Playa Flamingo

Flamingo has the pale sand that most of this coast does not: a beach of near-white shell sand between rocky headlands, which is why it was developed early and why property prices here are among the highest in Guanacaste. A marina, closed for many years and rebuilt and reopened in 2022, is the base for sportfishing and for dive and snorkel boats running to the Catalina islands offshore. The settlement itself is a scatter of villas, condominiums and restaurants on the hills above the beach rather than a town, with Brasilito and Potrero nearby providing the everyday services. Swimming is good in the sheltered bay.

What you actually see

• The white beach - the pale shell sand between the headlands.
• The marina - the rebuilt harbour and its sportfishing fleet.
• The hill villas - the development above the beach.
• Catalina trips - the dive and snorkel boats leaving from the marina.

When to go

December to April in the dry season for the reliable weather, which is also peak season and expensive. May to November is green and much cheaper. The Catalina manta season falls in the dry months.

Honest expectations

There is no town centre; services are spread and a car is effectively necessary. Prices are high by Costa Rican standards. Development on the hills is dense. The beach can have strong currents at the ends.

Nearby

Las Catalinas lies north; Playas del Coco is further north.