Shore Diving

There are no shore dives off Flamingo.

Boat Diving

Catalina Classic: On the northwest of the big rock there is a slope to 95ft of depth where clouds of fish could be seen. At 40ft of water white tip sharks hang out through an alley with eagle and cownose rays passing by. From December to March the Giant Mantas are usually seen around this area.

Preparing to dive, Credit

Dirty Rock: Three miles away from mainland, there is the smallest pinnacle with the largest quantity and variety of fish. Close to the rock crevices, Angel fish, sergeant, barber and surgeon fish get so close you could even touch them. The east side is a cleaning station for the Giant Mantas. Grunts, jacks White tip sharks, seahorse and nudibranch are part of the incredible marine life of this rock.

Elephant Rock:  A tall formation with the perfect shape of an elephant. An amazing dive to a maximum depth of 70 ft. A spectacular variety of marine life from nudibranchs to sharks, with angel fish, jacks, snappers, moorish idols, grunts, octopus and eels in between. It is a good site to spot Guitar sharks resting on the sand.

Liveaboard Diving

There are no major liveaboards sailing around Flamingo.

Information & photos kindly provided by: Aquacenter Diving

How to Get there

Flamingo is located on the North Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The nearest International Airport, Daniel Oduber Airport, is 65 kms (40 miles) away with a 55 minute car ride on a paved road. From San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, the car ride is about 4 or 5 hours along the Inter American Highway.

Aerial view - Playa Flamingo, Credit

Where to Eat & Drink

Much of the life in Flamingo revolves around the hotels, lodges and vacation properties. Most guests will dine at the various hotels in the region – most of which offer up fantastic and lavish meals. The two main hotels, the Flamingo Beach Resort and the Flamingo Marina Resort, both have restaurants and bars that are open to the public year round – and are very popular. Outside the hotels there is the Plaza with two more Restaurants, a drugstore, souvenir shops, tour and rental car offices. Note that reservations should be made in advance for all restaurants.

Mahi Mahi, Credit

Nightlife too is limited to what goes on in the hotels. Those craving some independence are likely to travel to Brasilito or Potero, two neighbouring towns, where there is more variety. A private vehicle is required to access either town.

Healthy, delightful frutits, Credit

Other Activities

All activities in Flamingo are run out of the lodges – though they do offer great variety. In addition to diving, guests can enjoy: Snorkeling, Catamaran, Canopy Tours, Golfing, Surfing, Sunsets, Fishing, Horseback Riding, and – of course – the beaches. Depending on the time of your visit, you may also overlap with the numerous deep sea fishing tournaments that draw in an international crowd.

Tips

Like any tourist destination, watch out for tour operators that do not have qualified/certified personnel, equipment, insurance or permits. Buying tours through vendors on the beach does not guarantee you get what you expect or was promised.

The only hyperbaric chamber is located in the capital city of San Jose. It can be reached in 3 – 4 hours by road in a private vehicle.

Playa Flamingo seaside, Credit

Flamingo does not actually have a town center – rather, the entire town has been developed around lodges and vacation properties. Most of the life and activity occurs out of these businesses, as a result.

Reservations should be made in advance for all restaurants.