Guide to Playa Flamingo Costa Rica

Nestled away in the Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast, the crescent moon-shaped shorelines of Playa Flamingo Costa Rica offer fabulous views of paradise. This bold statement especially holds true as the sun begins to dip into the Pacific just beyond the horizon.

The beach gets its name from the soft pinkish white sands that you’ll find beneath your feet. It’s on this beach where some months of the year you can spot humpback whales, endangered sea turtles, rays and dolphins at play further out to sea.

A pristine beach accessed out of Playa Flamingo perfect for snorkeling.

It’s also a beach that’s action-packed, which is great news for all you thrill-seekers out there! With so many activities and things to see in the area, it’s no wonder Flamingo Beach is one of the favorite beaches in Costa Rica. Stick around and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this gem.

Flamingo Beach

When you close your eyes and envision a lovely and alluring beach, it might be Flamingo Beach in Costa Rica that you see. The turquoise waters are mostly clear, while the pristine sands are like powder under your feet. It’s a popular beach vacation spot, especially during December and Easter. The weather is mostly sunny, with a pleasant 80 to 90-degree weather.

Along the beachfront, you’ll come across Coco Loco, an open air restaurant and bar that serves snacks, fresh seafood, coconut water and adult beverages to treat yourself. Flamingo Beach is adjacent to Playa Potrero and Playa Conchal. It is located near the charming town of Tamarindo. The people there are very friendly, while there are local souvenir stands, shops, restaurants, and other attractions not too far from there.

The view of Playa Flamingo from Coco Loco.

Playa Flamingo Costa Rica Things to Do: On the Water

Water Sports

For a majority of the time, the waters at Flamingo Beach are fairly calm, making it a great spot for not only swimming but also stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach has several rental locations for these options. It’s also a popular area for sports fishing, where tuna, snapper, and Mahi-mahi are a few of the more common catches. Visitors enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters to Catalina Islands or other local waters home to an abundance of tropical fish, rays, several types of sea turtles and whale sharks.

For a fun water excursion check out Jirah Adventures near the fish market in Brasalito. Take a jet ski tour of the pristine waters in the area or a tour to  explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

sunset cruise from playa flamingo costa rica
Playa Flamingo Costa Rica may possibly be home to the most spectacular sunsets we’ve witnessed.

We booked and boarded a catamaran with Panache Sailing for our last afternoon in the area. The boat was clean. The staff was entertaining. There’s a stop for snorkeling or paddleboarding. The sunset was just brilliant with sailboats and islands outlined against it.

Sea Cruise

Another popular activity to do here is the sunset catamaran tour. You’ll be able to kick back while sipping on a cocktail and eat a delicious lunch. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the sea and then catch a gorgeous sunset, just before heading back to shore.

Playa Flamingo Costa Rica Things to Do: Land Adventure

Not too far away from Flamingo Beach is Santa Rosa National Park and Palo Verde Natural Reserve. The parks have several trails that will take you away from the beach through thick and lush rain forests, to several waterfalls. There are also hundreds of species of wildlife for you to keep a lookout for, including jaguars, collared peccary, and leatherback turtles. Take one of the many guided tours such as the Palo Verde Boat Tour.

Marino las Baulas National Park or Playa Grande is a significant sea turtle nesting spot. Nearby there is also a world-class surfing area that you’ll find at Playa Naranjo. And, horseback riding is another great way to experience the area.

Insider Tip: La Fortuna is home to Arenal Volcano, and another Costa Rica destination you won’t want to miss!

Views of Playa Flamingo Costa Rica from Playa Potrero.

Where to stay in Flamingo

For spectacular ocean views book a condo through Krain Costa Rica Property Management. They offer what may be the best Playa Flamingo Costa Rica rentals and manage the majority of condos for rent here in Flamingo. For the best beach access book a room at Margaritaville Beach Resort sitting directly across the street from the beautiful Flamingo beach Costa Rica.

How to get to Flamingo Beach Guanacaste

The closest airport is Liberia. Playa de Flamingo is just over an hour drive from the Liberia airport. You could fly to San Jose but then will have a long drive ahead of you. And, road travel isn’t always easy in Costa Rica. Flamingo beach sits on the same bay as beautiful Playa Potrero.

Playa Flamingo Costa Rica Restaurants: Where to Eat

We really enjoyed Coco Loco. The tuna and Mahi Mahi tacos were almost as delicious as the views. And, the fresh coconut water was a hit with the kids.There’s also the casual Surf Box and Restaurante Pleamar for good affordable Costa Rica food. All is really within walking distance. You could even walk over to Playa Potrero for dinner at the Costa Rica Sailing Center if you were up for a couple of miles on the beach.

For a special experience make reservations for Gracia Mar Vista about an hour prior to sunset. Arrive early to take a dip in the infinity pool and enjoy a drink. It is most certainly a place to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica.

Fresh coconut water at Coco Loco in Playa Flamingo Costa Rica.

Playa Flamingo Costa Rica Weather

Generally sunny and hot. Rainy season in Costa Rica is April through November and dry season is December through March. However, this is a much dryer area of the country. While you will experience rain during rainy season, it will be nothing like what you would experience in the rain forest. And, it cools things down and makes it green. Dry season is much browner.

Final Word

Whether you’re simply looking for a beach that offers you relaxation, or you’re really looking forward to other activities nearby, Flamingo Beach is an excellent choice. If you’ve ever visited Flamingo Beach before, what else would you mention to the first-timer that’s hoping to visit? Haven’t decided on your Costa Rica beach destination yet. We’ve got you covered with a guide to Costa Rica with kids!

Guide to Playa Flamingo Costa Rica

Liana Moore

Liana Moore is a third-culture kid with a hangover from those days that is a severe case of wanderlust. She is more comfortable driving the cliffs of Amalfi, Italy or the dirt roads of Costa Rica or attempting to decipher the street signs of Osaka, Japan than navigating the theme parks of Disney World. But she loves it all. She doesn't believe a vacation is complete without an adventure. Her husband and kids know well that "adventure" often is code for mishap or challenge and it usually results in a good story. They seek outdoor experiences whether in the mountains, on a beach or in the jungle of a tropical country. Her favorite vacation is... all the ones she hasn't yet taken, as well as those she plans on taking again. And, that list is so, so long. But she continues to extensively explore her home state of Colorado, spends lots of time wandering Texas, California, New Mexico, Costa Rica, Mexico, Norway and has even explored Kazakhstan.

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