This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The best time of year to see humpback whales in Costa Rica Southern humpback whales arrive in Costa Rica in great numbers beginning in July and ending in November. Minerals in the volcanic soil combine to create the waterfall’s beautiful colors attracting travelers from around the world. Related Article: Best Costa Rica Surf Spots. Guanacaste Costa Rica’s dry, flat plains merge with tropical dry forests to create landscapes akin to the American “wild west” and African savannas. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is famous for Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, it’s active crater, and the active landscape of geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles surrounding them. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Further south are the unique Flamingo Beach and Conchal Beach. COVID-19 information for our clients By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The province of Guanacaste is situated on Costa Rica’s northwest shoulder, bordered by Nicaragua in the north and the Nicoya Peninsula in the south. Sea turtle nesting times can be difficult to predict. Palo Verde National Park is known for its wetlands with a large population of aquatic bird species and its tropical dry forests. Tamarindo combines with several other beaches in the Guanacaste area, as well as Arenal, Monteverde, Bagaces, and Nosara. It’s a roughly tw0-hour hike each way to reach Rio Celeste Waterfall. Sailing and snorkeling tours are typically offered as a duo with the option to go in the morning or for sunset. 9 Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio National Park & Quepos. JW Marriott is a large beachfront luxury resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Waterproof sunscreen, sandals, a sunhat, and beach vibes. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. A guide will drop you off at one or two (weather dependent) prime snorkel spots and point out the best spots to see fish and other underwater wonders! Ed #2798 Oficina #8 Another hike is the La Cangrejo Waterfall and Blue Lake hike which is about 6 miles. Guanacaste offers a variety of marine sports and activities. Best Things to Do in Guanacaste. This region features two of the most luxurious resorts in the country: the Andaz Papagayo and the Four Seasons. This park is remote with over 300 species of tropical birds and alluvial planes from the Tempisque River attracting over 250,000 species of migratory geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Guanacaste is also known to be windy from time to time. Explore the Tamarindo Mangrove Estuary by kayak or boat, travel to Rincon de la Vieja National Park for a volcano hike or waterfall tour, take a Sunset Sail & Snorkel Catamaran cruise, enjoy a horseback ride at nearby Playa Conchal, visit Rio Perdido for a day of zip-lining and hot springs. Fishing in Tamarindo is generally great all year, but Billfish are most abundant mid-April to August. The different beaches in the area offer a variety of activities for those who want to spend their time in the sand and the sun. Langosta Beach, just south of Tamarindo, is known for its white sand, relaxed atmosphere, and the absence of development. can be observed at night as they visit the beach. Destinations » These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It was initially founded to preserve La Casona, a ranch house celebrated for its role in Costa Rica’s independence. Things to Do in Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica: See Tripadvisor's 394,259 traveler reviews and photos of Province of Guanacaste tourist attractions. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Playa Tamarindo is a popular surfing destination, spread out beside the fast-growing beach town that was once a quiet fishing community, while the neighboring white sands of Langosta Beach are quieter and better suited to swimming. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course is also situated on the peninsula capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Best Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Where To Go When, 10 Best Costa Rica Diving and Snorkeling Spots, Best Places for Sportfishing in Costa Rica, Westin Playa Conchal All Inclusive Resort and Spa, Top 4 Costa Rica Cloud Forest Destinations. The Daniel Oduber International Airport – one of two international airports in Costa Rica – is located in Guanacaste’s capital city of Liberia. Find the most popular adventures, water activities, boat tours, sightseeing tours There are hiking trails within the park. Related Article: Best Places for Sportfishing in Costa Rica. The region’s best resorts and beaches are just an hour away by car. The lesser known — but still exciting — whale season is when northern humpback whales migrate to Costa Rica starting December and typically ending in April. Barrio La California, Our Favorite: Rent a board and learn to surf. The pinkish white sand of Flamingo Beach makes up a large section of Potrero Bay. Las Baulas National Marine Park encompasses about 1,100 acres of beach and coast and over 54,400 maritime acres. Destinations » Your Costa Rica vacation might include adventures like whitewater rafting, a rainforest canopy tour, relaxing at the beach, or exploring the rainforest from one of Costa Rica's ecolodges. Guancaste is known for its long summer days, cowboy culture, and its unique desert flora and fauna paired with picturesque beaches. Just north of Tamarindo, between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande, is a maze of estuary waterways. Since most hotels are on the coast, this is the best region for water sports. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Tamarindo is a busy area with lots to eat for travelers. 1-800-606-1860 Excellent 9.7 Customized Costa Rica Vacations, since 1999. Look for crocodiles sunbathing on the river bank and a variety of wading bird species. We have reviews of the best places to see in Province of Guanacaste. Since 1991 ScubaCaribe has grown into a premiere provider of diving, snorkeling, tours and watersports in the world's best beach destinations. From simple beginnings as a quiet fishing village Tamarindo, Costa Rica has developed into one of the most popular destinations in the Guanacaste province. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Temperatures are consistently in the mid-80s to mid-90s (Fahrenheit). The region of Guanacaste hasn’t yet forgotten its roots as a ranching area – topes, or rodeos, can be found nearly every weekend night during the summer months (between February and April). However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Just south lie the grey-sands of Hermosa Beach which translates to “beautiful beach.” The waters here are generally calm making it a great family vacation spot. With over 30 years of experience, we make the difference between a good trip and a lifetime memory. Sailing and Snorkeling Las Catalinas Sailing and snorkeling tours are typically offered as a duo with the option to go in the morning or for sunset. Five-hour half-day and 7-hour full day fishing charters are available. The remote Rio Celeste Waterfall is a naturally occurring brilliant turquoise waterfall within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Visit top-rated & … This region supports Costa Rica’s beef and sugarcane production, and has several national parks and wildlife reserves. Buy a second home or vacation property in Guanacaste. The climate in this part of Costa Rica is mild for a beach area. The beaches of Tamarindo are some of the most popular in Costa Rica. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Related Article: Best Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Where To Go When. Expect lots of sun! Home » It is named for the leatherback sea turtles (baulas) that return to lay their eggs each year at Grande Beach. Related Article: 10 Best Costa Rica Diving and Snorkeling Spots. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Further south, Mansita Beach hosts the guests of the JW Marriott Guanacaste. The nearby brown sands of Matapalo Beach host the guests of the all-inclusive RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace which has created a more private resort experience for its visitors. These giants (they can get to be 8 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds!) Costa Rica Experts © 2021. Tons! Situated only 1 hour away from Liberia airport, we recommend renting a car and exploring these well-maintained roads at your leisure. This beach can feel totally secluded at times, with beautiful sunsets and fascinating tidal pools – a popular beach for families! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Other popular beaches in the area include Coconut Beach and Hermosa Beach. Learn more about Costa Rica and all that it has to offer you! Conchal Beach, as the name suggests, was once composed primarily of crushed seashells, but have since been removed to be utilized in building and construction projects. See why Guanacaste is Costa Rica's hottest real estate investment location. So, of course, our favorite ones are in the best cities, delivering world-class service and experiences at affordable rates. Black sand, white sand, pink sand or shell. Just 30 minutes north of Tamarindo Beach, Grande Beach is a quieter beach known for the Leatherback Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs. It’s possible to hike up to the summit, but it takes 7 hours for a total of just over 10 miles. Within Guanacaste Costa Rica is the popular town of Tamarindo which offers impressive restaurants and a bustling nightlife. The beautiful beaches are popular thanks to the consistency of the waves, and the town is a perfect jumping-off location for beach and point breaks along the coast. Tamarindo is a beach destination in Costa Rica’s dry region, Guanacaste. Related Article: Best Beaches in Costa Rica. Code DISC10 gets you 10% off upon online checkout! Cowboys and Campesinos of the cattle-country celebrate the Guanacaste for its abundant shade and the comfort it represents. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. One of the nicest trails within the park is the 1.75-mile Las Pailas loop. Join 10k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Avellana Beach, a 30-minute drive south of Tamarindo, is a good surfing beach. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Cancun is at the center of some of the world's best warm-water diving. Yes! Costa Rica’s national tree, the Guanacaste, naturally thrives in the region’s arid climate. Sportfishing and scuba diving are world class here but don’t think that is all. This hotel is the best alternative for meetings or presentations in Costa Rica. Without a doubt, there’s one thing that seems to have the greatest draw for this boomtown – surfing. Tours generally occur at night and must be organized with a guide to preserve these fragile ecosystems and keep the turtles coming back each year. Related Article: Top Jungle Tours in Costa Rica. Nancite Beach is one of two locations in Costa Rica where Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come to shore for the annual arribada or mass sea turtle nesting. There are many good reasons why we think this area is the best investment choice in Costa Rica Real Estate, as well as the best place to live: 1. 10 Best Things to Do at Tamarindo Beach. Book inspiring Excursions & unforgettable Tours in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, Cabo, Vallarta, Montego Bay, Liberia and Hawaii with Amstar. It can occasionally rain in the afternoons during the green season, and in the dry season might see no rain for several months. Tamarindo is just 1 hour from the international airport in. We rank the 15 Best Places to Visit in Central and South America. Playa Hermosa Tourism: Tripadvisor has 14,194 reviews of Playa Hermosa Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Playa Hermosa resource. The currents here can be strong so watch the posted advisories when swimming, but much of Tamarindo Beach is perfect for those just learning how to surf. Costa Rica Experts is the leading authority on Costa Rica vacations. Today, it’s also known for its dry forest, beautiful beaches, birding, and surf. The main attraction of this tiny town is its fabulous white sand beach strip that is lined with palm trees, and is bathed in the calm and gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea. It begins at the park entrance and leads you along some of the bubbling landscape. Nearly all of Conchal Beach backs up to the Westin Playa Conchal Resort complex. A guide will drop you off at one or two (weather dependent) prime snorkel spots and point out the best spots to see fish and other underwater wonders! The water is warm year-round. Additionally, JW vacationers enjoy the amenities of Hacienda Pinilla, an exclusive resort and residential community featuring golf, tennis, stables, a beach club, and various dining options. All of the hotels on Flamingo Beach sit on a beautiful cliff overlooking the beach and ocean below. All Rights Reserved. Sea turtles can also be seen nesting ashore Naranjo and Nancite Beach within the park. The leatherback sea turtle, the largest in the world, returns to Playa Grande each year to bury its eggs in the sand. Explore this fascinating ecosystem by kayak with a professional guide, who can point out the unique species that live here. Tamarindo Beach is a long beach with great waves. All-inclusive hotels in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, are known for their restaurants, tours, and snorkeling. Insider's Pick: The Beaches! See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites. The park also has the only scarlet macaw colony to permanently inhabit a dry forest. Just west of Liberia lies the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Home » Destinations » Best Things to Do in Guanacaste The province of Guanacaste is situated on Costa Rica’s northwest shoulder, bordered by … This town supports a beautiful beach, a range of accommodations, and a number of restaurants. The calmest water for swimming can be found on the southern end of the beach while the water just off the busiest part of town is best for surfing. The nearby river mouth offers breaks that are perfect for the more experienced. Enter Costa Rica is your source for Costa Rica vacation and travel planning. The vibe of Tamarindo is best described as “Party and Play.” Great swimming, surf, fishing, and water sports during the day, buzzing nightlife come sunset. Established in 1971, Santa Rosa National Park was the first national park in Costa Rica. All Rights Reserved. Related Article: Best Beaches in Costa Rica. Barrio La California, Younger crowds enjoy the local bars and discotheques. The half-day tour is generally best for inshore fishing, where anglers might reel in Roosterfish, Snapper, and Amberjack. Home » Between November and April, the largest of all living sea turtles dig meter-deep pits and bury their eggs before returning to the sea. You’ll find plenty of bars and local restaurants along the main strip as well as excellent hotel restaurants. It's great for those who want resort-style amenities on a less-crowded beach. Costa Rica Experts is the leading authority on Costa Rica vacations. Join 10k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! It is mostly dry year-round, but greenest June through November (green season). A tour of Costa Rica offers a breathtaking array of sights and adventures with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a plethora of wildlife like sea turtles and howler monkeys. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Scuba Diving The Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only hotel, by the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Papagayo in Costa Rica, is located next to an exclusive area ideal for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Beautiful Beaches A 4 hour drive from the capital city of San Jose, Manzanillo is south of the famous Cahuita National Park and is among the most scenic beaches in Costa Rica, with fantastic weather all year round. With over 30 years of experience, we make the difference between a good trip and a lifetime memory. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Additionally, there are waterfalls, a lake, and wildlife to be found within the park. The main boulevard includes various boutiques and art galleries. The breaks in the area are some of the best in the world, as evidenced by the several international surfing competitions held here every year. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. 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