Vanguard Costa Rica - 5 Amazing Beaches of Guanacaste
Howdy traveler! We hope you are out there exploring the furthest reaches of your world. Last time we met, we covered five places in Costa Rica you should have at the top of your list. This time we want to narrow our search, and dig into the five most interesting beaches in Guanacaste you should visit. Of course, there’s way more than five, but these will give you a nice spread of experiences.
Playa Tamarindo is a great beach to hang out and get some sun.
Map Coordinates: 10.301418, -85.841212
Sure, it may be one of the hottest surf spots in the world, but "Tama," as it is known, is really all about fun in the sun. There is no better place on the Pacific side of Costa Rica where you can really do it all: surf, fish, volleyball, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the year-round carnival-like atmosphere. Tamarindo is one stop shopping on your Costa Rica experience. That said, experienced surfers may find it a bit crowded. Good thing Negra is only a short drive away.
Playa Negra is the best surf spot in Costa Rica you've never heard of.
Map Coordinates: 10.194601, -85.830195
World class surfing, in a somewhat remote, but accessible location, with few people about. Who could ask for more? Alright, so there’s no left break, but you take the good with the bad. These waves are consistently high quality. The best ones hit during high and mid-tides. What’s more? For your companions who don’t surf, the beach makes a nice place to lay out, and take pictures of you catching wave after wave. Hopefully they weren’t planning to fish while you surf
Flamingo Marina has the most options for chartering a fishing excursion.
Map Coordinates: 10.439346, -85.787634
Yes, there is a beach, but there is a marina too. At the end of the day, all boats fish the same general areas, no matter where they port. Flamingo, once slated to have a grand marina, has drawn many companies racing to be the original fishing fleet for Flamingo. The marina’s not quite done yet, but the charters are already there. If they have their way, the fancy marina will still happen, someday. Until then you won’t have to walk far to get a good deal on a boat.
A walk on the beach never knew such tranquility as the long stroll down Playa Langosta.
Map Coordinates: 10.285991, -85.851053
Cross the estuary at low-tide, and take a stroll down one of Costa Rica’s longest and most serene beaches of raw beauty. It’s against the law to remove the shells, and you will surely be tempted. Sand dollars, hermit crabs, and shells of all kinds wash ashore here every day. Keep close to the estuary if you want to swim. The current here can be aggressive, but the bejeweled sunsets are the untarnished definition of tranquility.
Las Minas is Guanacaste’s hidden gem.
Map Coordinates: 10.397204, -85.829992
On Google maps you will see it labeled as “Zapotillal,” but the locals call it “Minas.” You get there by driving to Playa Grande, and taking a right (go north) at Matapalo, as if you are going to Playa Conhal the back way. Before you get to the beach, you turn left at the Condor Heights Condominiums, and follow the signs to Minas. There is a high probability you will see sea turtles laying eggs on this beach. Take care to keep your distance, but enjoy the experience if you chance to see it.
Okay, you have your beach names, and even map coordinate with which to find them. You can cut and paste those coordinates straight into the google browser to find them. We suggest making Tamarindo your home-base to plan your attack, since most are with an hour’s drive from Tamarindo. Also, be sure to follow our blog to keep up to date on everything we post, and ask us if you have questions. We are experts on all things Costa Rica. In the coming weeks we will continue to explore Costa Rica, and cover places you should visit as soon as possible. Ciao for now!
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