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A perfect crescent of pinky-white beach along Costa Rica’s Pacific Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo offers a more peaceful, unspoiled experience than many of its resort-packed neighbors. Swaying mangrove trees abut the shoreline and waves tempt sport-fishers in search of marlin and mahi mahi by day, while sunset catamaran trips are one of the top things to do in Playa Flamingo of an evening. Though the pace of Playa Flamingo is calm, with little nightlife to speak of, the busier town of Tamarindo is a quick trip away, as are Rincón de la Vieja and Palo Verde National Parks.
Playa Flamingo’s weather is relatively temperate and consistent throughout the year. Most visitors aim for the dry season between December and April, which is also the local leatherback turtles’ nesting season—a highlight for many. The dry season is the most expensive time to visit, however. Those after a bargain may want to prioritize the wet season from May to November, which also promises lush foliage in the surrounding national parks.
Playa Flamingo is roughly an hour by car or taxi, and slightly longer by bus, from Liberia Guanacaste International Airport. The town itself is quite small and walkable, but if you want to explore other nearby beach destinations—including Tamarindo, Conchal, and Brasilito—a rental car is wise, as taxis can be expensive, and public transportation is limited. Snorkeling and sailing tours provide another way to see the local scenery.
Playa Flamingo’s beach is a calm and sheltered stretch of pink-hued sand, and its gentle waves are accessible for most. For an alternate view of its maritime attractions, dunk below the water’s surface to discover some of the region’s best scuba diving. Dive sites at the nearby Catalina Islands and Isla Plata include plenty of sea life and dramatic rock formations, though they’re best for experienced divers.
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Yes, Playa Flamingo is worth visiting. Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the Guanacaste Province, the beach destination epitomizes the country’s “pura vida” lifestyle with its family-friendly waves, snorkeling and sailing outfitters, beachfront restaurants, and amazing sunsets that give the sand a pinkish hue—hence the attraction’s name.
...MoreYes, you can swim in the waters at Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. The crescent-shaped beach is protected from rough surf, so the waters are calm enough for swimmers of all ages. Even if you don’t want to swim or snorkel, you can still enjoy the water from the deck of a sunset catamaran tour—one of the most popular activities in town.
...MoreYes, Playa Flamingo has some nightlife—but not too much, which is part of its sleepy charm. The beach itself is backed by mangrove trees that block off any direct development, but you can find a few casinos and resorts (like Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo) within the town proper.
...MoreYes. While you don’t necessarily need a car to explore the tiny town of Playa Flamingo—the beaches and marinas are all close together and very walkable—a rental car is still recommended. That way you can make day trips to nearby Tamarindo and Playa Conchal without relying on expensive taxis and limited public transportation.
...MoreYes, the town of Playa Flamingo is very walkable. The beach itself is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) long, and you can walk to different resorts and restaurants in under 30 minutes. That said, you should definitely plan on renting a car if you want to explore other beach destinations in Guanacaste, as taxis can be quite expensive here.
...MorePlaya Flamingo is about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, or roughly a 1.5-hour drive. The next closest major airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, which is located about 155 miles (250 kilometers) away, or a 4.5-hour drive.
...More