Costa Rica

Flamingo

Tucked between the beaches of Brasilito and Potrero on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo is famed for its inviting white sand beach and multitude of water sports. Although one of the original resort towns in Costa Rica, Flamingo still enjoys a pristine coastline thanks to careful planning and structured development. A short jaunt from Tamarindo and less than an hour's drive from Liberia’s international airport, Flamingo is popular with anglers, divers and golfers alike.

Visitors can enjoy some of the best sport fishing on the Pacific. Experienced captains know the hotspots and help both seasoned and novice anglers pull in sailfish, marlin, wahoo and tuna.

Playa Flamingo is also home to some of the finest snorkeling and diving in the region. A number of tour companies offer half or full day snorkeling trips and dolphin watching excursions. Visitors can arrange dive trips to the clear waters near the Catalina Islands where angelfish, manta rays and the occasional sea turtle can be spotted. Local dive shops offer PADI certification for all beginner divers.

Flamingo’s warm waters and gentle currents are ideal for swimming, especially along nearby Playa Brasilito. The Potrero Grande break draws its share of surfers, though far fewer than the packed beaches of Tamarindo. Sunset cruises, horseback rides and world-class golfing are also on offer; the award-winning Garra de Leon golf course is just minutes away.

An array of shops, restaurants and modern hotels await visitors to Playa Flamingo. From beachside bungalows to posh resorts, accommodations are available to suit all budgets and tastes. Visitors in search of nightlife after a long day in the sun won’t be disappointed as Flamingo’s handful of lively bars and casinos offer something for everyone.

Getting Around:

Sample one-way taxi fares from Flamingo to nearby destinations:

Flamingo to Playa Grande: $25
Flamingo to Tamarindo: $20
Flamingo to Huacas: $10-15
Flamingo to Brasilito/Conchal: $5

Flamingo Snapshot

Summary: White sand beach, gentle currents ideal for swimming and some of the Pacific’s best sport fishing.
Landscape: Beaches, Tropical Dry Forest
Attractions: All-Inclusive Resorts, Catalina Islands, Sailboat Sunset Tours
Activities: Adventure Tours, Snorkeling, Sport Fishing, Swimming
Caters to: Couples/Honeymooners, Families, Luxury Travelers

Flamingo Travel Guide