Visitors Guide 9 by Alain Esquivel

C REE

GOLD COAST

VISITOR S GUIDE March 2009 N. 9 www.tamarindocosta-rica.com

NIGHT LIFE DRIVING MAP RESTAURANTS

TAMARINDO AND SURROUNDING AREAS | GUANACASTE | COSTA RICA

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TAMARINDO

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Letter from Famous Points

This edition represents a revolutionary way of welcoming and orientating you to our area. With its hybrid approach of a printed publication and web site, we bring this area to life with print, ads, pictures, videos, interactive blogs and forums. Our fondest dream would be to see you reading this Guide as you browse and interact with www.tamarindocosta-rica.com Make sure your room or vacation rental comes equipped with one of our Phone Books because after reading this Guide you may want to look up some numbers. We think the more you know about Tamarindo, the better you’ll enjoy your stay here.

Wayne Geddings, Publisher 10-year resident

Disclaimer – This guide contains many personal opinions and observations. Some of which have not been completely thought through. So we cannot possibly be responsible for what we write or for that matter any information supplied by our advertisers. We especially urge using your own judgment and caution especially with large purchases.

WELCOME TO PARADISE! 8 What and where is Tamarindo? 11

Gratitude and acknowledgements must be extended to the many other folks who tirelessly and passionately participated in the creation of this guide. Printed at MasterLitho, San José

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All rights reserved 2009 by Tamarindo Publishing©. The entire content including designed advertising may not be reproduced or reprinted either in whole or in part without permission of the manager. Tamarindo Advertising© is not responsible for errors or omissions. Advertisers are responsible for legal permission to use their photos. Derechos reservados 2009 Tamarindo Publishing©. El contenido completo, incluyendo el diseño publicitario, no podrá ser reproducido o reimpreso total o parcialmente sin el permiso del editor. Tamarindo Advertising© no se hace responsable por errores u omisiones. Los anunciantes son responsables por el permiso legal para usar sus fotografías.

Interesting cultural differences 13 Seasons and climate 14 Important personal security advisories 14

AREA ACTIVITIES 15 Surfing 17 Fiestas and Topes 19 National Parks and Tours 20 Golfing 21 Sport Fishing 21 Sailing 22 Scuba diving and snorkeling 26

PLAYA TAMARINDO 27 Tamarindo Restaurants 29

SURROUNDED AREAS 51 USEFUL INFORMATION 57 Air Travel 58 Money Machines and Banks 58 Telephone Communications 58 Churches 58 Embassy Phone Numbers 60 General Information 60 Medical Information 60 Transportation 60 Tide Charts 62

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

PRODUCTION AND ADVERTISING OFFICES Tamarindo de Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Ph. (506) 2653-0103 • 2653-0779 famouspoints@gmail.com www.tamarindocosta-rica.com Publisher: Wayne Geddings Administration and sales: Victoria Alfaro Special writing assistance: Suzanne Crane Photographers: Thornton at Studios Tamarindo Toh Goutennoire at Bi-Drop.com Graphic Design: PrismaPublicidad.com

CONTENTS

GUANACASTE MAP 6

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

GUANACASTE MAP COSTA RICA

WELCOME TO PARADISE! Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Each year Costa Rica attracts more than a million visitors. They are lured by the scenic splendor, geographic diversity and the MAGIC of this idyllic Latin American nation. Defined by lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, incomparable beaches, and opulent wildlife, Costa Rica—bordered by Panama in the south and Nicaragua to the north—is indeed deserving of its international reputation as an eco-tourism oasis, adventureseeker’s haven and spiritual rejuvenator.

Gleaming most brightly amidst the country’s many and varied treasures is a region in the province of Guanacaste known as the Gold Coast. Our coast… where the emerald sea is embroidered by an endless expanse of beaches, where world-class waves attract neophyte and world-class surfers alike, where golfing and sport fishing are first rate and lounging on the beach is all in a day’s work. Boasting modern amenities, inspired cuisine and shopping options desired by our discriminating and valued guests, it is still a semi-remote sanctuary with nearby Tico villages. In the middle of the Gold Coast is a magical town called Tamarindo. A little town compared to some standards, but never the less it is where our legend begins.

magic There is more to Tamarindo than its discernable attributes. Infused by a certain indefinable yet palpable essence, visitors and residents alike regularly report transformational experiences. Perhaps it’s the laid-back vibe of the place, the enchanting multihued sunsets, the verdant virgin jungle or the warm Pacific water that caresses the body and regenerates the soul… or possibly it is the resonant spiritual legacy that distinguishes this fecund land. Whatever it is, the indigenous people believed in a nature-induced magical

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tamarindo – located in the heart of the gold coast

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

WELCOME TO PARADISE! Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

energy that deepens love, passion and friendship and often recounted tales of inexplicable occurrences that they simply accepted as part of their daily lives.

During your vacation we hope to put you in touch with this local magic. Escape into this culture and consider our insights and surrender to the possibilities. Embrace the unknown, discover and uncover your hidden passions. Escape into new attitudes. Try new things. After all, the figurative monkey on your back may actually be a monkey on your back! We share this land with our ancestors and all of God’s creatures. And from that, the spirit guides us. Leave your worries behind and believe in the powerful energy of the Gold Coast. It will carry you to a wonderful state of mind!

Importantly, please understand that the attraction of Tamarindo is not attractions that you might find in Las Vegas or Cancun. If you judge a vacation by how many check marks you can place next to a “to do list”, you may not like it here. This place is about having nothing to do and taking all day to do it! This is a place where you get away from it all and drop into a different culture and community while looking for unexpected adventures and unlikely friends. This is a sophisticated, but casual place, one that rewards those who plan, but also those who just let it happen. It is for people who think learning another language is fun, not a burden. For someone who likes to see how other people live, and enjoys getting to know them. For those who like to see the contrasts, not just the same old thing. It is for those who can adapt when the elec-

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

WHAT AND WHERE IS TAMARINDO? Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in Guanacaste Province there is a region known as The Gold Coast. It’s not actually represented on maps and its boundaries are imprecise and open to debate among those who like to debate such things. We know which towns fall under the aegis of this spectral area—Playa Tamarindo, Playa

Flamingo, Playa Grande, Potrero, and Playa Negra, charming seaside enclaves peppered with locals and sprinkled with a healthy dose of assimilated expatriates. In the middle is Tamarindo, the hub – the center, where it all began. While its physical borders are in question, the previously mentioned magic that suffuses the area is irrefutable—an invisible magnet that draws throngs of returning visitors and hordes of foreign transplants… We can’t explain it and we don’t try. As increasing numbers of people discover the Gold Coast, there is a trend towards accommodating the needs of these discerning arrivals. But although you can catch your favorite American TV show here, there is no mistaking that you’re “Not in Kansas anymore!”

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

tricity goes off, and can accidentally benefit from the interruption and meet a new friend by the pool. If you’re burnt out from your normal life, we invite you to drop out and “peek into every eye”.

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

a Bit of history Most of the native people are descendents of the Chorotega Indians who for many centuries were isolated by the challenging terrain on which they lived. At that time, as throughout much of the region’s history, the Gold Coast belonged to neighboring Nicaragua, which impacted the cultural lexicon of the early Guanacaste natives. Further, the civilizing influences emanating from the Mayan Empire of Guatemala spawned additional tribes, including the more technically advanced— and ultimately more prolific—Corobicis.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

When Columbus discovered Costa Rica during his fourth voyage to the “New World,” the area now known as the Gold Coast, was severed from the more burgeoning societies—and remained so for many years subsequent. The first successful colonization of Guana-

caste occurred when Gil Gonzales Davila from Spain converted the Corobicis to Catholicism in the mid Sixteenth century. tUrning cattle into gold While the cultivation and export of coffee and bananas has long fueled much of Costa Rica’s economy, this region stands apart. Due to its drier climate and sprawling geography, the Gold Coast long ago developed instead a prosperous cattle industry. Dating back to Colonial times, the proud ranching tradition fostered a Hacienda System of land ownership which enabled the local Indian population to share in the region’s economy. Although the cattle trade still flourishes, tourism is now Guanacaste’s most thriving industry. living on the gold coast Even if you are visiting for a short time, adjusting to the slower pace of life is important to getting the most you’re your vacation time. The philosophy towards work and play are considerably dissimilar. The native people “work to live” rather than “live to work.” While not necessarily a “necessary evil,” work is deemed but one ingredient in life rather than the entire dish. It certainly takes some getting used to for those from the hustle-bustle reality of the First World. Patience is the key when trying to get things done for such seemingly simple tasks can be a test of one’s tolerance and serenity. Often you hear native people saying “Pura Vida” at opportune moments in a conversation. Literally meaning have a “pure

Showing appreciation garners desired results Expressing gratitude, either through a smile, a gracias, or most specifically a gratuity, will be not only appreciated but remembered - smoother sailing ahead once you known as a friendly person.

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

eventually honored, but lose your temper and you may be waiting forever.

