Papagayo (Costa Rica) recommendations?

[Reef_Geek]

Planning a trip to Costa Rica, to the Papagayo region... staying at a hotel near Playa Panama. Anyone ever been there? Any recommendations on things to do, must do, regret doing etc?

My wife and I would love to do some snorkeling. I'm also a scuba instructor, but wife doesn't dive anymore... if there's something really cool, willing to send wife to spa while I go diving...

[Aquattro]

I've gone lower down the coast many times (Tamarindo), but mostly for surfing. Close to shore has always been a bit murky while snorkeling, so you may have to go further out. Jason has been a few times and may have more diving experience there..

[Reef_Geek]

Thanks. I've heard of Tamarino, doubt I'll make it down that way. I think there's a volcano near papagayo, thinking about checking out...

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Reef_Geek

Thanks. I've heard of Tamarino, doubt I'll make it down that way. I think there's a volcano near papagayo, thinking about checking out...

Tamarindo is about an hour south, not a long drive. The only volcano I know is Arenal, and that's a couple hundred k from that area.

[Reef_Geek]

Well, just came back Sunday. Here's some pics to share.

[Delphinus]

Wow! Looks awesome!

[Reef_Geek]

[Delphinus]

Are these Pacific side or Caribbean side?

[Reef_Geek]

... and some short videos

a 980 meter long zip line ride through the canopy
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2j...0tMeGg1SGJhNFE

some underwater scuba diving action...
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2j...VlpMTJpb3N5QnM

chasing a small moray eel while snorkeling off the beach
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2j...jRROGREUTIzNk0

a Black Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas agassizi laying eggs
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2j...TRCR2N1Vml0Tlk

a Black Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas agassizi burying her nest
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2j...kRXWldtelhxVms

[Reef_Geek]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Are these Pacific side or Caribbean side?

Guanacaste province, the most northwestern part of Costa Rica. Pacific side.