The Exquisite Tortuga Island in Costa Rica

Tortuga Island is the perfect day trip destination for anyone visiting Montezuma and wanting to explore Costa Rica's wonderful marine environment. Isla de Tortuga (Turtle) Island has become widely popular in Costa Rica because of its powdery white sand beach and complementing clear turquoise water. Its offshore area provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Situated within the province of North Puntarenas, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula; Tortuga Island has an interesting and colorful history. Centuries ago, it used to be the hub for pirates. The people even made a pirate theme song to remind younger generations of its pirate past. The island is actually part of a small archipelago referred to as Las Islas Tortugas. The main island, which is officially named Tolinga, is now widely referred to as Tortuga Island. The other main island in the archipelago is called Alcatraz.

You can arrange a boat tour to Tortuga from the nearby villages of Montezuma Mal Pais, Tambor, Cabuya, and Santa Teresa. There are also tours that go to the island all the way from Puntarenas or Jaco. If you are coming from these cities, the boat ride will take about 90 minutes. Even though this may be longer, the trip is considered is quite scenic because of the outstanding seascape of the Nicoya Peninsula. And if you're lucky and attentive enough, you may even spot dolphins, jumping manta rays and even whales along the way.

Almost all of the visitors come in on some tour or cruise to Tortuga Island. There are many tour agencies in the nearby village of Montezuma and other towns in the region that offer different types of excursions. Most of their itineraries consists of not only spending time on the island, but also a snorkeling excursion. Snorkeling is indeed a worthwhile activity as the waters surrounding the island are home to a volcanic rock reef and many delightful species of marine life such as angel fish, spinner dolphins, octopus, sting rays and sharks. If you want to really immerse yourself into this colorful marine world, your tour can also include a scuba diving session. Tortuga Island is an especially unique diving spot in Central America because is close to not only one but three sunken ships to explore.

Some cruise companies like Calypso offer their clients a trip to Tortuga Island with a more luxurious twist. Guest are ushered to a new and modern catamaran and are served gourmet meals and drinks on board. The staff will also dedicate time to impart to guests important information and insights on the Gulf of Nicoya and its gorgeous islands.

Once in Tortuga, there are various activities that you can engage in aside from lounging on the beach all day (which is also not a bad idea). Some people tend to play beach volleyball or take kayak outings. Others, especially those who love hiking, explore the different trails and hills on the island. And if you really feel very adventurous, you can trek all the way to the mountain!

Bigger tour companies usually have their own mini restaurants and bars, and will even set up live entertainment on the beach for a fee of course. Other outfitters specialize in cooking seafood-based lunch for their guests. Whichever tour company you wish to go with, it is important to ensure your expectations as a traveler, match their services and itinerary.

Cenote Dos Ojos - Mexico

Cave fans will surely find the Cenote Dos Ojos in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, an incredible natural attraction. A cenote (pronounced say-NO-tay) is quite a spectacular phenomena unique to this part of the world. This sinkhole is a product of the collapsing of cave ceilings. As a result, it becomes an opening to the underground rivers, which are the only type of rivers and springs in Northern Yucatan.

Cenotes, ultimately, became the only water source for the Mayan civilization. Thus, the people consider them sacred spots. Perhaps the most prominent cenote in the region is the Cenote Dos Ojos (two eyes). It earned its named because of the two rivers that unite in a big underwater cavern. Dos Ojos is also very famous because it is, at the moment, the deepest known cave passage in the Yucatan. It is estimated to be more than 415 meters deep.

This cenote lies 13 kilometers north of the town of Tulum, juts a kilometer south of Xel Ha. The dirt road, which stretches 4 kilometers, off Highway 307 leads to the entrance of the cenote. This journey is an adventure in itself as you may most likely come across some interesting flora and fauna along the way. There are two hardwood decks that are set up at the entrance that serve each river. The left side (eye) is usually where the divers enter, while the right side is where more swimmers and snorkelers go.

Cenote Dos Ojos dazzles visitors with its large cave system, which features large columns and clear water. There are many ways to explore Dos Ojos; the first one being scuba diving. By doing so, you will be able to marvel at the deep cave walls up close. With miles and miles of extensive cave systems that connect to more than 25 cenotes, you have a lot of freedom of which direction to dive through. Take note that you need an open water diving certification to be allowed to dive.

If you don't have the needed certification, you can always to snorkel, which is also fun. There are even tourists who just swim or look around the cenote. If you intend to snorkel, climb down the stairs from the right entrance or second eye. From here, you can explore the secret passageways made of stalagmites and stalactites. The passages can bring you different caves. One of them is called the Bat Cave, which is part of the cave system called Hidden Worlds.

Cenote Dos Ojos receives the same water that flows into the large Caribbean cove called Xel Ha. This water is believed to have healing powers and is considered very pure as it comes from a massive area pristine jungle. To protect the pureness of the water, divers and snorkelers are highly discouraged to not use sun tan lotion, which may pollute the water.

An entrance fee of $100 pesos is required for swimmers, snorkelers and those who are sightseeing. There is a different set of fees for divers. There are always guides available for hire at the entrance. If you don't have scuba diving or snorkeling equipment, you can always rent them here. Cenote Dos Ojos is open to visitors from 9 Am to 5 Pm. It closes slightly early during wintertime at 4:30 PM.