Even when you’re right, sometimes you’re wrong Another important cultural distinction: Being right doesn’t mean you’ll win the battle. Ticos seldom express anger, so being upset always alienates them for it is perceived as manifestation of an ugly personality. Remain tranquillo and your holiday spirits will rise. Lost in translation – A new way of getting directions

Interesting cultural differences Understanding customer service Normally we would assume that a Customer Service Desk exists to provide service. Well, here the person sitting behind the desk holds a position of power akin to the bouncer at an exclusive night club and good service is synonymous with doing you a favor. Be polite and your request will be

“Donde esta la tienda por favor?” “Where is the shop please?” “It’s across from Pasatiempo mi amiga.” “Ah, but where is Pasatiempo?” “It’s near Bar1” “But please señor, where is Bar1?” You get the picture. Since streets are not signposted, locals are accustomed to giving directions based on landmarks which may not even still be there! To make life – and navigation –easier, it’s a good idea to carry a map. Interesting family lessons Watch and learn. In observing the native, especially those from Guanacaste, you will note some interesting cultural distinctions. For instance, family is so important and most extended units are extremely close. There doesn’t appear to be much of a “generation gap” as kids, parents and grandparents exhibit mutual respect and even enjoying going to a dance or partying together! Imagine that! We gringos should learn something here!

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

life”, it perfectly describes the national attitude of our area and the entire country. It represents an attitude that is difficult to put into words, but goes something like - relax and keep a good perspective. A life of “Pura Vida” is measured in terms of family, friends and plenty of time to just lay back and do nothing. If you are here to have a good time and relax, you are already on the right-track.

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

IMPORTANT PERSONAL SECURITY ADVISORIES:

SEASONS AND CLIMATE

(Courtesy of Pura Mar Surf School)

January: hot, dry, off-shore winds getting strong in the afternoon. february: hot, dry, off-shore winds sandblasting you on the beach. march: hot, dry, off-shore winds blowing limbs off of trees. april: scalding hot, dry, winds die down, switch this way and that, sky begins to cloud over and feel heavy. may: hot, either very dry or very humid depending on whether or not it begins to rain, off-shore mornings and evenings. June: hot, humid, green, afternoon rains, offshore mornings. July: hot, humid, lush green, occasional thunderstorms, usually a 2-week “mini-summer” with consistent off-shore winds.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

august: hot, humid, rainy afternoons, off-shore mornings.

september: hot, humid, rainy afternoons or could rain all day. october: hot, humid, rainy afternoons or could rain all week. november: hot, clear, season begins to change, less humid, off-shore wind begins. december: hot, clear, sunny, morning and afternoon off-shores, cooler evenings.

All popular beach towns attract a few bad people and experience tell us that walking around in jungle fatigues pretending to be tough and looking for a fight isn’t enough magic to help. The best advice I can give is to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your things at all times. The thieves around here don’t like to be caught, not from fear of the police, but they just don’t like all the yelling that goes on. 1. When you park your car in a public area, especially a deserted beach, don’t leave anything important in your car, whether locked or unlocked. If a parking guard looks halfway official pay him $2 (1,000 colones) to watch your car. Just think of it as reducing the odds or cheap insurance. 2. Do not walk on the beach at night in front of the Tamarindo Circle, especially 100 meters south, in front of the campgrounds. 3. Don’t drink and drive! Don’t consider this a warning, but a plea! The roads are so unforgiving! If you drink, go to whatever lengths you need to not get behind the wheel. Notice the steep shoulders on the paved roads… instant serious trouble! 4. If you buy illegal drugs, you’re playing with fire! Not from the police, but from unsavory people who don’t care about your personal health or fair deals! Remember, Costa Rica is bordered by Panama then Columbia on the south and Nicaragua on the north… you’re not in Kansas anymore! 5. Show a healthy respect for the danger of biting mosquitoes by wearing bug spray. Worldwide, every year, they kill many more people than African lions! So, anywhere and anytime you find mosquitoes buzzing around… leave! It’s not worth the risk! 6. Often near the beach you’ll feel the little bites from the smaller sandflies, while annoying, normally they are not a health risk. Best not to get bitten by anything other than your significant other.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

AREA ACTIVITIES

AREA ACTIVITIES Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

AREA ACTIVITIES If you think of Tamarindo and its surrounding areas together as one tourist destination, the sprawling area from Potrero south to Playa Negra, would actually compare in size with many other international destinations. However, most Travel Experts don’t realize its real size and the large number of rooms available counting the Vacation Villas. That’s ok! A small community feel is part of its charm! Even though we’re just a series of beach communities, you can still enjoy highoctane adventure pursuits, serene nature walks, calming spa treatments and many other vacation activities. So, recharge, relearn, relax, or revitalize.

winds during the dry season. Optimal surfing conditions occur from December through July.

Already internationally known as a surfing Mecca, Tamarindo attracts wave-riders from all over the world and, in fact, has grown up around the sport. Visit our web site for the tide, surf conditions and other information related to surfing in this area at www.tamarindocosta-rica.com/activities/surfing/ As more and more visitors share the swells, shops and surf schools here we show the ones we feel are Famous Points.

sUrfing etiQUette 6 Basic rUles *Parts taken from “Surfos Magazine”

Even if you haven’t boarded a board in years, if surfing was once in your blood, the waves will provide a transfusion. If you can’t quite slash and splash as you once did or fear you’ll break on the breaks… no problem. Taking a refresher course at a local surf schools is a good idea before you hit the waves again. We want you to have a fun time, not a bum time! The area offers beach, reef, river mouth and point breaks with many days of offshore

Respect and adhere to the following guidelines: 1. If you come as a large group, don’t make your arrival seem like an invasion. Reduce the shock and enter the water a few at a time. 2. Wait your turn. Don’t paddle straight out to where the best waves are breaking, but rather hang on the side and join the lineup in order. 3. Once in the queue, do your best to say “Hi.” Even if you don’t get a response, it’s your friendly intention that counts. 4. Share the waves and don’t be too aggressive. If it appears that you’re hogging the swells and are disregarding the rights of other surfers, don’t be surprised if a fellow rider drops in right on top of you! 5. When you paddle for a wave… catch it! If you back out of a perfectly good wave, the locals may not let you have another. 6. Even if you stand up first, the right of way belongs to the surfer closest to the peak. If you “drop in” accidentally… apologize. 7. When paddling back to the lineup, a surfer riding a wave has the right-of-way. When you can, paddle behind the surfer so you do not interfere with his ride.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Hint: Most local surf spots are south of Playa Grande. Further north, the beaches are too rocky and the bays too sheltered from the swells. For insight on how Tamarindo and Playa Negra got discovered, rent the surf cult classic “Endless Summer II” on DVD.

Surfing is a sport for free spirits, but there are well-established rules that promote safety, common sense, and courtesy. The law of the landless and the camaraderie of the sea dictate that experts and students alike get a fair shake on the waves, that everyone emerges from the water unharmed, that boards remain undamaged and a great time is had by all.

AREA ACTIVITIES

SURFING

AREA ACTIVITIES

the Best sUrf spots If you’re here to surf, I highly recommend splitting the cost among your surf buddies and buying a copy of Jonathan Yonkers Chavarria’s, “H2O- Surf Travel Guide of Costa Rica.” You’ll find it at the tour desk of many hotels and operators. Written by a local, native surfer, he gives you the details about every surf spot, including the best swell directions and tides, crowds, places to stay, local color, etc. You’ve spent a lot of money to get here to surf and he spent a lot of time and money putting it together. Just in case you’re down to your last taco, here is a very general overview. Jonathan also makes some wonderful surfing videos shown with classy, groovy music. www.tamarindocosta-rica.com/activities/surfing/ ollie’s point is a famous point break located an hour’s boat ride north of Playa del Coco. It was once a secret military base built by the USA to provide logistical support to the Contras in Nicaragua. During the secret war local surfers named it for its secret commander, American Colonel Oliver North. It is a right-break featuring a friendly, long ride. It is featured in the famous cult movie “Endless Summer II”. To get there, it is best to reserve a place on a boat.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

witch’s rock is another famous beach breaks and is a remote spot located to the north in the Santa Rosa National Park. Although it is possible to access with a four-wheel drive

SEE MORE ONLINE

ities/surﬁng/

activ www.tamarindocosta-rica.com/

vehicle, most people opt to take a boat from Playa del Coco, a much easier option. Camping is permitted, but no facilities exist. If you do decide to rough it on the beach, make sure you pack a mosquito net! Beach access is closed during the rainy season (July - November). Expect very strong offshore winds from December to March. playa grande is a very popular spot located only 30 minutes from Tamarindo. It boasts some great beach breaks and can get epic! tamarindo is widely favored by both beginners and experts and ocean gridlock can sometimes ensue. Here, surfer’s etiquette most definitely applies. If you are not a confident swimmer or have children in tow, the safest waves are in front of Hotel Capitan Suizo. Sometimes there are lifeguards at the more popular spots, but while in the water your first safety plan should be to take care of your self. playa avellanas is distinguished by quality beach breaks and a notable reef break just north dubbed “Little Hawaii” which is just a few minutes walk north along the beach. When the waves are big, this is a prime surfing spot. playa negra is just south of Playa Avellanas, this is an excellent right reef point break with solid tubular waves. Waves hold up even during large swells. Not a spot for beginners!

