Tamarindo vs. Playa Flamingo: Which Costa Rican Beach Town Is Right for You?
- Krista Goodrich
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Pura Vida.
You'll hear those two words everywhere in Costa Rica. It's more than a greeting, it's a lifestyle. It means "pure life," and after spending two incredible weeks exploring the Guanacaste coast, I completely understand why so many people fall in love with this country.
The truth is, I did too.
I can genuinely see myself spending part of my retirement here someday.
But if you're trying to decide between Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo, here's my take after experiencing both back-to-back.
Week One: Playa Flamingo: Luxury, Relaxation & Ocean Adventures
My first week was spent in Playa Flamingo with my husband, my best friend and business partner, and her boyfriend.
The vibe?
Think laid-back luxury.
It's quieter, more upscale, and feels like the kind of place where you sip coffee overlooking the Pacific before deciding whether today is a beach day or a boating day.
We rented a beautiful condo through VRBO, which I highly recommend if you're traveling with another couple or family. Having a kitchen, balcony, and plenty of space made the trip feel more like living in Costa Rica than simply visiting.
One thing I would absolutely recommend?
Rent a golf cart.
The roads around Flamingo are hilly and spread out, and cruising between restaurants, beaches, and marinas in a golf cart is half the fun. Plus, who doesn't love feeling like they're starring in their own tropical vacation movie?
One of the highlights of the week was heading out for a deep-sea fishing excursion.
Each of us managed to catch a fish, and the local crew filleted our catch and had it prepared for dinner later that evening. Book your deep-sea fishing trip here.
There is something incredibly satisfying about eating fish that was swimming in the Pacific just hours before.
It doesn't get much fresher than that.
The local restaurants are excellent, with incredibly fresh seafood and tropical flavors everywhere you turn. Whether you're enjoying ceviche, grilled mahi-mahi, or sipping cocktails while watching the sunset, Playa Flamingo has mastered the art of slowing down and enjoying life. Our favorite lunch spot was CocoLoco, right on the beach and easy access from most houses and condos in the area via golf cart...wait until dinner and the sunset will take your breath away.
Then Came Tamarindo…And the Energy Shifted
The following week, our Girls Gone Adventuring Retreats group arrived in Tamarindo, and while it was only about thirty minutes away, it felt like a completely different world.
Tamarindo has energy.
It's vibrant, fun, social, and full of activity.
You'll find surfers carrying boards through town, live music spilling into the streets, colorful shops, bustling restaurants, and even pop-up markets and small festivals in the evenings where locals and tourists mingle under the warm Costa Rican sky.
If Playa Flamingo whispers relaxation…
Tamarindo laughs out loud.
And I loved both.
The Best Adventure of the Trip
Hands down, my favorite activity was our zip-line and white-water tubing combo excursion.
After flying through the jungle canopy, we grabbed individual tubes and floated, and occasionally bounced, down the river through small rapids.
It was hilarious.
It was exhilarating.
And yes...it can be a little rough.
We saw a few people get bumps and bruises along the way, so understand that while it's incredibly fun, it does carry some risk if you don't hold on properly.
Nothing we saw was serious, but be prepared for a little adventure.
Personally?
I'd do it again tomorrow.
Here's a link to nab a great deal on the combo plus horseback riding: Ziplining-Tubing-Horseback Riding Combo
Learning to Surf? Go to Tamarindo.
I've surfed in several places, and if you've ever wanted to learn, Tamarindo may be one of the best places in the world for beginners.
The waves are incredibly forgiving.
They're small enough to build confidence but spaced out enough that you're not constantly getting pummeled by the next wave before you've even stood up.
Our Girls Gone Adventuring group ranged from 35 to 65 years old, and every single woman managed to stand up and ride a wave.
Every.
Single.
One.
Watching women who had never surfed before cheering each other on from the water was one of those moments that reminds you why adventure matters.
It's never too late to try something new.
Additional Adventures
Since we were there with our ladies adventure women's retreat company Girls Gone Adventuring Retreats we really pack in a ton of activities. We enjoyed pool-side yoga at our retreat house AND beach yoga, in-house massages, created (and used) homemade avocado-coconut hair masks and even had our own private salsa dancing lessons. One day we had the locals thinking we had lost our minds as we had our Women's Adventure Olympics on the beach.
If you want that level of adventure, join one of our retreats all around the world. They are nothing short of amazing-just be ready to laugh so hard your stomach hurts.
But two other activities that are worth noting for any one going to Costa Rica:
The ATV ride we did through the jungle with stops at local swimming spots was an absolute favorite with some of our ladies-many who had never ridden on an ATV (again, ages 35-65 so don't let age stop. you). Book your ATV Tour.
The sunset catamaran sail-complete with fun drinks, snorkeling and a stop to swim in the sparkling blue water with beautiful tropical mountains surrounding you. Book your Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour
You can do most of these tours from Playa Flamingo as well, just let the guide know where you are staying when you book.
Whether your going to Costa Rica for a romantic couples weekend, girl's trip or family adventure, these activities are guaranteed to leave you with lifetime memories.
Getting There
We flew into Liberia, Costa Rica, which still makes me smile because Liberia is also a country in Africa. The airport is small and easy to navigate, making arrival simple from many U.S. cities. From there, expect about an hour-long drive to the beaches.
Fair warning…
It's a little bumpy.
Costa Rica isn't known for perfectly smooth roads, but honestly that's part of its charm.
And here's a little insider tip:
If you ask your shuttle driver nicely, there's a good chance they'll happily stop so you can grab a few cervezas for the ride.
Vacation officially begins the moment you leave the airport.
Is Costa Rica Expensive?
Costa Rica has definitely become more expensive over the years.
It's no longer the ultra-budget destination it once was.
That said, I still found plenty of value.
Flights from the U.S. are relatively easy and affordable, condo rentals can be reasonable if booked early, and some of the best experiences: watching sunsets, surfing, hiking beaches, and enjoying nature don't cost much at all.
So…Playa Flamingo or Tamarindo?
If you're looking for:
Luxury
Relaxation
Beautiful condos
Marinas
Fishing
Quiet beaches
Romantic evenings
Choose Playa Flamingo.
If you're looking for:
Surfing
Nightlife
Markets
Adventure
Restaurants
Shopping
Activity and excitement
Choose Tamarindo.
Or better yet…
Do exactly what I did.
Spend a week in each.
Because while the vibes are completely different, they both embody what Costa Rica does so well, welcoming people, incredible food, stunning scenery, endless adventure, and a reminder to slow down and embrace Pura Vida.
Some places you visit.
Some places stay with you.
Costa Rica is definitely the second kind.
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