Gorgeous Hapuna Beach, Hawaii

When you talk about Hawaii, one of the first things that will probably spring up to mind are gorgeous beaches. Indeed this American state is blessed with wide range of sandy stretches that draw millions of tourists every year.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the most prominent beaches is Hapuna. Aside from being the widest beach on the island, it is also ranked one of the highest in terms of tourist facilities. While a number of the Big Island's beaches feature grainy black sand and volcanic rocks which you need to climb over; Hapuna stands out due to its fine soft white sand, well complemented by its clear light turquoise water. It is no wonder Hapuna is consistently included into the list of top beaches not only in Hawaii, but in the entire United States.

Hapuna is actually a designated state beach park. In fact, one of its best features is the exquisite landscaped park that surrounds the beach. Hapuna is the "classic" type of sandy stretch that measures.5 miles long (800 meters) and 200 feet wide (60 meters). It has all the characteristics of being that perfect swimming and sunbathing site. Over the years, this Hawaiian beach has also become a favorite among families because it has spacious parking lots, picnic pavilions, and lifeguard services.

Other facilities you can find here include restrooms, showers and concession stands. If you are visiting Hapuna with small children, the northern section of the beach is the best spot for you because the water here is calm and shallow. In stark contrasts, the southern end of Hapuna draws in the thrill seekers. This is because this section is adorned with sea cliffs, and daredevils, unwisely, climb up the cliffs to jump into the ocean.

On top of swimming and sunbathing, snorkeling is also a popular activity on Hapuna. The most ideal snorkeling spot is towards to rocky south point where the water is calm. If you are a skilled enough swimmer, you can snorkel all the way to Wailea Bay which is a mile down the coast. During winter, the surfs goes up and are bigger shore breaks. This is the time when the Hapuna becomes a sought after bodysurfing hotspot. However, take note that waves can go up more than 3 feet high.

You need to be a body-surfing expert to tackle such waves. Otherwise, it is safer to leave the water and just enjoy watching the pros do it. If you want to get a little more active while in Hapuna, go for a hiking trip along the western coastal trail of the Kohala, and you will rewarded with outstanding ocean vistas. If you take time to look on the other side, the lush mountains and clouds peeking through them will easily captivate you.

Should you wish to stay near Hapuna, there are accommodation facilities that are within easy reach to this lovely beach. Some of the closest lodgings include the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. At certain times, Hapuna Beach's excellent traits bring in a fairly large crowd. So it can get relatively busy. However, because of Hapuna's size and atmosphere, it is highly likely that you can tolerate the crowd and have a really good time.

Mal Pais Costa Rica

Mal Pais may be smaller than other communities in Costa Rica, but it is undoubtedly one of its most trendy and popular beach spots. Located in the southwestern section of the Nicoya Peninsula, this coastal village is the kind of place stripped of the hustle and bustle familiar to urban living.

Tourists can come here to completely unwind and rejuvenate the mind and the body. This may also be the reason it attracts the rich and the famous, including Hollywood actors and international celebrities. As a result, Mal Pais always has that happening, yet understated class to it. A vacation here usually means spending relaxing days on sandy beaches and enjoying gorgeous sunsets.

The beaches are, of course, the highlight attractions in Mal Pais, which boasts a coastline that spans about 6 kilometers. Most of the coastline is occupied by long stretches of sand, but you can also find some considerably big sets of rock. Near the shore is a lush jungle rich in flora and fauna. The beach itself barely has any development. The hotels and resorts are mostly found on the sandy stretches of its sister village of Santa Teresa. This is also where you can find bars, restaurants and shops to rent surfing equipment. A number of people include Santa Teresa and the Playa Carmen area when they talk about Mal Pais.

Unlike Nicoya Peninsula's neighboring villages like Montezuma, there are less tours and activities offered in Mal Pais. This is actually the point of coming here, to relax and do very little. But after a few days of lazy relaxation, you may feel like doing something, and you can always go fishing, ride a horse along the beach or sign up for canopy tours to nearby forested region.

The Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve is quite accessible from Mal Pais and makes a great day trip destination for those who love the jungle environment. Cabo Blanco covers about 1,270 hectares of land area, and is the first protected area in Costa Rica. Bird watching has also become a popular activity in the area because of the wide range of coastal and migratory birds that frequent here. Some of the bird species to watch for are falcons, kingfishers and scarlet macaws.

Mal Pais is highly regarded for its big swells and long beach breaks, which are consistent throughout the year. That is why it is no surprise that surfers from all over make their way to this sleepy beach town to ride the waves. From the water, you can admire the volcanic formations that populate the shore. The breaks generated in Mal Pais is perfect for intermediate and expert level surfers. If you are a surfing novice, there are some spots you can go to for practice. In addition, Santa Teresa's beaches have swells ideal for beginners.

You can reach Mal Pais by taking the Highway 160. If you are coming from the city of Puntarenas, you can take a ferry first to Narajo Beach or Paquera. From these places, you have the choice of driving a rented vehicle or take the bus. If you prefer to fly; you can book a domestic flight from San Jose International Aiport or Pavas International Airport to Tambor Domestic Airport, which is the closest airport to Mal Pais. Once you land in Tambor, you can easily hire a taxi to take you to this beautiful coastal community.