Tambor Beach – Travel Guide
Playa Tambor is a quaint seaside village located on the west coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, home to great beaches, verdant rolling hills, and a calming atmosphere. Believe it or not, this unique area is the perfect location for a relaxing vacation with plenty of activities including swimming, snorkeling activities, fishing, and golf. Don’t forget to enjoy the quiet beach town for the perfect escape.
All about Tambor Beach
Getting Around Tambor Beach
By Rental Car
Getting around by rental car is the best option. If you decide to rent, be sure to rent a 4×4 or an SUV. While the main route from the Paquera ferry to Tambor is mostly paved, the roads leading to popular destinations like Montezuma and Santa Teresa are dirt and may not be well maintained. During the rainy season, May through November, the drive can be especially difficult with potential river crossings. Renting a car gives you a chance to enjoy all the sights of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula — go where you want, when you want.
By Taxi
Officially licensed taxis are colored red with an inverted yellow triangle on the doors; any other color is a pirate taxi operating illegally. When boarding, it’s wise to ask the driver ¿Puede poner la maría, por favor? (Could you please turn the meter on?) to ensure a fair price. As there is no central dispatch, the best way to get a taxi is to ask your hotel or restaurant to call a trusted local driver for you. Keep the driver’s card for future trips.
By Walking
The village of Tambor itself is a great place to get around by foot. The small town center and the long, calm shoreline of Playa Tambor are easily walkable, with several restaurants and small shops accessible along the main road. The beach is perfect for a long, leisurely stroll from one end to the other. However, to reach nearby waterfalls, nature reserves, or other towns, you will need a rental car, taxi, or local bus.
By Bicycle
For those looking for some scenic exercise, several local hotels and tour operators offer daily rentals. Mountain bikes are ideal for exploring the rugged backroads and generally rent for about $20 a day, while beach cruisers are perfect for the flat coastal road and cost about $10 a day. Unlike in larger towns, the main challenge isn’t traffic but rather the hilly terrain and gravel road conditions once you leave the immediate Tambor area.
By Bus
A local company, Transportes Cóbano, operates the public bus service connecting the towns in the area. The bus runs between the Paquera ferry landing and Montezuma or Santa Teresa, making a stop in Tambor along the way. Fares are very affordable, typically costing just a few dollars. Be aware that the buses serve the local community, so they may be crowded and make frequent stops. A trip from Tambor to Montezuma can take about an hour.
Tambor Beach FAQ
How do I get from the airport to a hotel in Tambor Beach?
The most efficient route is to fly into Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) and take a 30-minute domestic flight directly to Tambor Airport (TMU) via airlines like Sansa. Alternatively, you can rent a 4×4 at SJO, drive 90 minutes to the Puntarenas ferry, take the 70-minute ferry to Paquera, and then drive 40 minutes to Tambor. Private shuttles can also be pre-booked for the entire land and ferry journey.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Hailing a taxi on the street is uncommon. The most reliable method is to have your hotel reception, restaurant, or tour operator call an official red taxi for you. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not operational in this rural area, so pre-arranged transport is key.
Should I rent a car in Tambor Beach?
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region. While Tambor itself is small, a vehicle is essential for visiting nearby towns like Montezuma and Santa Teresa, or nature reserves like Curú. A 4×4 SUV is mandatory, as many roads on the peninsula are unpaved and can be challenging.
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More About Tambor Beach
Is Tambor Beach a walking city?
The immediate village and beach area of Tambor are walkable for accessing local restaurants and small shops. However, the region as a whole is not. To experience the area’s main attractions, waterfalls, and neighboring towns, you will require transportation like a rental car, taxi, or pre-booked tour.
Is the Tambor Beach area dangerous? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Tambor is considered very safe and is known for its tranquil atmosphere. The primary concern is petty theft, so practice standard precautions: lock your car, don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach, and use your hotel safe. There are no specific neighborhoods to avoid; the main hazards are natural, such as challenging road conditions at night and being mindful of wildlife while hiking.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Costa Rica?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Tambor Beach?
A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
Top Attractions
Tambor Beach
The quiet sleep beach town sits in the valley on a horseshoe shaped bay dotted with cozy hotels with breathtaking views of the calm waters.
Pochote Beach
Playa Pochote is a dark gray sand beach, backed by a large mangrove in the Bahia Ballena.
Curu Wildlife Refuge
Part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, tropical dry forests on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, near Tambor.
Tortuga Island
Famed for being one of Costa Rica’s most idyllic islands. It’s located off the southeastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, only accessible by boat.
Unique Experiences
Boat Tour to the Secrets of the Nicoya Coast.
Climb aboard a local panga boat to explore the rugged and beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. Cruise through the waters of Bahía Ballena, keeping a keen watch for pods of playful dolphins and majestic sea turtles.
The Hammock & Chill Tides.
Secure a prime spot under a swaying palm tree and settle into a comfortable hammock. Let the rhythmic sound of the waves be your soundtrack as you doze, read, or simply daydream. Cool off with refreshing dips in the calm, gentle surf of Tambor’s protected bay.
What to expect while traveling
