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Rickshaw Travel
Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua

Bioluminescence of Playa Naranjo

Bite-sized trip
  • Itinerary:
    Playa Naranjo
  • Duration:
    3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    From £ 279.- per person (excluding flights)
Upon arrival in Playa Naranjo, you'll see it's so much more than just a ferry connection! During your stay you'll discover quiet, pristine beaches and witness an incredible natural phenomenon: Bioluminescence. As you kayak over the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya, glowing plankton will illuminate the water around you, giving you the feeling of floating amongst the stars.

This trip is suitable for those travelling with a hire car.

Day 1 – Arrival in Playa Naranjo

After a beautiful drive through the hilly landscape of the Nicoya Peninsula, you will arrive at your accommodation close to the beach. If you come from central areas such as Monteverde or San José, you will first board the ferry that will take you and your car to the Nicoya Peninsula. Playa Naranjo is located on a northern side of the Peninsula, where not many travellers visit and you can really enjoy the untouched nature beaches. Here it will really feel like a holiday: the sun is shining, palm trees are waving and you can hear the sea in the distance.

You will stay in a friendly hotel with a tropical garden where you can relax by the pool. The afternoon is free to spend as you please. You’ll see here the beach is quite rustic, but it’s still a great place to relax or go for a swim. Some of the more curious local wildlife may even come to greet you!

Day 2 – Kayaking amongst the bioluminescence

After a relaxing morning, you can take a trip to Playa Blanca, a secluded bay just three kilometres south of Playa Naranjo. Here you will find a small beach with white sand and turquoise water, perfect for snorkelling or swimming. From the beach you have a view of Isla San Lucas, the former prison island, which is now a national park and can be reached by boat. If you prefer something more active, take a walk through the private reserve Karen Mogensen Reserve, where you can take a (somewhat strenuous) hike of about 90 minutes to a waterfall.

Costa Rica is one of the few places where it’s possible to see bioluminescence all year round. After sunset, you’ll head off on a guided kayak tour to witness this incredible sight up close. As you gently paddle through the calm water, tiny plankton will illuminate around you, creating a truly magical atmosphere. After an hour and a half, you’ll head back to shore and return to your hotel for the night.

Day 3 – Departure from Playa Naranjo

After breakfast, it’s time to head to your next destination, either taking the ferry across to the mainland or travelling further across the Nicoya Peninsula. If passing by, you could stop at the Curu National Park, where you can find a number of quiet beaches or visit the wildlife refuge.

Accommodation

For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

1Option

Playa Naranjo - In Style

  • Price:
    From £ 379.- per person (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    In Style accommodation, excursion and meals as described above

Why not make your stay in Playa Naranjo extra special by upgrading to an idyllic boutique hotel right on the beach. When you’re not out exploring, you could rent a paddleboard to float along the peaceful coastline, or spend your time lazing by the pool nestled amongst their beautiful gardens. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-size trip, please select our In Style option below.

This bite-sized trip combines well with