Tamarindo is home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches making it an extremely popular location not just for tourists but also for those of us who are looking to make a sea change for a more relaxing lifestyle.

The beaches around Tamarindo have earned the name of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast because of the fine golden sand that adds an extra layer of beauty to an already gorgeous coastline. Here are three of the most popular destinations for beach goers in Tamarindo and its surrounds:

1. Playa Grande

   This beach is very popular for a good reason as it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and one of the best places to swim around Tamarindo. Playa Grande stretches for 200 meters and is located a little south of Tamarindo, near the coastal village El Poris de Abona.

   The beach makes up part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Perhaps because it is part of the national park that the beach is so popular, as there is little evidence of human habitation, which only adds to the natural beauty of the area. Apart from the gorgeous beaches and fantastic surfing opportunities there is another reason a visit to this area is so worthwhile; the beach hosts the majestic leatherback turtles laying season. These turtles are truly a spectacle to behold that shouldn’t be missed, with the average size of a turtle reaching between 500 and 1,500 lbs.

2. Playa Portrero

   Playa Portrero is a popular destination for sport fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The beach starts from Flamingo beach to the south, forming a half moon shape as it extends to the north, and ending at the small quiet fishing village of Portrero.

   Development in this area is lagging behind that of Tamarindo but it is definitely catching on as more and more people begin to discover its natural beauty and serenity. The weather here is a little milder than the rest of Costa Rica, with temperatures remaining relatively stable in the 80s and 90s. November through April is the regions dry season when the nights are cooled significantly by the gentle breezes which start soon after sunset.

3. Playa Minas

   This is one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets, and hopefully will remain so for a little while longer. If you want to capture the feel of an isolated paradise while still being close to convenient amenities then this is the beach to visit.

   Pure white sandy shores gently slope down to meet with the pure blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, creating the perfect scenario for an afternoon of snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Boat tours also frequent the area as visitors pass through and marvel at the peaceful serenity of the area.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.