At Coastal Realty & Property Management, we’ve been providing Playa Flamingo real estate services since 2006, so we thought we’d share some advice for friends looking to visit for the first time.
Second and third-time visitors might enjoy these thoughts as well, because there’s so much going on that is easy to miss.
Getting to Our Flamingo Vacation Rentals
Flamingo Costa Rica is Located southwest of Liberia, and northwest of Bahía Brasilito, in the province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica.
Considered the best maritime point between Acapulco and Panama on the Pacific coast.
It has a picturesque landscape, with rich vegetation. Strong waves. Walkable all year round.
With tons of direct flights from both North America and Europe, you have two choices to fly into the country:
Daniel Oduber International Airport – Liberia
Although the closest airport to Tamarindo is the Tamarindo airport most people will be flying into the Daniel Oduber airport. This airport is located a 1-hour drive to Tamarindo and then Flamingo is another 30 minutes. The drive is picturesque, with many Guanacaste sugar cane plantations visible as well as local town squares and soccer fields along the way. Here are the two routes from Liberia to Tamarindo.
Juan Santamaria International Airport – San Jose
This airport is about a 4-hour drive from Flamingo. The drive will take you through the mountain range that runs the length of Central America and then you’ll make your way up the coast, and cross over the Rio Tempisque. It’s also quite scenic and there are plenty of restaurants and pitstops along the way.
If you’re flying to San Jose and don’t intend to rent a car, you can also catch up a commuter flight (propeller plane) from San Jose to the local Tamarindo airport on Sansa.
Do I Need a Visa if I’m Choosing Flamingo Vacation Rentals?
For quick stays, you don’t need a visa prior to arrival. You’ll be issued a tourist visa by the immigration desk at either airport. You’ll need:
- Your passport (and be sure it isn’t about to expire)
- A return ticket (print a copy of your e-ticket that clearly shows your return flight date)
- The name of your accommodations. For us, either the name of the house or the name of the Flamingo condo complex will suffice.
Do I Need to Rent a Car to Get to My Flamingo Vacation Rental?
We do recommend a rental car if heading to Flamingo. Our Flamingo vacation rentals are all walkable to the beach, tiny grocery stores, restaurants, shops, etc. For additional guests, we’re happy to help you reserve an airport shuttle from either airport that will take you directly to your property and return you as well.
That said, there are lots of national parks and other fun day trips where you might want a car.
If you are renting a car and cannot drive a manual transmission, be sure to consult with your rental car company. Many vehicles in Costa Rica have manual transmissions.
What Are Some Top Activities While at an Flamingo Vacation Rental?
You’ve probably heard amazing things about Costa Rica and Flamingo is one of the top destinations in the country. Why do so many people choose to vacation in Flamingo?
If you like to know more about what the weather is like near our coasts, Tamarindo Costa Rica weather article is an amazing option to find the best time of the year.
Flamingo Beach
Tamarindo Beach may be one of the most developed beaches on the Guanacaste coastline, however, Playa Flamingo is still considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
With its wonderful white sand, untouched beach and crystal clear blue waters, Playa Flamingo is ideal for an unforgettable vacation. It offers visitors some of the best offshore fishing. Off the coast and throughout the year you can find garfish, tuna, swordfish and others, marking this beach as a very popular tourist destination. Every year this beach is host to a fantastic international sailfish tournament sponsored by the Amateur Fishermen’s Club of Costa Rica.
Marina Flamingo
Welcome to Marina Flamingo, the crown jewel of Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.
From its inception, the Marina was designed from the ground up for unmatched comfort, convenience, and elegance to deliver a world-class experience setting the benchmark for service. It’s not just a marina, it’s the way to the relaxing sound of the sea.
From exclusive marina residences to a first-class hotel, you’ll find everything you need to visit or live in this unparalleled paradise you won’t ever want to leave.
In the Marina you can find:
- Restaurants
- Ice cream shop
- Cafe brit shop
- Shops
- Pool.
Immerse yourself and discover why Flamingo is not just a destination, but a lifestyle.
Nature
Amazing animals are all over the place in Flamingo and may even be on the property at your vacation rental.
- Iguanas – Gorgeous iguanas of many colors can be found on the ground and in the trees throughout the area.
