Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

Relax and rejuvenate while partaking in a wealth of water activities such as sailing expeditions to the close by island of Plata, and scuba diving or snorkeling with white-fin sharks and an array of other tropical fish and unique marine life. Skippers from other countries have to pass the toll and immigration in Playas del Coco before anchoring in Flamingo Beach where one must use a dingy to get on and off shore; many boat owners have their boats in the marina in Herradura.

When deep-sea fishing, you can catch marlin, tuna, swordfish and snapper year around. Every July, this beautiful beach also plays host to an international sailfish tournament sponsored by the Costa Rican Amateur Fishermen’s Club. Flamingo Beach has evolved into one of the country’s most lavish areas where wealthy foreigners and Ticos continue development at an astonishing rate.
Mangroves are abundant in the area, there are a few national parks close by where you can hike within Marino Las Baulas National Park (Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas), established in 1990 which envelopes roughly 450 hectares of coastline. Watch the endangered Leatherback turtles laying their eggs between December and April. The park is also home to various species of marine birds along with monkeys, coatis and crocodiles. Another option is to take a tour of Rincon de la Vieja or Arenal Volcano and submerge yourself in the natural hot springs, or simply take pleasure while you witness the spectacular sunsets.

Life beyond the beach and water sport activities is limited to a few excellent restaurants and souvenir shops in the charming small villages in the vicinity; take a canopy tour, race around on rented ATV’s or venture the nightlife at the nearby town of Brasilito, or beyond.

If you want to surf, Tamarindo is only 20 minutes away, Langosta beach is great for surfing at the river mouth, or ride the waves when swells arrive at Grande Beach which is also close by.

If you play golf, it is only a 10 minute drive to Garre de Leon, a world reknowned 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jr.

The best time to visit here is from December to April, when the beaches are bathed in sunshine and the average annual temperature hovers around 28C (82F).

How to get there:

From San Jose: The shortest route to Flamingo is via the Autopista del Sol or the Interamerican Highway to Caldera. Make a left turn after Puntarenas and follow the sign to the Puente de la Amistad (Friendship Bridge). After you drive past it, follow the signs to Nicoya until you start seeing signs to Flamingo. The roads here are well signaled!

Fun facts:

The Catalina Islands are located just off the Playa Flamingo coast and are great for White Tipped Shark observation while scuba diving.

It is easy to get around Flamingo, so a rental car is not necessary. Most shops and restaurants are within walking distance and cabs are readily available. A rental car is nice if you plan to visit other nearby beach towns or attractions.

Flamingo waters are home to lots of beautiful Sailfish, Marlin, Roosterfish, Snapper and Yellow Fin Tuna, which is nearly under threat of extinction due to overfishing

Costa Rican people sometimes refer to Tamarindo as Tamagringo.

Leatherback Turtles are the biggest reptiles in the world and can be found on Playa Grande next to Playa Tamarindo.