We found a new spot to anchor in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. N 10 33.495’ W 85 41.610’

Murcielagos Islands lie in the bay south of Punta Santa Elena. They are are part of the Santa Rosa National Park so are completely undeveloped and fishing is prohibited. Payment of the park fee should be made to the park rangers frequently visit the bay from their station at Key Point.

The anchorage lies in the bay at the eastern end of the island chain locally known as Bahia Cholera. Snorkelling on the rocky reef in warm, clear water with colourful, inquisitive reef fish was indeed Pura Vida! Surfing on the sand spit at the eastern end of nearby Isla Colarada (aka Ils aPiedra Negra) is best at low tide.

Approaches

Keep to the eastern side of the bay on entering as a large reef extends out from the western shore. Ensenada Ensueño is exposed to NE winds and Key Point on the south side of Punta Elena is a better anchorage during Papagayos.

Anchorage

A large reef extends out from the western shore therefore anchor on the eastern side of the bay in 3.3m on a sandy bottom with good holding. The bay is calm in all but a Papagayo.

Facilities

None

Playa Rajada is another beautiful white sand beach, unspoilt by any tourist development. However it is popular with the locals for day trips and it can get crowded at weekends. The bay is open to the west and may be exposed to swell from the southwest.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

Anchor in the northern corner of the bay in 4m on a sandy bottom with good holding. Take care when landing a dinghy on the beach in the swell.

Facilities

None.