Tamarindo Visitors Guide N.8
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VISITOR S GUIDE GOLD COAST FREE COPY October 2008 N. 8 www.famouspoints.com TAMARINDO AND SURROUNDING AREAS | GUANACASTE | COSTA RICA Por favor dejar en la habitación para el próximo visitante NIGHT LIFE DRIVING MAP RESTAURANTS NIGHT LIFE DRIVING MAP RESTAURANTS
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Visitors Guide Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Transcript of Tamarindo Visitors Guide N.8
VISITOR S GUIDEG O L D C O A S TFREE COPY
October 2008 N. 8 www.famouspoints.com
TAMARINDO AND SURROUNDING AREAS | GUANACASTE | COSTA RICA
Por favor dejar en la habitación para el próximo visitante
NIGHT LIFE
DRIVING MAP
RESTAURANTS
NIGHT LIFE
DRIVING MAP
RESTAURANTS
SERENITY, TRANQUILITY, SECURITY & PRIVILEGE These are the hallmarks of Tamarindo´s most sought after location.
Build the home of your dreams on this untouched paradise. A few steps from the shimmering white sand beaches
and azure seas of Guanacaste´s Gold Coast.
Mai
n E
ntra
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Home Sites
and Complete Homes
available
for pre-sale!
w w w. t a m a r i n d o h e i g h t s . c o mTamarindo, Costa Rica (506) 2653-1448
i n f o @ t a m a r i n d o h e i g h t s . c o m
600 meters west of Fertama Hardware Store
Tel.: (506) 2653-1650 OPEN DAILY
www.tamarindoheights.com
• Pacifico Balinese Architecture
• 151 Parking Spaces
(111 below ground and 40 outdoor)
• 29 specialty Shops
• Auto Mercado Supermarket
• 4 Gourmet Restaurants • Gymnasium
• Children Play Area, and much more!
Free Shuttle
from Tamarindo
and Langosta.
Schedule:
Monday through
Sunday
from 10:00 am
to 9:00 pm
EXPERIENCE PREMIER SHOPPINGR SHO
AT THE BEACH!
T H E E A S Y W AY !
LEARNSPANISH
CLASSES START EVERY MONDAY
At Wayra, your languagebarrier will disappear
Contact us!Tamarindo Guanacaste
(506) 2653-0617 • 2653-0359 www.spanish-wayra.co.cr
[email protected] testIng center
cervAntes certIfIcAtIon (dele)
Wayra Institute, Tamarindo’s Original
Spanish School. Call the week before class starts to set up an
interview.
n o m o r e w A l l s !
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
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.
High-season is here again and this issue is again hot with information and strategies to help you enjoy your vacation. Focusing on our core activities and the area’s laid-back ambience, our format is perfectly suited to express the real attraction of our area. Definitely not a phone directory or even a traditional visitor’s guide, we feature the body and taste of the area by focuses on feelings rather than just boring facts. We leave much of the fun of discovery to you. It is an edited list of vacation options and specific advice from people who live here. It is about places we think you shouldn’t miss… because they are our Famous Points !
LETTER FROM Famous Points
Wayne Geddings, PublisherNine-year Tamarindo resident
PRODUCTION AND ADVERTISING OFFICES
Tamarindo de Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Ph. (506) 2653-0103 • 2653-0779 [email protected]
www.famouspoints.com
Publisher: Wayne Geddings
Administration and sales:Victoria Alfaro
Special writing assistance:Kay Dodge
Photographers: Thornton at Studios Tamarindo
Toh Goutennoire at Bi-Drop.comGraphic Design:
PrismaPublicidad.com
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
All rights reserved 2008 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 2008 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. 9
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NTEN
TSINTERESTED IN
ADVERTISING WITH US?Please contact (506) 2653-0103
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GUANACASTE MAP
WELCOME TO PARADISE! Welcome
The Gold Coast
Interesting Cultural Differences
Seasons and Climate
AREA ACTIVITIESSurfing
Fiestas and Topes
National Parks
Tours
Golfing
Scuba Diving
and Snorkeling Trips
Sport Fishing
Sailing
Transportation
Car Rentals
LOCAL TOWN GUIDESPlaya Tamarindo
Tamarindo Restaurants
Playa Grande
Playa Negra & Avellanas
Flamingo, Potrero and Brasilito
USEFUL INFORMATIONAir Travel
Money Machines and Banks
General Information
Conversion Charts
Embassy Phone Numbers
Medical Information
Churches
Telephone Communications
Utilities
Tide Charts
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GUANACASTE MAPCosta RiCa
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IntroductIon
Gleaming most brightly amidst the country’s many and varied treasures is a region known as the Gold Coast. Our coast… where the emerald sea is embroidered by an endless expanse of beaches, where world-class waves attract neo-phyte 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 dis-criminating and valued guests, Guanacaste’s Gold Coast is still a semi-remote sanctuary with quaint tico villages nearby.
A bIt of hIstory
Most of the natives are descendants of the Chorotega Indians who for many centuries were isolated by the chal-lenging 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.
When Columbus discovered Costa Rica, during his fourth voyage to the “New World,” the area now known as the Gold Coast was severed from more burgeoning societies—and remained so for many years subsequent.
The first successful colonization of Guanacaste occurred when Gil Gonzales Davila from Spain converted the Corobicis to Catholicism in the mid Sixteenth century.
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During your vacation, we hope to put you in touch with this local magic. Escape into the culture, con-sider our insights and surrender to the possibili-ties. 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 creature, 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! Look 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-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”. Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in Guana-caste Province, the region, known as The Gold Coast, is not actually represented on maps. Its boundaries are evolving and open to debate among those who like to debate such things. We know which towns and villages fall under the
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T H E G O L D C O A S T
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!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 colorful dose of assimilated expatriates. While the cultivation and export of coff ee and bananas has long fueled much of Costa Rica’s economy, this region again stands apart. Due to its drier climate and sprawling geography, the Gold Coast long ago developed 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 equitably share in the region’s economy. Although the cattle trade still fl ourishes, today, tourism rates as Guanacaste’s mostthriving industry.
It’s always an adjustment when enmeshing one-self in a new culture, whether you are simply visit-ing for a short time or make the choice to settle in a foreign country. On the Gold Coast, it is certainly
no diff erent. The pace of life is considerably slower, the philosophy towards work and play considerably dissimilar. Here, the locals “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 of us who relocate from the hustle-bustle reality of the First World. Patience is the key when trying to get things done. Such seemingly simple tasks as installing a phone line, administering an inter-national bank transfer or repairing a broken water pipe can be ultimate tests of one’s tolerance and serenity. Everywhere on the Gold Coast you here the na-tives saying “Pura Vida” at opportune moments in a conversation. (next page)
life is considerably slower, the philosophy towards work and play considerably dissimilar. Here, the locals “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 of us who relocate from the hustle-bustle reality of the First World. Patience is the key when trying to get things done. Such seemingly simple tasks as installing a phone line, administering an inter-national bank transfer or repairing a broken water pipe can be ultimate tests of one’s tolerance
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! Literally meaning have a “pure life”, it perfectly describes the national attitude of the country and your best attitude. It describes 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 fast-track to a memorable vaca-tion. To further help here are some more tips.
INTERESTING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES We assume that a customer service desk exists to provide a service. Well, here a service representa-tive holds a position of power akin to the bouncer at an exclusive club. Providing good service is syn-onymous with them doing you a favor. Be polite and your request will be eventually honored. Lose your temper and you may be waiting forever. don’t leAve them wonderIng
It is considered good manners to tell our advertis-ers that you found them in this Guide. It helps
them spend their advertising dollars more effec-tively and allows us to stay in business. showIng ApprecIAtIon gArnersdesIred results
Expressing gratitude, either through a smile, a Gracias, or more specifically, a gratuity, will be not only appreciated but remembered. Smooth sailing ahead once you’ve made a friend here.
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 and when we gringos do, we risk alienating a potential ally. Anger is perceived as manifestation of an ugly personality and we will thus be treated accordingly. Again, remain tran-quillo and your holiday spirits will rise.
lost In trAnslAtIon – A new wAy of gettIng dIrectIons
“Donde esta la tienda por favor?” “Where is the shop please?” “It’s across from Pasatiempo, mi ami-
ga.” “Ah, but where is Pasati-empo?” “It’s near Wild’s.” “But please señor, where is Wild’s?” You get the picture. Since streets are not signposted, locals are accustomed to giving directions based on landmarks. To make life – and navigation –easier, it’s a good idea to carry a map.
InterestIng fAmIlylessons
Watching the interaction of the native people, there are several lessons and remind-ers about family life. Family is so important and most extended units are extremely close. There doesn’t appear to be much of a “genera-tion gap” as kids, parents and grandparents exhibit mutual respect and even enjoying going to a dance or partying together! Imagine that! We gringos could learn something!
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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 sand-blasting 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, off-shore mornings.
July: hot, humid, lush green, occasional thun-derstorms, usually a 2-week “mini-summer” with consistent off-shore winds.
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.
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AREA
ACT
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IES
The Gold Coast off ers a wide range ofactivities including many high-octane
adventure pursuits to serene nature walks and calming spa treatments. Whether you
want to recharge, re-learn, relax, orrevitalize, it’s all here for the asking.
In this section, we’ve listed some of the most popular area activities. Later in the
guide you will fi nd more specifi cinformation about each town.
