Fishing Frenzy

Costa Rica is a very small Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Many who visit find a tropical paradise. It got its name 600 years ago by Christopher Columbus who, when he landed along its Caribbean coast was so enraptured he named the place 'Costa Rica' or the 'Rich Coast'.

In a region often known for its instability, Costa Rica stands alone. Though tumultuous Nicaragua is to the north and Panama is to its south, it constitutionally abolished its military nearly 70 years ago. Today, along with Switzerland, it is one of only two countries with no army. The country is particularly famous for its wide biodiversity. There is an abundance of beautiful rain forests, cloudforests, rugged mountains and, of course, its amazing beaches, all close at hand.

Costa Rica tourism is struggling due to the world's economic problems. Still, a challenge always presents an opportunity and today is no exception. Now may be exactly the time to travel to Costa Rica. Airfares are down and you will find some great travel and accommodation bargains. To check out a few, simply Google 'visitcostarica.com/crplus' to go to the Costa Rica government's official Institute of Tourism (ICT) website that has discount coupons but lots and lots of other hotels and resorts are offering special prices right now.

Costa Rica is world famous for the diversity of its animals and plants. As small as it is, Costa Rica has set aside nearly 25% of the country for protected national park and wildlife sanctuaries. How small is it? Think tiny, but mighty: only the size of little West Virginia, it has more species of butterflies than in all of the countries on the African continent combined. It is birdwatchers' nirvana with nearly as many different kinds of birds as in the entire continental United States and only about 100 fewer species than the entire continent of Europe. The diversity of life is simply staggering. Though it takes up only 1/10,000 of the earth's land mass, nearly 1 of every 5 species of plant and animal on the face of the planet is found in Costa Rica!

You will also find some the world's most famous volcanoes here. Arenal Volcano is a tourist hotspot, with resorts built around hot springs where you can loll in luxury, drink a margarita, and perhaps watch the fabulous eruptions of this volcano. There is also Irazu, just outside San Jose. Here, on the day in 1963 that John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica, a monstruous eruption greeted the President---I like to think of it as a salute. And, only here on a clear day can you drive to the top of its summit, look into its crater, then look west and see the Pacific Ocean, or look east and see the Atlantic ocean. Or, look at both of them at the same time! This ain't Dubuque!

Do not forget Costa Rica's Seven Wonders, chosen by Ticos themselves. Two great volcanoes: mighty Arenal Volcano and spectacular Poas Volcano near San Jose International. World famous for its ecotourism is Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve with its great plant and animal diversity---including its spectacular orchids! Hop a boat for a get-away to magnificent Cocos Island (300 miles off the coast), described as the "most beautiful island in the world" by Jacques Cousteau, a famous pirate island with millions of dollars of still-missing buried treasure, and the best large animal diving anywhere. The tallest mountain in Central America is called Mount Chirripo where you will hike from tropical forests to glacial lakes. Unknown to most folks is the Rio Celeste (Celestial River) where the river changes, literally and almost magically, from crystal clear to sky-blue in front of your eyes. And, for real nature lovers, there is remote Tortuguero National Park along the Caribbean coast, the world's largest protected area for green sea turtles and waters teeming with great sportfish.

No vacation is complete without visiting several of its simply amazing beaches. You are going to find nearly 800 miles of beaches: white sand beaches, brown sand beaches, black sand beaches, even coral beaches. Along two oceans. Dozens have been awarded the famed 'Blue Flag' certificates meaning they are the best of the best ecologically. The north Pacific coast is increasingly developed with great resorts, hotels, and golf courses. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast remains far more undeveloped while maintaining its particular Caribbean flavor. There are very popular beaches (particularly over Easter and Christmas) and virtually deserted beaches. To go from one to another is often just a few minutes' drive.

Here is a partial list of more things to do and attractions to see during the days: 1. Fish for marlin (I recently fought a 450 pounder before releasing it), sailfish, tarpon, snook, and dozens of other denizens. 2. Surf world famous beaches or watch world-championship surfing contests. 3. Raft or kayak in whitewater that will take your breath away or leisurely raft a tropical river with the kids. 4. Golf at courses designed by world-famous designers. 5. Windsurf at Lake Arenal. 6. Bungee jump into deep canyons or at night. 7. Ecotourism. 8. Zipline through tropical forests. 9. Go to a bullfight (where only the bullfighters are allowed to be harmed). 10. Horseback ride in the mountains or along the beaches. 11. Hang-glide. 12. Rappel waterfalls. 13. Take a train ride---in a genuine Swiss train to a genuine Swiss mountain hotel. 14. Visit Corcovado, the most biologically intense place on earth. 15. Scuba or skin dive. 16. Whale watch (Costa Rica has the world's longest whale-watching season). 17. Visit tropical gardens or tour coffee plantations. 18. Bike, hike, rent motorcycles. 19. Hike into the crater of an active volcano. 19. Visit an African wildlife park. 20. Take a photography or eco tour. 21. Take a volunteer vacation. And more!

The capital is definitely worth a visit too. At night, San Jose and most of the beach communities provide lots of adult entertainment. Restaurants, theatres, cinemas, bars, nightclubs (many, very adult in tone and tenor), gambling, and beautiful women---what happens here, stays here. And for lesbians and gays, there are an increasing number of places to go and things to do as well.