Tag: costa rica eco tourism

July 30,2026

5 National Parks You Can Visit from Tamarindo

Guanacaste, the province where Tamarindo is located, is home to at least seven national parks, chosen and protected for their historical significance, natural beauty, ecological diversity, habitat importance, and varied flora and fauna. You may have heard of a few of them, but we’ll bet there are at least a couple you haven’t.

 

And while we couldn’t fit them all on this list of the best national parks in Costa Rica – part two coming soon? – we’re happy to share five of our favorite must-visit national parks in Guanacaste, all within day-trip distance from Tamarindo and our Guanacaste vacation rentals.

 

Las Baulas National Marine Park

Drive Time: About 30 to 40 minutes

Recommended Experience: Turtle Tour or Playa Grande Day Trip

You may have heard that Las Baulas National Marine Park, located just across the estuary from Tamarindo, is one of the world’s largest nesting sites for leatherback turtles. These are the world’s largest sea turtles and, depending on which conservation list you consult, they’re considered vulnerable, endangered, or very much at risk. Either way, they’re to be protected, not only because they’re extraordinary, but because they’re incredibly important to both Costa Rica’s and the planet’s ecosystems.

 

And here, just a few hundred yards from Tamarindo, along the shores of Playa Grande, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Carbón, as well as acres of inland mangrove forests, Las Baulas hosts these gentle giants, along with beautiful sand, sun, swimming, and spectacular surf. Playa Grande is especially beloved for beginner-to-intermediate waves, including fast-breaking lefts and rights, with a few barrels, peaks, and long rides thrown in for good measure.

 

The Wondrous Leatherback Turtle

Did you know that leatherback turtles are the largest sea turtles in the world and the fourth-largest of all reptiles? They come in fourth only to three crocodilians, which gives you a pretty good idea of how big they are. Some people even call them the Earth’s last dinosaur, since the species has lived for millions of years and outlived even the last of the dinosaurs. Pretty impressive for a six-foot-long, 1,500-pound turtle that can dive as deep as 3,900 feet, where the pressure is so intense that a human would implode!

 

When to Visit

Las Baulas National Marine Park makes for a great visit any time of year, thanks to its scenic coastline and mangroves. But if you’re here for the leatherbacks, your best chances are during nesting season, which typically runs from October through March. Keep in mind that you’ll need to take an official nighttime turtle tour to see the leatherbacks nesting.

 

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Drive Time: About 2 hours
Recommended Experience: Las Pailas Sector, Volcano Hike, Waterfalls, and Hot Springs

We like to think of Rincón de la Vieja National Park as the one with a fiery heart and a watery outer layer. Because at its true heart – and by that we mean deep within the earth – Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano that produces one of Costa Rica’s steamiest (and absolutely jaw-dropping) attractions.

 

Here, you can get up close and personal with still-active volcanic vents, which is one of the hottest and coolest things we’ve ever done. We’re talking boiling mud pots, volcanic rivers, cold-water waterfalls, scrubland, cloud forest, and a whole host of ecosystems and microhabitats that support incredible flora and fauna. 

 

What makes it even better is that Rincón de la Vieja is still just off-the-beaten-path enough that you may only meet a handful of other visitors in the park. So, you’re not bumping elbows, you’re not lining up for a 5-second look at anything. You really do get the sense that you’ve stepped into this incredible volcanic wonderland almost on your own.

 

Spotlight on Las Pailas Sector

Rincón de la Vieja is too large to see in a single day, so if we had to make one recommendation, we’d point you toward the Las Pailas sector and the park’s most popular loop. Here, you can see:

 

·      Boiling mud pots

·      Steaming fumaroles

·      A mini-crater, or volcancito

·      Hot springs and volcanic vents

·      Rivers and dry savannah

·      Rainforest and cloud forest scenery

·      Seasonal waterfalls and access to longer waterfall hikes

 

Santa Rosa National Park

Drive Time: About 2 hours
Recommended Experience: History, Dry Forest, Wildlife, and Remote Beaches

We love recommending Santa Rosa National Park, in part because it doesn’t always make the recommended lists… and we’ll never understand why. Costa Rica’s first national park, Santa Rosa is home to untouched beauty and wild nature, which is exactly what most people hope to experience in a national park. 

