Playa Ocotal was the most interesting beach we visited in Costa Rica.
The surf was very strong while we were there, so we didn’t go in the ocean much. The beach itself had dark gray sand and there was a lot of rocks at the surface, which was kind of scary considering how rough the waves were.
There were a lot of tidal pools, and places to walk around and see fish and crabs and things. We saw a couple of iguanas – one was in a little cave in the rocks, and several others were just jauntily walking around the beach like they owned the place.
One of the tidal pools was quite large, and we swam in it more than we went in the actual ocean, because it was very calm and warm. Dave got some bread from the lunch we’d packed and using little bits of it we were able to attract a bunch of fish.
In late afternoon, when the tide had come in more, we saw people coming in with wetsuits, flippers and snorkels. I’m sure there was a lot to see with all the rock formations beneath the water, but I wonder how people don’t get smashed up against them with such a strong surf?
As we were leaving the beach at the end of the day, two young women approached us and asked for a ride back to Playas del Coco. They spoke to us in English, so I began talking to them. Soon, they admitted that their English wasn’t very good and they couldn’t understand what I was saying. We found out they were from Spain and they were spending two months in Costa Rica! Lucky them!
For dinner that night we went to a taco stand that we’d seen in a little shopping center in town. It was called Chorotacos and the tacos were SO good! They had a vegetarian one which was chickpeas with roasted tomatoes and roasted red pepper salsa. Dave got a meaty one, which he said was really good too. I’d definitely recommend this place if you’re in Playas del Coco and need a quick dinner!
One full day in Costa Rica was ahead of us… would we go back to Playa Hermosa or would we try a new beach?
Uncommon Heather 