Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
A road (paved for the first few kilometers, but gravel for the remaining 9km) leads down
from the lookout point in La Cruz past the small coastal fishing community of Puerto So-
ley. It then heads out along the curve of the bay to the consistently windy beaches of
Playa
Papaturro
and
Playa Copal
, the kiting vortex. It's an incredibly wide beige beach backed
by scrubby
manzanillo
trees with views across the sea all the way to Nicaragua. It does get
crazy windy here, so, though picturesque, it's not about beach-combing. Copal is for
launching kites and riding, and Papaturro is only a safe launch for advanced riders.
If wind isn't your thing, head around the point to
Playa Jobó
, a perfect, 300m-wide
horseshoe of a bay with calm water and headlands sprouting with flowering trees, or
Playa
Rajada,
set on the southernmost arm of Salinas. Rajada is ruggedly gorgeous and
sheltered enough to be almost placid. In September and October, humpback whales often
congregate here.
Boats can be rented in the village of El Jobó or at one of the local resorts to visit Isla
Bolaños, a seabird refuge home to the endangered brown pelican (visits are restricted to
April through November to avoid disturbing nesting seabirds). Ask around about fishing
and diving trips to Isla Despense, Isla Caballo and Isla Murcielago, with its resident bull
sharks.
Kitesurfing
Bahía Salinas is an internationally known mecca for kitesurfers between November and
March, when the wind howls fairly consistently. The shape of the hills surrounding the bay
funnels the winds into a predictable pattern (though it can be gusty, ranging between 20
and 40 knots), and the sandy, protected beaches make this a great place for beginners and
experienced riders alike. It's important to remember that there are inherent dangers to kit-
ing (namely the risk of losing a limb - yikes!), so seek professional instruction if you're
not experienced. The Professional Air Sports Association (PASA) and the International
Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) have set standards for beginner instruction. You'll need
to take a nine-hour certification course to rent gear and safely go out on your own.
Kitesurf School 2000
KITESURFING