 

Here, you’ll find rivers, rare tropical dry forest, rocky islands, sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and so much more, all of which creates a landscape home to beautiful plants and bucket-list wildlife, including howler monkeys and the white-tailed deer, a national symbol of Costa Rican wildlife.

 

Santa Rosa’s Historical Significance

Easily one of the best national parks in Costa Rica, thanks to its historic significance alone, Santa Rosa is one of Costa Rica’s most important national parks, with ample signage that details its cultural and historical significance. 

 

Here, you’ll find La Casona Historic Museum, the park’s true point of interest and the real reason Santa Rosa became Costa Rica’s first national park. In a story all Costa Rican schoolchildren know, this is the site where U.S. filibuster William Walker and his army were defeated by a small group of Costa Ricans, a victory that helped protect Costa Rica’s sovereignty.

 

Flora and Fauna

Santa Rosa is incredibly historic, but there’s a lot of nature here too. National parks aren’t zoos, of course, so no sighting is ever guaranteed. But when you’re in a place as ecologically dense as Santa Rosa, you have pretty good chances. 

 

Here, you’ll find 750-plus plant species, 100-plus reptile and amphibian species, 115-plus mammal species, and 4,000-plus butterfly and moth species. And then, of course, there are the 250-plus resident and migratory bird species. So grab your bucket list and your naturalist guide, and ready yourself for a great trip.

 

Palo Verde National Park

Drive Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours

Recommended Experience: Tempisque River Boat Tour and Birdwatching

 

Palo Verde National Park is always one of our top recommendations because of how rich a contrast it is. Here, some of Costa Rica’s most ecologically diverse and important wetlands cozy up to one of the planet’s most important swaths of tropical dry forest. It feels like a contradiction, but in Costa Rica, it’s not.

 

That’s because Palo Verde is both set within Guanacaste province and located along the Río Tempisque, which gives so much life to this otherwise arid region. Named for the green stick, or palo verde, that you find in so many Costa Rican wetland habitats, Palo Verde stretches just over 45,000 acres but is home to 15 distinct habitats. The result is deciduous forests and plains, wooded savannas, lagoons and marshes, saltwater mangroves, riverside forest, and so much more, creating an incredible oasis even in the dry season.

 

Birding at Palo Verde

Palo Verde is home to an incredible 300-plus bird species, including what is believed to be the greatest concentration of waterfowl and shorebirds in all of Central America. If the timing is right, up to a quarter million birds may reside here at any given time, making this birdwatching central and an incredibly important habitat for migratory and resident bird species.

 

Here, you could spot:

 

·      Great egrets

·      Anhingas

·      Pink herons

·      Snowy egrets

·      Green-backed herons

·      Roseate spoonbills

·      Snail kites

·      Blue-winged teals

·      Northern shovelers

·      Black-necked stilts

·      Black-crowned night herons

·      Cattle egrets

·      Great curassows

·      American wigeons

·      Toucans

·      Parrots

·      Scarlet macaws

·      And many more!

 

In addition, keep an eye out for:

 

·      American crocodiles

·      White-faced monkeys

·      Howler monkeys

·      White-nosed coatis

·      Collared peccaries

·      Armadillos

·      Jaguarundis

·      White-tailed deer

·      And so much more!

 

Diria National Park

Drive Time: About 1.5 hours

Recommended Experience: Hiking, Birding, Forest Trails, and Seasonal Waterfall

You don’t hear a lot about Diriá National Park, and that’s part of its charm. This ever-developing national park is still a work in progress, but the progress it’s already made is pretty incredible.

 

To start, Diriá is an incredible dichotomy of hot, arid lowlands, home to rare tropical dry forest, that then climb nearly 6,000 feet in elevation to cooler temperatures and premontane tropical wet forest. In turn, that provides an incredible diversity of flora and fauna to appreciate as you wonder at the ever-changing landscapes. There are at least three trails through the park, which loop for anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes and pass seasonal Brazil Waterfall, a natural swimming hole, biking trails, lookout points, and more.

