Tambor, Costa Rica
Tambor is set in the valley of a large and calm horseshoe bay: the Bahia Ballena which in English means whale bay. During dry season these giants of the seas used to come into the bay. Nowadays with the increased coastal activity whales don't come any more into the bay of Tambor.
Bahia Ballena, the large bay of Tambor
The valley of Tambor is cradled by lush forested hills which form part of the Biological corridor of the Nicoya Peninsula. The northern side of the bay borders the Curu Wildlife Reserve which protects various ecological habitats and a wealth of wildlife. It is fronted by the Islas Tortugas, a tropical island paradise which can be visited by boat from Tambor.
Swimming is safe in Tambor
The beach of Tambor can be comfortably accessed with a car and almendro and palm trees provide shade. The volcanic history of the sand serves up a grey-colored beach which gently slopes into the bay. Low tide produces a broad expanse of fine sand which is perfect for playing beach volleyball or soccer.
Tambor is a perfect holiday destination for families with kids. The shallow waters are exceedingly calm offering excellent swimming for even the most timid of bathers.
Women playing football on Playa Tambor
Hotels in Tambor are often oceanside or within easy walking distance to the beach. The village is very small and has preserved a somnolent and laid-back atmosphere.
However, at the northern end of the bay, 6 km from Tambor village is a gated world of its own: with over 2,400 hotel rooms Hotel Playa Tambor was Costa Rica's first all-inclusive tourist resort with a casino and gulf course.
Tambor also has the only airport on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. Several times per day there are 40-min flights to Costa Rica's capital San Jose, or to other national destinations like Tamarindo and Liberia.
One km south of Tambor is a small fishermen community and a landing pier for boats. The bay of Tambor offers one of the few safe anchor places on the pacific side of Costa Rica.
See more: » Activities in Tambor