AREA ACTIVITIES
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AREA
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IESSURFING
Internationally reputed as a surfing mecca, the gold coast attracts wave-riders from all over the world and tamarindo has grown up around the sport. As locals and visitors share the swells, shops and surf schools have sprouted throughout the area like tulips in a trough.
Hint: Most local surf spots are south of Playa Grande. Further north, the beaches are too rocky and the bays are too sheltered from the swells. To see how Tamarindo and Playa Negra got discovered, rent the surf cult classic “Endless Summer II” on DVD.
Even if you haven’t boarded a board in years, if surfing was once in your blood, the waves will provide a transfusion. The Gold Coast offers beach, reef, river mouth and point breaks with many days of offshore winds during the dry season. Optimal surfing conditions occur from December through July.
If you can’t quite slash and splash as you once did, or you fear that you will 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!
Hint: For surf instruction, refer to the “Towns” sec-tion in this guide and look under Activities/Surf Shops for each area.
surfIng etIquette – 6 bAsIc rules
Surfing is a sport for free spirits, but there are well-established rules that promote safety, common sense, and courtesy. The law of the land-less and the camaraderie of the sea ensures 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.
Respect and adhere to the following guidelines:1. If you come as a large group, reduce the shock and enter the sea a few at a time. This isn’t an ambush. Everyone will get their big break.
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 is your friend-ly 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 right in on 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.
*Parts taken from “Surfos Magazine”
fAmous surf spots
If you’re here to surf, I highly recommend split-ting 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, it gives you the details about every surf spot, including the best swell directions and tides, crowds, places to stay, local color, etc. You spent a lot of money to get here to surf and he spent a lot of time and money putting to together so much detailed information, so just do it and buy the book! But, just in case you’re down to your last taco, here is a very general overview. Also, the locations of these surf spots are shown on the enclosed map.
ollie’s point
This famous point break an hour’s boat ride north of Playa del Coco was once a secret mili-tary 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.
witch’s rock
One of the most famous beach-breaks in the country, this is a remote spot located in the Santa Rosa National Park. Although it is possible to access with a four-wheel drive vehicle, most people opt to take a boat to 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
This popular spot - about a 30 minute drive from Tamarindo - boasts some great beach breaks. Not just your average surf break, it can get epic!
tamarindo
Widely favored by both beginners and experts, 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 beaches, but while in the water your first safety plan should be to take care of yourself.
playa negra
Located 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!
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Witch’s Rock
FIESTAS AND TOPES You’re certainly fortunate being here during the high-season! For now is the time people party! Fiestas are held mid November to July,in a different town every weekend. (Personally, I prefer the ones held in the smaller towns.) These are real celebrations that still define and reflect their local town and society, just like they did centuries ago!
Today, a typical modern Tope also features ran-chers, local businessmen and women, families, all of which welcome your participation. Along the way, there is excitement, music and lots of smi-les. Hint: While you may not have brought your Western ten-gallon hat, show your personal pride and rent a strong, healthy horse from a ranch that cares about their horses. Don’t parade a skinny, starving horse! The Casagua Ranch (See display ad in this section) is an example of a ranch that loves its horses and you’d be proud to ride one. You should know there is a modern tradition alive here that a horse is not really reserved until it is paid for. 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. 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! Get plenty of rest the night before, wear long-pants, sun-glasses, bug repellent and drink lots of water. Once you arrive at the Fiesta you have a lot of people-watching and bull-riding watching, eating, and a full night of making a fool of your-self on the dance floor learning to salsa. Bull Riding serves as the fiesta’s main event and starts 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. You can view the event through the wooden slats or from atop a rickety fence, or the best sight-lines for the Bull Riding event are from the wooden stands. Inex-pensive ticket can be purchased from the small ticket booth, usually located by the stairs leading up to the bleachers. Buy your beer and dinner and have a bull-riding watching, beer drinking, fried chicken, picnic in the stands. As the bull riding winds down and the natives take their children home to bed, the local town social center (called the salon or beer hall) fills up with people ready to party. With its simple concrete-floor and open air venue,
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S you begin to better appreciate their small town lives. You have an opportunity to meet friendly people, and study how they dance the salsa, merengue, and cumbia music. It is a good op-portunity to try your hand (or two left feet, as the case may be) at dancing. If you’re dancing abilities fall short, don’t worry, after all the nati-ves have been dancing to the same music their whole lives! You’re not expected to be good! Just focus on moving your hips, and let the infectious Latin rhythms carry you along.
NATIONAL PARkS Drink lots of water, pack insect repellent and perhaps most importantly—don’t overdue it physically! Remember, the affects of the heat and humidity of the tropics can sneak up on you! Here are some of the most popular parks and reserves within and easy driving distance.
Hints: You’ll need good walking or hiking shoes, as it seems anywhere in the world nature must be viewed from an incline.
rincón de la vieja national park This protected forest sits at the mouth of a volcano and is distinguished by bubbling mud pools, natu-ral hot springs, and geothermal steam ascending from beneath the earth. A dramatic nearby water-fall enveloped in lush jungle teems with wildlife, a cacophony of nature providing an aural backdrop to the scenic marvels of the area. There are easy and more challenging trails to the volcano.
ostinal beach - ridley turtle nesting
Most people are awed by the spectacle of Ridley and Leatherback turtles making they’re way up the slopped beaches to lay their eggs. As this phenome-non is dictated by 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 then trip up because you didn’t con-firm nesting activity. Tours
generally depart in the afternoon and arrive on Ostinal Beach in time for dinner, which is followed by the Main Event. The package gene-rally includes a bilingual guide, air-conditioned bus and refreshments. Unfortunately, every year there are fewer and fewer.
palo verde national park
A scenic drive through Guanacaste’s beautiful cowboy (Sabanero) country will deposit you on a dock from where you embark on an equally scenic two-hour boat trip on the Tempisque Ri-ver to Palo Verde National Park. The river, which once served as the main channel on which sugar cane, fruits, beef (and people!) were transpor-ted, was crucial to the area’s economy. Today, as you relax on the river vessel, nature paints a vivid portrait of jungle foliage and tropical birds: egrets, ospreys, flycatchers, kingfishers. monkeys 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.
Arenal volcano national park Your late afternoon might be spent soaking in hot pools of volcanically heated waters and enjoying an unobstructed view of the erupting Arenal Volcano. Later, over dinner, re-lish the Technicolor spectacle of molten lava dancing down the side of the active volcano.
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AREA
ACT
IVIT
IESOn your return, we suggest that you stop at the
new Africa Mia Safari Park or the famous artisan village of Guatil out side of Santa Cruz where the Chorotega Indians maintain the pottery tradition of their Pre-Columbian ancestors in crafting their distinctive and prized ceramics.
santa rosa national park
Perched near the Nicaragua border, this tropical dry forest boasts 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 Most 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!
Home to more than 300 migratory birds, white-face monkeys, howler monkeys, American crocodiles, and iguanas, a two hour river cruise through Palo Verde National Park should cate-gorically be on your “to do” list when visiting Costa Rica. An English speaking guide will retrieve you from your hotel and pilot your journey through the vast jungle-ensconced wildlife along the river.
Ambling along the beach not providing enough of an adrenalin rush? Want to get somewhere faster than your legs will carry you? Can’t walk on water? No problem! The Gold Coast offers a variety of options. A credit card deposit and photo ID are always required. Jeeps – Scooters – Motorcycles - ATV’s – Kayaks - Snorkeling – Sur-fboards - Boogie Boards - Bicycles.
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AREA
ACT
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IES GOLFING
Renowned as a golfing Mecca, the Gold Coast possesses some of the world’s best courses in magnificent natural settings. 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.
hacienda pinilla golf course
This 6,800 meter masterpiece ranks as one of the best championship golf courses in Central Ame-rica. Designer Mike Young is also responsible for many of the finest courses in the southern Uni-ted States. The course also features a great res-taurant and The El Corral Turn House pro shop.
garra de leon golf courseat paradisus playa conchal
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed this 18 hole par 72 course, which lies majestically between the rolling mountains to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. A true championship test for those in pursuit of the ultimate eco-golf
experience, its unique tropical setting provides a spectacular backdrop for an unforgettable round of golf. Mercurial seasonalbreezes provide an additional, but rewarding, challenge. Needless to say, the Gold Coast’s animal kingdom is ho-vering nearby. Both courses have received the International Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary designations.
Web: www.reservaconchal.com Hotel Paradisus Playa Conchal Phone: 2654-4123 ext 8805
diria hotel driving range
Location: On the road enteringthe Tamarindo airport Phone: 2653-0031
SCUBA DIVING AND SNORkELING TRIPS An average water temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit makes exploring the Gold
Coast’s kaleidoscopic undersea uni-verse a most delightful pursuit. With variable visibility ranging from 30% to an unmatched 100%, the area’s colorful and diverse marine life is offset by a network of cliffs, passages and tunnels. Most favorable diving and snorkeling conditions coincide with rainy season—between May and October, with November’s usua-lly calm climate distinguishing it as possibly the best month.
SPORT FISHING A fish to crow About
But suddenly an army moved in! With dorsal fins of combs cutting the surface on top of zebra-striped bodies, a school of roosterfish attac-ked the sardines, sending them into a panic! Seconds later, a group of sea birds sensed the opportunity; they also joined the assault!
