So I've just had 7 weeks leave approved for December + January! I've also just booked return flights to LAX for those dates.
Woohoo! Go me.
Now onto the fun part, planning an itinerary. The missus and I are thinking a couple of weeks in Colombia, then sail via the San Blas archipelago to Panama, then Costa Rica, Nicaragua or maybe even Jamaica. She doesnt kite, but is happy to travel to moderately windy locations with me along the way.
(disclaimer: I've already been to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize etc so have no intention to go further north on this trip)
I'll only be taking one kite, so probably my 10m Cat and a TT.
Has anyone from here travelled this part of the world? Any tips on where to kite, or otherwise any other cool stuff to see and do?
Cheers
I live in the USA but my family is from Nicaragua originally. On the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica there is a place called the Bahia de Salinas ('Bay of Salinas' in local Spanish). The north part of the bay is in Nicaragua and the majority of the bay in the south is in Costa Rica.
The Bahia de Salinas gets killer offshore wind due to strong thermals from geothermal/volcanic activity in the mountains. 20 knots or so, fairly consistent during that time of year. The Bay is sheltered from the ocean so a twin tip is ideal. If you go further south you get medium sized waves but the wind is not as good. If you like traditional surfing stop by Tamarindo which is 2 hours south of Bahia de Salinas. Lighter on the wind side but great town to have fun in. There are three kitesurfing schools in Bahia de Salinas, lookup the Blue Dream Hotel which tends to get good reviews.
Separately, in Nicaragua Lake Granada has some freshwater spots worth investigating.
In Costa Rica, Lake Arenal is another good spot.
I would rate the Bahia de Salinas as world class for kitesurfing, the other spots are good local spots.
In the Carib, Aruba, Cabarete, and most of the islands off the coast of South America are all good during that time frame. Aruba is pricey but very reliable as the trade winds are 20-25 knots everyday all day. Cabarete is always good but this is not the strongest wind season for them, so it tends to be weaker albeit consistent wind (15-20 knots).
Not on topic per se, but this would be a great place to kite surf...
San Alfonso del Mar, Chile
Thanks for the tips dracop, that's awesome. I'm a very amateur traditional surfer, so not at all fussed about it but will put Bahia de Salinas on the plan for sure. I've heard Costa Rica is the most expensive of all them, I'm trying to budget around USD$50 a day. Not including cost of airfares + buses.
I've also been in touch with some kite schools on Corn islands and san andres and providencia islands, they all say it's the windy season there with 15-20 knots so hopefully a 10m will be perfect. (also have 8 & 12)
Hey Phoney
I lived in Coast Rica for 3 years and you are going through there in the windiest months. The Papagayo winds blow through the Guanacaste region from December to March and are on most days. It's off shore for surfing, but as dracop said, Bahia Salinas is the spot for kiting. Stay at Playa del Coco or somewhere around there. Loads of accom options. PM me if you want any more detailed info. Oh....and did I mention, I'm jealous!!! Pura Vida!!
Thanks sandyscott! I'll do some more research to come up with a plan of attack. Will hit you up for accommodation tips when the time draws nearer for sure.
There is every chance I will hate you forever unless you take me! (Oh yeah and pay for me as well).
And just a tip.....you don't want me hating you!
