COSTA RICA NEWS & EVENTS

ENVIRONMENT

12/14 - Scientists announced that a new species of yeti crab was discovered living in the Pacific Ocean about 93 kilometers off the coast of northwest Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The crab was named Kiwa puravida for Costa Rica’s signature catchphrase meaning “pure life.” The crab dwells at a depth of 1,000 meters and lives off bacteria that grows on its front claws. The crabs nourish bacteria by waving their claws over ocean vents called seeps that emit hydrogen sulfide and methane. After these dance-like movements, the crabs harvest the bacteria with an appendage that shovels the bacteria into their mouths.

11/7 - The Playa Hermosa refuge has released over 16,879 turtles after collecting 67,461 eggs from more than 706 nests. If you want to volunteer or get involved, contact the refuge at 2643-1066 or the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce at 2643-2853.

11/7 - Environment and Security Ministries sign accord to protect Costa Rica's marine resources, from the Tico Times

10/4 - Read about the Global Conservation Priorities for Marine Turtles Study, created by PLOS One. It includes the population health of all marine turtles by region including Costa Rica - LINK

10/4 - EDACS (Southern Caribbean Society of the School for the Arts) is seeking donations to help establish a permanent educational program in music and the arts. For more information on the association and how to help, go to www.arteviva-puertoviejo.com/edacs.asp.

8/23 - Costa Rica Ocean Environmental Groups protest Assembly Bill to open National Marine Sanctuaries to Commercial Fishing. Read their statement here - LINK.

8/16 - The group Terra Nostra (Our Planet) is also organizing volunteers to keep the Gulf of Nicoya clean. "The real goal of the campaign is to change the attitude and mentality of people that think they can throw trash anywhere and it won’t cause a problem.” For more information, email voluntarios@terranostra-cr.org or visit http://terranostracr.org/. Terra Nostra’s next beach cleanup is at Playa Guacalillo in Puntarenas on Aug. 22

8/2 - Read the Opinion of Randall Arauz in La Nación, August 1st, 2011.  "Shark finning at large in Costa Rica".

9/20 - On August 12-13, 2011, San Jose played host to Costa Rica's first EcoSummit featuring a Sustainability Forum and the State of the Oceans Summit. Read more about the event and read the State of the Oceans report here - LINK.

9/20 - Hundreds of Taiwanese citizens call on Costa Rica to protect sharks Meanwhile, Incopesca authorizes the importation of 15 tons of sharks fins from Nicaragua. Article from Pretoma.org

9/13 - Dr. Feelgood’s Green Pharmacy is a blog run by Roberta Ward Smiley gives a fascinating review of some of the medicinal uses of Costa Rican forest resources

9/13 - Local fishermen appear involved in shark finning, by the A.M. Costa Rica - LINK

9/13 -Costa Rica largest consumer of pesticides per hectare in the world. Read more..

Event: Dinner for the Oceans: Fundraiser for the 3rd National Cleanup Day for rivers and oceans, organized by Terra Nostra Association, with music, magic, comedy shows, Aug. 31, 7 p.m., Tin Jo restaurant, Ca. 11, Av. 6/8, San José, 2228-4317, 2228-6944, matildes@terranostra-cr.org

Upcoming Event: Charla: "Impacto de los Tours a Caballo sobre Playas de Anidación de Tortugas Marinas" - Discussion "Impact of Horseback Riding Tours on the Sea Turtle Nests at the Beach" - Harmony Hotel - Sept. 2nd, 10 a.m.. Visit Sustainable Nosara for more info.

8/24 - Costa Rica Ocean Environmental Groups protest Assembly Bill to open National Marine Sanctuaries to Commercial Fishing. Read their statement here - LINK.

8/4 - William King from Palm Beach, Florida, has been working on a Youth Speak Out International project at the Escuela Pochotal in Playa Hermosa to help the kids learn about recycling for positive global change. His program has given the students the opportunity to speak out about the need for Costa Rica to recycle and the opportunity to job-shadow employees at area businesses so they can learn about cutting down on waste and recycling. For more information or to help out the cause, visit www.youthspeakoutint.org.

7/25 - Shark fins are being landed in Nicaragua, then transported by land to Costa Rica to avoid the law. Read more.

7/18 - Thousands of petitions signed to stop the export of shark fins from Costa Rica. Read more.

Shark finning is the act of slicing off the fin and discarding the living shark back to sea, where it dies a horrible death. The amputated fins are then exported to Asia, where they are used to make an ominous delicacy: shark fin soup (as journalist John Platt calls it, "extinction in a bowl"). Shark finning is responsible for the death of some 200 million sharks each year—contributing to a 90% decline in global shark populations. Ethical Traveler is partnering with PRETOMA and Mission Blue to stop this horrible practice. Click to find out more and how to help.

7/11 - From Joel Harper, author of the children's eco-book - All the Way to the Ocean - "I am excited to announce that my first published song is now available via iTunes... I had the blessed opportunity to collaborate with legendary Reggae musician Burning Spear on a song, of which will be featured in the up and coming "All the Way to the Ocean" movie... The title is called "The Time Is Now". Find it by searching "Joel Harper" on I-Tunes.

7/11 - A Belgian woman drowned on Sunday (7/10) when she jumped into the water at Playa Bonita, Matapalo in an attempt to save two children swept away by a sudden wave. The victim, identified as Florence Louise Gustavia Leriche, age 51 was at beach with her husband when the two called out for help while swimming. The children and her husband managed to get out of the water safely, however attempts to resuscitate Gustavia were not successful.

6/27 - Young surfer victim of a possible shark attack at Playa Grande, dies from blood loss. Read more from various sources here..

6/21 - Pretoma offers a chance to help sponsor a turtle for their satellite tracking program. Link to article..

Recycling locations on the southern Pacific coast, set up by the Nature Conservancy.

Count how much water you use HERE

9/12 - PRETOMA nominates Caletas Wetland for Global Conservation Award. Read more..

9/12 - Nosara Wildlife Rescue is looking for outstanding photos of Nosara's wildlife.  Those chosen will be featured in their 2011 calendar that is going to print by the end of the month.  If you have a high resolution photo that you would like to submit please send it, along with photographer's name and a short description describing how & where it was taken, to vicki (at) nosarawildlife.org. 100% Of the proceeds of the sale of the calendar go to support Nosara's wildlife.

** Check out this new blog by Andy Bystrom from Pretoma.org. It gives you the latest news on what is happening to marine life and coastal ecosystems in Costa Rica.

Randaul Arauz from PRETOMA speaks about his receiving the Goldman Prize for helping the environment. Read it here..

Help Playa Esterillos with their new Recycling Program!! Click here to find out more..

Recycling locations on the southern Pacific coast, set up by the Nature Conservancy.

8/4 - Farming Company Poisons Turtle Wildlife Refuge - Harasses Pretoma Volunteers. Read more..

** How about some winter reading for the kids?? Check out All the Way to the Ocean, a book that teaches kids not to litter, because eventually it will end up in the sea and hurt marine life.

CONTESTS

TRAVEL

Sick of paying airline surcharges for your board?
Join the Surfboard Airline Petition!
Surfboard Bag fees on all major airlines here..

See our specials at the bottom of this box!

10/25 - Witchs Rock Surf Camp just gave away a brand new surfboard shaped by Robert August. The lucky guest who stayed at the camp and won the board was Gary Wnorowski. Read more on their blog page.

10/19 - Check out Richard Bangs story about "Costa Rica and the Quest for Pura Vida", first posted in the Huffington Post.

10/18 - For the latest updates on the state of the Interamerican Highway road conditions call 2202-5577 or 2202-5567 from 7am to 10pm or visit http://www.conavi.go.cr/

9/26 - 16 new traffic cameras have been installed around San Jose and are located at six different locations. Click to see where they are and what the speeding fines are - HERE. UPDATED 11-8-11: Cameras have been suspended from use, more cops with radars on the way.

9/13 - Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park, on the central Pacific coast, was named one of the world’s most beautiful parks in a new issue of Forbes magazine. Manuel Antonio is the only national park on the list from Central America, and was visited by 143,000 tourists last year.

8/16 - Have you tried Costa Rican beer? Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Company (2573-3724, www.beer.cr) is collecting a growing band of beer fans with its flavorful Segua Red Ale and Libertas Tropical Golden Ale.

8/4 - During the first six months of the year, Costa Rica received 1,197,199 international tourists admitted for all ports. Of all tourists who entered the first half, 806.651 arrived by air (646,886 at the Juan Santamaria airport in San José and 157.820 at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste.) The others arrived through the country's two cruise ports (176,360 in June) and over land.

8/4 - Jet Blue said Wednesday that it would be scheduling four non-stop flights a week from New York (JFK) to Liberia (LIR) starting Nov. 17 The flights will operate Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. Trips from the United States leave at 9:40 a.m. and arrive in Costa Rica at 2:05 p.m local time. The planes leave Liberia at 3 p.m. and land in New York at 9 p.m.