Roosterfish are the wolves of the western tropical Pacific waters. They roam the inshore waters, near the
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coasts and in the gulfs, normally hunting solo, but at times running in pacts. Found only bet-ween 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.
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“…I really can’t say enough good things about this tour and company. The staff blends profes-sionalism 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
hint: Getting in touch with your surroundings and relaxing is a critical step to enjoying you va-cation. Sailing is a highly recommended activity.
The owners, Capitan Jeff Herman, a Registered US Coast Guard Captain with over 20 years sail-ing 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 Tama-rindo Bay in front of El Pescador restaurant. Call for schedule and availability information or stop by their office located inside the restau-rant Kahiki.
Call and reserve your own memories!
phone: 8842-3204 or 2653-0446office: Located inside the restaurant Breakfast Grinds/Kahikideparture 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!
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‘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!
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.
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!
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.
Close to sunset, the calmer winds seemed to match our more relaxed attitude and we wit-nessed one of the best attractions of our trip… an enchanting Tamarindo sunset!’
paraphrased from recent passenger“This is a big, luxury sailing machine capable of handling both small and large groups”
marlin del rey catamaran sailing
Call them or visit their web site for more infor-mation: www.marlindelrey.comphone: (506) 8822-8603
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TRANSPORTATIONshuttle buses
Several types of air-conditioned, non-smoking shuttle buses and vans are offered by Interbus, all of which comfortably transport visitors to top tourist destinations throughout our magi-cal country. 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 trans-port 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 - If there is no oncom-ing traffi c, a turn should take about 1 minute, longer if you need to adjust the radio. If you’re accused of not signaling, just say you “Saca mi lengua”. This means you slightly turned your head and stuck out your tongue in the direction you turned. Morally this is all that is required! We once tried using an arm signal to show that we were going to stop, upon see-ing the arm and hand turned down, the driver behind us immediately passed us, pulled in front of us to force us to stop, and ask us if something was wrong!
parking - Where can you park? Easy! Any-where there is a good asphalt or cement road. However, you’re only allowed to park on the highway to answer your cell phone if it is an
Let the seabe your
guide!from the moment you step
onboard, we will make you feelpampered and utterly indulge!
Sailing/Snorkel Trips • Sunset Cruise
Moonlight Sails • Private Charter
• Sails out of Flamingo Harbor
Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060uS 508 444-0268
Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060
Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060Contact us! Cr (506) 8381-1060
Playa flamingo Costa rica
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the call doesn’t need to be that important, because your vehicle takes up less road space and cars can more easily go around you. If two cars, on each side of the road stop, totally blocking traffic, just pull over and look for something else to do. road rage - If you make a driving mistake and almost cause an accident, hope that the other driver gets mad because only then can you regain the moral high-ground (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 desperate for gasoline? Now you can find gas stations and ATM machines listed on the enclosed “Pull-Out” map. Tama-rindo 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 towns have a gas station! The closest one is just outside of Huacas as you head for the airport in Liberia. 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.
locAl cAr rentAl compAnIes
company town phone
Adobe Car Rental Liberia 2667-0608
Alamo Rent a Car Tamarindo 2653-0727
Budget Car Rental Tamarindo 2653-0756
Dollar Rent a Car Liberia 2443-2950
Euro car Tamarindo 2440-9990
Economy Tamarindo 2653-0728
Hertz Tamarindo 2653-1358
Liberia 2668-1048
Hola Rent a Car Liberia 2667-4040
Payless Car Rental Tamarindo 2653-0015
Mapache Rent a Car Liberia 2665-4444
National San Jose 2242-7878
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Different water sports heavily influence the cul-ture and feel of each beach town and the natural beachscape makes categorizing them very easy. For many miles north of Playa Grande there are no surf spots, so many of the popular water activi-ties involve only boating, sailing, sportsfishing, etc.. In Playa Grande and beaches south you’ll find more of a surfing culture.
ImportAnt personAl securItyAdvIsorIes:
These are beach towns visited by international travelers who attract bad people; not so unlike the beach towns in say, California. Walking around in jungle fatigues pretending to be tough and looking for your next fight won’t help. The best advice I can give is 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 from the police, but they just don’t like all the yelling that goes on!
When you park your car in a public area, espe-cially a deserted beach, don’t leave anything im-portant 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.
Do not walk on the beach at night in front of the Tamarindo Circle, especially 100 meters south, in front of the campgrounds.
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!
If you buy illegal drugs, you’re playing with fire! Not from the police, but there are unsavory people who don’t care about your personal health or fair deals! Remember, Costa Rica is bordered by Pana-ma then Columbia on the south and Nicaragua on the north. You’re not in Kansas anymore!
Wear bug spray and have a healthy respect for the danger of biting mosquitoes. 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!
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.
LOCAL TOWN GUIDES
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TAMARINDOA laid-back community, it is the largest of the local beach communities and has many conveniences, including many international, typical, and cutting-edge gourmet restau-rants and bars, hotels and shops. It became more or less famous after it was featured in a surfi ng cult fi lm called “Endless Summer II”. It still remains a surfi ng town and hosts international, surf tournaments, houses certifi ed Surf Legends and has several surf schools.
Besides fairly consistent surf, 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. There are a wide variety of places to stay, including four-star hotels, apart-ments, vacation rentals, hostels, and cabañas. Tamarindo really isn’t a very big town! However, if you’re looking for the local “Tourism Beach Civilization Central”, this is it!
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TAM
ARIN
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Located right on the sand beach of Tamarindo and surrounded by exotic and beautifully main-tained lush tropical gardens it is a very popular hotel and a town landmark. Many of its rooms have ocean and sunset views and at night the gardens and walkways are beautifully lighted. The local flora and fauna creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, beach front location, and professional service make this a premier hotel.
lAgunA del cocodrIlo hotel
Also located right on the beach this hotel is a real find! And it is just across the sand from one of Tamarindo’s best surf spots. It is a nature lover’s delight with its own lagoon complete with and absolutely beautiful flowers and yes crocodiles. Its bakery has been famous since Tamarindo was discovered, the sandwiches are delicious, and the prices inexpensive. Also, they speak English, French, and Spanish. We rate it as a “sleeper” deal.
Hint: The bakery now has a second location in Tamarindo called Panaderia de Paris. It is in the
bottom floor of the white two-story building at the main cross-roads. It is an easy walk south down the sideway from the front of the Diria. It is air-conditio-ned and features the same great pastries.
VACATION RENTALMANAGERS – “Taking care of your details”
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. Please 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 re-gularity, 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 extra hard around here to make things run smoothly for you and appreciate your kind words and recommendations.
We have the rightvacation rental for you!
Drop by or call us and discover a large inventoryof beautiful vacation properties.
Sunrise Commercial CenterPlaya Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
call: (506) 2653-1668vacationrentals@racsa.co.crwww.vacationrentalsoftamarindo.com
Residential Property Management
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TAMARINDO RESTAURANTS
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To say Tamarindo has a great collection of fi ne restaurants is an understatement! In fact, it is one of the primary attractions of the
area! Almost all of our featured Famous Points restaurants are fi ne dining, I will also give you recommendations for other types of
restaurants under the “Too Good to Leave Out” section.
TAM
ARIN
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TAM
ARIN
DO sAve up to 30% on yourrestAurAnt tAb?
In my constant pursuit of justice and attempt to keep Tamarindo as aff ordable as possible, here are two tips on how to save money.
1) While colones 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 fi nd some businesses using an exchange rate, like 10% too low, and your $18 breakfast for two is now almost $20 when the currency gets converted! What are you’re options? Carry both colones and dollars, pay with a credit card, ask ahead of time for the conversion rate, or take your chances.
2) Many places automatically include a 10% tip in the bill. If you’re a tourist from the USA or Canada, you’re expected to tip anyways. While I strongly encourage everyone to leave a tip, I’d refuse to add one for bad service. If your table setting and/or drinks arrive after your food, no tip!
Visit www.tamarindo-directory and print a 10% coupon. Pay attention, get a coupon, pay only for what you get, and you may save as much as 30%. Actually, these suggestions also apply for other vacation expenditures. You could end up savings hundreds of dollars!
Dining Hints - While dining is always casual, dress up if you wish. To go out at night, it is customary and practical for men to wear long-pants at night. If you’re thinking your on vacation and want to wear whatever you want, go ahead! Just remember to use mosquito repellent, especially around the feet.
The local dish is called a “casado” which is a hearty-sized meal of rice, beans, a vegetable serving, sweet planteno, and your choice of beef, chicken, or fi sh. It can be just right for surfers starving for carbs after a hard day surfi ng! Not for dieters! Oddly, often it is not found at the evening dining restaurants, so eat it for an early lunch because you’ll need 5-7 hours to get hungry again for diner.
Unlike restaurants in other countries which measure the time it takes to have a fi ne dining experience and measure your table time with an egg-timer. Here you can sit at your table “till the
cows come home”! It is not the custom for them to say anything because your dinning experi-ences is taking too long.
