Costa Rica's Glowing River
Few people know about this hidden gem: Costa Rica also has a glowing river, and it's incredibly bright! π€© This place is completely pollution-free and well-preserved, so the bioluminescence you see is genuinely vivid. You can even swim in the water and feel like a glowing blue creature π. I visited in November, and the water was warm. To see the glowing river, you need complete darkness for the effect to be striking. This place hasn't been fully commercialized, and not many people know about it, so the earlier you go, the better. If more tourists come and it gets developed, the lights around will diminish the effect. Since this place is quite remote and has no street lights, driving at night can be dangerous, and you're bound to get wet on the boat (even if you don't swim). I strongly recommend staying here for a night. It's best to wear a swimsuit or clothes and shoes that won't mind getting wet. Wear beach shoes because there might be sharp shells. I suggest wearing black or dark-colored clothes to make the bioluminescence more prominent. It can get a bit chilly at night, so wear a wet-resistant long-sleeved shirt/jacket. Don't bring a towel; they will provide one to avoid water pollution. You can bring a waterproof bag, or nothing at all, as they offer safe and free luggage storage π . Only the Pro series of Apple phones or Huawei can capture the bioluminescence; if you want to take photos, bring a waterproof phone case π±. But the beauty of it can't be fully captured, so it's best to enjoy it quietly with your eyes and remember it that way π. They also provide some free snacks and drinks, so remember to use the restroom before, as urinating in the water will make it glow π. If you shine a flashlight in the water, it will attract the glowing little fish π. I stayed at the Airbnb "Bamboo Cabin w/ Secluded Beach in Jungle Setting," run by a Norwegian couple. I booked the Bioluminescent Tour and rented a boat from them. It included a delicious Norwegian Banana Pancake breakfast and tasty Costa Rican coffee π½οΈ(β§Ϊ‘β¦*) They have an old dog with arthritis who doesn't like to be touched, it depends on his mood π. They also adopted 5 stray cats π± that you can pet freely. The cabin is private, with its own secluded space, a small kitchen, and all necessary facilities. The cabin is located in the jungle, and at night, you can hear the sounds of monkeys and nature's music (*οΎγ»Ογ»)οΎβ«. Remember to sleep early, or bugs will be attracted to the light in your room. Fortunately, there's a mosquito net ο½ #Bioluminescence #CostaRica #Travel #Homestay #RoadTrip