The morning spent with Kayak Jaco was a highlight of my month. Guides Wilbur and Jacob taught the group the basics of paddling, with Kayak Jaco’s homemade, bamboo paddles, prior to pushing off for a three-hour journey that exceeded my every expectation! Playa Agujas, the beach of origin, has gorgeous green-blue flat water that begged an invitation. After the guides assisted the five of us into the water, we paddled over to a small cave and tree that rooted in a beachside cliff. They taught us about the hundreds of birds that inhabited the trees. A paddle around the rocks surprised us with an osprey eagle and numerous pelicans skimming over the flat, smooth emerald water. Wilbur and Jacob checked in numerous times to assure that the pace was good for each paddler.

After a leisurely paddle of about 20-30 minutes, we landed in the beautiful cove, Lemoncito, for a swim. The cove is often home to monkeys and scarlet macaws. More often during the dry season (December- April), there is decent snorkeling just 20 feet from shore along a rocky reef. When conditions aren’t great for snorkeling, usually during the wet season, (May through October), the tour heads to a beautiful waterfall, hidden just 50 meters away.

While the monkeys didn’t make an appearance for my trip, the macaws, blow fish, a variety of star fish, a sea cucumber, and numerous other creatures did! Wilbur lead the small group to the best places to experience the underwater world. He dove down to the reef countless times and brought up a variety of star fish and other wonders for us to touch and experience. He even caught a blow fish with his bare hands! My wife isn’t the snorkeling type, but instead of her missing out on this natural petting aquarium, Jacob offered to paddle her out to us in the kayak so that she could wouldn’t miss out! We both had an amazing time! After living in Costa Rica for over two years, Kayak Jaco’s, Wilbur and Jacob were by far the best kayak and snorkel guides that I have had in-country.

After the snorkel, we indulged ourselves with the sweetness of pura vida through the the consumption of perfectly ripened watermelon and pineapple, then hopped back aboard our kayaks and returned to Playa Agujas. A 3-5 minute walk up the street landed us at the Kayak Jaco office, where they had a row of showers to freshen up in, and a cooler of fresh mango juice to replenish us. After this experience I’d like to try out their other tours: sunset/night kayak tour (includes bonfire, wine, cheese and crackers, ceviche, and roasted marshmallows, SUP tour, outrigger canoe tour, and sailboat charters. The three hours I spent with Kayak Jaco was the highlight of my month!

Watch the video of my experience