Wondering why the bill seems to never comes? It’s because you must ask for it! 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. How to 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 mid-air, and say “cuenta”.
scouting for breakfast - Finding a restaurant for breakfast outside your hotel or vacation rental can be challenging, so here are some suggestions: noguis (beachfront, locals hangout, located on the Circle), pasatiempo hotel (sleeper deal - good food, not expensive, for the location look on our map or ask anyone), the grinds (local hang-out, lots of food, inside the old Iguana Surf on the dirt road to Langosta); and the copacabana restaurant (on the beach in the middle of town).
cAlA morescA restAurAnt Cala Luna Hotel in Langosta
Langosta is a quiet area just about one mile to the south of Tamarindo. Here you’ll fi nd the Cala Moresca Restaurant which serves typical food, seafood, fi sh specialties, and Italian cuisine, as well as traditional American breakfast and snacks they off er a range of foods that are served with a European touch. You can indulge yourself with the delicious fresh seafood, including lobsters caught just off the coast in front of Cala Luna, and an exclusive choice of wines from France, Italy, Spain, California and Chile. While dining next to their beautiful swimming pool notice how well they have merged Italian and Mexican architec-ture and interior designs.
cArolInA’s restAurAnt And grIll - “Where customers become friends”
Experience fi ne dining and exceptional service brought to you by a husband and wife team that really knows how to pamper. Hans continues a long family line of fi ne chefs spanning 4 genera-tions in Switzerland and Carolina manages the table service. Also two of the best waiters in
Great food and a romantic setting...
Dine in a gardenwhere the only soundis the ocean
A fusion of European cuisine and tropical influence
Tamarindo, GuanacasteLocated on the beach at Hotel Capitán Suizo
Phone: 2653-0075 • Web: www.hotelcapitansuizo.com
Restaurant &Bar
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Attention: bonus points for men On Saturday night you can get extra romance points from your signifi cant other by taking them to Carolina’s Restaurant on Saturday nite for their candlelit dinner special. Get even more bonus points by making the reservation yourself! Pamper her and otherwise taking control of the evening!
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 fi lter 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 fi nding local dishes (casados). Here is one of the few places you’ll fi nd 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. Nor-mally a small café couldn’t aff ord to hire the type of cooking talent found at the hotel. So when you stop for coff ee or desert, order some food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! They also have a wonderful choice of wines.
places we just couldn’t leave out... You do not want to miss the opportunity to spend the morning on a guided boat tour of this beautiful jungle. We recommend taking a 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.
BurritosTacosEnchiladasQuesadillasChilaquilesChimichangas
NachosChalupasChilangas
ZarapesFlautas
Huaraches
Schedule: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Breakfast 7:30 to 10:30 am
For reservations: 2653-0856 / 2653-2526 / 8866-2223
EnchiladasQuesadillasChilaquilesChimichangas
ChalupasChilangas
Huaraches
WHERECUSTOMERS BECOME FRIENDS• FRESH GREAT SEAFOOD
• GREAT WINE SELECTION
• SUPERIOR TABLE SERVICE
• FREE TAXI RIDE FROM HOTELS
FRIENDS
• FREE TAXI RIDE FROM HOTELS
ON THE ROAD TO LANGOSTA,NEXT TO THE 2001 SUPERMARKET.PH: 2653-1946 / 8379-6834
Your hosts: Carolinaand Hans Peter
You’d be loving it!
El Coconut Restaurant
Seafood - Lobster specialty
with a tropical personality
T E S T I M O N I A L S :
-Your Dorado fi sh dinner with curry sauce caught my guest off-guard! After her fi rst bite
she gave me a startled look and said, “This really is a good restaurant!”
-Best lobster ever! We always order the Tropical Lobster because it is cooked
with natural fruit fl avoring. Actually much better tasting than lobster served
with that heavy butter. Great idea, great fl avor, easy on the stomach!
Recommended by Famous Points Publishing
Open from 5 pm - 10 pm
(Mondays closed)
Your host KatharinaLocated in front of Witch´s Rock Surf Camp
on the main road of Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Ph. (506) 2653-0086
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE | GREAT WINE CELLAR
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NIGHT LIFE – Bars, Dancing, Music and Shows
Few have done more crazy and self-destructive things during their early years than me, and so I give the many young bar- hoppers a lot of leeway. Good parties, acting crazy, and feeling like you can live forever are the rights of the young! Much of the real nightlife starts later than 9:30pm, actually closer to 12:00pm. So, you’re on your own here! Too late for me, but once or twice I only occasion-ally venture out in my pajamas to see what’s hap-pening! Since the events and even the existence of bars change so rapidly and start very late.
free night in Jail! Especially lately, the police have been doing a great job rounding up unsavory people that are not carrying proper documentation. Lately, even a few legitimate visi-tors have been inadvertently put in police buses for questioning because they didn’t believe it would happen to them. Unless you want your picture on the local Costa Rican News Channel 7 showing you being herded into a police bus as you wave to your friends, bring your passport or a copy with you when you go out at night. FYI, their strategy for getting the bad people out of town by checking papers really works!
I do know about are places that start and fi nish earlier, like the monkey bar at the best western which hosts the biggest party of the week every Friday night during their “Ladies Nite”. About 12pm it can get crowed with good-looking women and surfer dudes! Great place for a
sunset drink and watching surfers catching the last wave of the evening. Spectacular sunsets can often be seen from the patio.
At night, join the hustle and choose from two dance areas, one for Latin music and one non-Latin, whatever that might be. Friday is the big nite!
You’re a hot guy, dressed casually in a t-shirt and fl ip fl ops. A woman is checking you out… buzz-ing around like a bee to pollen. Actually, she’s sniffi ng around you like a dog and a fi re hydrant. She is literally sniffi ng you. It is known that some native women shower from three to fi ve times a day and have a keen sense of smell. Clean up your act for local ladies and you may clean up in the romance department.
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 beach side of the Tamarindo Resort. And the owners now have a second bar in the circle where the old Mambo-bar used to be. Phone: 2653-1434.
Get acquainted with la barra during the day by having lunch, such as a sandwich, salad and drinks. Sometimes this is a good place to dance! We’re hoping for a good crowd during the sum-mer break! It is located at the main crossroad, follow the signs or listen for the music. It is actu-ally behind some souvenir shops in a romantic, outdoor square at the main intersection. Chris-tine and Frankie run the place. Christine is a great dancer and Frankie has an uncanny knack for lining up at the right place with his long-board!
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Ph. (506) 2653-0100
Voodoo Lounge is Tamarindo´s
eclectic answer to where to go
for extraordinary nighlife, �ine
cuisine, drinks and live art!
Voodoo Lounge is Tamarindo´s
eclectic answer to where to go
Have You Ever Tasted Art?
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Ph. (506) 2653-0100
mondAy night:
ACOUSTIC BRAZILIAN MUSIC
tuesdAy night:
CHILL HOUSE
wednesdAy night:
JAM SESSION
thursdAy night:
ART LIVE
frIdAy night:
ULTRA LOUNGE
sAturdAy night:
MAGIC COCKTAILS
SPEC
IAL
LOW
PRI
CES!
AFTER SURF...
CONTINUE THTHT E ACTION ACTION AC
INTO THE INTO THE
NIGHT!NIGHT!• NIGHTLY SUNSET HAPPY HOUR
FRIDAY • LADY’S NIGHT,
• LIVE LATIN BAND AND HIP HOP DJ
• TWO ALTERNATING
DANCE FLOORS • SURF FILMS
SATURDAYS • 2 X 1 PIZZA TEL. (506) 2653-0114
TAMARINDO COSTA RICA
A T H O T E L
AFTER SURF...
• NIGHTLY SUNSET HAPPY HOUR
FRIDAY • LADY’S NIGHT,
• LIVE LATIN BAND AND HIP HOP DJ
• TWO ALTERNATING
DANCE FLOORS • SURF FILMS
SATURDAYS • 2 X 1 PIZZA TEL. (506) 2653-0114
TAMARINDO COSTA RICA
A T H O T E L
TEL. (506) 2653-0114. (506) 2653-0114
TAMARITAMARIT NDO COCOC STA RICATA RICATEL. (506) 2653-0114. (506) 2653-0114
ENJOY EXCEPTIONAL LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY NITE!
THE HEART AND SOUL OF TAMARINDO!
Ph: (506) 2653-1634 2653-0096www.hotelpasatiempo.com [email protected]
Hotel PasatiempoHotel Bar & Restaurant
ENJOY EXCEPTIONAL LIVE MUSIC EVERY TUESDAY NITE!
THE HEART AND SOUL OF TAMARINDO!
Ph: (506) 2653-1634 2653-0096www.hotelpasatiempo.com [email protected]
AMARINDO!
Hotel Pasatiempo
EART AND SOUL OF TAMARINDO!TAMARINDO!
Hotel PasatiempoHotel Bar & Restaurant
Ph: (506) 2653-1634 2653-0096
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ARIN
DOSURF SHOPScAn you leArn to surf?
A surfi ng culture is woven into Tamarindo and we highly recommend that you give it a try. If you are wondering if you can learn to surf, 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 hav-ing 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.
beginners are now learning faster!
I learned to surf back when you sat in the cold sea water watching your skin turn blue and getting your feet cut up doing the “rock dance” while retrieving run-away surfboards. Back then, you were lucky if you stood up after a month of surfi ng! Not so now anymore, while most visitors are wise to the importance of surf lessons, here is just another reminder. You paid a lot of money to get here, so don’t skimp on the lessons! They are worth every penny! The right surf shop can help you learn faster!
LOCAL ACTIVITIEShorsebAck rIdIng
If you want an enjoyable ride out in the country on a healthy horse, call or visit Kay Dodge at the Casagua Ranch, tel. 2653-8041. motorcycle rentAls
Get around faster and see more by renting a motorcycle! Call secret spot motorcycles of tamarindo for beautiful, Honda dirt bike. phone: 2653-1644. Of course, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and a credit card.
tAmArIndo estuAry tours
Located between Playa Grande and Tamarindo is a magical estuary under the protection of the National Park System. Spanning more than 1200 acres, this brackish water jungle is fed by the ebb and fl ow of the Pacifi c Ocean and is home to hundreds of species of mammals and birds. You may see include alligators, howler monkeys, anteaters and a relative of the raccoons called pisotes. 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. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also rent a ca-noe 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.
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, so get off the dusty roads whenev-er 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 point in Langosta. If you walk on the roads at sunrise or sunset, head for the southern part of Tamarindo called 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 fi sherman standing in the surf spin-ning a line overhead as if he is going to rope a steer, see if you can fi nd a translator and ask the fi sherman if he will give you a lesson for a few dollars. As a preview, they fi rst catch their live bait swimming around their waists with nothing more than a line and hook, once caught they transfer the little fi sh 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, you’d be surprised how many big fi sh are right in the surf! Best fi shing is when the surf is calm, or the incoming waves can really beat you up!
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SURF LESSONSFUN, SAFE, AND EASY!
BOARD RENTALS - TOUR CENTER
THE MOST FUNYOU CAN HAVE...
WITH YOURSHORTS ON!
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SURF SHUTTLE Daily to Avellanas, Playa Negra, Playa Grande. All-inclusive trips to Witch’s RockOllie’s Point. Transfers to airport, nearby beaches and special events.
You can easily see our logo on the main street. We are on the left side of El Coconut Restaurant.Stop in for a chat. Someone is
always hanging out ready to visit with you about surfing!
Main beach parking.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste Phone: 2653-1355
www.kellyssurfshop.com [email protected]
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
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ARIN
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TamarindoSurf
School
Experienceyou can trust!Tamarindo’s fi rstSurf 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
Tamarindo Circle, Guanacaste.Stop by or call for reservations
Phone: (506) 2653-0923Visit our podcast at: www.tamarindosurfschool.com
Everything you need to get you on the path to surfi ng!
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ARIN
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Tours & Equine Center
• Beautiful 50 acre horse ranch, just minutes from Gold Coast beaches.
• Enjoy riding the best Spanish Criollo horses.
• Tours and Trail Rides, “Cantina” Tours, Traditional Fiestas & Tope Horse Parades. • Natural Horsemanship & Equine Education, The Painted Pony Guest Ranch.
Casaguaʼs professional staffis ready to serve you..
www.tamarindobeach.net/[email protected] (506) 653-8041
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TAM
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1 Hour
Massage$ 40
Spadent O.C.I.
Email: [email protected] Phone: (506) 2653-3877
We are located at the Zullymar Hotel Plazaon the Circle in Tamarindo, Guanacaste Health and Beauty
PLAZAZULLYMAR
Spadent Spadent
• Massage Therapy Deep Tissue, Four Hands
• Jacuzzi • Steam Bath• Waxing Center• Tooth Whitening Center 1:30 hour
• Massage Therapy
SPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPAPPPackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesackagesSPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPASPAThe Best
ASK FOR
OUR EXCLUSIVE
SPA MEMBERSHIP
Contact us: (506) [email protected]
www.sur fsideproper tiescostar ica.com
Sales | Rentals | DevelopmentsMortgage | Construction
Surfside Propertiesare local Flamingo,Potrero, Surfsideand area representatives
of “ARCR”, Associationof Residents of
Costa Rica.
Surfside Propertiesare local Flamingo,Potrero, Surfsideand area representatives
of “ARCR”, Associationof Residents of
Costa Rica.
Your Canadian
Connection!
Sales | Rentals | DevelopmentsSurfside Propertiesare local Flamingo,
M A K E C O S T A R I C A Y O U R H O M E !
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Playa Grande is along the coast and just to the north across the Tamarindo Estuary. It has an ambience of being somewhere remote, and yet only a 30-minute drive from Tamarindo. So, sit on the beach and watch some of the surfi ng ac-tion (Remember most good surfi ng happens in the early morning) or walk down the beach, visit the Turtle Museum, and have lunch amongst the trees at the nearby beachfront restaurant.
This beach is a wildlife sanctuary where from December to March the famous big Leath-erback turtles come to lay their eggs. It is ranked as the #2 nesting spot for the Ridley and Leatherback Turtles in the world. These magnifi cent 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 run-ning lengthwise. Nesting season is November through April.
tAke A mystIcAl wAlk
After lunch, if wait until low tide and walk north around the rocky point, you will fi nd some semi-isolated beaches that remind you of being stranded on a deserted island. Keep walking and you will come to the Cove of the Pirates – Hotel and Restaurant, a great place for a bite to eat. Some folklore about the point above and its legendary power.
PLAYA GRANDE
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ARIN
DO locAl folklore for your wAlk Located on the north end of the beach is a rocky point backed by beautiful bluffs the na-tives 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 energy becomes too strong and they swim naked in this beautiful cove. 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. El Encante even has an interesting legend. It is said that sometimes at sunset lights 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 one.
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.
ACCOMMODATIONS beAchouse – “A tropical oasis”
For rent – daily/weekly/monthly rates, 24 hr security, maid service, AC, cable, swimming pool, tropical garden, and 50m from Playa Grande. This is the perfect hidden paradise!
web: www.beachouseplayagrande.comlocation: 50 meters from Playa Grandephone: 2653-2071
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SURFING mAtos fIlms plAyA grAnde surf shop And Internet cAfe
Staffed by people who really know how to surf this surf shop offers whatever a surfer needs, professional surf photography, ding repairs, surf trips, best brands in accessories, surf rent-als and surf lessons, also a good selection of souvenirs. They also have a Matos Surf Shop in Tamarindo.
Hint: Need an internet café? This is the only onein Playa Grande!
web: www.matosfilms.comphone: 2652-9227
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Unless you feeling like walking a long way in the hot sand, the best way to get here is by tak-ing a surf bus or driving. Like any remote beach in the world, you need to keep a good eye on your car. There is a lot to be said about taking a surf bus for the morning or day.
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 dan-gerous. 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 a long two hour walk to the beautiful surfi ng beaches of Playa Avellanas, and a little longer to Playa Negra, so bring some water, sun hats, and bug repellent. Be prepared for 85 degree plus temperatures
PLAYA NEGRAAND AVELLANAS
PLAY
A NE
GRA
AND
AVEL
LANA
S
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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 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 and well de-fined 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.
plAyA negrA hotel
This collection of thatch-roofed bungalows is right in front of the famous Playa Negra point break. Even if you are not a surfer, you’ll appre-ciate the coral and rock outcropping and calm tide pools. The round bungalows each have one queen-size and two single beds, two desks, a ceiling fan, and a private bathroom. Although they have concrete floors, the painted contrast-ing 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.
located: On the beach in Playa Negrafacilities: Restaurant, bar, midsize oval pool; laundry service, Internetphone: 2658-8034 Fax: 2658-8035
cAfé plAyA negrA bed & breAkfAst Café Playa Negra is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily, serving Peruvian and international food in a relaxed setting. Specialty desserts are prepared daily in the restaurant. Fridays, in addition to their regular menu, enjoy Japanese selections prepared with freshly caught yellow
fin tuna. Wednesdays are Mexican specials and on weekends, they prepare a couple of sublime Peruvian surprises. - 6 rooms, private bath, A/C, internet access, restaurant.
lA vIdA buenA pIzzeríA “Surfers supporting the habit with good food and honest labor”
Just before Café Internet Playa Negra on the other side of the road.
M-Th 4pm F/Sat 11am Sun closed. Happy hour M-F 4-6 pm (with drink & food specials). Catering & private parties available.
LOCAL ACTIVITIESsurf lessons – Manu 2658-8178
horseback riding – Shambalah 8811-0553
bike tours – Carle – 2658-8042
massage and beauty – Reiki – Lulu - 2658-8178
massage deep tissue – Vandy – 8371-4418
beauty treatments – Andrea – 8835-5611
yoga lessons – At Todo Bien with Gabe and Forest 8389-2265
NIGHTLIFEoAsIs 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” .
PLAY
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A pristine and exclusive beach community with multi-million dollar mansions and fi ne hotels dot-ting 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 look-ing straight out to the Pacifi c, and to the north a harbor and the Bay of Potrero.
Together with other nearby towns, like Potrero, Brasilito, and Sugar Beach they form a growing community with only grudging connections to Tamarindo. For your convenience, they have a Banco de Costa Rica branch (See Useful Infor-mation Section), 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 fi shing. In fact, it is considered one of the sportsfi shing capitals of the world. The Flamingo Marina pro-vides anglers access to sail and marlin fi shing, and hosts many billfi sh tournaments through-out the summer months.
Slightly closer to the international airport in Liberia, it is only 60 minutes away. It is also ac-cessible through the National Airlines, Nature Air and TACA via the Tamarindo airstrip. These in-country fl ights take approximately 40 minutes to reach San Jose. Look in our (See Useful Informa-tion Section) at the end of the Guide for ads and more information.
