Playa Flamingo’s one-mile crescent of white sand, lined with shady trees and crystal-clear turquoise Pacific waters, is everything you dream when you think of a tropical escape: postcard-perfect soft sands, swaying palms, and waters so clear, you can sometimes see the spotted rays gliding just below the surface.
And yet, somehow, Playa Flamingo still feels a bit like a hidden gem – quiet, relaxed, and worlds away from the hustle and bustle of some of Costa Rica’s more crowded beaches.
More than a beauty queen strutting her stuff, Flamingo has serious substance: This is where you go when you want both tranquility and a variety of things to do in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, from world-class sport fishing and epic wildlife sightings to luxurious day spas and endless beach lounging. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to unwind and soak in the views, Playa Flamingo and the new Marina Flamingo offer something for everyone.
Playa Flamingo sits on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, about 15 miles north of Tamarindo. It’s a quick one-hour drive from the international Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, so you can step off the plane and be in paradise in almost no time at all.
Flamingo isn't the place for thumping nightclubs and rowdy bars (though nearby Tamarindo has you covered if that’s your scene), but rather where you come to reset your internal clock to "Tico time." You know what we mean – the kind of place where you can wake to the sound of howler monkeys and spend your days between the pool and an adventure.
While we’re on the topic of near-perfection, let’s talk weather. With temperatures ranging from 75-96º F (23-36º C), it's warm and sunny (for at least some of the day!) nearly every day of the year. Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December-May) and the green, or rainy season (June-November). Both have their perks, so no matter when you visit, you’re in for a treat.
· Dry Season (December-May): This is high season for tourism, with sunny days and clear skies. Expect perfect beach weather, but also higher prices and more crowds.
· Green Season (June-November): This is Costa Rica’s rainy season, but don’t let that deter you. The showers usually happen in the afternoon and are often short-lived. You’ll get to enjoy a lush, green landscape, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
If you’re looking for that sweet spot between affordable prices and sun, the shoulder seasons – right after Easter and before mid-June, or from mid-August to mid-December – offer great deals, a mix of sun and rain, and fewer tourists.
We know what you’re thinking: What’s there to do besides soak up the sun on this gorgeous beach? The answer: a lot! Playa Flamingo is full of adventures, both on land and at sea. Here are some of our favorite things to do.
Flamingo is famous for its incredible sport fishing, thanks in part to the new Marina Flamingo, one of Costa Rica’s largest; from here, you can charter a boat to go after some of the biggest and most exciting fish in the ocean.
Whether you’re into inshore or offshore fishing, you’re in for a real adventure. One of the most popular things to do in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, fishing yields prize catches include marlin, sailfish, yellow-fin tuna, roosterfish, and wahoo. Marlin fishing, in particular, is legendary here, with peak season running December through February. If you’ve ever dreamed of battling a giant marlin or reeling in a trophy-worthy sailfish, Flamingo is where your future record may be found!
Hot Tip: After a day of fishing, some local restaurants will even cook up your catch!
If you prefer exploring beneath the waves rather than above them, Playa Flamingo offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the country.
Just a short boat ride brings you to the Catalina Islands, a small archipelago known for its rich marine life. Dive or snorkel here, and you might spot everything from giant manta rays with 20-foot wingspans to colorful starfish, living coral, reef sharks, and even humpback whales (depending on the time of year).
Catamaran Sailing and Sunset Cruises
If you’re in the mood for something a little more laid-back, we highly recommend boarding a catamaran for a day of smooth sailing. These half- or full-day trips are perfect for soaking in the beauty of the coastline, snorkeling in hidden coves, and, if you’re lucky, spotting dolphins or even humpback whales.
Many catamaran tours wrap up with a stunning sunset over the Pacific, complete with snacks, drinks, and sometimes an open bar. (It’s easy to customize a catamaran sail to your exact preferences!)
While Playa Flamingo isn’t Costa Rica’s surfing capital (that title goes to Tamarindo), it’s still a great place for beginners to get their feet wet.
Flamingo’s gentle waves are perfect for learning how to surf. If you’re more experienced, there are plenty of nearby beaches with bigger swells, like Playa Grande and Playa Tamarindo. And if surfing isn’t your thing, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and explore calmer waters at your own pace.
Want to witness one of nature’s most magical moments? Just 10 miles down the road from Playa Langosta, Las Baulas National Marine Park is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for leatherback turtles.
Time your trip right, and you can watch these gentle giants come ashore to lay their eggs or witness their tiny hatchlings make their death-defying journey to the sea. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that’s most common from October to March.
Golfing with a View
For the golfers out there, Playa Flamingo is close to some of Costa Rica’s best courses. Reserva Conchaland Hacienda Pinilla both offer world-class, 18-hole championship courses with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Tee up on lush greens, with the ocean as your backdrop, for a golfing experience unlike any other.
