Beach hopping – Costa Rica style!

Endless Summer

OK gang, before I take off to points south I’m going to leave you with a sure fire vacation plan for this year or next. Notice the heading? Endless summer. That’s right! This plan is guaranteed to make you forget there ever was a winter, for sure man!!

Surfing Playa Tamarindo - Coastal Collage

Surfing Playa Tamarindo – Coastal Collage

Book a 9 day trip to the North Pacific Coast, Tamarindo Beach area in Costa Rica, spending 3 days each at 3 different beaches within a 15 minute drive of each other. Each has a unique character, the ultimate beach vacation.

Surfing Playa Tamarindo - Coastal Collage

Surfing Playa Tamarindo – Coastal Collage

After landing in Liberia take a taxi to Playa Tamarindo. I’d stay at a hostel, something like Blue Trailz Hostel and Surf Camp, just for the experience. The waves at Playa Tamarindo are just big enough, but not too big (and steady) for a surfer wanna be. You won’t feel intimated while you try to get up on that board, the guy (or gal) right next to you is a newbie too. Awesome place! Fantastic, exciting vibe! Stay at least 3 nights so you can get 2 full days of surfing in.

Surfing Playa Tamarindo - Coastal Collage

Surfing Playa Tamarindo – Coastal Collage

Next, hire another taxi and head over to Playa Grande. But first pick up a boogie board for this beach. Plenty of people surf at Playa Grande but I think it would be awesome for boogie boarding. The waves are not as regular and can be unpredictable. (Yeah that was me getting clobbered by a huge wave!)

I’d try the Rip Jack Inn. Looks great and has great reviews. You’ll want a place with a good restaurant because there isn’t much around.

Palms at Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

Palms at Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

Sunset at Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

Sunset at Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

This beach is my personal favorite of the three. It’s quite and surely the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. And has incredible awesome sunsets.

Painted sky, Playa Grande - Coastal Collage

Painted sky, Playa Grande – Coastal Collage

Last but not least is Playa Flamingo. Flamingo Beach is a smaller, cove beach with azure blue waters that are a little calmer. One can easily see clear to the  bottom with no trouble and float easily atop the waves.

Playa Flamingo - Coastal Collage

Playa Flamingo – Coastal Collage

Playa Flamingo is a more exclusive area and has several upscale hotels. Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa would be my choice for this area given it is directly across from the beach. The grounds are lovely too!

Playa Flamingo Resort and Spa - Coastal Collage

Playa Flamingo Resort and Spa – Coastal Collage

Playa Flamingo - Coastal Collage

Playa Flamingo – Coastal Collage

Marina at Playa Flamingo - Coastal Collage

Marina at Playa Flamingo – Coastal Collage

So there you have it. The ultimate vacation, beach hopping Costa Rica style. 3 beaches, 3 days each, 3 different beach experiences. What are you waiting for!!

 

Disclaimer: I have not yet stayed at these 3 hotels. They would however be my choices if I return. Check the reviews yourself and make sure they meet your expectations.

 

 

Karen Olson

About Karen Olson

Karen Olson is a photographer, writer, and artist working in metal. Her blogs offer a global perspective, a celebration of art and culture. She 'lives like a tourist' in Midcoast Maine where she makes her home and finds inspiration for art and life in her travels. Follow her creative passion with Renuko Style at renukostyle.com and Coastal Collage, a Bangor Daily News Blog at coastalcollage.bangordailynews.com Karen's photography portfolio can be found at seeingartineverydaylife.com