Witch’s Rock

AREA ACTIVITIES

FIESTAS AND TOPES

Still today, Fiesta begins with a horse parade called a Tope which is colorful event where sabaneros (cowboys) and even tourists, ride into town on horseback making a grand entrance to mark the real beginning of a Fiesta. As they enter the town, they show off their dancing horses and fancy riding apparel. A Tope begins at a pre-arranged house or staging-area just outside of town where cowboys and tourists socialize, occasionally doing some drinking. After some undetermined time a gradual restlessness surfaces and a gradual migration toward the horses begins, then a core group decides its time for the parade to actually begin. During the short ride to the Fiesta, you’ll see happy faces, music and goodwill. You should know there is a modern tradition alive here that a horse is not really reserved until the bill is paid in advance. Also, reserve your horses early, especially the ones from the Casagua Ranch as they are the most in demand. Register for a bib and number early. Get plenty of rest the night before, wear long-pants, sun-glasses, bug repellant and drink lots of water. Most tourists don’t have western-style apparel. Also, arrive early for the pre-

Tope, for the social gathering is half the fun! A last minute rush is not in the Pura Vida spirit! Bull Riding serves as the Fiesta’s main event and begins about dusk. It spotlights the daring (and sometimes reckless) antics of the local male population who attempt to hang on as the bull valiantly tries to dislodge them, but the real main event is when the bull chases the local population around the ring! You can view the event through the wooden slats or from atop a rickety fence, or the best sightlines for the Bull Riding event are from the wooden stands. Inexpensive ticket can be purchased from the small ticket booth, usually located by the stairs leading up to the bleachers. Bring your beer and dinner and have a bull-riding watching, beer drinking, fried chicken, picnic in the stands. As the bull-riding event winds down and after parents take their children home to bed, the local town social center (called the salon or beer hall) begins to fill up with people ready to party. With its simple concrete-floor and tin roof, you can appreciate the beauty of the simplicity of their lives. Listen to traditional music and dance to salsa, meringue, and more recently cambia music and try your hand (or two left feet, as the case may be) at dancing. If you’re abilities fall short, realize that they have been dancing to the same music their whole lives! And you’re not expected to be good! Just focus on moving your hips to the infectious Latin rhythms.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

during high-season fiestas are held in a diﬀerent town every weekend. these local community parties are fun for the whole family aznd interesting because they really give one an historical insight into the local culture.

AREA ACTIVITIES Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

NATIONAL PARkS AND TOURS

Talk to your tour representative about the details, but here is just a sample of the popular Day Trips that are within easy driving distance. Of course, you’ll need good walking or hiking shoes, as it seems anywhere in the world nature must be viewed from an incline. Dink lots of water, pack insect repellent and perhaps most importantly—don’t overdue it physically! Remember, the effects of the heat and humidity of the tropics can sneak up on you! Here are some of the most popular parks and reserves: rincón de la vieja national park is a protected forest sitting at the mouth of a volcano and is distinguished by bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, and geothermal steam rising from beneath the earth. A dramatic, nearby waterfall enveloped in lush jungle teeming with wildlife, a cacophony of nature provides an aural backdrop to the scenic marvels of the area.

ostinal Beach is a Ridley Turtle and Leatherback nesting area that awes many visitors with a spectacle of turtle making their way up the slopped beach to lay their eggs. Because this phenomenon follows lunar phases, be sure to confer with a guide to ascertain exact dates and times. It’s a real drag to make the trip and miss it because you didn’t confirm the nesting schedule. Tours generally depart in the afternoon and arrive on Ostinal Beach in time for dinner, which is followed by turtle patrol in the evening.

arenal volcano national park is favored by those want to soak in hot pools of volcanically heated waters and enjoying an unobstructed view of the constantly erupting Arenal Volcano. Later, over dinner, if the skies are clear, relish the Technicolor spectacle of molten lava dancing down the side of the active volcano. During your return trip, we suggest that you stop at the famous artisan village of Guatil where the Chorotega Indians maintain the pottery tradition of their Pre-Columbian ancestors in crafting their distinctive and prized ceramics. santa rosa national park is perched near the Nicaragua border where the tropical dry forest hides the remnants of a storied past. Santa Rosa, an old fort which is now a national monument, marks the spot where Juan Santa Maria and his men stopped an armed invasion by the USA. Maybe you never heard the story? William Walker’s and his “army” were defeated in a colorful, bloody, pathetic story. toUrs canopy tours are located inland, so you’ll need a car or the help of a tour desk to get there. Hook up your harness and soar with the birds above the tree line. Do the superman, butterfly or stream across the forest upside down! This one is undeniably fun! palo verde Boat tours an area with more than 300 migratory birds, white-face monkeys, howler monkeys, American crocodiles, and iguanas. This two hour river cruise through Palo Verde National Park should categorically be on your “to do” list.

Renowned as a golfing Mecca, the Gold Coast possesses some of the world’s best courses and all of them are set in magnificent natural setting. You may not be Tiger Woods, but the local residents (howler monkeys, parrots and macaws, among others) will cheer you on nonetheless as you putt your stuff. Here are the local courses:

AREA ACTIVITIES

GOLFING

hacienda pinilla - Ph: 680-7000 garra de león golf course at paradisus playa conchal - Ph: 654-4123 ext 8805 diria hotel driving range - Location: On the road entering the Tamarindo airport - Ph: 653-0031

SPORT FISHING a fish to crow aBoUt The sea was calm and was a shiny emerald green, and the only movement was a school of shiny sardines flickering on the surface. They would appear at random and suddenly disappear only to re-appear close by. But suddenly an army moved in! With dorsal fins of combs cutting the surface on top of zebrastriped bodies, a school of roosterfish attacked the sardines, sending them into a panic! Seconds later, a group of sea birds sensed the opportunity; and also joined the assault! Roosterfish are the wolves of the western tropical Pacific waters. They roam the inshore waters, near the coasts and in the gulfs, normally hunting solo, but at times running in pacts. Found only between southern Mexico and Ecuador, roosterfish can be found year-round in Costa Rica. Named after their rooster-like seven-point combed dorsal fin, the average size is about 20 pounds. Fifty-pound fish are also common, and occasionally a fish over 75 ponds surprises a happy angler. How do you catch a roosterfish? They are dub as a rock to live bait, they are leery but can be fooled with an artificial like a popper, and it is extremely difficult to get them to eat a fly. They hunt close to shore, and if you release them, they have a high survival rate.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

palo verde national park is a scenic drive through Guanacaste’s beautiful cowboy (Sabanero) country will lead to a dock from where you embark on an equally scenic two-hour boat trip on the Tempisque River to Palo Verde National Park. The river once served as the route for transporting sugar cane, fruits, beef and people and is still crucial to the local economy. Relax as nature paints a vivid portrait of jungle foliage and tropical birds: egrets, ospreys, flycatchers, kingfishers and many more. It is a great trip for both bird-watching enthusiasts and those who just want to kick back on a tranquil journey that evokes a sense of the golden olden days.

AREA ACTIVITIES

SAILING

Blue Dolphin Sailing

Sunset Cruises

Some of the Best Vacation

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Memories!

AREA ACTIVITIES Hint: Getting in touch with your surroundings and relaxing is a critical step to enjoying you vacation. Sailing is a highly recommended activity. The owners, Capitan Jeff Herman, a Registered US Coast Guard Captain with over 20 years sailing experience, and his wife Jen make sure you always feel like a guest on their daily Sunset and Snorkel tour! Their trip begins with a cruise in coastal waters as you make your way to one of the local snorkeling spots for a close-up look at local sea life. There is plenty of room on their spacious

boat for relaxing and sunbathing, and lots of time for snorkeling and swimming. Jeff and Jen provide clean, well maintained snorkel gear and a friendly crew happy to help with instruction. They also have kayaks and floats for you to enjoy. After snorkeling, you’ll have worked up an appetite so they serve a fresh lunch and cold drinks as you sail out to sea and look for more marine life. Then, enjoy one of their fabulous cocktails as you sail back watching the beautiful sunset light up the sky behind you! Their catamaran departs right out of the Tamarindo Bay in front of El Pescador restaurant. Call for schedule and availability information or stop by their office located inside the restaurant Kahiki. Call and reserve your own memories! Phones: 2653-0867 / 8842-3204 / 8375-0802 Departure Location: In front of El Pescador Restaurant. Includes: Lunch and open bar with juice, soda, wine, beer, rum, vodka, and bottled water, kayak use, snorkel gear and guide, plus a FREE Blue Dolphin t-shirt!

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

“…I really can’t say enough good things about this tour and company. The staff blends professionalism with the laid-back pura vida lifestyle that one wants when in Costa Rica. The boat was gorgeous and there are nets for sunbathing on the front. The snorkeling was fantastic, and all the gear was included in the cost of the trip. After snorkeling, there was an open bar with wine, cocktails, etc. and snacks. The crew was super friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. The sunset was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen…” Online Review 2008

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Marlin del Rey

A Boat too Big to Miss

AREA ACTIVITIES

AREA ACTIVITIES ‘Silently gliding along the coastline, we passed exotic bays, white sand beaches, tropical jungles and rain forests. For we were traveling on one of man’s greatest inventions – the biggest and fastest catamaran in the area - a 66-foot catamaran called the Marlin Del Rey!

Close to sunset, the calmer winds seemed to match our more relaxed attitude and we witnessed one of the best attractions of our trip… an enchanting Tamarindo sunset!’

Lounging on the spacious deck, we tried to do our duty and keep one eye out to sea to help in the sighting of dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or even breaching whales! Later when we anchored at a deserted bay where we kayaked, very lazily floated on a raft, and snorkeled.

Call them or visit their web site for more information: www.marlindelrey.com Phone: (506) 8822-8603

Once back on the boat we were treated to a feast of fruit, chips, dips, ceviche and salad and the crew hoisted the sails. The feeling of catching the power of the wind was exciting! Then we skimmed along the shorelines of Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Bahia Amore, Bahia de Las Pirates, Playa Grande and finally Tamarindo Beach.

