Sunset at Playa Grande

Looking back at my journey to Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, I realize that there were four recurring themes as I traveled from Playa del Coco through Playas Flamingo, Brasilito, Grande and Tamarindo: scuba diving, surfing, spas and sushi.

The trip began on my birthday and ended two weeks, five dives, three surf lessons, four massages and countless smoked salmon rolls later. Although I was traveling near the peak of the rainy season, the beautiful Guanacaste sunshine miraculously held out for the majority of my  journey.

King Angel Fish

First I visited Playa del Coco, where I managed to complete the next level of PADI scuba diving training – which involved five specialty dives focusing on photography, buoyancy control, navigation, depth and nighttime diving. Each dive site provided its own unique opportunities – from the sunken shipwreck at El Maro to the massive schools of king angel fish at the Catalinas Islands.

There was never a dull moment below the surface. After my underwater adventures (and reading a four-inch thick textbook in two days), I happily walked away knowing that a new souvenir would arrive shortly in the mail - my advanced diver certification card.

Horseback Riding at Playa Conchal

Upon completing the PADI course, it was time to luxuriate at an all-inclusive spa and resort on the white sands of Playa Flamingo. This was followed by a few days filled with relaxing dives, horseback rides and afternoons of sunbathing on the shores of Playas Conchal and Brasilito.

Next, I rested for one night at quiet Playa Grande, where I quickly made friends with the town’s amicable locals. I wish there had been more time to spend at the welcoming Rip Jack Inn – where the friendly owners and mouthwatering comfort food completely dissolved any feelings of homesickness.

Surfing at Playa Avellanas

With only three days left, I enjoyed my first surf camp in the North Pacific’s surf capital: Playa Tamarindo. After one group and two private lessons, my skills had improved immensely. A sunset sailing cruise followed by one last massage turned out to be the best possible way to end the trip.

Getting on the bus bound for Liberia, my body felt that satisfying type of exhaustion that only comes from healthy, vigorous exercise. After 11 days of intense sun and surf –  not to mention Tamarindo’s vivacious nightlife – I was ready for a nice, long rest.

Read my Gold Coast adventures:

Day 1: Mingling with Marine Turtles
Day 2: Night Diving in Ocotal
Day 3: Sharks and Shipwrecks
Day 4: Spas and Salsa Dancing in Playa Flamingo
Day 5: Congo Canopy Tour and Casino
Day 6: Diving the Catalina Islands
Day 7: Sea Turtles Doing the Dirty
Day 8: Surfing Playa Grande and a Tamarindo Massage
Day 9: Surf Tour to Avellanas
Day 10: Go Fish!
Day 11: Sunset Sailing Cruise

For more information, see our travel guide on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast.