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Playa Flamingo

This mile-long, crescent-shaped beach, also known as Playa Blanca (White Beach), is as beautiful as any of the famed beaches in Costa Rica. Among the first of Costa Rica's beaches to receive international attention, Flamingo Beach has evolved into one of the country's most lavish areas.

Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo

With its gleaming white sand, Flamingo Beach is the perfect setting for a vacation getaway. It hosts some of the most beautiful Hotels and condominiums that Costa Rica has to offer. Many gorgeous Villas dot the Playa Flamingo Beachfront, where wealthy foreigners and Ticos continue development at an astonishing rate.

Unlike many beach communities, Flamingo Beach has no village center. The community that extends east is home to exclusive beachfront Resorts and coveted private property. Thus, life beyond the beach and water sport activities is limited to a few excellent restaurants, and visitors seeking nightlife should head to the nearby town of Brasilito, or beyond. However, there are some family-friendly activities that will take you out to sea or nearby national park tours.

Nature and wildlife

As is the case with all Beaches in the Papagayo region, Flamingo Beach is rich in natural beauty. Mangroves are abundant in the area, and Salinas Point offers a stunning view of both the Potrero and Brasilito Bays. Not far south of Flamingo Beach is the Marino Las Baulas National Park (Parque Nacional Marino las Baulas). Established in 1990, this refuge encompasses roughly 450 hectares of coastline and mangrove swamp, and it is one of the world's most significant nesting sites for the endangered Leatherback Turtle. These giant, majestic creatures come ashore to nest between November and April. There is an informative turtle museum on site and night-tours are offered during nesting season. The park is also a great place to spot marine birds, including the White Ibis, the Blue-winged Teal, and the Muscovy Duck. Additionally it is home to monkeys, Coatis, and even crocodiles.

How to get here

Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport offers seamless travel to the region, and Flamingo Beach can be access by way of a paved road. Alternatively, the smaller airport in Tamarindo receives domestic flights from around the country, and from this airport visitors are a short taxi or bus ride away from Flamingo Beach. From the capital of San Jose, however, the bus or car ride is about six hours along the Inter-American Highway.

Playa Flamingo HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

9 days | $

We Had a Blast in Costa Rica

I would (and already have) recommend visiting Costa Rica to friends. I hope to go back someday myself. I think Costa Rica is doing a great job with sustainability.
We Had a Blast in Costa Rica
Itinerary
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Discovery Pass
Matapalo Guanacaste

Discovery Pass

12 days | $$

Senior Couple's Self Driving Adventure

We are very pleased with our trip. The people we talked to were intelligent and happy to be living in Costa Rica. The food was SO good and fresh. We bought some Lizano sauce to bring home.
Senior Couple's Self Driving Adventure
Itinerary
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Fun at the Ocean Combo Tour
Papagayo Gulf

Fun at the Ocean Combo Tour

17 days | $$$

A Delightful Adventure for Two

Costa Rica continues to become a more expensive destination, but it is well worth it. An absolutely beautiful country with wonderful people.
A Delightful Adventure for Two
Itinerary
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Diamante Horseback Riding Tour
Matapalo Guanacaste

Diamante Horseback Riding Tour

9 days | $$$

The Most Incredible Vacation Ever

We have already been recommending anywhere! Very happy with our trip and look forward to our next adventure. Katia and her team were very helpful and great to work with!!
The Most Incredible Vacation Ever
Itinerary
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Adventure Pass
Matapalo Guanacaste

Adventure Pass

6 days | $$$

Paradise is Meant to Be Explored

Best vacation we have ever been on. Everything was planned out and went extremely smoothly. Can't say enough good things. We had an amazing time. Big thank you!!!!
Paradise is Meant to Be Explored
Itinerary
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Pacific Green Turtle Nesting
Playa Grande Guanacaste

Pacific Green Turtle Nesting

Kayak Tour on Tamarindo Estuary
Tamarindo

Kayak Tour on Tamarindo Estuary

Witches Rock Surf Trip
Papagayo Gulf

Witches Rock Surf Trip

Papagayo Sport Fishing Tour
Papagayo Gulf

Papagayo Sport Fishing Tour

Beginners Surf Lessons at Playa Iguanitas
Papagayo Gulf

Beginners Surf Lessons at Playa Iguanitas

Monkey Jungle Canopy Tour
Tamarindo

Monkey Jungle Canopy Tour

Accommodations

Incredible Stays

Margaritaville Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Resort

The Margaritaville Beach Resort sits on Playa Flamingo, on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. This is an intimate oasis for travelers seeking an exotic and enchanting escape. Just picture yourself lounging on the pristine white sands of Margaritaville Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, framed by tall coconut palms and lush mountain foliage.

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