Marlin Del Rey Catamaran Sailing

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Enticed by the beautiful shoreline, we put our feet in the sand and spontaneous went for a very short jog down the sandy beach; I guess we were pretending we were going to just keep running!

Paraphrased from recent passenger “This is a big, luxury sailing machine capable of handling both small and large groups”

AREA ACTIVITIES Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

SCUBA DIVING AND SNORkELING With an average water temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit exploring the area’s kaleidoscopic undersea universe is very comfortable.

With visibility ranging from 30% to an unmatched 100%, the area’s colorful and diverse marine life lives in a network of cliffs, passages and tunnels. Most favorable diving and snorkeling conditions coincide with rainy season—between May and October, with November’s usually calm climate is the best month..

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

PLAYA TAMARINDO

TAMARINDO A growing trend is to consider the area from Potrero on the north to Playa Negra on the south as just one town, separated a little by some trees and geography. For, if combined together, the total area would be similar to many world-wide vacation resorts. Why important? Just to give you idea that there is a lot of room here for vacation activities – right here! Ocean-related sports heavily influence the culture and feel of each town, and the natural beachscape of each area makes categorizing them easy. For many miles north of Playa Grande there are no surf spots, so many of the popular water activities are boating, sailing, sportsfishing, etc. In Playa Grande and beaches south, including Tamarindo, you’ll find more of a surfing culture.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

playa tamarindo

This laid-back, surf town is by far the most popular, and has many conveniences of a major resort including: amazing restaurants, surf shops, Spanish Schools, bars, hotels and shops, etc. Besides its many land-locked conveniences, it has fairly consistent good surf and many spots. Also, it is a perfect jumping off point for the bigger waves of Playa Grande, Langosta and Playa Negra which are a just a short drive. Hint: It became more or less famous after it was featured in the famous surfing film “Endless Sum-

mer II”. Today, it still remains a surfing town at heart and hosts international, surf tournaments, houses certified Surf Legends, and has several surf schools. vacation rental managers Your unpacking and realizing that you should have make a list of things to bring, not stuck at the moment making a list of the things you forgot. Often people have adventures (problems) getting here or they arrive tired and in a bad mood. Thankfully your property manager is there to help your vacation go smoothly. Also, understand their plight! For often things that worked here half an hour before can suddenly and unexplainably stop working the minute you arrive. Here it seems to happen with uncanny regularity, especially anything to do with water. We think it must be a media for spiritual energy that only releases its corrosive power when it realizes there is a guest in the house. Property managers work very hard and appreciate your patience.

To say Tamarindo has a great collection of fine restaurants is an understatement! In fact, the Section on our web site about restaurants is a favorite among visitors and the photography does justice to the great food! Find out a lot more about our advertisers and more dining tips by visiting www.tamarindocosta-rica.com/activities/restaurants

TAMARINDO RESTAURANTS

SEE MORE ONLINE

Sushi roll from La Caletta Restaurant

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

tml ica.com/activities/restaurants.h http://www.tamarindocosta-r

TAMARINDO RESTAURANTS

whatever you want, go ahead. Just remember to use mosquito repellent, especially around the feet and legs. Reduce Frustration Unlike restaurants in other countries which measure your dining experience with an eggtimer, here you can sit at your table “till the cows come home”! If your wondering why the bill never comes, it’s because you must ask for it! They will never ask you! If you want to spend up the process, a good practice is to ask for the bill when the food is served or at least after desert that way they can begin preparing the bill. Also, most restaurants prepare bills by hand, so give them some extra time. Ask for your bill in Spanish - Regaleme la cuenta, por favor! Literally this means, ‘give me the gift of the bill’. Or, just get they’re attention, by pretending you’re signing your check in the air, and say “cuenta”. Saving Money

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

While colons and dollars are accepted most anywhere, anytime there is a conversion, you’re faced with someone pulling out a calculator and manually plugging in some made-up exchange rate. Being unregulated, almost always, it is below the rate which you would get at a bank or on your credit card. Not a big deal, until you find some businesses using an exchange rate, like 10% too low. Now your $18 breakfast for two is almost $20 in colons! What are you’re options? Carry both colons and dollars, pay with a credit card, ask ahead of time for the conversion rate, or take your chances.

Tipping - Many automatically include a 10% Service Charge. However you should know that by law only about 4% goes to your server. As a bare minimum, even if your bill includes a 10% service fee, add another 6% on top of the total bill for service and increase the percentage for good service. If your table setting and/or drinks arrive after your food, no tip! How to Dress While dining is always casual, dress up if you want! To go out at night, it is customary and practical for men to wear long-pants. If you’re thinking your on vacation and want to wear

The Local Dish is called a “casado” which is a hearty-sized meal of rice, beans, a vegetable serving, sweet plantano, and your choice of beef, chicken, or fish. It is a hearty meal that can be just right for surfers starving for carbs! Matapalo Terrace Restaurant - Inside the Diria Hotel It features casual dining on the beach front in an open terrace restaurant under the shade of a Matapalo tree, just off the beach. Watch the light filter between its leaves as you watch the waves breaking and feel the gentle ocean breeze. Try a frozen drink and ask for the Chef’s Specials. Hint: Having problems finding local dishes (casados). Here is one of the few places you’ll find it on a dining menu! The Secret Door In front of the Diria Hotel are some of the best stores in Tamarindo, and the one with a secret is the Cafetaria Nari. A nice looking café type restaurant with air-conditioning on the inside and outdoor patio seating, it has a secret door leading to the kitchen of the Diria Hotel. Normally a small café couldn’t afford to hire the type of cooking talent found at the hotel. So when you stop for coffee or desert, order some food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! They also have a wonderful choice of wines.

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TAMARINDO Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Surf Lessons and Shops Can you learn to surf? - A surfing culture is deeply woven into Tamarindo Magic, so since you’re here, why not take a lesson. If you are wondering if you’re able to learn, here is some advice: There are two main factors that determine whether or not a person can learn to surf; one is physical and the other is mental. People with back or knee problems sometimes cannot learn to stand on a surfboard because they are unable to bend properly. The other thing that prohibits people from learning to surf is fear. When you are afraid, your body locks and you end up in basically the same situation as the person who has back or knee problems! Never having tried it before is not a factor. Never having tried any board sport is not a factor. Being really strong is not necessarily helpful unless you are strong because you are a competition swimmer. If you like the water and can laugh at yourself you absolutely CAN do it. Surfing blog from our web site – “I was just sitting by the side of the road in Tamarindo – reading a book about learning to surf and just trying not be stressed out when I first meet the Oracle of Tamarindo. He’s your stereotypical surfer dude, shuffling by in baggy board shorts and an untucked madras shirt, his beard bleached blond by the sun. I’m pale and encased in an industrial-strength tankini, my nose deep in a book on surfing. It’s true, most people don’t learn to surf by reading, but my first lesson has left me crabby—you try to jump from a prone position to a regal stance on a moving wave. In anticipation of my afternoon tutorial, I’ve decided to pick up a few pointers by reading this book. You know, be more than ready for class so you can get a good grade! The Oracle squints at me and then shakes his head. “You should work on not being so stressed out,” he says in tones of blissed-out benediction. “You look really stressed.” As he ambles on, I have to admit he’s right. I’m in this tiny town called Tamarindo, about ready to take a second surf lesson. Then he gives me some insight about how to find the “Holy Grail” of Tamarindo. He tells me the truth about learning to surf - “The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun” from www.tamarindocosta-rica.com

Spas “You got me on your skin” What would happen if that delicious cup of coffee, the freshly made pina colada, the aromatic essences that give flavor to your salad or even the fragrance of the wild rainforest flowers was massaged into your skin? By using these ingredients within various health, relation and beauty treatments, it is now possible to treat yourself to a papering process that will make you look and feel like new. Situated throughout the Gold Coast are many spas that strive to offer a holistic service done with warmth and personalized attention. If you add a never-ending source of certified natural local produce, creativity and knowledge, you will end up with an array of benefits to replenish any kind of skin or brighten your spirits. Take if further and these products can improve your health, calm emotions and truly work their magic in the hands of capable therapists. More than just for your skin, a massage can be used to eliminate dead cells and toxins, or they may improve blood circulation and allow positive energy to flow throughout your body. We encourage you to immerse yourself in aromas only found in Costa Rica. One way to do this is by enjoying the ever-popular body wraps, in which volcanic mod, jasmine, mint or tropical fruits are use to hydrate and replenish you skin while also nurturing it with vitamins and minerals. Specially designed healing rooms provide an ideal climate – one enriched by stimulating decorations, soothing music and ambient sounds from nature, sea, or forest animals – in which one may enjoy a therapeutic experience meant for couples or to be shared with friends and family. Not a totally new concept the ancestral shamans healed people with herbs and ritual beginning thousands of years ago.

Local Activities Motor Bike Rentals - Get around quicker and see more by renting a scooter or motorbike, unfortunately I don’t know any business that rents ATVs (four-wheels). They are a fun and cooler way to get around Tamarindo and the back country. Twowheel vehicles can be very dangerous on gravel roads, so be careful! You’ll need a driver’s license with that additional special mark that signifies that your qualified to drive a motorcycle.