FLAMINGO, POTRERO & BRASILITO
FLAM
INGO
, POT
RERO
& B
RASI
LITO
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ACCOMMODATIONSflAmIngo beAch resort
Among the finest hotels in the area and located only steps away from Flamingo’s white sand beach, it is a comfortable base for your adven-tures. It has a first-class fine dining and pool side restaurants. It is also home to the Pelican Nest Disco and a Jazz Casino.
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pArAdIsus plAyA conchAl
Driving north from Tamarindo, just before you reach Brasilito is this sprawling resort. With over-sized villa suites with some of Presidential propor-tions, you will 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. 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.
web address: www.solmelia.comemail: [email protected]: It is on the road from Huacas to Brasili-to. On the right is a big guard shack. phone: 2654-4123
RESTAURANT GUIDEcozy dInIng Just outsIde the pArAdIsus conchAl hotel!
Luna Rossa (formerly Les Arcades) is under new management! It is a cozy hideaway close to the hotel on the main road on the way to Flamingo. It features authentic-style Italian food and a great wine selection. If you want a little dinner excur-sion not to far from the hotel, call for a reserva-tion. (Phone: 2654-5713)
cAtAlInA’s restAurAnt
A little further up the road inside the Flamingo Beach Resort.location: Inside upstairs inside the Flamingo Beach Resort lobby, 6:30 pm to 10 pm.type food: International Cuisinephone: 2654-4444
FLAM
INGO
, POT
RERO
& B
RASI
LITO
conchAl hotel In brAsIlIto
This beautiful boutique hotel is situated in the tranquil pueblo of Playa Brasilito, only 15 kilometers from Tamarindo. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the 10-room hotel provides a high-level of personal service in a clean, secure, private environment. Standard rooms feature king-size beds, air-conditioning, fan, mini-fridge, cable TV, ensuite bath with hot water shower, private patio area and daily maid service.
The hotel also features a swimming pool, private bar, free Wi-Fi internet access, full breakfast daily, secure parking, laundry service, and tea, coffee and water avail-able free of charge all day. This beautiful 2 storey rancho building provides com-fortable lounge areas with sea views, and hammocks. It’s the perfect place to catch a cool breeze and to watch the birds, butterflies and iguanas attracted to the gardens. Their tour desk can help with local information, tours and excursions. They also have preferential rates for car hire and airport transfers.
From $55 per nightphone/fax: 654-9125web: www.conchalcr.come-mail: [email protected]
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EFUL
INFO
RMAT
ION
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USEF
UL IN
FORM
ATIO
N
MONEY MACHINES AND BANkS
money mAchInes And bAnks
Our local banks in the center of town include Banco Nacional on the main street across from the Diria Hotel, as well as Banco Costa Rica and Banco San Jose in Plaza Conchal , the shopping center just pas the town’s major intersection. All have ATM’s and there is a new Banco Nacional ATM next to the High Tide Surf Shop. You can exchange money at any of these banks, but American dollars are accepted everywhere.
GENERALINFORMATION
unscheduled holIdAys
We are blessed with many scheduled and un-scheduled holidays. 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). Some frustrated workahol-ics try to work on those days, but usually end up just catching up on paperwork. On these days it is best just relax by the pool.
currency exchAnge rAtes
The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon and its value compared to the dollar varies daily. Right now, it is about 525 colones to the dollar, but you can spend colones or dollars equally well here.
electrIcAl power
The electrical power in Costa Rica is 110 volts.
tIme
GMT / UTC minus 6 hours that would be Central Time is the USA. There is no day-light savings.
USEFUL INFORMATION
AIR TRAVELThe Gold Coast is easily accessible through the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. If your point of arrival or departure is San Jose, you can fly to the Tamarindo airport via a national airline. 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.
nAture AIr
While in the air from San Jose to the Tamarin-do Airport, see if you can identify the Punta-renas border, Island San Lucas Puerto, Caldera Island, Chira Golfo de Nicoya, and the Nicoya Peninsula. Just a short 45-minute flight.
fares and schedules:www.natureair.com/schedules/schedules.htmlphone: 2653-1111 / 22 99 60 00 (Reserva-tions at the Tamarindo Airport).phone: 2299-6000 (Reservations in San José, – central office)
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AIrport Info
guanacasteAdministration 2668-1178Flights 2668-1010Immigration 2668-1014Customs 2668-1068
AlajuelaFlights 2437-2626Arrivals 2437-2626Customs 2441-6069 Pavas Airport 2223-2830 Tamarindo Airport 8840-1803
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USEF
UL IN
FORM
ATIO
N tIppIng polIcIes
The question of tipping in restaurants comes up frequently. A native person with a run of bad luck will often show respect with a token tip, but if they don’t that’s ok. If their financial luck changes, then the rules change and they are expected to tip. In San Jose people are gener-ally expected to tip more and more often. The native people assume all tourists have a lot of money, so they are expected to tip all the time, at least 10%. However many restaurants will automatically add 10% to your bill (Note: Don’t confuse the 10% service fee (tip) with the 13% tax). So avoid unintentional double tipping by checking your bill to see if the 10% has been automatically added. After dinning and any other good personal service we highly recom-mend an additional tip.
cAr drIvIng tIps
car rentals – Before cruising down the high-way singing “Born to be Wild”, make sure you have taken a few extra moments to really inspect your car. Often they have small prob-lems that need to be noted on your Inspection Report. Most representatives are very thorough and honest at noting these problems, but nev-ertheless you should give the report serious at-tention, include looking for body damage under the fenders and doors. They will appreciate your input and have no problem adding your addi-tional notes. Make sure you get their main and cell phone numbers in case you have a problem. Also, a current driver’s license is necessary, along with a credit card and a deposit. All driv-ers must be at least 18.
Most of the major car rental companies have of-fices here with the district offices being in Liberia and country headquarters in San Jose. Because of the bad roads and the desire for many visitors to go exploring the off-roads, the rental compa-nies switched long ago to the more rugged SUV types. So be prepared to pay a little more.
more driving advice…
We know you’re on vacation and too many warnings may seem out of place. However, while the roads are improving, there are still places where the roads are dangerous. There are very few if any traffic police at night, so everyone is on the “honor” system.
conversIon chArts
1 hectare: 10,000 sq. meters 107,600 sq. feet
1 manzana : 7,000 sq. meters 75,600 sq. feet
1 acre : 4,049 sq. meters 43,560 sq. feet
1 mile = 1.61 kilometers
1 Kilometer = .6214 miles
1 meter = 3.28 feet
1 foot = .304 meters
1 yard = .914 meters
1 meter = 1.09 yard
1 square meter = 10.76 sq. feet
1 square foot = .093 sq. meters
1 manzana = .698896 hectares (7000 sq. meters)
1 acre = 43,560 sq. feet
1 acre = .405 hectares
1 hectare = 10,000 sq. meters
1 hectare = 2, 47 acres
1 hectare = 107,600 sq. feet
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
embAssy phone numbers
Argentina 2234-6520
Brazil 2295-6875
Canada 2242-4400
Chile 2280-0973
Columbia 2283-6861
Dominican Rep. 2283-8103
Ecuador 2232-1503
Germany 2290-9091
Great Britain 2258-2025
Holland 2296-1490
Mexico 2257-0633
Russia 2256-9181
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UL IN
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ATIO
NDon’t worry so much about getting a ticket, just drive carefully. We suggest that if you do get a ticket try to pay before you leave and don’t try to bribe your way out. This country has a prob-lem with corruption, so consider it your good deed not to contribute to the problem. Once a corrupt policeman finds out you’re a tourist willing to accept a ticket, they probably won’t bother giving it to you. This is a time when your worst Spanish can be an asset!
this is not a good place to drink and drive!
It is not uncommon to get a flat tire, so make sure your spare tire is good. If you use your spare, get the bad tire fixed right away. If you don’t first get approval from your car rental agency, 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”, no matter what! This is one of the rea-sons we recommend you carry a cell phone for emergencies.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Some Major Hospitals in San José.
private:CIMA San José: Ph: (2) 2208-1000
public:Clínica Bíblica San Joseph: Ph:. 2522-1000Clínica Católica San José: Ph: 2246-3000
support groupsNarcotics AnonymousHonesty MeetingsMonday – Wednesday – Fridays 7 pm – 10 pmIn back of Fiesta Del Mar Restaurant in Tamarindo.
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS
Not every local is yet aware there is a brand-new Catholic Church in Tamarindo. It is on the out skirts of town near the Tamarindo Hardware Store.
Tamarindo Ministries Ph: 2653-1864
Beach Community Church Country Day School, Brasilito Ph: 2654-4446
Mass every Sunday 6:00pm in Tamarindo
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
Emergencies – 911Local information: 113Long-distance information: 124Operator Assistance – 116Tourist Information – 192
lAndlIne phone servIce
Direct-dial telephone service is available for less than $.40 per minute to the USA and there are several high-speed internet cafés in town offer-ing even less expensive internet phone service.
UTILITIEScable tv - Cable TV is readily available with movies in English, Spanish, Japanese and French. ABC, CBS, and ESPN feature the American, foot-ball season on the major networks, and with a special subscription you can get all the games.
Hint: If your wife reports to the “Polica Rural” that you have watched 3 consecutive games, she can have you declared legally dead and shipped back as baggage.