Nothing screams "tropical paradise" quite like trotting down the beach on horseback, the ocean breeze in your hair and the waves crashing beside you.
Playa Flamingo offers some fantastic horseback riding tours, whether you’re looking for a romantic ride at sunset or a longer trek to explore nearby beaches and trails. And the great thing is, you can even have both, as this is the kind of activity that feels adventurous and momentous and peaceful all at once.
If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, Flamingo knows how to kick it up a notch. Hop an ATV and roar through Playa Flamingo’s rugged backroads and rainforests, taking in breathtaking views and the wind in your hair.
Combine this with a canopy tour (ziplining), and you’ve got an action-packed day of adventure. Just picture it: One of our favorite canopy tours features 11 zip line cables, a swinging bridge, and a thrilling rappel. Fly through the treetops, spotting wildlife along the way, and get a taste for things to do in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica at their finest.
Pamper Yourself at a Day Spa
If your idea of adventure involves a bit more pampering, Playa Flamingo has you covered. Again and again. In body wraps and so much more!
Several luxurious day spas offer everything from hot-stone massages to botanical body wraps, paraffin pedicures and organic mud baths. After a day of exploring or simply lounging on the beach, there’s nothing better than a little indulgence. We say – go ahead, treat yourself! It’s vacation and you deserve it.
While Playa Flamingo offers a range of accommodations, we’re obviously more than a little biased toward Playa Flamingo vacation rentals – and for good reason. Staying in a vacation rental gives you all the comforts of home, plus plenty of extra perks. You’ll have more space, privacy, and, in many cases, a private pool, ocean views, and other amenities.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or just as a couple, having a vacation rental means you can spread out, relax, and truly make the place your own.
Playa Flamingo | 5 bedrooms | 6 baths | 10 guests
Set on a beachfront hillside, Flamingo Blu represents so much of what we – and you – love about oceanfront living: breezes that refresh and ocean horizons that never end, sunsets etched in memory and the harmonies of crashing surf. This is the picture of artful living and a vacation in paradise – one of our newest and most exclusive oceanfront vacation rentals in Tamarindo (technically, Flamingo), and an exquisite property.
Built completely in the round, Flamingo Blue is a riot of streaming light, mindful flow, high design, and awe-inspiring views, the latter thanks to its hillside position: The views, the breeze, and all of Guanacaste seems to unfold at your feet, sweeping up to greet you to wild and wonderful Costa Rica. And all this, just steps to the beach. For, though Flamingo Blu rises above the sea, it is still of the sea: a private beach staircase descends from the pool terrace to the sea, inviting beachfront sojourns and refreshing dips, toes in the sand and front-row seats to sunsets that glint off a calming Pacific.
You can’t visit Playa Flamingo without indulging in some seriously delicious food. The region is known for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and farm-to-table dining. Many local restaurants serve up traditional Costa Rican fare (think: fresh fish, rice, beans, and plantains), while others offer international cuisine, from sushi and Italian to American comfort food.
If you’re staying in a vacation rental, consider hiring a private chef to provide an in-house restaurant experience. After all, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home, overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean.
Playa Flamingo is easy to reach from Liberia’s international Guanacaste Airport (LIR), which is just about an hour away by car. We always recommend opting for an airport shuttle – it’s the easiest and most stress-free way to get to your vacation rental without having to worry about renting a car or figuring out directions in a foreign country.
Once in Playa Flamingo, getting around is a breeze. You can rent a car or get around on foot, bike, or even golf cart. Taxis are also available, and private drivers can be hired for daily or weekly use.
Playa Flamingo is where you can unwind, relax, and take things at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, or a little bit of both, this beach town offers everything you could want in a tropical getaway. With its stunning coastline, rich wildlife, endless activities, laid-back atmosphere, and luxury Playa Flamingo vacation rentals, you’ll want to revisit, year after year.
At Stay in Tamarindo, we really are different. We really do care about you. We really will go the extra mile. And New Year’s dreams are our specialty.
We’re going to work hard for you. We’re going to follow up with you. And we’re going to do everything we can, to ensure that this is not just your Best Vacation Ever, but also Everything You Want It to Be.
Because that is what we mean, when we talk about our quality of service: We want to transform the way you travel and celebrate. We want to deliver the best everything you’ve ever experienced – including the best value. And we want you to go home completely fulfilled, whether you came to relax for a week straight or have packed your days full of every adrenaline-soaked, high-adventure activity you could fit in.
So go ahead, give us a try. Embrace the experience. Live your best life. And now, ask us to help you plan unforgettable Costa Rica holidays and traditions. It all starts with getting in touch with our concierge!