GUANACASTE PENINSULA
Words Alex Sergison // Photos Katy Sergison
I am an adventure snob. If my friends are chatting about it, if I think too many people have done it before me, if there are likely to be plenty of other travellers there, I lose interest incredibly fast. Now in my 30s, experience has led me to believe that in hindsight, I have missed out on some wonders due to my stubbornness not to conform.
Costa Rica was one of those places that I have snubbed for many years, deeming it ‘done’ and with nothing of interest for me. I am glad that, with age, I have also found a little more sense. I have realised that unfortunately most world class attractions are going to draw crowds, so if you completely avoid the crowds so too will you also miss a potentially amazing experience.
We settled upon Costa Rica after an intense period of research into the best surf locations in February and March. Where ever we were going needed to have some epic surf, comfortable waves so Katy my girlfriend could pursue her new love of SUP surfing, gorgeous coastline and enough access to basic amenities that I could do some work and have contact with the UK.
No matter how hard we looked top of the pile time and time again was Costa Rica. We decided to fly in to Liberia in the North of the country, Gateway to the Guanacaste Peninsula. You can land in Liberia at lunch, pick up a rental car and be on the beach for the evening. That is exactly what we did.
Our first few days were spent recovering from jetlag and generally lazing in the quiet back water of Marbella. Casa Alice is home to possibly the loveliest family in Central America. We had a room with them, access to shared kitchen and were no more than 5 minutes to the nearest beach. 45 minutes from here is Tamarindo, a surf party town that attracts revellers year round for sun, parties and copious amounts of alcohol. Marbella has all the benefits of Tamarindo, being close to beaches including its own, as well as the likes of Avellanas and Playa Negra, yet manages to remain a sleepy hollow perfect for unwinding.
The pick of the bunch for us was Avellanes. With a lovely long stretch of sand backed by old mangroves, Avellanas has countless peaks along it so that even in a crowd you can find your own space. The peaks to the south of the beach break over flat lumps of rock reef onto sand. As you walk further along to the north, you come to the river mouth A-frame that is normally considerably larger, but has great shape and offers good barrels if you are willing to paddle deep enough. For experts right at the north of the beach is Little Hawaii, a reef that is both hollow and fast and not for the faint hearted. As a beach Avellanes really has something to offer any level of sup surfer as well as a fantastic bar and restaurant right on the sand; the perfect spot for a sun downer at the end of the day.
Next stop was Nosara. A mere 40km further down the peninsula, Nosara is a town on a roll. After countless mentions in global publications, land in Nosara is hot property and the town is experiencing a real development rush. That being said, for now it retains the mellow vibe that has made it famous and those who want to stay out of town can find a reasonably priced room just over the hill in Playa Pelada, as well as pick from an abundance of excellent restaurants and decent bars.