Internet – High-speed internet is available through the cable TV operators and the national telephone company called ICE or RACSA.
radio - Until recently, there was only one Eng-lish-speaking radio station, and it only played oldies but goodies. Listening to the music, one could easily close the eyes and imagine a band of longhaired hippies slipping down the road with their guitars slung over their backs. Now there is a lot of great new music on the radio. Try 99.5 FM Radio Dos or 102.7 FM Radio One for great gringo music! 911 La Radio has groovy music. 95.5 is the Jazz station.
water - The water is safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, we recommend bottled water.
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11-01 04:29 8.84 ft High11-01 10:42 0.39 ft Low11-01 17:00 8.08 ft High11-01 22:51 1.30 ft Low11-02 05:07 8.50 ft High11-02 11:20 0.68 ft Low11-02 17:40 7.80 ft High11-02 23:31 1.63 ft Low11-03 05:46 8.09 ft High11-03 12:00 1.04 ft Low11-03 18:23 7.50 ft High11-04 00:14 1.98 ft Low11-04 06:30 7.64 ft High11-04 12:43 1.42 ft Low11-04 19:10 7.23 ft High11-05 01:02 2.28 ft Low11-05 07:19 7.23 ft High11-05 13:31 1.76 ft Low11-05 20:02 7.06 ft High11-06 01:58 2.47 ft Low11-06 08:15 6.92 ft High11-06 14:24 2.00 ft Low11-06 20:58 7.06 ft High11-07 03:00 2.47 ft Low11-07 09:18 6.79 ft High11-07 15:21 2.08 ft Low11-07 21:56 7.26 ft High11-08 04:03 2.24 ft Low11-08 10:20 6.88 ft High11-08 16:19 1.96 ft Low11-08 22:51 7.65 ft High11-09 05:03 1.80 ft Low11-09 11:18 7.17 ft High11-09 17:14 1.66 ft Low11-09 23:41 8.18 ft High11-10 05:56 1.22 ft Low11-10 12:11 7.60 ft High11-10 18:05 1.24 ft Low11-11 00:29 8.78 ft High
11-11 06:45 0.59 ft Low11-11 12:59 8.10 ft High11-11 18:54 0.77 ft Low11-12 01:15 9.37 ft High11-12 07:32-0.01 ft Low11-12 13:47 8.59 ft High11-12 19:41 0.33 ft Low11-13 02:02 9.85 ft High11-13 08:18-0.50 ft Low11-13 14:33 9.01 ft High11-13 20:29-0.01 ft Low11-14 02:4810.17 ft High11-14 09:05-0.82 ft Low11-14 15:20 9.29 ft High11-14 21:17-0.19 ft Low11-15 03:3610.26 ft High11-15 09:52-0.93 ft Low11-15 16:09 9.41 ft High11-15 22:07-0.18 ft Low11-16 04:2510.11 ft High11-16 10:41-0.82 ft Low11-16 17:00 9.36 ft High11-16 23:00 0.02 ft Low11-17 05:17 9.75 ft High11-17 11:32-0.51 ft Low11-17 17:54 9.17 ft High11-17 23:55 0.37 ft Low11-18 06:12 9.22 ft High11-18 12:26-0.07 ft Low11-18 18:50 8.89 ft High11-19 00:54 0.80 ft Low11-19 07:12 8.63 ft High11-19 13:24 0.44 ft Low11-19 19:52 8.61 ft High11-20 02:00 1.18 ft Low11-20 08:16 8.09 ft High11-20 14:25 0.91 ft Low11-20 20:56 8.40 ft High11-21 03:09 1.43 ft Low
11-21 09:23 7.69 ft High11-21 15:30 1.26 ft Low11-21 22:01 8.32 ft High11-22 04:19 1.49 ft Low11-22 10:31 7.50 ft High11-22 16:35 1.46 ft Low11-22 23:02 8.35 ft High11-23 05:24 1.38 ft Low11-23 11:34 7.49 ft High11-23 17:35 1.52 ft Low11-23 23:58 8.46 ft High11-24 06:21 1.18 ft Low11-24 12:30 7.59 ft High11-24 18:28 1.51 ft Low11-25 00:48 8.59 ft High11-25 07:10 0.96 ft Low11-25 13:20 7.73 ft High11-25 19:15 1.46 ft Low11-26 01:32 8.70 ft High11-26 07:53 0.76 ft Low11-26 14:04 7.88 ft High11-26 19:58 1.41 ft Low11-27 02:13 8.77 ft High11-27 08:32 0.60 ft Low11-27 14:45 8.01 ft High11-27 20:38 1.38 ft Low11-28 02:52 8.80 ft High11-28 09:09 0.49 ft Low11-28 15:25 8.09 ft High11-28 21:16 1.37 ft Low11-29 03:30 8.77 ft High11-29 09:46 0.45 ft Low11-29 16:04 8.13 ft High11-29 21:55 1.40 ft Low11-30 04:08 8.66 ft High11-30 10:23 0.50 ft Low11-30 16:43 8.11 ft High11-30 22:34 1.48 ft Low
TIDE CHARTSFrom November 1st 2008 to February 28th 2009
November 2008
December 2008 TIDE CHARTS12-01 04:47 8.48 ft High12-01 11:00 0.63 ft Low12-01 17:22 8.04 ft High12-01 23:14 1.60 ft Low12-02 05:26 8.22 ft High12-02 11:38 0.83 ft Low12-02 18:02 7.93 ft High12-02 23:56 1.74 ft Low
12-03 06:08 7.91 ft High12-03 12:17 1.09 ft Low12-03 18:43 7.82 ft High12-04 00:40 1.87 ft Low12-04 06:52 7.59 ft High12-04 12:59 1.34 ft Low12-04 19:27 7.74 ft High12-05 01:28 1.97 ft Low
12-05 07:39 7.30 ft High12-05 13:43 1.57 ft Low12-05 20:13 7.74 ft High12-06 02:20 1.98 ft Low12-06 08:32 7.09 ft High12-06 14:31 1.71 ft Low12-06 21:04 7.83 ft High12-07 03:15 1.88 ft Low
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December 2008
January 2009
TIDE CHARTS
TIDE CHARTS
12-07 09:29 7.02 ft High12-07 15:25 1.75 ft Low12-07 21:57 8.04 ft High12-08 04:14 1.63 ft Low12-08 10:28 7.12 ft High12-08 16:21 1.64 ft Low12-08 22:53 8.37 ft High12-09 05:12 1.25 ft Low12-09 11:27 7.40 ft High12-09 17:19 1.41 ft Low12-09 23:48 8.78 ft High12-10 06:09 0.76 ft Low12-10 12:24 7.81 ft High12-10 18:17 1.06 ft Low12-11 00:43 9.23 ft High12-11 07:03 0.24 ft Low12-11 13:20 8.30 ft High12-11 19:14 0.67 ft Low12-12 01:36 9.64 ft High12-12 07:56-0.24 ft Low12-12 14:13 8.80 ft High12-12 20:09 0.30 ft Low12-13 02:29 9.95 ft High12-13 08:47-0.63 ft Low12-13 15:05 9.23 ft High12-13 21:03 0.02 ft Low12-14 03:2110.11 ft High12-14 09:38-0.85 ft Low12-14 15:57 9.54 ft High12-14 21:57-0.12 ft Low12-15 04:1310.07 ft High12-15 10:28-0.89 ft Low
12-15 16:49 9.68 ft High12-15 22:51-0.09 ft Low12-16 05:06 9.83 ft High12-16 11:19-0.72 ft Low12-16 17:41 9.65 ft High12-16 23:45 0.10 ft Low12-17 05:59 9.41 ft High12-17 12:10-0.37 ft Low12-17 18:35 9.46 ft High12-18 00:41 0.43 ft Low12-18 06:54 8.87 ft High12-18 13:02 0.11 ft Low12-18 19:29 9.16 ft High12-19 01:39 0.82 ft Low12-19 07:51 8.29 ft High12-19 13:56 0.66 ft Low12-19 20:26 8.80 ft High12-20 02:39 1.19 ft Low12-20 08:51 7.74 ft High12-20 14:53 1.20 ft Low12-20 21:24 8.46 ft High12-21 03:42 1.48 ft Low12-21 09:54 7.32 ft High12-21 15:53 1.66 ft Low12-21 22:23 8.21 ft High12-22 04:46 1.63 ft Low12-22 10:58 7.08 ft High12-22 16:53 1.97 ft Low12-22 23:21 8.07 ft High12-23 05:47 1.61 ft Low12-23 11:59 7.03 ft High12-23 17:52 2.12 ft Low
