Sun, Sea, Surf and Storm

Lovely relaxing morning drinking coffee and watching the tiny yellow-breasted birds hopping around on the balcony from bed.

Went down into Uvita for a spot of shopping then headed just 10 minutes out of town to “Catarata Esmeralda Uvita” - a lovely little complex comprising of a cafe, short waterafall trail and butterfly house for only £3 entry. The butterflies were beautiful (especially the brown ones with the big “eye” on the outer wing, opening up to be a bright blue colour) but tricky to snap a photo of.

The daredevils slid down from the top waterfall but all 3 of us, having worked with people with brain injuries in the past, decided our risk assessments didn’t lead us to do the same. We cooled off with delicious smoothies and a spot of lunch, before heading to the beach.

When we found the right entrance to Martino Ballena National Park (there are 2!), Rach took a tiring but enjoyable surf lesson with Leonardo; whilst Dom and I chilled out on the beach and spectated from the shallows.

We then headed on our way, an hour up the coast to Quepos, arriving just before dusk, with a storm brewing. We checked into our lovely apartment at Pura Natura Lodge (loving the fact each bedroom has a double bed and set of bunk beds - Ive opted for top bunk!).

Decided being later on, we’d head next door to El Lagarto restaurant for dinner. It was a seafood and steakhouse with the smokey aroma from the open grill wafting through, boasting delicious smoked vegetarian options for Rach and Dom too. We watched the lightening illuminating Quepos and beyond, whilst tucking into brownie and banana split for pud. As we dashed back through the rain, we were all quite snoozy from the sun, sea and surf; so decided an early night was in order, ready to explore another, and perhaps the most famous national park in Costa Rica tomorrow.Læs mere