According to the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), November 2023 ended as the hottest November since 1940. Luis Alvarado, a climatology expert, indicated that there was an increase of more than 1.0 °C above normal.

In terms of the national average temperature, the situation, in general, has remained the same since May. That is, the entire country has experienced warmer-than-normal conditions.

“However, if we look at the records for only November, this year presented an increase that positions it as the hottest on record, at least since 1940,” Alvarado said.

In addition, according to temperatures since 2013, the trend for this month has been upward, whereas previous years had lower-than-normal temperatures. However, it is in 2023 that, for the first time, the limit of 1.0 °C is exceeded.

According to experts, this increase was mainly due to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon, climate change, and the rise in temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The European observatory Copernicus announced on December 7 that November 2023 was the warmest November on record worldwide.

“The surface air temperature shows that the warmest November was exceeded by 0.85°C. Additionally, new records have been consistently set since June 2023, with each month being the warmest on record,” the observatory reported.

According to experts, in the next three months, temperatures will be 1 to 2 degrees higher in Costa Rica. The Central Pacific, North Pacific, and Central Valley will be the regions that will experience the greatest increase.

On the other hand, in relation to rainfall for the previous month, deficits and surpluses were recorded. “The case that drew the most attention was the surplus of 88% in the province of Guanacaste, due to the fact that this is not usual during an El Niño phenomenon,” commented Alvarado.

The phenomenon that caused the impacts of El Niño not to manifest themselves well was the extraordinary warming of the waters of the Caribbean Sea since October. The sea is 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than normal.

According to the specialist, when the Caribbean or the Atlantic warm up in this way, they usually have the opposite effect, which is less rainfall in the Pacific and more in the Caribbean.

Over half a million migrants have crossed the inhospitable Darien jungle, located on the border between Colombia and Panama, on their way to the United States this year. This record number doubles the total for all of 2022, a Panamanian minister reported this Wednesday.

“Yes,” answered Juan Manuel Pino, the Panamanian Minister of Security, succinctly to AFP’s question if the number of migrants entering the country through the jungle this year had surpassed half a million. In the jungle, which is filled with natural obstacles, there are also bands that rob, kidnap, and violate.

Previously, the Ministry of Security reported that as of October 31, 458,000 migrants, including nearly 300,000 Venezuelans, had crossed the natural border of the Darien, which spans 266 km in length and covers an area of 575,000 hectares. This jungle has become a corridor for migrants from South America trying to reach the United States via Central America and Mexico.

The record of more than half a million greatly exceeds the total for the previous year, when 248,000 people passed through the inhospitable jungle, according to official Panamanian data.

In addition to Venezuelans, the jungle is mainly crossed by Ecuadorians (50,000 until October), Haitians (41,000), Chinese (18,000), as well as Vietnamese, Afghans, and individuals from African countries. People of all ages, including babies just a few weeks old, undertake this journey.

This situation has forced the Panamanian government, along with international organizations, to set up migrant care centers at various points in the country.

Facing Dangers

“Thousands of [migrant] people who risk their lives, often along with their families, need an immediate and ongoing response of protection and humanitarian assistance,” said Olivier Dubois, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation for Mexico and Central America, this Wednesday.

Migrants “face dangers” and have specific protection needs, “especially if they were victims of sexual violence, extortion, kidnappings, or other crimes,” added Dubois in a press conference in Panama’s capital.

To try to contain this migratory wave, the Panamanian authorities announced a series of measures on September 9, such as increasing the deportation of those who enter the country irregularly.

After crossing the jungle, the thousands of migrants arrive at the village of Bajo Chiquito, where they sleep outdoors while queuing to board canoes the next morning. These canoes will take them to a shelter in Lajas Blancas, navigating almost three hours on the Tuquesa river, with a fare of 25 dollars per passenger.

In Bajo Chiquito, staff from UN agencies like UNHCR and IOM, as well as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Red Cross, are present to assist the migrants.

From Lajas Blancas, they continue on buses, paying another 40 dollars, to cross Panama towards the border with Costa Rica, and then they proceed to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, until reaching the United States border.

Unprecedented Crisis

A month ago, United States President Joe Biden met with Latin American leaders to promote growth with more investment, with the aim of curbing migration (and incidentally countering China’s influence).

Convened by Mexico, presidents and foreign ministers from a dozen Latin American countries discussed mechanisms to contribute to orderly migration on October 22.

Also, the President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, visited Panama in October to discuss this issue with his counterpart, Laurentino Cortizo.

“The number of migrants who have crossed the jungle amounts to more than 11% of Panama’s population. This is an unprecedented crisis that has not received enough global or regional attention,” stated Luis Eguiluz, general coordinator in Colombia and Panama of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

“These migrants are exposed to a situation of extreme vulnerability: hunger, lack of shelter and water sources, excessive charges, misinformation and scams, xenophobia, and physical, psychological, and sexual violence,” added Eguiluz, quoted in an MSF statement.