12-24 00:15 8.04 ft High12-24 06:42 1.48 ft Low12-24 12:55 7.14 ft High12-24 18:46 2.13 ft Low12-25 01:05 8.11 ft High12-25 07:30 1.27 ft Low12-25 13:44 7.35 ft High12-25 19:35 2.02 ft Low12-26 01:50 8.23 ft High12-26 08:13 1.02 ft Low12-26 14:28 7.60 ft High12-26 20:19 1.85 ft Low12-27 02:33 8.37 ft High12-27 08:52 0.78 ft Low12-27 15:09 7.87 ft High12-27 21:01 1.65 ft Low12-28 03:13 8.50 ft High12-28 09:29 0.59 ft Low12-28 15:48 8.10 ft High12-28 21:40 1.46 ft Low12-29 03:52 8.57 ft High12-29 10:05 0.47 ft Low12-29 16:25 8.29 ft High12-29 22:19 1.31 ft Low12-30 04:30 8.55 ft High12-30 10:41 0.44 ft Low12-30 17:02 8.41 ft High12-30 22:57 1.22 ft Low12-31 05:08 8.45 ft High12-31 11:16 0.50 ft Low12-31 17:39 8.47 ft High12-31 23:33 1.13 ft Low
01-01 05:43 8.28 ft High01-01 11:48 0.61 ft Low01-01 18:11 8.50 ft High01-02 00:12 1.17 ft Low01-02 06:22 8.01 ft High01-02 12:24 0.80 ft Low01-02 18:48 8.45 ft High01-03 00:54 1.25 ft Low01-03 07:03 7.72 ft High01-03 13:03 1.02 ft Low01-03 19:29 8.38 ft High01-04 01:39 1.35 ft Low01-04 07:48 7.42 ft High01-04 13:46 1.25 ft Low01-04 20:16 8.31 ft High01-05 02:30 1.44 ft Low01-05 08:40 7.18 ft High01-05 14:37 1.45 ft Low01-05 21:08 8.26 ft High01-06 03:28 1.45 ft Low01-06 09:41 7.06 ft High
01-06 15:35 1.58 ft Low01-06 22:09 8.30 ft High01-07 04:31 1.33 ft Low01-07 10:48 7.14 ft High01-07 16:41 1.57 ft Low01-07 23:14 8.46 ft High01-08 05:37 1.03 ft Low01-08 11:56 7.47 ft High01-08 17:50 1.35 ft Low01-09 00:19 8.77 ft High01-09 06:41 0.57 ft Low01-09 13:00 8.01 ft High01-09 18:56 0.94 ft Low01-10 01:20 9.18 ft High01-10 07:40 0.03 ft Low01-10 13:59 8.65 ft High01-10 19:58 0.45 ft Low01-11 02:17 9.58 ft High01-11 08:34-0.49 ft Low01-11 14:54 9.27 ft High01-11 20:55-0.02 ft Low
01-12 03:11 9.88 ft High01-12 09:25-0.88 ft Low01-12 15:45 9.76 ft High01-12 21:49-0.36 ft Low01-13 04:0310.00 ft High01-13 10:14-1.06 ft Low01-13 16:3410.05 ft High01-13 22:40-0.49 ft Low01-14 04:52 9.90 ft High01-14 11:02-1.01 ft Low01-14 17:2310.10 ft High01-14 23:29-0.40 ft Low01-15 05:41 9.58 ft High01-15 11:48-0.72 ft Low01-15 18:10 9.90 ft High01-16 00:19-0.10 ft Low01-16 06:30 9.06 ft High01-16 12:35-0.22 ft Low01-16 18:59 9.49 ft High01-17 01:09 0.36 ft Low01-17 07:20 8.42 ft High
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01-17 13:22 0.42 ft Low01-17 19:48 8.96 ft High01-18 02:01 0.89 ft Low01-18 08:13 7.74 ft High01-18 14:11 1.11 ft Low01-18 20:40 8.39 ft High01-19 02:57 1.39 ft Low01-19 09:10 7.14 ft High01-19 15:05 1.76 ft Low01-19 21:36 7.88 ft High01-20 03:58 1.77 ft Low01-20 10:14 6.71 ft High01-20 16:05 2.25 ft Low01-20 22:37 7.54 ft High01-21 05:04 1.93 ft Low01-21 11:22 6.56 ft High01-21 17:12 2.51 ft Low01-21 23:39 7.41 ft High01-22 06:07 1.85 ft Low
01-22 12:25 6.67 ft High01-22 18:16 2.49 ft Low01-23 00:36 7.49 ft High01-23 07:02 1.60 ft Low01-23 13:20 6.98 ft High01-23 19:13 2.26 ft Low01-24 01:27 7.72 ft High01-24 07:49 1.25 ft Low01-24 14:06 7.39 ft High01-24 20:00 1.90 ft Low01-25 02:12 8.01 ft High01-25 08:29 0.88 ft Low01-25 14:46 7.82 ft High01-25 20:42 1.49 ft Low01-26 02:53 8.30 ft High01-26 09:06 0.55 ft Low01-26 15:24 8.22 ft High01-26 21:20 1.10 ft Low01-27 03:31 8.53 ft High
01-27 09:40 0.29 ft Low01-27 15:58 8.56 ft High01-27 21:57 0.77 ft Low01-28 04:08 8.65 ft High01-28 10:14 0.14 ft Low01-28 16:32 8.81 ft High01-28 22:33 0.54 ft Low01-29 04:43 8.65 ft High01-29 10:47 0.09 ft Low01-29 17:06 8.95 ft High01-29 23:09 0.42 ft Low01-30 05:19 8.53 ft High01-30 11:20 0.14 ft Low01-30 17:41 8.99 ft High01-30 23:46 0.42 ft Low01-31 05:55 8.31 ft High01-31 11:55 0.29 ft Low01-31 18:16 8.93 ft High
02-01 00:25 0.53 ft Low02-01 06:34 8.01 ft High02-01 12:32 0.53 ft Low02-01 18:56 8.77 ft High02-02 01:08 0.73 ft Low02-02 07:16 7.65 ft High02-02 13:15 0.83 ft Low02-02 19:40 8.53 ft High02-03 01:56 0.99 ft Low02-03 08:07 7.29 ft High02-03 14:04 1.18 ft Low02-03 20:34 8.25 ft High02-04 02:54 1.23 ft Low02-04 09:09 7.02 ft High02-04 15:05 1.49 ft Low02-04 21:39 8.03 ft High02-05 04:01 1.33 ft Low02-05 10:22 6.97 ft High02-05 16:18 1.63 ft Low02-05 22:52 8.00 ft High02-06 05:14 1.17 ft Low02-06 11:38 7.26 ft High02-06 17:35 1.46 ft Low02-07 00:04 8.25 ft High02-07 06:25 0.75 ft Low02-07 12:47 7.85 ft High02-07 18:47 0.99 ft Low02-08 01:09 8.68 ft High02-08 07:26 0.17 ft Low02-08 13:47 8.58 ft High02-08 19:50 0.38 ft Low02-09 02:07 9.16 ft High02-09 08:20-0.41 ft Low02-09 14:40 9.28 ft High02-09 20:45-0.20 ft Low02-10 02:59 9.55 ft High02-10 09:10-0.86 ft Low
02-10 15:28 9.82 ft High02-10 21:35-0.62 ft Low02-11 03:47 9.75 ft High02-11 09:56-1.09 ft Low02-11 16:1410.11 ft High02-11 22:22-0.80 ft Low02-12 04:34 9.71 ft High02-12 10:39-1.06 ft Low02-12 16:5910.12 ft High02-12 23:08-0.72 ft Low02-13 05:18 9.43 ft High02-13 11:22-0.77 ft Low02-13 17:42 9.87 ft High02-13 23:52-0.40 ft Low02-14 06:03 8.93 ft High02-14 12:04-0.26 ft Low02-14 18:26 9.38 ft High02-15 00:36 0.10 ft Low02-15 06:48 8.29 ft High02-15 12:47 0.40 ft Low02-15 19:10 8.75 ft High02-16 01:22 0.70 ft Low02-16 07:35 7.58 ft High02-16 13:31 1.13 ft Low02-16 19:58 8.07 ft High02-17 02:12 1.30 ft Low02-17 08:29 6.92 ft High02-17 14:21 1.83 ft Low02-17 20:51 7.45 ft High02-18 03:09 1.80 ft Low02-18 09:31 6.43 ft High02-18 15:20 2.39 ft Low02-18 21:53 7.00 ft High02-19 04:17 2.08 ft Low02-19 10:42 6.22 ft High02-19 16:32 2.68 ft Low02-19 23:01 6.83 ft High
02-20 05:28 2.06 ft Low02-20 11:52 6.36 ft High02-20 17:46 2.61 ft Low02-21 00:06 6.94 ft High02-21 06:29 1.79 ft Low02-21 12:50 6.74 ft High02-21 18:47 2.25 ft Low02-22 01:01 7.26 ft High02-22 07:19 1.39 ft Low02-22 13:37 7.25 ft High02-22 19:36 1.74 ft Low02-23 01:48 7.67 ft High02-23 07:59 0.95 ft Low02-23 14:17 7.79 ft High02-23 20:18 1.19 ft Low02-24 02:28 8.07 ft High02-24 08:36 0.53 ft Low02-24 14:53 8.31 ft High02-24 20:55 0.66 ft Low02-25 03:06 8.41 ft High02-25 09:10 0.18 ft Low02-25 15:27 8.75 ft High02-25 21:31 0.22 ft Low02-26 03:42 8.63 ft High02-26 09:44-0.07 ft Low02-26 16:01 9.08 ft High02-26 22:06-0.09 ft Low02-27 04:17 8.72 ft High02-27 10:17-0.20 ft Low02-27 16:35 9.28 ft High02-27 22:42-0.25 ft Low02-28 04:53 8.67 ft High02-28 10:51-0.20 ft Low02-28 17:10 9.33 ft High02-28 23:19-0.24 ft Low
January 2009
February 2009
TIDE CHARTS
TIDE CHARTS
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