Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Fresh Mahi Mahi— $4.54 per pound
In the distance I see Las Catalinas’ Islands; it’s one of our destinations today. The Costa Rican captain of our vessel, WetAssII, navigates each wave with precision. He anticipates each swell before effortlessly maneuvering the boat so that we barely feel the dips that can often lead to seasickness. This is actually turning out to be a smoother ride than most roads in this country.
As we race across the sea, a pod of dolphins leap out of the water and play along the side of our boat. They turn their heads to look up at us, and I’m tempted to reach down and touch their fins. As I lean in closer they all dart away. If we weren’t planning on fishing, I would jump into the ocean after them.
Fishing in Costa Rica is so much more than just catching a big one. Once you are a mile offshore, the view is breathtaking. The early morning clouds kiss the mountaintops before the unforgiving sun rays chase them away. This is my favorite part of the day.
The owner of the boat, Vicky, supplies us with a cooler of drinks, munchies, and sashimi straight out of the ocean. Our goal is to catch enough fish for dinner and to also share with the caption and crew. I’ve learned from living here to take just what I need. I find that the more I apply that principle, the happier I become.
Before heading back to shore we stop at a remote beach to snorkel. The coral is home to thousands of fish, all of which don’t seem surprised to see us. I’m always amazed to find that there are still unspoiled spots left on this planet. My husband is careful not to touch any coral while he takes pictures of this underwater Shangri-la.
Mankind spends much of its energy trying to obtain the unobtainable: lost treasures at the bottom of the sea or hidden scrolls in the deepest caverns. We search for the connections to our past as a way to explain our present and predict our future. I find many of those answers are hidden in the perfect day. And I just had one in Costa Rica.
you two are hilarious! oh my god! Always fun to see snippets of your life in Costa Rica! Ha ha ha!
My husband is the funny one. I swear, he makes me laugh all day long. I mean, I can do without the lacerations, trips to emergency clinics, and overall bad ideas… but in the end he’s a keeper.
Hi! Great video! I was cracking up after another rough day. Love how the screaming and fishing always go hand in hand. We gotta talk soon about a February trip. Major changes around here = serious vacation needed! Hope you both are happier than gazallionaires! You deserve it. 🙂
Yes, and no crocodiles DeAnna. Would love to see your face! You might just end up in my book…..
Just a quick note to thank you for saving a marriage!! My daughter has decided to get married near Tamarindo (Langosta), so like any good Mom I jumped on the internet and started to do some research with normal searches like ‘dangers in Costa Rica’, ‘Deadly animals in Costa Rica’ etc…you know, the usual stuff freaks like me check out. After a few pages of pit vipers, coral snakes and scorpions I was fully prepared to tell her she had made the wrong choice in her fiance and that she should call the whole thing off. We actually love him and think he’s a great choice, but there was no way I was going to admit I was petrified of running into one of these creatures. Thankfully I stumbled across your blog and immediately ordered both books. I still know these creatures (and more) are part of the area but I’m no longer worried they are going to be lining up to meet the mother of the bride. As a matter of fact, it sounds so wonderful my husband and I are already talking about visiting for a month at some point (and dreaming of 6). Hope to run into you when we are down there so we can take you out for some coconut shrimp and cocktails as a thank you! Perhaps over drinks you could tell me about the sea snakes and jellyfish that are all going to be waiting just for me 🙂
Hi Jen! I’m not sure if the little critters will be lining up to meet you, maybe just stagger toward you randomly like a drunken college kid. I’ve been to a few weddings here and they are magical. I believe you are going to have a wonderful experience, with or without the bugs!!!
Thanks for the FB link, I would have missed this one Nadine! 🙂 LOL!
You got it Debbie!
I haven’t done this before, and I wonder when.. I get a bit sick though staying in the sea for more than 3 hours.. but I find catching fish really fun and entertaining. Maybe the river is just enough for me.
My husband gets really bad seasickness Shirley, so we usually don’t go out. But it was a calm day and the caption was great directing the boat perfectly over the waves. We also only went out for a few hours. That’s just about the right time for us.
What a great time you guys must of had, the boat (wetass2) you were so fortunately able to fish on is a world class offshore tournament boat with a captian and mate in their prime of professional fishing. How lucky you are… Their ability to take care of the quest stems from their simple love of fishing and the deep desire for everyone to experience the ocean far from the beach.
Many people spend hours look for the perfect ocean view in Costa Rica but it seems like you have found what many never look for to see Costa Rica from a ocean view. That’s Awesome, halarious video!
Thanks Mark, I think it was the perfect day. These are the moments when I can’t believe that I’m actually here, doing these things. Costa Rica is truly a magical place for me.
Cute video!
Thanks Sabra. What a fun day!