If you are a bird lover, this tour is “a must”! Also, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of spectacled owls, a version of the quetzal referred to as a black headed Trojan, hawks, ospreys and numerous other species living among the spectacular mangrove trees. They are all protected by the National Park System. Hire a local guide because you’ll miss most of them looking yourself. You do not want to miss the opportunity to spend the morning on a guided boat tour of this beautiful jungle. We recommend taking the tour as early as possible to experience the sights and sounds of nature coming to life. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also rent a canoe or a kayak and explore on your own. As you enter Tamarindo on the right side you will see a shack just off the road with a sign for the Baulas National Park Tours. It is manned by some native people who act as guides for the boat people just down the slope toward the beach.

TAMARINDO

Just Walking - Walking during the early morning or around sunset is the time to get acquainted with the town and get some exercise. After 8:30 the roads can get busy and dusty, so get off the roads whenever possible and walk on the beach. Consult our Guide’s Tide Chart for when the tide is low. FYI, the distance on the road from one end of town to the other is a little less than 2 miles. On the beach it is 1 mile, plus the distance if you walk around the rocky point on the way to Langosta. If you walk on the roads at sunrise or sunset, stay on the road and head for Langosta where often you can see or hear Howler monkeys high up in the trees just off the road. Rope a fish! - If you see a fisherman standing in the surf spinning a line overhead as if he is going to rope a steer, see if you can find a translator and ask if he will give you a lesson for a few dollars, and a bonus if you catch something. As a preview, they first catch their live bait swimming around their waists with nothing more than a line and hook, once caught they transfer the little fish to a bigger hook, then cast it out as far as they can, like they are roping a steer. It is a real challenge and after an hour the surf will beat you up! However, you’d be surprised how many big fish right in the surf! Best fishing is when the surf is calm!

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Tamarindo Estuary Tours - Located on the north end of Tamarindo is a magical estuary with brackish jungle water and is feed by the ebb and flow of the Pacific Ocean. It spans more than 1200 acres and is home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds. Take a tour to see the alligators, howler monkeys, anteaters and a relative of the raccoons called pisotes. This is real magic, not Disneyland!

TAMARINDO

Experience

you can trust! Tamarindo’s ﬁrst Surf School!

Surf lessons (all levels) and Surf Camp Surfboard Rentals and Sales Special packages for language schools Surf trips to nearby spots: Playa Avellanas, Playa Grande and Playa Negra • Boat trips to Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

• • • •

Everything you need to get you on the path to surﬁng!

Tamarindo Surf Phone: (506) 2653-0923 School Visit our podcast at: www.tamarindosurfschool.com Tamarindo Circle, Guanacaste. Stop by or call for reservations

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

TAMARINDO

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

TAMARINDO

VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

TAMARINDO

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VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

At Wayra, your language barrier will disappear

Wayra Institute, Tamarindoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Spanish School. Call the week before class starts to set up an interview. AUTHORIZED TESTING CENTER CERVANTES CERTIFICATION (DELE)

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TAMARINDO SEE MORE ONLINE

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NIGHT LIFE

early – important if you want to get up early and go surfing or just don’t want to feel like a vegetable the next day.

We have all done our share of crazy and selfdestructive things, so give the bar-hoppers a lot of leeway. Much of the real nightlife starts later than 9:30pm, actually closer to 12:00pm. Since the events and even the existence of bars change so rapidly and start so late, you’ll be better served looking at www.tamarindocosta-rica. com for the latest listing of events.

Hint: Women and sex appeal FOR MEN ONLY – You’re a hot guy, dressed casually in a t-shirt and flip flops. A woman is checking you out… buzzing around like a bee to pollen. Actually, she’s sniﬃng around you like a dog and a fire hydrant. She is literally sniﬃng around you. It is known that the native women shower from three to five times a day and have a keen sense of smell. Clean up your act for the local ladies and you may clean up in the romance department.

a free night in jail! Especially lately, the police have been doing a great job rounding up unsavory people by checking everyone’s visitation documentation. Lately, a few legitimate visitors were caught without a copy of their passport and given a free police bus ride to jail where they spent the night. This is not magic. So, bring your passport or a copy with you when you go out at night unless you’re looking for a great vacation story. On the patio high up on the hill at the monkey Bar at the Best western is a great place to watch surfers catch their last waves and enjoy a sunset while sipping a tropical drink. Stick around for dinner and linger for awhile and the party will catch up to you. On friday nite they host the biggest party in Tamarindo. A nice feature is that they have two dance areas, one for Latin music and one for regular, and they rotate the music between them during the evening. Thankfully, the action starts and ends

Babylon – reggae music Thursday night is when most go to the Babylon to listen to music, meet people, play pool, or dance reggae. It is located on the other side of the Circle. And the owners now have a second bar in the circle where the old Mambobar used to be. la Barra – latin and disco Sometimes this is a good place to dance! We’re hoping for a good crowd during the summer break! It is located at the main crossroad, follow the signs or listen for the music. It is actually behind some souvenir shops in a romantic, outdoor square at the main intersection. Christine and Frankie run the place and she is a great dancer. Don’t know about Frankie, but he has an uncanny nack for lining up at the right place with his long-board. Monday – Open Night - Wednesday - Latin Night. - Saturday - DJ Music - Sunday - Closed.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

– Bars, Dancing, Music and Shows

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TAMARINDO

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VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Drop by or call us and discover a large inventory of beautiful vacation properties.

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Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

SURROUNDED AREAS

TAMARINDO SURROUNDED AREAS

SURROUNDED AREAS Neighboring surf towns across the estuaries If you want a quieter more secluded environment, stay in one of the beach towns across the estuary either to the north or the south. Across the northern estuary, you’ll find the really peaceful surf town of Playa Grande. To get there you can drive or hire a small jungle boat (fare is about $3 per person each way) and then walk down the beach toward the surfing action and Turtle Museum.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Playa Grande to the north

A small surfing community along the coast and directly north across the Tamarindo Estuary, it has an ambience of being somewhere remote, and yet is only a 30-minute drive from Tamarindo. If you don’t surf, sit on the beach and watch the action (Remember most good surfing happens in the early morning) or walk down the beach and visit the Turtle Museum. Close by is a beachfront hotel and restaurant where you can have lunch amongst the trees and visit with the birds. This beach is a wildlife sanctuary where from November to March where the famous big Leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs (Best

viewing time is about 2:30 in the morning!). For the inspired often you can walk the beach about 10:00am and see the little baby turtles making their run into the ocean. Once we saved one from a hungry bird, and wave at us as he turned to resume his journey to the sea. Playa Grande is ranked as the #2 nesting spot for the Ridley and Leatherback Turtles in the world. These magnificent animals can measure up to 2.5 meters and weigh around 700 kilos. Unlike other turtles, this species has no hard shell, but rather a black, leathery skin with ridges running lengthwise. For some time they have been an endangered species. Take a mystical walk on the beach in Playa Grande - At low tide you can walk north around the rocky point to the north, and on the other side you’ll find a series of semi-isolated beaches that remind you of being stranded on a deserted island. Local folklore for your walk Located on the north end of the beach is a rocky point backed by beautiful bluffs the natives call El Encante. On many maps it is known as Cerro Morro or Cerro Hermoso. It is the most western part of Costa Rica. Riddled with caves, small coves, and white sand beaches you can walk along its beach at low tide pretending to be stranded on a deserted island. For some, its en-

One night after the dancing lights, the son of Don Eusebio did not return for breakfast. So, he went looking for him, but couldn’t find him anywhere. The entire village searched for the boy, but he was nowhere to be found. The next day people in the village saw Don Eusebio head down the hills toward the beach. When neighbors called out to him, “Hello, how did you sleep”, he didn’t stop to answer or even acknowledge their greeting; he appeared to be in a spell and on a mission. Witnesses report his body seemed to float across the sand and then scale the vertical face of El Encante, straight up the mountain on no known path, until he too disappeared. Matos Surf Shop and Internet Café - If your coming to surf and need equipment or advice stop at Matos Surf Shop. This is the first surf shop you’ll see as you enter town. This is the same business that has a shop in Tamrindo. Staffed by people who really know how to surf, this shop offers whatever a surfer needs, professional surf photography, ding repairs, surf trips, best brands in accessories, surf rentals and surf lessons, also a good selection of souvenirs. Hint: Need an internet café? This is the only one in Playa Grande! Phone: 2652-9227

Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra to the south Unless you feel like braving crossing an estuary and walking a long ways in the hot sand, the best way to get there from Tamarindo is by driv-

SURROUNDED AREAS

El Encante even has an interesting legend. It is said that sometimes at sunset lights that seem to hover over the bluffs that overlook the beach. Supposedly, they are the signal that the duendes have returned. The duendes are elves or extra terrestrials that lure sleeping children out of their beds with promises of sweets. Then they follow the elves to El Encanto cliffs where they dance all night. No one remembers how they get back home in the morning, but they always returned… except for once.

