What to do and see in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica: The Best Places and Tips

September 10, 2017 Nicolette Lion

Discover the best top things to do in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica including ConchalFun, Costa Rica Sailing Center, Pura Vida Ride, Costa Rica Wet and Wild Tours, Playa Conchal, The Beach Chocolate Factory, Sattva Yoga, Surf & SUP Conchal, Potrero Beach, Real Experiences Costa Rica.
Restaurants in Playa Flamingo

500m East of Brasilito, Conchal Beach, Playa Conchal 50308, Costa Rica
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 367 reviews

ConchalFun

Welcome to Costa Rica's most beautiful beach!!! I randomly found this beach 7 years ago and never left, let me show you the ins and outs; I promise it will become your favourite beach as well. My team and I offer customized boat trips, we have seen it all during many years of fantastic trips so please feel free to ask how we can personalize your adventure. Fishing is big in our area and my captain has many records here. Snorkelling snorkelling and more snorkelling!!! we will show our secret spots.

Reviewed By daveWoodlandHills - woodland hills, ca

We arrived to Costa Rica poorly prepared for activities and the ones offered at the Westin were way overpriced and nothing special. Talking to a nice couple at the pool, they starting raving about a guide named Andrei. So we called him up, met him at the beach so he can get to know us, which sounded a little odd, but ok we did and so glad that happened! Andrei asked all the right questions to find out everything we liked and disliked and planned a week full of fun. Not only was it planned perfectly, he was kind enough to provide the tours himself!. We were able to experience a local bull riding event which was great, zip lining, horseback riding and much much more.
My family and i have been fortunate enough to travel many, many countries and taken many tours as well and can clearly say, Andrei has been the best.
You will find Andrei very personable and i consider him a personal friend now!
I have not mentioned one of his drivers/tour guides Raphael who is just as good and friendly as well :) Thank you so much Andrei and Raphael for the amazing time you shown us in such a beautiful country.

2. Costa Rica Sailing Center

Buena Vista Restaurante next to Bahia del Sol | 10 M South of Bahia del Sol, Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 98 reviews

Costa Rica Sailing Center

With year-round wind, the best sailing bay in Costa Rica, and a range of boats to meet every sailor's needs, our school and rental facility provide a safe, exciting environment for the sport. All of our instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid. Wide range of boat rentals, boogie boards, paddle boards, snorkel gear and kayaks. Everything you need to have a great day on the water. We also have a full bar and restaurant right on the beach here in Playa Potrero.

Reviewed By Reuben G

This place has it all--very relaxed vibe with totally professional staff focused on making sure you get a good sailing experience. Very experienced but unpretentious sailors who welcome everyone to their sport regardless of experience.
Variety of modern equipment ranging from small single-handed dinghy's to cats--I opted to try to learn how to sail small dinghy's (my limited experience is mainly on Hobie cats)--my instructor (Lucy) was super patient as I had us swimming a few times before I realized that you need to face forward when changing the tiller hands (old dog, new tricks?), smile. She has lots of race and teaching experience and I learned a lot in a short time--after a few sessions I sailed solo on a smaller dinghy and had a great time--well worth the effort and my only regret is that I did not stay longer.
Conditions were perfect when I was there--perfect onshore to cross-shore winds with slightly heavier but manageable stuff outside, building from morning to afternoon (was there in December). They know the bay like the back of their hands and will advise you where to sail to have fun. Water is super warm and forgiving--no "hypothermia-must-right-the-boat-or-die" conditions here. If you like lighter winds then can start earlier and stay closer and if you want to progress then heavier stuff is also available--perfect for a group with multiple skill levels.
Staff is super attentive to safety--during the week saw a few instances where they responded immediately when people got in a bit over their heads.
Lots of families and kids around--great place if you are solo or with a family--they offer camps and group lessons--my family rented boogie boards and had fun in the micro-break in front of the Center--beach is sandy with no rocks or hazards--definitely the highlight of our vacation.
Prices are super reasonable and there are a number of different packages to meet your needs.
Cats are first love but there is something intoxicating about the responsiveness and closeness to the wind and water of a small monohull. When I go back I hope to get some instruction from Ryan on the cats but may end up opting for deeper mono-hull dive.
Sunsets from the Center (with drinks from their bar) were off the charts--hard to describe how beautiful they were--even for jaded "in 1999 I saw a green flash in San Diego" sunset people like me...
Go to the CRSC, have a beer, talk with Ryan and Lucy and they will take care of you while imparting their deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for sailing. If you like to sail this is THE place.

