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Ahh Jaco Beach – famous for its tourists, surf and tacos – is truly an incredible place to visit once you get off the beaten path, luckily with Kayak Jaco we were able to do just that.

This year for my birthday I really didn’t know what to ask for. The more we adventure, the less I crave “stuff” and the more I long for experiences. With my mountain bike, climbing gear, yoga mat and juicer intact, there really was nothing else I could ask for, so I opted for this kayaking and snorkeling adventure instead! – A gift that both Drew and I would never forget:

We met up with our awesome guide Leo at the Kayak Jaco launching pad (map) and from there we rolled our kayaks on over to Playa Agujas in time for our 2pm tour along the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It was a perfectly overcast afternoon, something our sunburned skin was more than thankful for:

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With their handmade bamboo paddles, it felt like we could paddle all day long. Leo taught us all about the plants and land as we coasted on by, reminding us to enjoy our time and paddle slow – something Drew and I aren’t quite used to, but definitely appreciated for a change.

Our first stop was at a beautiful, secluded beach called Playa Blanca. Here we were able to smell the plumeria flowers, traditionally used to make Hawaiian leis, and rest on the smooth, white sands:

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Before getting too cozy, we hopped back into our kayaks and continued on our paddling journey until we reached our final destination another mile or so ahead. Once we arrived, we “docked” on the rocks, put on our snorkeling gear and got ready to explore the Central Pacific waters of Costa Rica:

We saw puffer fish, a giant lobster, needle fish, angel fish and our guide even found us a sea star to hold!

With pruney fingers and a fulfilled sense of adventure, we swam back to shore only to find that Leo had set out a delicious spread of our favorite Costa Rican fruits! Piña and sandía (watermelon)… my mouth is watering just thinking about them!:

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With no leftovers to pack in, we prepared for our paddle back to shore. The clouds overhead let out one last blanket of cool, light rain – just enough to hang a rainbow in the sky right above our journey home.

With morning paddles being much more popular, we were actually extremely pleased with our choice to do the afternoon paddle. The coast was very much our own at that time of day, and the rain made it so pleasant to be outside all afternoon. On top of the rainbow casting an added sense of magic over my birthday, the setting sun added just the right amount of romance:

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The memories made with Kayak Jaco this day were worth more than any gift I could have asked for. It gifted us with an entirely new experience to share, memories we will not forget and our new friend, Leo 🙂

Back on shore, with the setting sun behind us, we saw a red figure light up in the tree ahead. Drew and I walked over to find Lola, a wild Scarlet Macaw, one of the many native birds of Costa Rica, hanging out on the branch above! A nearby local let us know she was a regular on this beach – it was so incredible to see such an beautiful bird so free:

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Thank you to Kayak Jaco for a truly unforgettable day. It was such a great experience in so many ways, my 26th year definitely got off to the right start!

Be sure to take a look at our recent posts on Exploring Manuel Antonio and Whitewater Rafting the Rio Savegre 🙂

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