ing. You could walk there by crossing the estuary on the south end of Tamarindo. If you crossed the estuary, you’d be in the sprawling real estate development of Hacienda Pinilla. There are no boats for crossing, but it is a smaller estuary and you can wade across during very low tide. When the tide is receding quickly and the surf is large, riptides appear that can get real dangerous. If you have any doubts, almost always there is a lifeguard at the tower, ask him to watch you cross. Still be careful! If you crossed the estuary, it is still a long two hour walk to the beautiful surfing beaches of Playa Avellanas, and a little further to Playa Negra, so bring some water, sun hats, and bug repellent. Be prepared for 85 degree temperatures and hot sand! Once you get to Playa Avellanas there is a favorite restaurant name Lola’s on the Beach (named after the super large pig that stalks the area!). It is famous for its extremely, extremely laid-back beach atmosphere and fruit drinks. Note: It may be closed during low-season. The beaches are beautiful and especially once you get to at least Playa Avellanas where you’ll enter a stretch with some of the best breaks in the country, especially Playa Negra. These beaches are a surfer’s dream! Accessible all-year long, but you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle during the rainy season. If the roads are too bad, try heading toward Santa Cruz from Tamarindo and enter via the 60 km, dirt road that is west of Paraíso. Considered by many to be one of the top spots in Costa Rica, Playa Negra has a rock bottom with perfect right-hand barrels with a well defined channel for paddling out. The break has good exposure to both Northern and Southern Hemisphere swells and is reasonably consistent year-round. It’s crowded and its waves are not for beginners. Hint: And, once you get there you need watch your car and your valuables very carefully. If there is a guard, pay him a few dollars! A “rojo” (the red paper money that’s worth 1,000 colons about $2) Playa Negra Hotel and Lola’s Restaurant The Playa Negra Hotel is collection of thatchroofed bungalows is right in front of the famous Playa Negra point break. Each rounded bungalows has one queen-size and two single beds,

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

ergy becomes too strong and has an irresistible urge to swim in the ocean naked. It’s said to have a power so strong that leatherback turtles use it as homing beacon to their nesting beach and it attracts sailfish so they swim closer to shore.

SURROUNDED AREAS

two desks, a ceiling fan, and a private bathroom. Although they have concrete floors, the painted contrasting pastels give them a comfortable feeling. The restaurant is close to the ocean in a large open-air rancho and serves as a social hub for guests and surfers staying at the more basic cabañas inland from the beach. local activities surf lessons - Manu 2653-2567 horseback riding - Shambalah 8811-0553 massage and beauty - Reiki – Lulu – 2652-9178 yoga lessons – Gabe 2652-9081 nightlife oasis restaurant – Serves drinks until you drop or 9 pm, whichever comes first. la vida Buena pizzeria – Hosts occasional bands passing through. Stop by to ask what is playing while you are in town. How do they describe their nightlife? “Somos pocos pero locos” Not much, but pretty crazy!

FLAMINGO, POTRERO AND BRASILITO

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

A pristine and exclusive beach community with multi-million dollar mansions and fine hotels dotting the hillside, it is surrounded on three sides by ocean. To the south is the incredible white sand beach across from the Flamingo Beach Resort, to the west a high-rocky cliff with a view looking straight out to the Pacific, and to the north a harbor and the Bay of Potrero. More than just a jetty, there are also other nearby communities: Potrero to the north and to the south Brasilito.

For your convenience, they have a Banco de Costa Rica branch, three excellent golf courses within a 25-minute drive, a variety of water sports available from sailing to sea kayaks, hydro-disks and jet skis, and sports fishing. Also, because of its proximity to large game fish, it is considered one of the sportsfishing capitals of the world. With its fleet of fishing boats anchored at its Flamingo Marina anglers have convenient access to boats for sail and marlin fishing. The area is re-known for its international billfish tournaments throughout the summer months.

accommodations flamingo Beach resort Among the finest hotels in the area and located only steps away from Flamingo’s white sand beach and close to the Flamingo Marina. It has a first-class fine dining and pool side restaurants. It is also home to the Pelican Nest Disco and a Jazz Casino. paradisus playa conchal Driving north from Tamarindo, just before you reach Brasilito is this sprawling resort. With oversized villa suites and some of Presidential proportions, you can enjoy absolute leisure and a high level of personal service that is the hallmark of one of the “The Leading Hotels of the World” award. Each beautifully decorated villa suite opens onto a private terrace and feels more like a private home. Standard apartments include central air conditioning, spacious living area, mirrored dressing room, cable TV, personal safe, mini bar and direct dial telephone. Of course, it has some of the best restaurants in the area, a championship golf course, and a fully equipped casino managed by Jazz Casinos. This place has everything you can imagine! web address: www.solmelia.com email: paradisus.playa.conchal@solmelia.com location: It is on the road from Huacas to Brasilito. On the right is a big guard shack. Paradisus is a huge luxury development sprawling 2,400 acres. phone: 2654-4123

FLAMINGO, POTRERO & BRASILITO

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VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

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Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION Air travel Traveling by air within Costa Rica on a national airline Using one of the national airlines to travel within Costa Rica is not a bad idea. There are two main airlines serving Costa Rica itself, TACA (Formerly Sansa) and Nature Air. Hint: If you are a “perpetual 90-Day tourists“, check out the international destinations of Nature Air. They feature international flights from Liberia to Granada, Nicaragua and Bocas del Toro, Panama. Both are great places to visit and very handy for those who needs to leave Costa Rica to satisfy immigration regulations. Airport Info Guanacaste: Administration ..................................... Flights ..................................................... Immigration .......................................... Customs .................................................

2668-1178 2668-1010 2668-1014 2668-1068

Alajuela: Flights ...................................................... 2437-2626 Arrivals .................................................... 2437-2626 Customs ................................................. 2441-6069 Pavas Airport ........................................ 2223-2830 Tamarindo Airport .............................. 8840-1803

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Money Machines and Banks

Tamarindo has four different banks! Banco Nacional is the bank owned by the government and is located across the street from the Diria Hotel. Scotia Bank has a branch inside the Tamarindo Heights Shopping Plaza, and Banco Costa Rica one inside the Plaza Conchal Shopping Plaza. While you can exchange money or get credit card advances at these banks, American dollars are accepted everywhere. To save money, try to pay bills in the currency quoted and avoid paying more because you lost money during the currency conversion.

Telephone Communications International phone calling rates can vary tremendously, so check with the front desk or your property manager before dialing. International dialing requires “00” and the country codes below: USA ....................................................... 1 Germany ............................................. 49 Great Britain ...................................... 44 Holland ............................................... 31 Israel ................................................... 972 Italy ...................................................... 39 Japan .................................................. 81 Nicaragua ......................................... 505 Spain ................................................... 34 Emergencies: 911 Local information: 113 Long-distance information: 124 Operator Assistance: 116 Tourist Information: 192 Getting an internet connection – There are internet cafes with wireless connections are all over the area. An increasing number of restaurants offer free access for your laptop with their wireless signals. Here are a few: Eat@Joe’s at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp and Subway Sandwiches.

Churches

– Call for Directions

The Well – Tamarindo Ph: 2653-1864 Beach Community Church – Brasilito Ph: 2654-4446 Catholic Church – Santa Rosa (Sunday services only) Santa Maria Catholic Church – Tamarindo Sunday at 6pm Support Groups Narcotics Anonymous – Honesty Meetings Monday – Wednesday – Fridays, 7 pm – 10 pm Back of Fiesta del Mar Restaurant in Tamarindo.

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

USEFUL INFORMATION

Embassy Phone Numbers:

TRANSPORTATION

Argentina ........................................... 2283-9983 Belgium .............................................. 2225-6255 Brazil ................................................... 2233-1544 Canada ............................................... 2242-4400 China ................................................... 2224-8180 Chile .................................................... 2280-0037 Ecuador .............................................. 2232-1562 El Salvador ......................................... 2256-0043 France ................................................. 2234-4167 Germany ............................................ 2232-5533 Great Britain ...................................... 2258-2025 Holland .............................................. 2296-1490 Honduras .......................................... 2234-9505 Italy ..................................................... 2224-6574 Israel .................................................... 2221-6444 Japan .................................................. 2232-4511 Mexico ............................................... 2280-5690 Nicaragua .......................................... 2222-2373 Peru ..................................................... 2225-9145 USA ........................................... 2519-2000

Shuttle Buses

General Information Unscheduled Holidays bless us with many extra days of vacation. Here is a list of some of the unscheduled ones: when the electricity or the internet doesn’t work, the day before and after a scheduled holiday, and during strikes by the utility company (ICE).

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

The Official Currency is the Colon and its value is about 555 colons to the dollar. A standard electrical wall plug delivers 110 volts.

The Time Zone is GMT / UTC minus 6 hours that would be Central Time ns the USA and there is no adjustment for day-light savings time.

MEDICAL INFORMATION Health and dental care is very good with more and more capabilities being added.

Interbus Several types of air-conditioned, non-smoking shuttle buses and vans are available, all of them will comfortably transport visitors to top tourist destinations. Door-to-door service is available and the Premium Shuttle Service can easily accommodate your surfboard. Reasonable rates, convenient scheduling and efficient service make this a great way to navigate Costa Rica. Shuttles are also available to transport you between San Jose’s Juan Santa Maria International Airport and any major hotel in the city. One carry-on and one checked piece of luggage are permitted. Children’s car seats provided upon request. “Pura Vida” Driving Tips Turning and signaling – Turn signals are very seldom used and drivers don’t even understand hand signals. Actually watching a left turn or someone pulling off the road can take awhile as drivers don’t want to seem aggressive or make any sudden movements. The turn can take even longer if they’re not quite sure if they really want to do it. If you ask a Tico person about their failure to signal, they are likely to say they “Sacá la lengua!” which means they slightly turned their head and stuck out their tongue pointing to where they’re turning. Morally this is all that is required! Parking – Just think of all parking as being temporary and a good asphalt or cement road as the best places. Why do so many drivers stop in the middle of the road? It is because that is where they see their friends and where their cell phone rings. So, if two cars, on each side of the road stop, totally blocking the road in both lanes, it’s just the custom, not disrespect… just look for something else to do for a few minutes. Road rage - If you make a mistake which almost causes an accident, keep your cool no matter what. Then, hope the other driver gets really mad because only then can you regain the moral highground (See previous section on Cultural Differences about getting mad.). This is important because as long as you have the high-ground, everyone around you will say it was the other’s fault. Costa Rica does not have “No-Fault” insurance laws. Low on cash or need gas? On our “Fold-Out” map in the front section show you the location

More driving advice – There are very few if any traffic police at night, so everyone is on the “honor” system. Don’t worry so much about getting a ticket, just drive safely. This is not a good place to drink and drive! Because a lot of construction is going on now it is not uncommon to get a flat tire from the debris, so make sure your spare tire is good. If you need to use your spare, get the bad tire fixed right away! If you buy a new tire without the approval of your rental company, you could end up paying for a tire out of your own pocket! Special caution: If you leave your car out on the highway unattended and it is vandalized, you are responsible under their “Negligent Clause”.