 

Flora and Fauna

One of the biggest reasons people visit Diriá National Park is because of its primary forest, sometimes called virgin forest, which is an incredibly rare type of forest in the world nowadays. Primary forest has never been cut, farmed, or otherwise changed from its natural state, which creates a very unique ecosystem that can’t be replicated, even in the oldest secondary forests. In turn, these primary forests create habitats unlike any other, with plant life that supports animal life in different ways than what we see in secondary forests.

 

Diriá is a pretty exhilarating visit for wildlife lovers because there are so many large mammals here, including white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, coatimundis, anteaters, coyotes, boar, possums, and occasional jaguarundis.

 

The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, who can keep their eyes peeled for:

 

·      Turquoise-browed motmots

·      Elegant trogons

·      Collared aracaris

·      Squirrel cuckoos

·      Plain chachalacas

·      Long-tailed manakins

·      Broad-winged hawks

·      Ivory-billed woodcreepers

·      Barred antshrikes

·      Olive sparrows

·      Masked tityras

·      Great kiskadees

·      Banded wrens

·      Stub-tailed spadebills

 

Where to Stay

If the best national parks in Costa Rica are on the docket, then where you stay matters. Our Guanacaste vacation rentals offer an easy home base, good concierge support, and enough space to come back dusty, happy, and very ready for the pool.

 

360 Splendor #501

Flamingo | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6

 

360 Splendor #501 is a great fit if your national park plans are part of a broader Guanacaste vacation. Set on Flamingo’s north ridge, this ocean-view condo gives you a slightly quieter base, with Flamingo Beach, Marina Flamingo, restaurants, a supermarket, and ocean adventures all close by. It’s not in Tamarindo proper, but for travelers who like Flamingo’s calmer rhythm, that’s exactly the point.

 

After a day at Santa Rosa, Rincón de la Vieja, or Palo Verde, the condo is the kind of place that makes re-entry easy: ocean views from every bedroom, two private balconies, king beds, an ocean-view gym, a rooftop terrace, 24/7 security, and free golf cart shuttle service to Playa Flamingo, the supermarket, and the marina. A national park day may start with hiking shoes, but it can end very nicely with a sunset view and dinner close to home.

 

>> Book Now <<

 

Casa Howler

Tamarindo | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Sleeps 8

Casa Howler is for travelers who want nature without leaving Tamarindo behind. Set inside Tamarindo Park, an eco-friendly gated community where most of the land remains untouched, this brand-new home gives you lush views, modern tropical design, and the kind of quiet that feels especially good after a day spent hiking, birding, boating, or bouncing along Guanacaste roads in search of wildlife.

 

The location keeps things easy: you’re about a 10-minute walk from Tamarindo Beach, a short walk from downtown, and just minutes from supermarkets and pharmacies. Guests also receive access to Langosta Beach Club, which adds a pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, and direct beach access to the stay. Back at home, there’s a private pool, daily cleaning and laundry, breakfast preparation, cocktails and snacks until 2 p.m., and a dedicated concierge to help make the national park logistics feel much less like logistics.

 

>> Book Now <<

 

Casa Laurel

Tamarindo | 7 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | Sleeps 19

Casa Laurel is the big-group answer, and we do mean big. This brand-new Tamarindo mansion was designed for families, reunions, and multi-family trips that need real space, not creative sleeping arrangements and a prayer. With nearly 5,000 square feet, seven bedrooms, dedicated kids’ rooms, a movie and game room, a private pool, a plunge pool, and partial ocean views from select areas, the house gives everyone somewhere to land.

 

That matters when you’re planning national park days, because not everyone returns from a hike, turtle tour, or river safari with the same energy level. Some people will head straight for the pool. Some will want snacks. Some will disappear for a nap and reemerge at dinner like nothing happened. Casa Laurel absorbs all of that beautifully, with breakfast preparation, daily housekeeping, laundry, and concierge support included, plus the option to upgrade with airport transfers and a local culinary experience.

 

>> Book Now <<

 

Ready to Explore Costa Rica’s National Parks and Guanacaste Vacation Rentals?

If the best national parks in Costa Rica already have you dreaming of turtle tours, volcanic mud pots, river safaris, tropical dry forest, and the kind of wildlife sightings you’ll talk about for years, then Tamarindo is a pretty excellent place to begin. From beachfront condos to spacious vacation homes with pools, terraces, and room for the whole crew, your rental can be more than where you sleep. It can be the home base that makes every national park day easier.

 

That just happens to be our concierge, Cris’s, specialty! She knows Tamarindo, Guanacaste, and the tours worth building a day around, from Las Baulas and Palo Verde to Rincón de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, and Diriá. Cris can help you sort through drive times, tour options, family logistics, and what actually makes sense for your group, your budget, and your vacation style.

 

It all begins with our welcome packet, which you’ll receive after booking. Have a look, start building your wish list, and then talk to Cris. She’ll help turn “we should do a national park” into the kind of day that actually works, hiking shoes, binoculars, snacks, and all. Get in touch and let’s get started!

 

June 20,2025

Costa Rica for Families – Whale Watching, Sea Turtles & Fishing Adventures during Tamarindo’s Secret Season

The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season isn’t what you think. Sure, there are showers – mostly in the early morning, early afternoon, or overnight – but that just means the region comes alive in ways you won’t see during the dry season. 

 

Picture this: humpback whales breaching offshore. Sea turtles nesting by moonlight. Rivers running strong for tubing and waterfalls. And the best part? You can experience it all without the high-season crowds or prices.

 

Welcome to Costa Rica’s secret season: a green, vibrant time of year that turns Tamarindo into a family-friendly paradise full of nature, adventure, and value. With plenty of Costa Rica beach house rentals to choose from, it's the perfect time to plan a reunion, a family vacation, or a getaway with friends.

 

Why Travel in the Guanacaste, Costa Rica Rainy Season?

From late May through early November, the landscape transforms. Everything is greener, the air feels fresher, and the sunsets are some of the best you’ll ever see. Best of all, Tamarindo gets less rain than other parts of the country, so you can still spend your days at the beach, in the water, or out on the trails.

 

Other benefits of visiting in the rainy season:

 

• Lower prices on Costa Rica beach house rentals, tours, and flights
• Fewer crowds, even at popular spots
• More wildlife, as many species are more active in the wetter months
• Family-friendly adventure, like tubing, zip-lining, hiking, and fishing

 

For families traveling on a budget or anyone looking to stretch their vacation time a little longer, the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season is a hidden gem.

 

Whale Watching Season: Ocean Giants Up Close

From July through October, Tamarindo becomes one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot southern humpback whales. These gentle giants migrate thousands of miles from Antarctica to give birth and raise their calves in the calm, warm Pacific waters.

 

You can often spot whales breaching from the beach, but for a closer look, hop on a catamaran tour or private boat with a local guide. These family-friendly excursions often include dolphin sightings, snorkeling, snacks, and fun for kids of all ages.

 

Top Species to Spot:

 

• Southern Humpback Whales (July to October)
• Bottlenose Dolphins (year-round)
• Spinner Dolphins (year-round, often travel in playful pods)

 

Sea Turtle Nesting: A Magical Nighttime Experience

There’s nothing quite like watching a sea turtle come ashore to nest. It’s quiet. It’s powerful. And it’s something your family will never forget. The Tamarindo area is close to several protected turtle nesting beaches, where you can take guided night tours to observe turtles in their natural habitat.

 

Depending on the time of year, you might even see tiny hatchlings making their dash for the sea!

 

Sea Turtles Near Tamarindo:

 

• Olive Ridley Turtles at Playa Ostional (arribadas: June–November)
• Leatherback Turtles at Playa Grande (October–February)
• Green & Hawksbill Turtles in smaller numbers year-round

 

Tours are designed to be eco-friendly and respectful of the turtles, with local guides explaining the conservation efforts and biology behind these amazing creatures.

 

Fishing Fun for Families: Inshore & Offshore Adventures

Fishing is one of the most popular activities during the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season, and Tamarindo is one of the best spots to do it. With calmer seas and an abundance of marine life, it's a perfect time for inshore or offshore fishing tours.

 

You don’t have to be an expert – most tours welcome kids and beginners. Whether you’re hoping to catch dinner or reel in a photo-worthy trophy, it’s a fun way to spend time on the water.

 

Offshore Species (Best June–October):

 

• Yellowfin Tuna (30-200+ lbs!)
• Mahi Mahi / Dorado (great for ceviche)
• Marlin & Sailfish (usually catch-and-release)

 

Inshore Species:

 

• Roosterfish (fun fight + cool dorsal fin)
• Snapper (delicious and common)
• Snook, Wahoo & Mackerel (great for beginners)

 

Our team at Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo can help you connect with trusted local guides who know where the fish are biting and how to make the trip fun and safe for your whole crew.

 

More Rainy Season Family Favorites in Tamarindo

The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season is about more than just the ocean. It’s a chance to explore rivers, forests, and volcanoes while everything is lush and blooming. 

 

Some family-friendly adventures to consider:

 

• Tubing or rafting on near Rincón de la Vieja
• Zip-lining through the canopy at nearby adventure parks
• Horseback riding on the beach
• Hiking at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (mud pots, waterfalls, wildlife)
• ATV tours through the hills and backroads
• Surfing lessons for all ages and levels

 

Need a rainy day activity? Check out Tamarindo’s fun dining spots, local artisan markets, or plan an in-home cooking class at your rental.

 

Why Costa Rica Beach House Rentals Make All the Difference

When you travel with kids, space matters. That’s why Costa Rica beach house rentals are a family favorite. You’ll enjoy:

 

• Full kitchens for easy meals and snacks
• Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
• Private pools and outdoor space to play
• Close proximity to beaches, restaurants, and town
• More privacy and comfort than a hotel

 

Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of ages, a vacation rental makes it easier to relax and enjoy your time together. Here’s where to stay:

 

Villa Uana

Hacienda Pinilla | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Baths + 1 Half Bath | Sleeps 16

Tucked into the quiet Brisas community at Hacienda Pinilla, Villa Uana offers a refined take on tropical living. With clean lines, contemporary design, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, this is a home that honors simplicity without sacrificing comfort.

 

What sets it apart? For starters, two private pools. Multiple outdoor living areas – some sun-soaked, others shaded and breezy. An outdoor fire pit and dining space that feels made for starlit evenings. And all of it framed by swaying palms, lush greenery, and a canopy often visited by howler monkeys in the Guanacaste trees.

 

Inside, thoughtful design and understated elegance define each space. Outside, two open-air showers, a hidden hot tub, and several bedrooms that open directly onto the pool or garden invite you to settle into the rhythm of pura vida. This is your private hideaway. This is Villa Uana – peaceful, exclusive, and naturally luxurious.

 

>> Book Now <<

Crystal Sands Penthouse 504

Playa Langosta | 3 Beds | 3 Baths | Sleeps 12

 

When nothing but your very own, exclusive penthouse will suffice, Crystal Sands 504 exceeds expectations for Costa Rica holiday rentals, with its airy private balcony and some of Tamarindo’s most breathtaking views – directly overlooking Langosta Beach and the expansive Pacific Ocean, stretching as far as the eye can behold.

 

Your front yard is a vast expanse of ocean and horizon, occasionally graced by passing sailboats, breaching whales, paddling sea turtles, or playful dolphins – dotting your private panorama.

 

 

But there’s more to behold. This penthouse in paradise fulfills every dream, featuring a private hot tub on the balcony, a gourmet kitchen with a full-sized gas grill, breezy and open interiors, and, once again, that mesmerizing view. Whether you’re in the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, or the bedrooms – perhaps even from your shower, if luck is on your side – you’ll be immersed in the splendor of this unparalleled vista.

 

Casa Howler

4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 8

 

Impeccably designed to leave a lasting impression, Casa Howler stands as a luxurious vacation haven nestled within Tamarindo Park—a captivating new community gracing the hills around downtown Tamarindo.

 

In this idyllic setting where nature’s marvels unfold just beyond your doorstep, and every facet radiates the essence of modern tropical living, Casa Howler positions itself just a short 10-minute stroll from all the places you long to explore, from Playa Tamarindo itself to the town’s diverse array of restaurants, nightlife, tours, attractions, and more.

 

Step inside Casa Howler, where the allure of floor-to-ceiling glass beckons you to embrace forest views from every corner, seamlessly blending the indoors with Costa Rica’s exotic flora. Alternatively, bask in sun-drenched afternoons by your private pool, craft culinary delights in your chef’s kitchen, or unwind in the generously appointed king-sized bedrooms. Casa Howler delivers everything you desire and more for an opulent family retreat in the heart of Costa Rica.

 

>> Book Now <<

 

Planning Your Secret Season Trip

The Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season isn’t just a time to save money. It’s a season of color, wildlife, and natural wonder. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, multi-generational reunion, or an escape with friends, there’s something truly special waiting for you in Tamarindo.

 

·      When to Come: July through October offers the best of the Guanacaste, Costa Rica rainy season: whales, turtles, and great fishing. August and September are especially ideal.

·      Where to Stay: Browse our collection of Costa Rica beach house rentals, from budget-friendly to beachfront with a pool. Many are walkable to town and beach.

·      What to Pack: Quick-dry clothes, sturdy sandals, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure!

·      What to Ask Us: At Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo, we offer full concierge service. From booking tours to arranging airport transport, we’re here to make your trip easy and unforgettable.

 

Pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to explore!

 

Ready to Plan Your Secret Season Adventure?

If this summer has you dreaming of palm trees, wildlife adventures, and sandy footprints, now’s the time to book your escape. From beachfront villas with open-air living spaces to concierge-planned seasonal adventures, your trip can be as luxurious as it is meaningful.

 

That just happens to be our concierge, Cris’s, specialty! She’s an expert in travel, relaxation, and tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Digging beneath the surface and reaching beyond the norm, Cris not only makes it her job to know Tamarindo (and its restaurants), but to get to know you, too! She’s like a real-life guidebook who expertly overlays Tamarindo’s most iconic experiences and must-do adventures with your needs, preferences, and plans. What’s more, she’ll work with your budget.

 

It begins with our welcome packet, which you’ll receive after you make a booking. It’ll introduce you to many of our favorite things, so have a look. Start building your wish list. And then, talk to Cris and let the fun begin. It’s part magic, part expertise. Go ahead, pick Cris’s brain! She can’t wait to hear from you!

March 01,2019

Costa Rica Intends to Become Carbon Neutral & Eliminate Single Use Plastics

Costa Rica is already working on a New Year’s Resolution for 2021.  The two-part goal states that Costa Rica aims to be carbon neutral by 2021 AND that it intends to be the world’s first country to reach that goal.  Is this possible?  It’s an ambitious end for us to have set our sights on, but we’re making progress and when Costa Ricans pool their efforts, anything is possible.

A carbon neutral nation is one that offsets its carbon emissions essentially by planting trees.  If you’ve been to Costa Rica, you can see how this exchange can work for us because we have one heck of a lot of trees.

Photo by Boudewjin Huysmans

Because our electricity is created by water, wind and solar power, we are able to imagine and even believe in a world in which our emissions are not more than the carbon our forests consume.  One of our proudest environmental accomplishments in Costa Rica is that in the year 2018, the country was able to power itself for 300 out of 365 days on 100% renewable energy.  This marks the 4^th consecutive year that Costa Rica has drawn over 98% of its energy from renewable sources. As a country that depends on ecotourism, can you imagine how excited we are about this?

