to practice the Japanese art of forest bathing. In the 1980s, the term shinrin-yoku (shinrin means forest and yoku means bath) was coined in Japan and has since grown into a scientifically-back physiological and psychological eco-practice. The idea that spending time in nature is good for your health is far from new. However, in an era where an estimated 93% of Americans spend the majority of their day indoors, according to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, this ecotherapy has become more necessary than ever. Fortunately, if you are in Costa Rica, access to this highly beneficial practice can be as simple as just stepping outdoors! 

What is forest bathing?

Forest bathing, also called forest therapy, is a practice that involves spending time amongst the trees in a mindful and relaxed manner. It is a practice, similar to yoga and meditation, in that it is completely personal. Some prefer to stroll through the forest, while others prefer to sit amongst the trees. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy forest bathing; in fact, even practicing yoga or meditation in the forest is considered a form of forest therapy. The most crucial part is that you make the conscious decision to be present and to pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes of the forest; this is where the healing happens. 

Why is forest bathing beneficial to your mental and physical health?

Forest therapy has been linked to:

Reduced stress

Reduced blood pressure

Boosted immune system function

Enhanced mood

Elevated energy level

Increased ability to focus

Strengthened ability to communicate with nature

Accelerated recovery from illness or surgery

Stronger connection to the self 

Creativity

Happiness

Clearer mind

Overall sense of wellness 

Where are the best places to take a forest bath near Playa Grande? 

Playa Grande is within a day-trip distance from several national parks and forests, including the Santa Rosa National Park, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park, and Barra Honda National Park. Here you will find a combination of tropical dry forests, tropical rainforests, and lush mangrove forests. However, you don’t necessarily need to seek out a national park to reap the benefits of forest bathing. Trees and beautiful green spaces are abundant all around and in Playa Grande. The idea is mainly to break free of walled in spaces and the constraints of technology and spend some time with our healing and rejuvenating Mother Earth. 

If you are interested in a guided forest therapy tour, Sensoria, a private rainforest reserve near Rincon de la Vieja, offers this unique opportunity to visitors. Their trail is even certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.

While it is simple to surround yourself with trees and nature while in Costa Rica, don’t forget to seek out these arbol moments in your everyday life. Forest therapy, like nearly any other type of therapy, is best when repeated more than once.  

Oct 20, 2019

4 Reasons Why You Should Honeymoon in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

First and foremost, congratulations! You are one of the lucky ones to find and marry your soulmate! Your honeymoon is the first trip that you will take as a married couple, and here’s why we think you should consider honeymooning in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. 

Quiet and Intimate Ocean-Side Town

Playa Grande is a beach and surf town that has a far more relaxed and laidback vibe in comparison to some of the busier nearby towns like Tamarindo. While Playa Grande is on the quieter side, it is far from a boring place to spend your honeymoon. This wonderful walkable town offers an intimate setting by the sea for lovebirds. You won’t hear bumping bass, beeping horns, or rambunctious party animals here! Instead, you’ll hear birds chirping, monkey chatting, and waves breaking on the beach. 

Nothing Says Romance Like Long Walks on the Beach

Playa Grande, which literally translates to Big Beach, is very long. It is one of the best beaches in the area to take long walks hand and hand with the one you love the most. It is not uncommon to have vast portions of the beach all to yourself.  

Easy Access to Everything 

If you are an activity and tour-seeking honeymoon couple, everything that you would want to do in Northern Guanacaste is readily accessible from Playa Grande. You can easily book scuba diving, sailing, horseback riding, surfing, and stand up paddle boarding tours. You can also attend yoga and fitness classes right in town and any day of the week. Or, perhaps you want to visit volcanoes and natural hot springs or spend the day at the spa on your honeymoon. All of these options and more are all within proximity of your honeymoon home base. 

Sunsets, Shooting Stars, and Space 

The sunsets on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are absolutely breathtaking! The sunset show is different every night, but nearly every night is brilliant. Watching the sunset on the beach with a glass of bubbly or your favorite cocktail (which you can order and bring down to the beach from the RipJack Inn bar), will likely become a nightly ritual on your honeymoon. Once the sun dips below the horizon, and the last glow of sunlight disappears, the stargazing in Playa Grande is enchanting. Unlike other more populas areas, where light pollution can be relatively high, Playa Grande’s night sky is dark and often star-filled. 

Costa Rica has become a very popular tourist destination and is often crowded on the coast. Playa Grande is one of the few places where there is still a lot of space. What’s better than space, shooting stars, and sunsets alongside the sea with your soulmate?