HERTZ

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Costa Rican Offices: Paseo Colón: 2221-1818 Fax: 2256-0614 Liberia: 2668-1048 Río Segundo: 2443-4645 Quepos: 2777-3365

Local Car Rental Companies

International Airport (Juan Santamaría): 2430-7707

Company Town Phone

Tamarindo: 2653-1358

Adobe Car Rental Liberia Alamo Rent a Car Tamarindo Budget Car Rental Tamarindo Dollar Rent a Car Liberia Euro car Tamarindo Economy Tamarindo Hertz Tamarindo Liberia Hola Rent a Car Liberia Payless Car Rental Tamarindo Mapache Rent a Car Liberia National San Jose

2667-0608 2653-0727 2653-0756 2443-2950 2440-9990 2653-0728 2653-1358 2668-1048 2667-4040 2653-0015 2665-4444 2242-7878

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Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Car Rentals – Before cruising down the highway singing “Born to be Wild”, make sure you slow your rush to grab the keys from the agent and taken a few extra moments to really inspect your car. Often they have small problems that need to be noted on your Inspection Report. While most representatives are very thorough and honest at noting these problems, you should nevertheless give the report serious attention. Take the extra time to look for previous body damage under the fenders and doors. They actually appreciate your input and have no problem adding your additional notes. A current driver’s license is necessary, along with a credit card and a deposit.

USEFUL INFORMATION

of our local gas station and ATM machines. Tamarindo has four banks and each one has an ATM outside. Flamingo also has a bank located up the hill with an ATM just outside. None of the local beach towns have a gas station! If you get really, really stuck, you can buy cans of gas during the day at the “other” hardware store which is on the north side of the Tamarindo Hardware store.

USEFUL INFORMATION

TIDE CHARTS From April 1st to June 30th 2009

April 2009

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

04-01 00:25 -0.05 ft Low 04-01 06:41 8.02 ft High 04-01 12:40 0.56 ft Low 04-01 19:02 8.48 ft High 04-02 01:18 0.41 ft Low 04-02 07:38 7.66 ft High 04-02 13:38 1.02 ft Low 04-02 20:03 7.95 ft High 04-03 02:19 0.84 ft Low 04-03 08:45 7.40 ft High 04-03 14:48 1.37 ft Low 04-03 21:14 7.56 ft High 04-04 03:29 1.10 ft Low 04-04 09:59 7.40 ft High 04-04 16:06 1.45 ft Low 04-04 22:30 7.47 ft High 04-05 04:43 1.09 ft Low 04-05 11:11 7.70 ft High 04-05 17:23 1.18 ft Low 04-05 23:41 7.67 ft High 04-06 05:51 0.82 ft Low 04-06 12:15 8.20 ft High 04-06 18:28 0.70 ft Low 04-07 00:43 8.03 ft High 04-07 06:49 0.44 ft Low 04-07 13:10 8.74 ft High 04-07 19:24 0.18 ft Low 04-08 01:36 8.41 ft High 04-08 07:40 0.09 ft Low 04-08 13:58 9.19 ft High 04-08 20:12 -0.24 ft Low 04-09 02:23 8.70 ft High 04-09 08:25 -0.15 ft Low 04-09 14:42 9.47 ft High 04-09 20:56 -0.51 ft Low 04-10 03:07 8.84 ft High 04-10 09:07 -0.23 ft Low 04-10 15:24 9.56 ft High 04-10 21:37 -0.59 ft Low

04-11 03:49 8.82 ft High 04-11 09:47 -0.14 ft Low 04-11 16:04 9.45 ft High 04-11 22:17 -0.49 ft Low 04-12 04:30 8.65 ft High 04-12 10:27 0.12 ft Low 04-12 16:43 9.17 ft High 04-12 22:55 -0.23 ft Low 04-13 05:10 8.34 ft High 04-13 11:05 0.50 ft Low 04-13 17:22 8.74 ft High 04-13 23:34 0.15 ft Low 04-14 05:52 7.93 ft High 04-14 11:46 0.98 ft Low 04-14 18:03 8.22 ft High 04-15 00:15 0.61 ft Low 04-15 06:36 7.49 ft High 04-15 12:28 1.48 ft Low 04-15 18:46 7.67 ft High 04-16 00:59 1.09 ft Low 04-16 07:24 7.07 ft High 04-16 13:16 1.95 ft Low 04-16 19:35 7.15 ft High 04-17 01:48 1.53 ft Low 04-17 08:18 6.75 ft High 04-17 14:12 2.30 ft Low 04-17 20:33 6.74 ft High 04-18 02:44 1.86 ft Low 04-18 09:19 6.62 ft High 04-18 15:16 2.45 ft Low 04-18 21:37 6.54 ft High 04-19 03:46 2.01 ft Low 04-19 10:20 6.73 ft High 04-19 16:24 2.33 ft Low 04-19 22:42 6.58 ft High 04-20 04:46 1.94 ft Low 04-20 11:17 7.04 ft High 04-20 17:25 1.96 ft Low 04-20 23:41 6.84 ft High

May 2009 05-01 01:07 05-01 07:32 05-01 13:36 05-01 19:56 05-02 02:08 05-02 08:37 05-02 14:45 05-02 21:04

0.21 ft Low 8.25 ft High 0.92 ft Low 8.13 ft High 0.62 ft Low 8.08 ft High 1.18 ft Low 7.75 ft High

04-21 05:40 1.69 ft Low 04-21 12:07 7.51 ft High 04-21 18:17 1.44 ft Low 04-22 00:31 7.22 ft High 04-22 06:28 1.32 ft Low 04-22 12:51 8.06 ft High 04-22 19:02 0.85 ft Low 04-23 01:17 7.66 ft High 04-23 07:12 0.90 ft Low 04-23 13:32 8.62 ft High 04-23 19:45 0.28 ft Low 04-24 01:59 8.09 ft High 04-24 07:54 0.49 ft Low 04-24 14:13 9.12 ft High 04-24 20:26 -0.22 ft Low 04-25 02:41 8.46 ft High 04-25 08:36 0.14 ft Low 04-25 14:54 9.50 ft High 04-25 21:08 -0.58 ft Low 04-26 03:23 8.74 ft High 04-26 09:18 -0.09 ft Low 04-26 15:36 9.71 ft High 04-26 21:51 -0.77 ft Low 04-27 04:06 8.87 ft High 04-27 10:02 -0.16 ft Low 04-27 16:21 9.72 ft High 04-27 22:35 -0.76 ft Low 04-28 04:52 8.87 ft High 04-28 10:49 -0.07 ft Low 04-28 17:07 9.51 ft High 04-28 23:22 -0.56 ft Low 04-29 05:40 8.73 ft High 04-29 11:39 0.19 ft Low 04-29 17:58 9.12 ft High 04-30 00:12 -0.22 ft Low 04-30 06:34 8.50 ft High 04-30 12:35 0.55 ft Low 04-30 18:53 8.62 ft High

TIDE CHARTS 05-03 03:14 05-03 09:45 05-03 15:57 05-03 22:14 05-04 04:21 05-04 10:50 05-04 17:07 05-04 23:21

0.92 ft Low 8.07 ft High 1.24 ft Low 7.60 ft High 1.04 ft Low 8.23 ft High 1.07 ft Low 7.65 ft High

05-05 05:25 05-05 11:50 05-05 18:09 05-06 00:21 05-06 06:22 05-06 12:44 05-06 19:03 05-07 01:14

0.99 ft Low 8.50 ft High 0.78 ft Low 7.83 ft High 0.86 ft Low 8.78 ft High 0.46 ft Low 8.05 ft High

05-15 12:53 05-15 19:07 05-16 01:16 05-16 07:46 05-16 13:43 05-16 19:58 05-17 02:04 05-17 08:36 05-17 14:38 05-17 20:53 05-18 02:55 05-18 09:29 05-18 15:36 05-18 21:51 05-19 03:49 05-19 10:21 05-19 16:33 05-19 22:49 05-20 04:42 05-20 11:13 05-20 17:28 05-20 23:43 05-21 05:35 05-21 12:02 05-21 18:19 05-22 00:34 05-22 06:26 05-22 12:50 05-22 19:08 05-23 01:23 05-23 07:16 05-23 13:38

