Puntarenas, Costa Rica Fishing Tournament Closed to Longliners

Panama fishing vessel

Agreement yields longline closure for this weekend’s Costa Rica fishing tournament  40-mile area commercial closure during Presidential Challenge, March 1 - 4  PUNTARENAS, Costa Rica -- (Feb. 27, 2012) – Recreational sportfishing and billfish conservation have made a huge impact on Costa Rica’s tourism and economy.  In a groundbreaking move and through a joint … [Read more...]

Costa Rica’s Mediterranean Fruit Fly – X-Rays and Regulations

Mediterranean fruit fly on Coffee Berry

In 2011 National Geographic had a photo contest and ironically one of the winners in the nature category was a picture of a fruit fly resting on a green coffee bean in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Obviously unknown to the photographer, it  implicated one of Costa Rica's worst nightmares is alive, well, and continues to threaten Costa Rica's multimillion dollar agriculture business. The … [Read more...]

Solar Energy in Costa Rica – Saving Money and the Planet

Solar Energy Batteries

Up until quite recently in Costa Rica, the proposition of saving both money and the Earth with photovoltaic solar systems has stood on some pretty shaky ground. But that is changing.  Nowadays,  more and more Costa Ricans and expats are installing stand-alone or autonomous photovoltaic systems in the country's remotest regions and have made it possible for people to live well where ordinarily … [Read more...]

Costa Rica Weather – Dry and Rainy Seasons

Tropical Storm Tomas

[iframe: name="weather" src="http://ticotimes.com/san-jose-weather.html" height="450" width="515" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="border: solid; border-width: 2px; border-color: gray; padding: 0">] click on the city to view the current and forthcoming weather conditions Alajuela | Cartago | Chacarita | Dominical | La Fortuna/Aerial |  Golfito Jaco | Liberia |  Puerto Limon | … [Read more...]

Why Hurricanes Rarely Hit Costa Rica

Hurricane racking in the Carribean

We get asked all the time, does Costa Rica get hurricanes? Well, yes and no, meaning "yes" they do receive the tropical aftermath of one, like heavy rains  of what Tropical Storm Tomas did in November 2010 that caused sever damage and deaths. In meteorology; a tropical cyclone (or tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm, typhoon, or hurricane, depending on strength and … [Read more...]

Costa Rica’s Sportfishing and Tourism Commission Adds TBF’s Conservation Directors

Herbert Nanne TBF Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica --- Costa Rica, one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations, has named Herbert Nanne, and Monica Gutierrez to the country’s recently formed Sportfishing and Tourism Commission. Nanne is a biologist and The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Central America Conservation Director. Gutierrez is a lawyer and President of Pronature, a sister conservation entity to … [Read more...]

Protecting Costa Rica’s Rainforest – Most Expensive ($18,000) Flip-flops – Chipkos

Chipkos- David Palmer- Sandals

No doubt ecology is a big issue, and no doubt businesses will hype their ecology concern in an effort to increase sales. However, one company takes it to the extreme and hopefully it will benefit Costa Rica. Last week, designer sandal’s guru, Chipkos announced their latest pair of flip-flops. They will be the world’s most expensive, jaw-dropping $18,000 for a pair. WOW!!! -  H.Stern's … [Read more...]

Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean – A Pirates Treasure

Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast

In the 1600s pirates combed Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in search of Indian gold and trading ship’s merchandise. However their greatest find is still undiscovered by many today. Its enchanting, uncrowded beaches, distinctive climate and charming, carefree culture make Costa Rica’s south Caribbean a true treasure yet to be known. For nature lovers, Costa Rica’s Caribbean holds a … [Read more...]

Hilton Hotel & Restaurants Stops Serving Marlin & Sailfish Meat

No Grilled Marlin

In a bold move, Hilton Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica's restaurants set example for others in promoting sportfishing ecotourism by taking sailfish and marlin off their menus. They adopted the stance after working with The Billfish Foundation and  the Costa Rica Sport Fishing Federation (FECOPT). FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA. – The Billfish Foundation (TBF) entered into an agreement with … [Read more...]

Uranium Weapons Banned in Costa Rica – No Free Trade Zone

Uranium Weapons

This week Costa Rica got a lot of world-wide attention with three hot news stories. A Costa Rican court sentenced former president Miguel Angel Rodriguez to five years in prison Wednesday after finding him guilty of taking bribes from French telecoms giant Alcatel. Alcatel is no stranger to kickbacks,  in Dec, 2010,  US Securities and Exchange Commission nailed them with  137 million U.S. … [Read more...]

Eco Products in Costa Rica – The Green Dream

Costa Rica Hand Painted Bowls

Everyone comes to Costa Rica with a dream.  The dream can be the lazy, sand swept beach life with a margarita in hand, or a jungle getaway, a pair of rockers on a balcony with views of the Central Valley.  My dream was to have both, and truly enjoy this Costa Rica paradise and to discover what living in Costa Rica was all about.  Having 16 years experience in residential Historic Restorations, … [Read more...]

Sportfishing Study Will Provide Economic Roadmap For Panama

Panama and Costa Rica Sportfishing

We stand on the brink of a period of strong economic growth that will be fueled in part by a shift to a more sustainable use of our natural resources. The international market for eco-tourism is rapidly expanding and seeking new destinations, particularly in the area of sportfishing. With proper planning and execution, Panama can and should establish itself as the regional leader in this industry. … [Read more...]