My Costa Rica
Visiting the Guanacaste Beaches
Guanacaste Beaches resonate of fun, sun, surfing, swimming, fishing, diving and other adventures. The province of Guanacaste is known for its beautiful sands and blue skies as well as having the least amount of rainfall in the whole country. Guanacaste can also boast about its renovated Daniel Oduber International Airport in its capital, Liberia (LIR) and impressive infrastructure catering to tourists from all over the world. All inclusive vacation packages that prioritize a sunny beach will be on this side of Costa Rica. Many cater to high-end visitors looking for breathtaking golf courses and sunset views from their five-star hotel balconies. The Papagayo Gulf All-Inclusive Resorts are the finest ones in the Guanacaste Province known for having stellar facilities as well as a focus on respecting its natural surroundings. It is also the coastline that is closest to the international airport. You can be there within an hour after you land!
The best family beaches will be in the North of the Guanacaste Province as part of the Peninsula Papagayo. Beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama are ideal for a family vacation mainly due to the calm waters. Especially Playa Panama almost feels like you are dipping into a large swimming pool. This will give you some peace of mind while your children run around exploring and swimming.
Tamarindo, or Tamagringo for the locals, is without a doubt the most popular tourist beach in Guanacaste. With plenty of fine accommodations and fun activities like surfing, clubbing, sailing, sports fishing and sunbathing as well as countless restaurants and bars, this is the place to be for some fun.
Playa Grande is Tamarindo’s lesser known neighbor is the place to be when you are a bit more confident on your board. There is one surf shop a while away from the beach and there are a couple of hotels, bars and restaurant but not a whole many. This is mainly because the beach is also home to the Las Baulas National Park. As a host to these giant, leatherback turtles, the beach has to remain a tranquil haven rather than a party place.
Samara is another fun beach with a fun crowd but at a slightly slower pace. This beach is also located near other great beaches and surfing spots but lacks the high-end resort accommodations of Tamarindo. Samara feels more of an authentic Costa Rica beach town and that is where it holds its real charm. Like Tamarindo, Samara is a great beach for the beginner.
Playa Ocotal is a less visited gem that boast a stunning coastline. One of the most interesting things about Playa Ocotal, is that the sea air is tinged with a white mist that is said to possess healing properties. This gives this beautiful beach a rather mysterious atmosphere. The rocky formations flanking the beach make Ocotal a wonderful place for snorkeling and scuba diving. You may have to travel further to the famous Catalina Island for a bigger chance to spot Manta Rays, turtles and sharks. But you will be rewarded by large schools of colorful fish in beautiful, clear waters.
Just 1 hour South of Tamarindo, you will find the tranquil Playa Junquillal. Tamarindo is well known as one of Costa Rica’s most visited and most densely populated beaches. Playa Junquillal, on the other hand, is one of the most remote and pristine beaches of Guanacaste. It is perfectly possible to find yourself wandering the beach alone for most of the day! It is also a paradise for the solo surfer.
Playa Avellanas is also known as a remote surfing area. Additionally, it is perfectly in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings with incredible flora and fauna. While you are there, look out for Lola, the pig that has lived there for as long as everyone can remember and who seems to rather enjoy swimming and taking a stroll on the beach. There is even a restaurant named after her! Take long walks along the mighty Pacific Ocean and do not miss the spectacular sunsets. Other animals you might spot from the beach include birds and monkeys like the famous Howler Monkeys.
Part of the tropical dry forest ecosystem, Playa Negra has woods that comes right down to the sand. It is home to many animal species including howler monkeys, coatis, and many others. Several types of sea turtles like las baulas as well as over two hundred different species of birds inhabit this area. Playa Negra translates as black beach and it is this volcanic black sand that adds to the mystical nature of this stunning beach.
Generally the beaches of Guanacaste are very easy to reach. The further south you go, however, the more remote the beaches and the rougher the roads. If you plan on renting a car and visiting places like Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, a 4-wheel drive would benefit you most. There are domestic airports located at Tambor and Tamarindo.
The dining options along the Guanacaste coast are varied from high end cuisine in beach towns like Tamarindo and Playas del Coco to local sodas where you can sample local dishes such as gallo pinto and casado. Take your pick!
Equally varied are the lodging options. We offer everything between 3 and 5 star accommodations with something for everyone from rentals to charming retreats and resorts. Guanacaste, the Gulf of Papagayo in particular, is the perfect destination for those who crave an all-inclusive resort experience and world class style and comfort.
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