Tory P.
Google
I love Isla de Chira! It's such a beautiful and peaceful place -- far more unique than the more touristy spots in Costa Rica. It's ideal to be able to spend at least two to three nights here.
Transportation: There is a public boat that departs from Puntarenas near Mercado Municipal de Puntarenas at 12:30 p.m. each day, except Sunday, when it departs at 7 a.m. There is also a boat from Costa de Pajaros, which is about an hour north of Puntarenas at 7:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. Private boat trips can also be arranged.
Things to do: You could do artisan fishing tours, mangrove tours, as well as tours of local farms (depending on what is in season), all which can be coordinated with your hotel. You can also rent bikes and explore the island on your own! A must-do is Playa Muerto, which has incredible views of the Guanacaste mountains. Las Artesanas in San Antonio have a workshop where they do classes and also sell natural/organic jewelry and other goods. Las Ostras is a women's group in Palito that cultivates oysters, Monday through Friday, which is a cool process to see! A tour can also be arranged through your hotel.
Accommodations: Check out Posada Rural La Amistad (a women-owned cabin-style posada), Hotel Las Vegas (right near Puerto Palito), or Cabinas Jireth (in the center of the island). They are the more established places on the island. They all have Facebook pages, where you can find their contact information. Each offer something different, depending on what you are looking for. For example, La Amistad is set in the forest, Hotel Las Vegas offers A/C, and Cabinas Jireth is connected to a pulperia.
Go visit Isla de Chira!