1.92 ft Low 7.40 ft High 1.37 ft Low 7.35 ft High 2.12 ft Low 7.07 ft High 1.66 ft Low 7.27 ft High 2.20 ft Low 6.85 ft High 1.85 ft Low 7.33 ft High 2.12 ft Low 6.78 ft High 1.90 ft Low 7.54 ft High 1.87 ft Low 6.89 ft High 1.80 ft Low 7.88 ft High 1.47 ft Low 7.16 ft High 1.56 ft Low 8.32 ft High 0.99 ft Low 7.54 ft High 1.22 ft Low 8.79 ft High 0.47 ft Low 7.97 ft High 0.84 ft Low 9.25 ft High

June 2009 06-01 02:51 06-01 09:21 06-01 15:37 06-01 21:51 06-02 03:53 06-02 10:22 06-02 16:42 06-02 22:54 06-03 04:54 06-03 11:21 06-03 17:43 06-03 23:55 06-04 05:52 06-04 12:16 06-04 18:38 06-05 00:50 06-05 06:46

0.80 ft Low 8.70 ft High 1.12 ft Low 7.78 ft High 1.12 ft Low 8.62 ft High 1.16 ft Low 7.62 ft High 1.34 ft Low 8.60 ft High 1.10 ft Low 7.59 ft High 1.45 ft Low 8.63 ft High 0.97 ft Low 7.67 ft High 1.49 ft Low

05-23 19:55 -0.01 ft Low 05-24 02:11 8.41 ft High 05-24 08:05 0.48 ft Low 05-24 14:25 9.61 ft High 05-24 20:43 -0.40 ft Low 05-25 02:59 8.80 ft High 05-25 08:55 0.20 ft Low 05-25 15:14 9.83 ft High 05-25 21:30 -0.65 ft Low 05-26 03:48 9.09 ft High 05-26 09:45 0.04 ft Low 05-26 16:03 9.87 ft High 05-26 22:19 -0.73 ft Low 05-27 04:38 9.25 ft High 05-27 10:37 0.03 ft Low 05-27 16:54 9.72 ft High 05-27 23:09 -0.64 ft Low 05-28 05:30 9.29 ft High 05-28 11:32 0.16 ft Low 05-28 17:48 9.41 ft High 05-29 00:01 -0.38 ft Low 05-29 06:24 9.20 ft High 05-29 12:28 0.40 ft Low 05-29 18:44 8.98 ft High 05-30 00:55 -0.02 ft Low 05-30 07:21 9.04 ft High 05-30 13:28 0.68 ft Low 05-30 19:43 8.51 ft High 05-31 01:52 0.40 ft Low 05-31 08:20 8.86 ft High 05-31 14:32 0.95 ft Low 05-31 20:46 8.09 ft High

TIDE CHARTS 06-05 13:06 06-05 19:28 06-06 01:41 06-06 07:35 06-06 13:52 06-06 20:13 06-07 02:27 06-07 08:20 06-07 14:35 06-07 20:54 06-08 03:10 06-08 09:03 06-08 15:17 06-08 21:33 06-09 03:51 06-09 09:44 06-09 15:57

8.67 ft High 0.82 ft Low 7.80 ft High 1.48 ft Low 8.72 ft High 0.68 ft Low 7.94 ft High 1.45 ft Low 8.74 ft High 0.56 ft Low 8.07 ft High 1.43 ft Low 8.72 ft High 0.50 ft Low 8.18 ft High 1.42 ft Low 8.66 ft High

06-09 22:11 06-10 04:31 06-10 10:24 06-10 16:36 06-10 22:49 06-11 05:11 06-11 11:05 06-11 17:17 06-11 23:27 06-12 05:50 06-12 11:46 06-12 17:57 06-13 00:05 06-13 06:31 06-13 12:28 06-13 18:39 06-14 00:44

0.49 ft Low 8.23 ft High 1.44 ft Low 8.53 ft High 0.56 ft Low 8.23 ft High 1.50 ft Low 8.34 ft High 0.71 ft Low 8.19 ft High 1.58 ft Low 8.09 ft High 0.92 ft Low 8.11 ft High 1.69 ft Low 7.80 ft High 1.17 ft Low

Visitor´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

05-07 07:13 0.72 ft Low 05-07 13:32 9.00 ft High 05-07 19:50 0.20 ft Low 05-08 02:02 8.23 ft High 05-08 08:00 0.64 ft Low 05-08 14:17 9.13 ft High 05-08 20:34 0.03 ft Low 05-09 02:46 8.35 ft High 05-09 08:42 0.62 ft Low 05-09 14:58 9.15 ft High 05-09 21:14 -0.04 ft Low 05-10 03:28 8.38 ft High 05-10 09:23 0.70 ft Low 05-10 15:38 9.05 ft High 05-10 21:53 0.01 ft Low 05-11 04:09 8.32 ft High 05-11 10:03 0.85 ft Low 05-11 16:18 8.84 ft High 05-11 22:31 0.15 ft Low 05-12 04:50 8.18 ft High 05-12 10:43 1.08 ft Low 05-12 16:57 8.55 ft High 05-12 23:10 0.39 ft Low 05-13 05:31 7.98 ft High 05-13 11:24 1.35 ft Low 05-13 17:38 8.19 ft High 05-13 23:50 0.69 ft Low 05-14 06:14 7.75 ft High 05-14 12:07 1.65 ft Low 05-14 18:21 7.79 ft High 05-15 00:32 1.03 ft Low 05-15 06:58 7.52 ft High

TIDE CHARTS

USEFUL INFORMATION

May 2009

USEFUL INFORMATION

June 2009 06-14 07:11 06-14 13:13 06-14 19:23 06-15 01:25 06-15 07:54 06-15 13:59 06-15 20:10 06-16 02:09 06-16 08:39 06-16 14:50 06-16 21:01 06-17 02:56 06-17 09:28 06-17 15:44 06-17 21:57 06-18 03:49 06-18 10:21 06-18 16:41 06-18 22:55 06-19 04:46 06-19 11:17 06-19 17:38

8.03 ft High 1.79 ft Low 7.51 ft High 1.42 ft Low 7.97 ft High 1.86 ft Low 7.25 ft High 1.63 ft Low 7.96 ft High 1.86 ft Low 7.08 ft High 1.77 ft Low 8.03 ft High 1.77 ft Low 7.03 ft High 1.82 ft Low 8.20 ft High 1.55 ft Low 7.15 ft High 1.73 ft Low 8.47 ft High 1.21 ft Low

TIDE CHARTS 06-19 23:54 7.44 ft High 06-20 05:45 1.51 ft Low 06-20 12:13 8.82 ft High 06-20 18:34 0.77 ft Low 06-21 00:52 7.87 ft High 06-21 06:44 1.18 ft Low 06-21 13:09 9.20 ft High 06-21 19:29 0.30 ft Low 06-22 01:47 8.39 ft High 06-22 07:42 0.78 ft Low 06-22 14:03 9.57 ft High 06-22 20:22 -0.16 ft Low 06-23 02:41 8.93 ft High 06-23 08:38 0.40 ft Low 06-23 14:57 9.86 ft High 06-23 21:13 -0.52 ft Low 06-24 03:33 9.39 ft High 06-24 09:33 0.09 ft Low 06-24 15:50 10.00 ft High 06-24 22:04 -0.74 ft Low 06-25 04:24 9.74 ft High 06-25 10:27 -0.08 ft Low

06-25 16:42 9.97 ft High 06-25 22:54 -0.77 ft Low 06-26 05:16 9.91 ft High 06-26 11:21 -0.08 ft Low 06-26 17:35 9.74 ft High 06-26 23:45 -0.60 ft Low 06-27 06:08 9.89 ft High 06-27 12:15 0.08 ft Low 06-27 18:28 9.36 ft High 06-28 00:36 -0.25 ft Low 06-28 07:01 9.70 ft High 06-28 13:11 0.38 ft Low 06-28 19:23 8.85 ft High 06-29 01:28 0.23 ft Low 06-29 07:55 9.39 ft High 06-29 14:08 0.75 ft Low 06-29 20:20 8.31 ft High 06-30 02:22 0.78 ft Low 06-30 08:51 9.01 ft High 06-30 15:08 1.12 ft Low 06-30 21:20 7.81 ft High

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VisitorÂ´s Guide Gold Coast, Guanacaste Costa Rica

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Visitor´s Guide

95% In-Room Distribution This year has been one of celebration as we accomplished what many thought impossible! The distribution of our Visitor’s Guide now includes virtually every luxury hotel and vacation property in Tamarindo and its surrounding area, and even includes several places in San José where guests frequently stop before continuing on to the Tamarindo area. distriBUtion time Duration - 4 months Breakdown: • 45% Luxury Hotels • 20% Vacation Villas • 20% Condos • 5% Locals and Sales Materials locations hotel rooms: • Paradisus Hotel in Playa Conchal • Diria Hotel in Tamarindo • Flamingo Beach Resort in Flamingo • Sunrise Condos in Tamarindo

• Best Western Hotel in Tamarindo • Capitan Suizo • Cala Luna • J.W. Marriott Hotel in Hacienda Pinilla • Barcelo Hotel in Langosta • Aurola Holiday Inn in San Jose • And many more... property mangers serving many vacation villas and condos: • RPM Services • Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo • Seabreeze Rentals • Maria Sabota Properties • Paciﬁc Horizon • Tamarindo Vacation Rentals • And many more...

Visitors can view the entire guide on the internet at

www.tamarindocosta-rica.com

Advertise with us!

Ph. (506) 2653-0103

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