Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Rocket Frog Divers
DIVING
( 2670-1589;
www.scuba-dive-costa-rica.com
;
2 tanks US$80-135; 7:30am-6:30pm)
This awesome upstart dive shop on the Los Almendros property hits 22 local dive sites
and motors out to the Catalina Islands to dive with mantas. The 11m, purpose-designed
Pacific Express
promises to make it to distant dive sites in half the time of other vessels.
Sleeping & Eating
Los Almendros de Ocotal
APARTMENT
( 2670-1744;
www.losalmendrosrentals.com
;
studio/apt/villa US$82/180/237; )
Perched on the hillside just above the beach, these studios and apartments are a great op-
tion for divers, beach bums and self-caterers. Studios sleep two, apartments sleep four and
villas sleep six. The fancier units have a private pool and terrace.
Father Rooster Bar & Grill
PUB
( 2670-1246;
www.fatherrooster.com
; mains US$12-16; 11am-10pm; )
This colorful gastropub by the sea serves up a good variety of grilled and Tex-Mex dishes.
You cannot beat the location, especially if you sit in the rockers on the shaded wooden ter-
race or at tables under the palms sunk into the sand.
Beaches South of Playa Ocotal
Although they're lined up in a row, Playas Danta, Pan de Azúcar, Potrero, Flamingo, Bra-
silito and Conchal have relatively little in common. The beaches range from gray to white
sand to crushed seashells, with a wide variety of development along the way.
Coming from the north, it's tempting to take the 'road' from Sardinal to Potrero. Keep
in mind there's a reason why locals call this route the 'Monkey Trail.' The first 8km of
gravel road leading to the small town of Nuevo Colón is fine, but the second half is pretty
brutal, and should only be tackled in dry season with a 4WD. The Monkey Trail begins