- Howler Monkeys – They migrate in packs throughout the area. It’s easy to know when they’re near due to their distinctive howl.
- Leatherback Turtles – During the season, the endangered Leatherback nests at Playa Grande. You must be on a guided tour to be on Playa Grande at night during the season.
- Tropical Birds – You’ll find all kinds of birds in the area including Hummingbirds, Mot Mots, which have distinctive tails, and various parrot species. The local equivalent of a Blue Jay is also ever-present and may beg for crackers if you’re eating outside.
- Whales & Dolphins – You’ll see Dolphins in the surf and larger whale species may spout further out in Tamarindo Bay when they’re around.
- Crocodiles – Further up the Tamarindo Estuary, you’ll find Crocodiles. You’ll find them at a number of the nearby national parks as well.
Dining
Flamingo has several restaurants, but in general it is a quiet area. If you are looking for a little fun and variety of many restaurants you have to visit Tamarindo, it is the cultural center of the area and has an incredible variety of restaurants. Because? Abundant local produce and seafood and an incredibly diverse local population.
Check out our article Top 10 Tamarindo Costa Rica Restaurants of 2023 for some tips.
If you love seafood, Tamarindo has the freshest you’ll find and many restaurants offer Ceviche You can also purchase directly from the local seafood trucks if you want to make a seafood meal in your Tamarindo vacation rental’s kitchen.
Fresh seafood options include:
- Red Snapper (Pargo)
- Shrimp (Gambas)
- Corvina (Seabass)
- Mahi Mahi
- Tuna (Atun)
- Marlin
- Clams (Almejas)
- Calamari
- Octopus (Pulpo)
- Mussels (Mejillones)
You’ll also find amazing fresh fruits and vegetables at the local restaurants and supermarkets:
- Cantaloupe (Melon)
- Watermelon (Sandia)
- Beats (Remolacha)
- Blackberries (Mora)
- Strawberries (Fresa)
- Avocados (Aguacate)
When chefs from France, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, Spain, USA, Canada, and many other locations use those ingredients, you get amazing results!
In addition to seafood, you’ll find pizza, bar food, juice bars, falafel, sushi, fine dining and many other cuisines!
Shopping
Similar to restaurants, Brasilito & Conchal are home to artists and clothing designers from around the world.
You’ll find interesting swimsuits and dresses.
Multiple art galleries offer both local and international paintings and sculptures.
You’ll also find street vendors selling clay pottery from nearby Guatil.
What’s Included in Our Flamingo Vacation Rentals?
Vacation rentals are a great option for visitors looking for more space, privacy, relaxation, and the ability to cook and eat.
Full Kitchens & Dining Areas
Our Langosta vacation rentals generally have full kitchens. Ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are found in all rentals. Dishwashers are present in most units. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
You’ll find simpler setups in smaller condominiums and our larger homes have some amazing kitchens.
We keep kitchens stocked with cookware, utensils, and serving ware, and keep all appliances working.
Pools
Most of our single-family homes have private swimming pools.
Condominiums have access to shared swimming pools.
Grills & BBQs
Most of our single-family home vacation rentals have outdoor grills and outdoor dining areas. Larger homes have full outdoor kitchens.
Condominiums generally have access to a shared outdoor grill.
Linens & Towels
All properties come with ample linens and towels. Sheets and towels will be swapped and beds made during maid service.
We ask that you bring your beach towels.
Washers & Dryers
All homes and most condos have private washers and dryers. Where an in-unit washer/dryer is not available, the condo complex has shared units or there is a walkable laundromat. Check the individual property description or just ask. We’re happy to talk you through what each property offers.
Toilet Paper, Cleaning Supplies, etc.
Our properties are stocked with ample paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, dishwasher soap, and laundry detergent if applicable.
TV, Cable & Internet
Tamarindo internet is generally plenty fast for routine work and streaming Netflix, etc. Keep in mind that the entire area has one central line bringing both internet and power into the area, so outages occur more frequently than at your home.
Our properties have cable, TV, and private wifi. You’ll be given the password as part of check-in.
Concierge Service
Our management includes our concierge desk. We’re happy to help you with reservations, delivered groceries, arranging tours, arranging massages, in-unit cooking, Spanish lessons, and many other amenities and activities. Just ask.
We also offer: