Photographing the Ocean
May 6, 2009 by Arthur P. Maxwell
Filed under Hotels
I’m Arthur. Here I am living the dream. I’m an underwater photographer. I’ve been visiting some of the Cayes off of Belize, the reefs off of Honduras, and visiting Dive schools all over Central and South America and selling my photography work to tourists. There is nothing else I could realistically imagine myself enjoying as much as this.
Right now I find myself in a very posh beach resort hotel on the Papagayo Peninsula. The same feeling that I felt last month when I walked into the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach, Miami, is the feeling I felt today when I drove up to Sol Papagayo Resort Hotel. This place is absolutely impeccable. Just the flower arrangements alone were enough to make me stop and stare.
My deluxe pad is spacious and incredibly comfy. A slight breeze is coming in off the sea, beckoning me to delve into its’ depths. Today would be the perfect day for it, but, alas, I have other big plans. The staff at reception helped me find a tour through the rain forest canopy, ziplining in a local reserve. This will be a first, and I am excited to experience the immense biodiversity that such an ecosystem boasts.
I will do some water activities on this trip… I was told at reception that there are tons of activities to choose from. I have always wanted to go windsurfing and this weather seems perfect for it. There is a constant, soft breeze.
Kayaking is also an option. I can take along my gear. There are a few estuaries along the coast that just might need exploring. There are photos to be taken in the AM hours when the egrets and other aquatic birds are up and about. They say it’s best to flow in when the tide is rising and time it to flow out when the tide goes out.
I am just now recuperating from a day of travel. I can think of no better place for recuperation than here, in this beloved, tropical refuge on the coastal pacific. I will dine at the restaurant shortly and maybe kick back with a drink by the pool.
I want to acknowledge the great work the staff here are doing at Sol Papagayo . I feel very safe and well cared for here. I also want to thank to visionaries behind all this. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be able to be so relaxed on this trip. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Costa Rica.