Monkeys, Dolphins, and Sloths! Oh my!

Warm weather and warm waters welcomed LA students to Costa Rica for some kayaking fun!

Photo of Playa Beach (not sent by group)

We have not heard directly from this group but according to their plans they arrived to San Jose, Costa Rica and then drove to the Central Valley Lodge on Monday after a full day of travel. On Tuesday they began their kayaking training and learning rescue procedures at Playa Blanca Beach. (When trying to find this on a map, Google Maps pinned a beach of the same name on an island off the coast of Morocco! We're sure they are in Costa Rica, but we can't seem to find them on a map!)

On Wednesday they did a paddle along the coast into the Playa Blanca Estuary (full of monkeys, sloths, reptiles and lots of birds).  Also they took a hike through the gallery forest after eating lunch at their base camp at the beach. They may have caught a glimpse of a white-faced or squirrel monkey. Thursday they broke camp at Playa Blanca Beach and paddled about 3 hours to their next destination - Cabanas and Camping at El Chontal.  They will stay here through Saturday morning. While here they have been learning about the Gulfo Dulce, with a focus on dolphins and whales. (We could find this on a map!)

Today (Friday) they were expected to be paddling into the estuary of the Rincon River. We hope this was a short paddle because tomorrow (Saturday) they will be taking an 18-mile water trek starting at 6:00 a.m., along the coast, stopping at the Magos Islands.  (They may spot dolphins tomorrow!!) By Saturday afternoon, they will have arrived at another camp (Saladero Lodge and Campground), a paradise with showers and a kitchen (and a Facebook page)!

Saladero Lodge - photo from web (so maybe not the right place)