Sea Prayers: The Foundation of Isla Jesusita’s Name

How a coastal rock gave an island its name and a community a powerful symbol
Every island has a story, and some begin not with grand events, but with a quiet detail in nature that captures the human heart. Isla Chiquita, Costa Rica’s first and only island glamping hotel, is set on a plot that forms part of a larger island — Isla Jesusita. The island’s name can be traced to an iconic rock outcropping found not far from its coast, especially visible to travelers arriving by boat. From the right angle, especially on approach across the Gulf of Nicoya, this weathered formation reveals the striking shape of two hands gently pressed together in prayer — a sight that has inspired awe, devotion, and the name “Jesusita” for generations.

A Name Born of Faith and Reverence

“Jesusita” is a tender diminutive of “Jesús” in Spanish, a name often used to convey affection, intimacy, and deep respect. For decades, local fishermen and residents of Paquera have used it to refer to this small island in the heart of the Gulf. The name emerged naturally, passed from one voice to another, rooted in the image of those folded hands.
No records survive to mark the exact moment the island was christened. There was no formal decree, no ceremonial naming. Instead, the story of Jesusita unfolded in the realm of oral tradition — in conversations between neighbors, in the easy chatter of fishermen hauling in their catch, in the remarks of travelers who noticed the formation as their ferry neared shore. Over time, the name became so ingrained that no one needed to ask what it meant. Everyone knew: the island of the praying hands.

A Landmark for the Seafarer’s Journey

For anyone traveling by ferry toward Paquera, the rock is part of the ritual of arrival. As the boat glides across the calm waters of the Gulf, eyes instinctively scan the coastline. And there it is — on the left side as you approach — the unmistakable silhouette against the horizon.
For locals, it is a sign that home is near. For visitors, it is often their first introduction to the quiet symbolism and layered stories that weave through the Nicoya Peninsula. The sight inspires more than curiosity; it invites a moment of reflection. Some people see it as a blessing, others as a reminder to pause and take in the beauty of the present moment.
This natural formation has become so much more than a geographic reference. It is a spiritual waypoint, a link between land, sea, and the collective memory of a community.

From Rock to Identity

Isla Jesusita’s “praying hands” are more than a curiosity — they are woven into the island’s identity. For the people of Paquera, the formation is a familiar and cherished landmark, one that has accompanied countless fishing trips, ferry rides, and family outings. Pointing it out to newcomers is almost instinctive, part of the natural rhythm of sharing local stories. Over time, the rock has become a symbol of belonging, a reminder of home for those who live nearby and a piece of coastal heritage that residents take pride in passing on.

The Science Behind the Symbol

While the romance of the story lies in the image of folded hands, the rock’s existence is a product of geology and time. The Gulf of Nicoya is known for its striking coastal formations, many of them shaped over millennia by the combined forces of wind, waves, and tidal shifts.
Jesusita’s landmark rock may be composed of basalt or volcanic sedimentary stone — common in the region — gradually sculpted by relentless marine erosion. Sharp edges have been softened, grooves have deepened, and contours have aligned in a way that evokes a very human gesture. Similar phenomena can be found on nearby islands, but none with quite the same poetic presence as Jesusita’s praying hands.
This interplay between science and symbolism is part of what makes the formation so captivating. It is both a geological marvel and a cultural emblem, proof that nature and human imagination can collaborate to create lasting meaning.

An Invitation to See for Yourself

Today, Isla Jesusita is home to Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel, a unique retreat where the comfort of luxury tents meets the beauty of the island’s natural environment. Guests arriving by boat are greeted not only by the warm smiles of the team, but also by the same coastal rock that has watched over the island for generations. The formation is a conversation starter, a photo opportunity, and for many, a moment of quiet connection.
It’s easy to understand why the sight has endured in local memory. Imagine arriving after a journey across the glittering Gulf, the sea breeze on your face, and catching sight of that graceful silhouette against the backdrop of sky and water. Whether you interpret it as a prayer, a welcome, or simply a beautiful quirk of nature, it leaves an impression that lingers.
For the community of Paquera, it remains a cherished part of their maritime landscape — a link to their past and a symbol of the natural beauty that sustains both daily life and tourism. For visitors, it is a story to take home, one that speaks of small details carrying great significance.

Where Nature and Story Meet

In Costa Rica, it’s not uncommon for places to be named after natural landmarks with religious or symbolic resonance. From mountains to rivers to tiny coves, names often emerge from the shapes, colors, or moods of the landscape. Isla Jesusita’s name follows this tradition, but its particular story stands out for the way it unites community memory, natural beauty, and the quiet poetry of the sea.
There is something deeply human about seeing ourselves and our beliefs reflected in the contours of the natural world. Perhaps that is why Jesusita’s praying hands have remained such a constant presence in the hearts and minds of those who live nearby and those who pass through. They remind us that meaning is often found in the simplest of forms — a curve of stone, a shared story, a name spoken with affection.
So, the next time you journey to Isla Chiquita, keep your eyes on the horizon as you approach Paquera. Look for the rock that shows hands pressed in prayer. In that moment, you will be part of a tradition that has spanned decades — one born of the sea, the wind, and the enduring connection between people and place.