Playa Grande
Aside from the beauty of its white sand and blue water, Playa Grande is known for its challenging waves and for leather back turtles. For surfers, the beach offers excellent right and left waves and an abundance of small hotels that accommodate their budgets. The hotels close proximity to the beach give surfers the chance to hit the water whenever the urge hits them.
For bird watchers and explorers, the beach holds equally important appeal. On the beach's southern point, a mangrove estuary proves to be a good place to spot local wildlife. An easy trail that begins just behind the beach on the northern point will lead you to a dry forest that also possesses an abundant bird population.
Playa Grande lies within Las Baulas National Park. The park extends for more than 400 hectares on land and 200 hectares into the waters off shore. Many travelers plan their visit to the park during the months of October through April, when the leather back turtle trundles on shore to nest.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
This park is a mandatory stop for those visiting the area of Guanacaste. Not only can you hike to the top of an active volcano but you can experience the thrill of walking through thick forests and seeing an abundance of exotic wildlife. The ranger station found just inside the perimeter of the park will give you a map that will make it easy for you to explore the area to your heart's content.
Guides are available and recommended if you plan on camping inside the park or on the volcano ridge. There are several areas that are off-limits to visitors so pay close attention to the signs that warn of fumaroles and scalding thermal waters.
The park covers more than 14,000 hectares so plan ahead and take your time.
Bahía Culebra
This small bay is located just north of the small town of El Coco. The bay's waters hold an abundance of fish and corals that will keep you snorkeling for hours. There are a number of stunning beaches, some of which are quite popular, while others await discovery.
A series of small coves line the bay's shore. Local tour operators offer sunset cruises, snorkeling expeditions and fishing trips in the area of the bay. Some even stop over at Isla Huevos for a day of island exploration and great snorkeling.
Sámara
This small sleepy town is a great place to set up camp for a few days. It is located right on the beach and offers a nice mix of hotels and moderately-priced cabins.
Nosara
A river of the same name winds its way through this picturesque village and empties into the Pacific Ocean. While Nosara is small in sine, it has much to offer visitors who want to spend a few days combing scenic beaches, visiting an impressive national park and simply soaking up Costa Rican sun and hospitality.
An interesting aspect of Nosara is the complete commitment to preserving the native coastal vegetation. A small association concerts its efforts into keeping the area as free of major development as possible while maintaining good hiking trails and camping facilities for visitors.
Playa Guiones is well knows throughout the country for its sheet beauty and perfect surf. White sand and almost unlimited space makes Guiones number one for many Costa Ricans in search of serious beach time. Guiones is one of three beaches that makes up the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, the other two being Nosara and Ostional.
It extends approximately 15 kilometers along the shoreline and was created to protect the nesting sites of the olive ridley turtle, or "lora" as it is called by locals.
Nesting season for these ocean dwelling creatures is mainly during the months of July through December and peaks in August and December.
When the turtles head for shore, they often arrive on the beach in massive 'flotillas" or fleets. These 'arribadas" are an amazing sight. Pay Glose attention to park rules regarding viewing the turtles since they are susceptible to noise and lights. By following these rules, you can enjoy a moment that is awe inspiring. while protecting one of the earth's most ancient citizens.
Playa Flamingo
Another great beach to visit is Playa Flamingo, once known as Playa Blanca because of its white sand. This beach hugs the shore along a small bay called Bahia Flamingo. More than a mile wide, Playa Flamingo is very popular with both Ticos and travelers.
If offers golfing, a large sportfishing fleet, and one of the largest marinas in the country. It is home to the annual International Sportfishing Tournament, when the are fills up avid anglers.
Geographical Division 