In 2008, the first year for which records are available, 28 people entered Panama through this inhospitable jungle.

Nestled in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula the Crocodile Bay and Botánika Resort, witnessed an exceptional month of fishing adventures in November.

As the holiday season takes hold, the thriving angling community at Crocodile Bay has had a month that exceeded expectations.

Traditionally dominated by dorado in October, November surprised anglers with double-digit catches nearly every day. The swift and elusive Dorado, also known as Mahi-Mahi, provided not only the thrill of the catch but also the promise of a delectable dinner – a true win-win for fishing enthusiasts.

While December typically heralds the arrival of sailfish in abundance, November saw a surprising influx of Pacific Sails. These fast swimmers added an adrenaline rush to the fishing experience, resembling an intricate dance when hooked. Guests were treated to the spectacle of sails darting into the spread and eagerly seizing bait, initiating a thrilling dance as the anglers locked their drags.

The highlight of November’s fishing exploits was the marlin action. Guests experienced the rare delight of landing blue marlin, black marlin, and a few striped marlins. The acrobatic displays of these majestic creatures added a mesmerizing touch to the angling experience, inviting others to join in the pursuit of landing one.

As Costa Rica transitions from the rainy to the dry season in November, the conditions for fishing were optimal. Anglers enjoyed numerous opportunities for both inshore and offshore adventures. Emphasizing responsible fishing practices, Crocodile Bay employs circle hooks to ensure the health of the fish upon release. Costa Rican regulations mandate the use of circle hooks for all types of bait, a practice diligently followed by the English-speaking crews ready to assist those unfamiliar with this technique.

In a special November event, Crocodile Bay had the privilege of hosting corporate guests from the US Lumber and Trex Decking company. The guests reveled in the excitement of reeling in dorado, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, and even roosterfish. To cap off their unforgettable trip, they experienced a night of Costa Rican-style rodeo, adding a unique and memorable touch to their fishing adventure.

Crocodile Bay Eco-Resort

Originally a modest family-owned fishing lodge catering to elite anglers worldwide, Crocodile Bay Resort is undergoing a transformative journey into a comprehensive international marina and seaside village.

In 1993, Beau and Cory Williams discovered Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula with their father and grandfather, captivated by the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce, envisioning it as a premier sport fishing destination. By 1999, they inaugurated Crocodile Bay Resort, establishing a legacy that would eventually include the largest professional sport fishing team in Central America. Today, Botánika Osa Peninsula, affiliated with Curio Collection by Hilton™, perpetuates this cherished tradition.

Both Botánika and Curio share a common ethos—to authentically represent the Osa Peninsula and provide attentive service to owners and guests. Notably, Curio – A Collection by Hilton serves as the ideal partner for Botánika, offering a haven where intrepid explorers seeking unique experiences and travelers desiring unpretentious luxuries can discover their quintessential paradise.

As a paradigm of responsible development and sustainable tourism, the Botánika resort promises natural splendor that honors the surrounding land and sea—rustic yet refined, welcoming and warm. It stands as a serene, upscale retreat for the most discerning and inquisitive traveler.

The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park, and Puerto Jimenez is a lively community comprised of

Renowned as one of the most biologically diverse spots on the planet, Osa boasts over 10,000 species of plant life, 850 types of birds, 205 varieties of mammals, and hosts the largest population of scarlet macaws north of the equator.

Embark on an exploration of two of Costa Rica’s environmental treasures: Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce, a tropical fjord teeming with sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and migrating humpback whales. In this realm where wildlife roams freely, the awe-inspiring wonders never cease.

Puerto Jimenez artists, fishermen, and families. With amenities such as grocery stores, banks, restaurants, a government-operated medical clinic, and even a gourmet organic ice cream parlor, it stands as a secure, small town where life unfolds effortlessly. A short walk or bike ride from the resort unveils Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle, allowing you to engage with local residents over ceviche and savor an authentic taste of the culture.

Meanwhile, Corcovado National Park is one of the most magical places in Costa Rica. It boasts the last extensive expanse of primary tropical rainforest on the Pacific Coast of Central America. Here, 13 different ecosystems come alive ranging from lowland rainforest and highland cloud forest to jolillio palm forests, mangrove estuaries, and coastal and marine habitats.

A perfect vacation awaits!

With calm weather and exceptional fishing conditions, now is the perfect time to embark on a fishing expedition to Costa Rica. Whether you are an avid angler or a novice enthusiast, Crocodile Bay beckons you to experience world-class fishing against the stunning backdrop of the Osa Peninsula.

Enjoy Costa Rica’s one-of-a-kind nature and a hotel that will allow you to recharge and reconnect!