Costa Rica

Sun-drenched beaches with year-round surf, vibrant nightlife and a culture steeped in cowboy lore draw travelers to Costa Rica's Guanacaste province. Beautiful coastlines and dry tropical forests dominate this vast region that spans the length of the Nicoya Peninsula across the open grasslands and arid plains of northwestern Costa Rica.

A picturesque stretch of beaches and seaside communities known as the Gold Coast is located on Guanacaste’s North Pacific shores. From south to north, this alluring expanse of coastline includes: Playas Negra, Avellanas, Tamarindo, Grande, Brasilito, Conchal, Flamingo and Potrero. From booming resort towns to undeveloped white sand beaches, the Gold Coast is a Mecca for wave-riders, sun-lovers and adventure aficionados.

Once considered a remote destination, visitors can now fly into Liberia’s International Airport, located in the heart of northern Guanacaste. A small airport in Tamarindo serviced by Costa Rica’s local carriers is another convenient option.

Playas Negra and Avellanas

Located 15 kilometers south of Tamarindo, these laid-back beaches are favored by surfers for their consistent waves. Avellanas’ prevailing reef break, dubbed “Little Hawaii”, can be a challenge for even seasoned surfers. South of Avellenas’ white sand beach is Playa Negra, a darker beach dominated by a rocky coastline. Negra is famous for its reef point breaks and excellent barrels. Visitors can anticipate steady breezes and ideal surfing conditions between the months of December and April.

Both beaches are relatively undeveloped and are geared towards the surfing community. A handful of cabinas and hostels offer standard accommodations for the budget traveler. Playas Negra and Avellanas can be difficult to access during the wet season without 4WD, as dirt roads turn into mud and small rivers must be forded.

Tamarindo

Located 69 kilometers southwest of Liberia, Tamarindo is a popular North Pacific beach town. Great surf, beautiful coastline and exciting nightlife are some of the attractions of this full-fledged resort. Local tour companies offer sailing trips, ATV tours, sport fishing and horseback riding excursions for those seeking adventure. Surf schools are abundant, and warm water surfing is enjoyed year-round. Boat trips to nearby islands are easily arranged for snorkeling...Read more about Tamarindo

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Playa Grande

Just a few miles north of Tamarindo lies Playa Grande, another Gold Coast favorite among surfers. Flanked by the Tamarindo Estuary, the beach is a 25-minute roundabout drive from Tamarindo. Playa Grande is renowned for its consistent breaks. Boarders can surf the beach break at high tide or try the Tamarindo rivermouth when it’s low.

This pristine beach is part of Las Baulas Marine Park and, every year between October and February, hundreds of leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Visitors can observe these Jurassic reptiles, the largest of all sea turtles, on an evening turtle tour. Playa Grande caters to the surfing crowd and has a few inexpensive and mid-range hotels. The town has a small supermarket and a few restaurants but has largely escaped development.

Playas Conchal and Brasilito

Playas Conchal and Brasilito are 14 kilometers north of Playa Grande. A rocky outcropping divides the two bays, but the contrast between the beaches is amazing. Playa Conchal, named for the thousands of tiny seashells that make up its shore, is a shimmering beauty of pink sand and turquoise sea. Its clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Conchal is fronted by a large luxury hotel that features a world-class golf course as well as numerous adventure sports for its guests.

Brasilito is another small and quiet beach community. The town’s few shops and funky houses are built around a grassy square where a small group of souvenir vendors set up shop. Brasilito has a long stretch of gray sand beach, and its tranquil waters are perfect for swimming. Local tour operators offer ATV tours, horseback trips and sunset sails in the area. The beach attracts more locals than tourists and has a moderate selection of budget and mid-range hotels.

Playa Flamingo and Potrero Bay

Tucked between the beaches of Brasilito and Potrero on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo is famed for its inviting white sand beach and multitude of water sports. Yachts and fishing vessels fill the Flamingo Marina, a large full-service port, where boats can be chartered for some of the best deep-sea fishing on the Pacific. A short jaunt from Tamarindo and less than an hour drive from Liberia’s international airport, Flamingo is popular with ... Read more about  Playa Flamingo

Separated from Playa Flamingo by a rocky cape, Potrero encompasses white and black sand beaches strung along a picturesque bay. The unspoiled beaches and town center maintain a local flavor, although vacation rentals and a few hotels have sprung up. The Catalina Islands, a popular diving spot, are about ten kilometers west of Potrero and Flamingo (20 minutes by boat).
 

Read our Guanacaste Gold Coast Beaches Travel Blogs (December 2007)
 

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