The story of Costa Rica’s forests has a beautiful beginning, a tragic middle, and what appears to be a very bright future.  In the 1940’s, 75% of Costa Rica was covered by virgin indigenous rainforests and tropical dry forests.  Deforestation, however, destroyed over half of Costa Rica’s forests by the early 1980’s, dropping the percentage of canopy cover to 26%.  Fifty thousand hectares of trees per year were being lost at that time, mostly to create cropland and grazing areas for cattle.  Perceiving the danger this practice was placing the environment in, Costa Rica began to change its practices, and by 1989, the deforestation rate had slowed by half.  By the early 1990s, deforestation slowed to 4,000 hectares per year, and by 1998, a rate of 0% deforestation was occurring.

That in itself is an amazing story.

 

Photo by Nikola Jovanovic

 

Zero percent deforestation does not mean that trees are no longer cut in Costa Rica—it means that tree cutting is regulated and that reforestation programs are repairing the damage created by present and previous generations.  2017 studies indicate that Costa Rica’s forest cover has increased to 52%, double the numbers of the early 80s.  A remarkable 26% of Costa Rica’s territory is under national park protection.

Can we do carbon neutral?  We think we can!

Another exciting step in Costa Rica’s quest to become carbon neutral is to eliminate single-use plastic.

 

A clean beach is a happy beach:  Playa Avellanas

What do we mean by this?  Single-use plastic means exactly what it sounds like:  plastic that is produced with the intention of being used only once.  Straws, soda and water bottles, supermarket bags, and plastic cutlery are prime examples of products that are produced essentially to be thrown away.

Photo y Javardh

The province of Guanacaste, being a remote area removed from metropolitan San Jose, is perhaps not the first province anyone would expect to lead the race to the end of single-use plastics, but we are in first place!  Such a large segment of Costa Rica’s tourism is centered in Guanacaste that we’ve pulled out from our usual spot behind the curve, and appear to have taken the lead.  In fact, Santa Cruz County has been declared free of standard plastic beverage straws.  The papaya smoothie or ginger ale you buy in Tamarindo will most likely be served to you either with a paper straw or, in some cases, a metal straw that can be sanitized in a dishwasher.  Got coffee to stir?  Our stirrers (and our disposable cutlery) are made of a type of sturdy cardboard.

 

Pretty paper straws can be made from recycled materials.  Photo by Danielle MacInnes

It’s appropriate that Guanacaste lead the way in this because Guanacaste is a peninsula surrounded by delicate saltwater ecosystems.  Our single-use plastics are deadly to marine life, especially to sea turtles.  It is easy for young turtles to become tangled or trapped in plastic bags and drown because they cannot get to the surface for air.   Plastic bags floating in the water resemble the jellyfish that turtles and some types of whales naturally feed on, but the bags block the digestive systems of the animals that eat them, causing death.  Plastic straws, or pieces of them, can pierce the intestines of animals that swallow them and can become lodged in the nasal cavities of sea turtles.

You, as a visitor in Costa Rica, can help us toward our goal of being carbon neutral.  You can do this by conserving energy and by helping to eliminate the demand for single-use plastic. Here’s how:

What You Can Do To Help Eliminate Single Use Plastics During Your Tamarindo Vacation

 

Photo by Samantha Hartley

 

1.  If someone offers you a plastic straw, don’t accept it.
   Wait, but didn’t we just say plastic straws had been eliminated from Guanacaste?  Why yes, we did.  All the more reason, if the restaurant you sit at or the person you buy a coconut from on the beach tries to give you a plastic straw, you should hand it directly back to them and say, “No thanks.”

 

1.  No plastic to-go cups.

Finish your beer and then leave.

1.  Don’t accept plastic cutlery if you purchase food to go.
   Upper-end Tamarindo restaurants don’t hand out plastic cutlery, but some of the more economic options might.  Don’t take it with you.

Plastic is out, paper is in.

1. For picnics or convenient meals in your Tamarindo vacation rental, buy disposable paper plates, cups, and cutlery–not plastic. A brand called Bio that is sold in Tamarindo’s American-style supermarkets offers paper dinnerware at a reasonable price.  It is still possible to find plastic plates/cups/cutlery in grocery stores, so please lend a hand in shrinking the market for them!

 

 

 

 

On behalf of the turtles, the birds, the whales, the dolphins and thousands of things you and I don’t even know the names of, GRACIAS!

 

Photo by Rudney Uezu