Costa Rica by boat: hidden bays and Pacific sunsets

You’re going to love Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast is where the Pacific is at its most welcoming: wide beaches, rocky headlands, hidden bays and some of the sunniest weather in the country. Playa Flamingo and its marina sit in the middle of it, with calm water and a relaxed “pura vida” way of life.

The coast is at its best from a boat. A catamaran takes you past beaches and coves that are hard to reach by land, to a quiet bay for snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding, and back at sunset with the sky turning orange over the Pacific.

The 5 best reasons to visit Costa Rica

1. 1

   Pacific sunsetsThe west-facing coast of Guanacaste is made for watching the sun go down over the sea.

2. 2

   Calm bays and clear waterSheltered coves with warm water, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddling.

3. 3

   Wildlife on land and at seaDolphins, turtles and tropical fish at sea, and monkeys, birds and more along the coast and inland.

4. 4

   The driest corner of the countryGuanacaste has the longest sunny season in Costa Rica, with a long dry spell in the first months of the year.

5. 5

   Pura vidaA friendly, easy-going way of life, great food and a welcome for visitors that makes it easy to feel at home.

What to do in Costa Rica

• Relax at the beachPlaya Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Brasilito and Potrero are all within a short drive of each other.
• Visit the volcanoes and the rainforestRincón de la Vieja National Park, with hot springs and forest trails, is a day trip inland.
• Try surfing and watersportsTamarindo and the nearby beaches offer lessons, and the calm bays are good for paddleboarding.
• Enjoy the foodFresh ceviche, gallo pinto, grilled fish and tropical fruit, with a cold beer after the beach.
• Watch the sunsetMany visitors plan the evening around the sunset at the beach or on the water.