8/2 - Surfos Magazine features a story written by Josymar Fuentes about his surf trip around the country. Read “Tres latinos un destino” con Josymar, Ernesto y Bryan - LINK

5/2 - When you visit Costa Rica's beaches, be sure to pay attention to the signs warning of rip currents. Last week 3 students from Ohio drowned at Playa Bejuco. Remember, if you are caught in a rip current - don't panic and don't fight it. Let it carry you out and then try to swim parallel to the beach.

7/12 - Do you need a reason to come down to Costa Rica this summer? Well the Eastern Surf Magazine crew just got back and posted this wave filled video giving you the green light for your next trip. Check out the locals ripping Playa Hermosa, including Jordan, Diego, Juan Carlos, Luis, Josymar, Lisbeth, and more - LINK

7/5 - A new NBC reality show “Love in the Wild,” was staged at the Princesa de la Luna Ecolodge in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. It premiered Wednesday night at 8 p.m., and has 10 wellgroomed men and women to brave the rivers, jungles and volcanoes of Costa Rica while searching for love. Here is the NYDailynews.com review.

Costa Rica’s domestic airline, Nature Air, is offering free round-trip tickets for two children accompanying two adults on flights within the country from May 1 through Dec. 15 (restrictions may apply). See www.natureair.com.

La Dolce Vita Resort is having their 2nd Annual Photo Contest. The theme is Esterillos Oeste and the contest runs until September 25th. Grand prize is 3 nights at their bed and breakfast in Esterillos.

The Surfing Nosara Foundation (SNF) held their 2nd Annual 'Auction for the Arts' - April 16th at La Luna Restaurant in Playa Pelada. Over 200 guests attended to bid on items and they earned over $6,000 for the local elementary schools.

4/25 - French couple missing after car rental found empty south of Manuel Antonio. You can help find them! Read more..

4/11 - Saving Lives at Cocles Beach, from the Puerto Viejo Satellite.

3/29 - Buena Vista Villas in Nosara recently hosted the founders of the Encompass Foundation. Read their March newsletter here - LINK. Buena Vista is a new, small hotel located Nosara on a mountain top with 360 degree views! We are only a few minutes from EVERYTHING Nosara has to offer! Surfing, fishing, canopy tours, the beaches, restaurants, and so much more... AND we have 5 villas available for Semana Santa! Every villa has a mini cocina, ocean / mountain / jungle views, large private bath with instant hot water and can sleep 4-6 persons!

3/13 - Waves Costa Rica Surf Camp in Tamarindo held their first surf clinic with the partnership of CEPIA. The goal is to keep kids out of trouble and to help those with talent reach the best of their ability. Read more.

Los Altos de Eros Luxury Inn, Spa and Yoga retreat in Tamarindo, Costa Rica was chosen as a Best Service, relaxation & Spa and top 25 Hotel by TripAdvisor® in its 2011 Travelers’ Choice® awards. Read more..

The 2011 World Leadership and Innovation Conference will be held in Costa Rica from Jan.18-29. The conference is a series of creative business seminars, educational symposiums and training and certification programs that ends with a week-long learning vacation held in several different Costa Rican tourist destinations.

The Envision Festival - Marina Ballena National Park - March 4 - 6th, 2011 - An Annual Event in one of the most pristine environments in the world, where conscious people from all over unite to experience music, art and sacred movement, while embracing the natural beauty of our earth.

2/7 - WavesCR Surf Camp has moved to the Best Western Vista Villas in Tamarindo. Read more..

2/1 - Starting on February 1st, Nature Air will be offering flights from San Jose to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Promo rates start at $104 each way plus taxes. Email us if you want to add a Caribbean surf stop on to your trip.

1/11 - Jessica Szohr to be featured in SoBe lifewater ads in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Photos taken while in Costa Rica. Link to photos..

12/26 - The Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) shut down the hotel Barceló Playa Tambor following a diarrhea outbreak that affected at least 40 guests. They are investigating why the outbreak occured, starting with their pool.

Upcoming event: Costa Rica International Film Festival in Montezuma, scheduled for Nov. 18 to 21. Four days of independent film screenings, performance art and various parties to the southern Nicoya Peninsula.

11/09 - Many roads in Costa Rica have been damaged by heavy rains and closed off due to flooding from Tropical Storm Tomas. See which have been re-opened. Read more..

