The beach
Turquoise water.
Federico Mata — CC BY 3.0 · Federico Mata — CC BY 3.0 · Johan Guatemala — CC BY-SA 3.0 · micah420 — CC BY 2.0
Two small forested islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, the larger famed for a beach of soft white sand shaded by coconut palms and calm, clear turquoise water, like a postcard tropical island about an hour by boat from the coast. It is visited on a boat day trip, sometimes spotting dolphins and seabirds on the way, then spending hours on the beach: snorkelling among colourful fish by the rocks, kayaking, walking a short trail in the island's forest and lunching in the shade. The island is private and overnight stays are not allowed, so organised trips reach it by day only. Crowds vary by day, with weekdays quieter than holidays. The sea can be choppy in some months, so bring seasickness tablets if you need them. The sun is fierce on the white sand. Rip currents are strong on many Pacific beaches, so swim only where others do and keep away from river mouths.
Turquoise water.
Colourful fish.
Dolphins at times.
Gulf of Nicoya, by boat from Montezuma or Puntarenas
No, the island is private and visited only on day boat trips from Montezuma or Puntarenas.