3. Pura Vida Ride

Las Catalinas at Playa Danta, Las Catalinas 50304, Costa Rica
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 261 reviews

Pura Vida Ride

Pura Vida Ride is located 50 meters from the waters edge in one of the most spectacular setting in Costa Rica. We provide Stand-Up-Paddle, Mountain Bike, Kayak and snorkel rental and sales and offer a range of guided tours, lessons, adventure packages, and transportation services. Our outfitter store also offers a full service General Store offering the best coffee, pastries, ice creams, drinks and snacks on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste.Welcome to our Playground: Nature built it; we supply the toys.

Reviewed By Betty L - Sacramento, California

Spend a day or more...this little surf shop has all kinds of sports equipment or buy a pass for $5.00 and enjoy a multitude of hiking trails that surround the area. The restaurant has great food and service. I was holding a $10.00 bill that got caught by the wind. After I had given up on finding it one of the staff members found it and brought it back to me. Not into water sports? Sip on something you enjoy and sit on the beach...bring a good book and enjoy watching the sea. We got to swim with Pelicans diving for food just a few feet away. The day we rented paddle boards the weather turned and we were stuck out at sea. Two of the lifeguards had to come rescue us. They did not charge for the extra time we had the boards or to come out to sea to rescue us. This little haven has something to offer everyone. Great staff and a beautiful place.

4. Costa Rica Wet and Wild Tours

Banano Street, Playa Potrero 50304, Costa Rica
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 97 reviews

Costa Rica Wet and Wild Tours

Here at Costa Rica Wet & Wild we are committed to you, and ensuring your vacation is the best it can possibly be. Discover the best of Costa Rica with us today!

Reviewed By clct75 - Colorado

We had a large group of 11, ranging from age 3 to 70+, and we all had a fantastic time. Justin was responsive and easy to deal with. The crew of Lucas, Milton, and Germaine were wonderful. Sailing out in the ocean and enjoying the...MoreThank you very much for the nice words, it was our pleasure to help make your vacation a memorable one. Cheers Justin

5. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal, Costa Rica +1 800-309-4123
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Playa Conchal

Reviewed By LaurenJourney - Kensington, Maryland

This beach differs from others we visited around Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo in that the sand is not hard, packed sand but rather comprised of tiny, broken sea shells. There's a lot going on on this beach, particularly since it fronts the Westin hotel. We drove in from the Brasilito side. You can either park in front of the shops in Brasilito and walk along the beach or you can drive on beach and over a small hill to get to playa conchal. Kids enjoyed riding wave runners (price was comprable to any other rentals everywhere else in the world we've been. Which is to say, way overpriced. $100 an hour/$60 per half hour). Massages are offered at a shockingly low price ($20 per hour/$10 per half hour. Or if you are led there by a parking attendant you'll pay an extra $5 which is the comission the masseuse has to pay the attendant). I presume these are not licensed, professionaly trained people. But, if you have no medical conditions, it was a perfectly enjoyable and relaxing massage. Being a busy beach, you will be constantly pestered by people selling drinks (none sold beer or other alcohol, so bring your own), souvenirs, massages, boat rides, ATV rides, horseback rides, etc. If you're looking for serenity, look elsewhere.
re: parking. first time we parked in Brasilito and paid $5 US to a local to "watch" the car. next time we drove all the way to the beach. Paid 2000 colones to park there.