11/9 - Big fire in Tamarindo damages local businesses, including Costa Rica Surf Club. Read about it on the Surfing Tamarindo Blog. Our prayers go out to Diego and Sebrina for a quick recovery.

9/28 - A new charter flight will fly from Chicago to Liberia in Costa Rica’s northwest province of Guanacaste. Flights on the 190-passenger planes start on Jan. 14th and were started by Apple Vacations.

9/28 - Costa Rica has debuted its new ¢20,000 bill. The orange-tinged bill features the image of famous Costa Rican teacher and writer Carmen Lyra on its front. On its back is a hummingbird flying in front of a rainforest.

8/29 - Frontier airlines announced it will be start flying into Liberia on February 13, 2011, with weekly nonstop flights to/from its hub at Denver International Airport (DEN). Flights beginning on February 13 will leave Denver at 8:35am and arrive at the Daniel Oduber International airport in Guanacaste at 2:35pm and turning around at 3:25pm and arriving back in Denver at 8:10pm. The airline has introductory fares of us$164 each way for this new service can be found at www.FrontierAirlines.com/introfares.

8/22 - Do you need a board to rent in Tamarindo? Costa Rica Surf Club let us know that they are now a Channel Islands authorized dealer in polyester resin and Tuflite. And they also carry the whole Donald Takayama line in Tuflite and a few BING Longboards and Strive surfboards with a great price.

7/19 - Dengue fever is on the rise on the Caribbean and South Pacific coastline. So bring that mosquito repellant and keep outdoor containers free of standing water.

7/19 - Autopistas del Sol has reopened the route to the Pacific port of Caldera. The highway had been closed due to landslides. For up-to-date highway information 24-hours a day, call 2588-4000.

7/5 - A festival created in honor of Costa Rican calypso legend Walter “Mr. Gavitt” Ferguson will be celebrated July 5th to 18th in his hometown of Cahuita, on the southern Caribbean coast. Read more on their site, Festival del Cultura de Cahuita

7/4 - The ferry between the Pacific port of Puntarenas and Paquera, on the Nicoya Peninsula, will run 14 trips a day – seven in each direction – in a new schedule until Aug. 2, to accommodate an expected increase in passengers. The ferry cuts an hour off the trip between Puntarenas and the Guanacaste beaches.

6/8 - La Dolce Vita in Playa Esterillos Oeste is holding a photo contest, with a 3-night stay at the resort as the top prize. Check their site for more information and to submit your photo.

Here is a great new report on backpacker hostels, from www.amcostarica.com.

Check out a cool aerial view of the Southwest and Northwest Pacific coastline at www.vrskytour.com

Featured Hotels for Surfers

SPECIALS

--> Costa Rica Surf Institute is now offering 10% OFF if you just mention CRSURF when you contact them.

--> Cabinas La Ponderosa offers a free night when you stay 6 nights at their resort near Pavones.

--> Blue Surf Sanctuary is offering a $200 discount if you bring a friend to their summer surf camps.

--> Las Tortugas Hotel is offering low season doubles and triples for $15 to $35 for the first part of July.

--> Witchs Rock Surf Camp is offering rooms for NO CHARGE with the purchase of surf package in September or October. Contact them now as the oceanfront rooms will fill up fast. $595 for a full week, lessons or tours program w/breakfast and ride to and from Liberia included.

--> Get a 20% discount at Cafe Playa Negra just by mentioning CRSURF when making your reservation!

--> Get a 15% discount at Pavones Riviera just by mentioning CRSURF when making your reservation!

--> ISLS Specials: For all of our Youth Camps we offer Long Term and Multiple Student discounts. The Long Term Discount applies to all students that study for four or more weeks. For the teen camps we are offering Free Round Trip Airline tickets from the continental US. Contact us directly to find out more about the rules and restrictions for this offer.

FORUMS

A good surf forum is judged by how well it gets the local community to participate. These are a few of our favorites. Send a note if there is one you would recommend.

SurfSourceCR.com ~ Costa Rica Surf Forum

Witchs Rock Surf Camp (surf around Tamarindo)

Surfing Nosara (surf around Nosara)

Puerto Viejo Satellite (the Caribbean Coast - new)

2nd Light (Florida surfers with lots of C.R. posts)

Dade County Surf (Florida surfers in between C.R. trips)

WBLiveSurf (North Carolina surfers between C.R. trips)

Trip Advisor (general travel topics)

Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Forum (worldwide)