Chapters > Costa Rica
When you think of Costa Rica, you think of surfing, jungle and hot babes. Okay, the “hot babes” are a part of most men’s thoughts, especially in these countries, but certainly surfing and jungle are top of mind.
Well now you can add kite surfing and the Blue Dream Hotel. Blue Dream Hotel you ask? Don’t ask me why Nicola called it that, because I always think of “wet dreams” hotel to remind me of the name, but there you have it. Anyway, back to my point. One of two main places to kite in Costa Rica (guaranteed wind, but flat water) is in the north of Costa Rica on the border of Nicaragua called Bahia Salinas. It is the same wind that hits Lake Nicaragua and it rocks most of the year. An amazing Italian guy called Nicola runs a “kite surfing” hotel here called the Blue Dream Hotel and I don’t think you will find a friendlier place. It is one of those places where there is not much to do except kite surf and then go back to the hotel to socialise with the other guests.
The hotel really seems to bring everyone together like a community. We were sitting one night chatting to the other guests, when this little Guatemalan chap introduced himself as Juan (he is the one that looks a little like an ewok from Star Wars).
Wind, waves, water and layout
Bahia is an amazing spot for a kite surf safari or just a visit to
get some kiting in. Some may disagree with me as the wind has the reputation
of being very gusty. I have to admit that there were some variations in
the wind strength, but nothing a bow kite can’t handle. This was
one time I counted my lucky stars that I do not ride “C” kites
anymore.
Bahia is located on the border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, on the Costa Rican side. It is a little off the beaten track and is pretty secluded.