6. The Beach Chocolate Factory

Local #127 The Village Commercial Center | The Village Local #127 Commercial Center, Brasilito 50309, Costa Rica +506 4701 0536
Excellent
99%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 51 reviews

The Beach Chocolate Factory

We offer artisan chocolate of high quality made from the best ingredients and Costa Rican cacao, harvested directly from our own farm - "tree-to-bar"! We also offer the popular interactive workshops during which you will learn everything you always wanted to know about the origin, history, nature and culture of cacao and chocolate! You will also participate in peeling fresh roasted cacao beans and turn them into your own personal chocolate treat!

Reviewed By mrgrita - Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica

It is difficult to find great chocolate in Costa Rica. I've been living here (in Brasilito) a while now and most chocolates at the store are either imported or lackluster in flavor. I stop by the beach chocolate factory at least once a month to...MoreWell thank YOU Margarita! :) - hope to see you again soon! We have some new healthy goodies for you to try...

7. Sattva Yoga

Surfside, Playa Potrero 50111, Costa Rica +506 8983 9894
Excellent
100%
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 75 reviews

Sattva Yoga

Beach Front Yoga in the Palapha at the Bahia del Sol. Sattva Yoga is based on Hatha. Classes are Monday 8:30Am, Tuesday 8:30Am, Wednesday 8:30Am, Thursday - 8:30Am and Saturday - 8:30Am Mats, blocks and straps are provided.

Reviewed By MuniraCDT - Paramaribo, Suriname

I just moved to the area and was looking for yoga classes, heard about ot form a friend and I truly enjoyed the class, the view and Colleen were amazing! Great way to start your day. Namaste!Thank you. We love our locals here at Sattva yoga and know you will be part of this extended family.

8. Surf & SUP Conchal

Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 22 reviews

Surf & SUP Conchal

Playa Conchal's premier Surf Lesson & SUP/Snorkel Combo Tour company offers you the best experiences of your vacation.Riding the waves on some of the prettiest & best surf Beaches in Costa Rica and Stand Up Paddleboarding & Snorkeling in the clear, warm blue Pacific.We specialize in beginner surf lessons for ages 5 & up.Our paddleboard/snokel tour at any level ages 5 & up.Reservations are required

Reviewed By azbadders - Fountain Hills, Arizona

MJ and Tim have created the ultimate experience- together with the very capable talents of the local instructors (we had Johel), they have you up and Surfing in no time! Beautiful, secluded beach, great people and informative as well. This company is organized, on time, professional and FUN! Don’t miss this opportunity! And we have amazing pictures to remember the experience by thanks to Tim :)

9. Potrero Beach

Playa Potrero 50304, Costa Rica
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 208 reviews

Potrero Beach

Reviewed By tabhauser - Long Island

Our condo back door opened up to this 3 mile beach that was great for walks. The sand is volcanic so you need sandals in the middle of the day. Barefoot was perfect in the morning or if you walked at the waters edge. Not crowded and very nice to float in

10. Real Experiences Costa Rica

Playa Grande, Brasilito, Costa Rica
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 14 reviews

Real Experiences Costa Rica

Guanacaste's newest surf and paddle board company! Offering personalized, beginner to advanced surf lessons and unique paddle boarding tours. Your local adventure starts with us at Real Experiences!

Reviewed By Janelle L - Los Angeles, California

Danielle and Brayan gave us an amazing beach experience while in Costa Rica. They went out of their way to travel / four wheel through the forest to get to some remote gorgeous Beaches! Breathtaking Beaches. Brayan went out of his way to search for a cool black crawly starfish for us to see. So cool! They also took us to a very local restaurant right on the beach and we had the best Costa Rican ceviche ever! They both are very kind and down to earth people and Chico has a great sense of humor! Highly recommended them!

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