Costa Rica Opens Beaches After COVID-19
Did you touch the ocean today? I'm so excited today is the day Costa Rica opens beaches after COVID-19. Costa Rica beaches have been closed for 59 days due to coronavirus also known as COVID-19 the worldwide pandemic of 2020. The Costa Rica government closed all beaches on March 20, 2020, and today is the day some are allowed to open back up.
Costa Rica Beach Sun Rise
It's about 6:30 in the morning as I slowly make my way to pour my first cup of coffee. I'm 99% sure that both Steve and Taya are going to join me, and they better get a move on if they want to ride with me. The beach is only open until 8 am and today I can legally drive my personal vehicle. I haven't looked at the clock yet, but I know it's after 6 am.
TIP: This is my favorite to-go cup. I take it everywhere. It keeps my drinks hot or cold and keeps the sand out with its spill-proof lid.
I'm not even done pouring my coffee when Steve pulls up in the Jeep. After 20 years of marriage, I would like to think he knows I'm not going without my morning cup of coffee. On the other hand, after 20 years of marriage, I know if I don't hurry up I'm going to get left behind. Grabbing the top to the Contigo that was holding my steamy coffee I headed to the jeep.
Costa Rica Barricades Ocean Entrances In 2020
The waves are getting louder as Steve continues to drive down the bumpy dirt road. The skies have a creepy feeling while the first morning light of the sun tries it's hardest to shine through. Heavy grey clouds fill the thick humid air. It's not raining yet, but it just might before the day is over.
As we turn the corner, I can see the dirt barricade blocking the road. This particular barricade was put up right after the government closed the beaches. The big logs and tree trunks are piled up over the dirt. The rusty barbed wire holding it together was meant to keep people out. It reminds me of the old black and white war pictures my grandma would show me when I was a little kid.
CAN YOU SEE A WAY AROUND IT
What I do know is I'm not breaking the law because Marbella is open from 5 am to 8 am Monday to Friday. Glancing down at the car clock I can see that it's a little before 6 am. Damn it, I'm living by a clock again I only have 2 hours left.
Not knowing what's around the next corner, I can feel the excitement from all of us. The dogs continue to jump over Taya in the back seat. It is like a game of who could get the best window seats. Taya surrenders the window and takes the middle seat as each dog claims their window. Our voices rang out at the same time "Can you see a way around it"?
Taya was quick to remind us that she knows other ways down to the beach, but we would have to walk. I can hear the waves growing louder as we get closer. I'm going to walk if I have to. I can see where they had cleared just enough room for what looked like one car at a time to pull through. Looking up at Steve I can see that he's going for it.
Marbella Beach In Costa Rica Is Open
There it is, with a literal breath of fresh air, I can see the waves as the water splashes on beach shores of Marbella. Surfers are off in the distance. I feel like a child jumping out of the Jeep the minute Steve puts it into park. Embracing the sand between my toes, I take a little more time to look around.
I'm not scared of getting sick, but I have been in self-isolation with my family for 62 days. That's a long time for little contact with the outside world.
The Numbers Have Been Low
The waves splash the cool ocean water on my legs as Steve and I walk up and down the sandy beach. I can see a couple of small groups of surfers in the distance. You can hear the yells of happiness as they hit the water. To the single lady headed in the other direction, a simple wave and a hi from afar will do for today. On a different day, this encounter with a stranger might have been met with a conversation or maybe a new friendship would have been formed. But, not on this day as both parties respect their distance.
Not All Beaches Opened
Not all beaches opened on May 16, 2020. The government started to slowly open the country as they continue to watch the numbers of Covid-19. Many beaches in national parks were not allowed to open. There has also been some confusion if people are allowed to swim and surf on beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and even Langosta because of the estuary. It will be interesting to see how the day plays out on these beaches. Are people going to try to surf and if so, how will the police handle it?
I Came Out Of Isolation In The Costa Rica Jungle To Touch The Ocean.
It has been 62 days since my family started self-isolation in the Costa Rica jungle to avoid getting sick from the COVID-19 virus. As Costa Rica slowly starts to come out of lockdown I am slowly coming out of isolation. Costa Rica opens beaches today.
I have not been allowed to legally access the Costa Rica beach that is less than a quarter of a mile from my home for 59 days. I realize my world has changed and it will never be the same again. Today I touched an ocean.
Update August 18, 2020
I still can't sit and watch the sunset on Marbella beach, but I can enjoy it from 5:30 am until 2:30 pm 7 days a week. To experience sunset at the beach, there are a couple of beaches around the country that are open during that time. If you are in the Guanacaste area check Playa Grande and Playa Langosta. Remember Costa Rica beach laws are changing frequently so make sure to check before you head out.
Update October 15,2020
Costa Rica announces extensions of beach hours starting October 15, 2020. I'm so excited to see a Costa Rica sunset at the beach.
