Playa Tambor is located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula and is known for its beautiful beaches of gray sand and rolling hills filled with miles of forest. The area is not one of the more popular spots for tourists, which in return allows for a calm atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing. Playa Tambor wraps around the Tambor Bay, which is best known for its calm waters and beautiful marine life.
When planning a vacation to Tambor, we recommend spending 3 – 5 days. It is not easy to access the area, so you would not want to spend less time than a few days. At the same time, there really is not a lot to do in the Tambor area, so we would not recommend spending more than 5 days.
There are only a handful of hotels in Tambor. The all inclusive Barcelo Tambor Resort is the most well-known and largest. Tambor Tropical is a nice beach bungalow boutique hotel. Tango Mar Resort is a nice boutique style resort with a 9 hole golf course and yoga studio.
There are plenty of Tambor tours and activities available. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and fishing in the quiet waters. Golf courses are conveniently located to the area as well. Cabo Blanco Reserve is a great option for those that are interested in wildlife observation in a national park setting or Isla Tortuga makes a great day trip for diving or just getting lost in tropical paradise.
While it is not necessary to have a rental car in Tambor, it is a convenience as everything is spread out. However, one should keep in mind that in order to access Tambor, you have to take a ferry or unpaved roads which are generally in bad condition. Flying into the Tambor Airport is another option, though keep in mind you will have to arrange ground transfers.
From San Jose: Take the Autopistas del Sol to Puntarenas and then take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. From Paquera, take the main road south to Tambor.
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
When creating your packing list, remember to include a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Tambor is one of the closest beaches to the incredibly beautiful Isla Tortuga, which provides excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities in a paradisiacal setting.
| San Jose | 120 km |
| Liberia | 195 km |
| La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano | 270 km |
| Monteverde | 92 km |
| Rincon de la Vieja | 211 km |
| Papagayo Gulf | 179 km |
| Flamingo Beach | 186 km |
| Tamarindo | 197 km |
| Samara | 101 km |
| Malpais-Santa Teresa | 19 km |
| Jaco | 90 km |
| Manuel Antonio | 163 km |
| Dominical | 205 km |
| Drake Bay | 375 km |
| San Gerardo de Dota | 201 km |
| Turrialba | 171 km |
| Tortuguero | 220 km |
| Puerto Viejo | 332 km |
| Sarapiqui | 185 km |
| Cabo Blanco | 28 km |
| San Lucas Island | 60 km |
| Barra Honda | 105 km |
| Nicoya Peninsula | 18 km |
Latitude: N 9° 44' 5.86"
Longitude: W 85° 1' 4.8"
When planning a vacation to Tambor, we recommend spending 3 – 5 days. It is not easy to access the area, so you would not want to spend less time than a few days. At the same time, there really is not a lot to do in the Tambor area, so we would not recommend spending more than 5 days.
There are only a handful of hotels in Tambor. The all inclusive Barcelo Tambor Resort is the most well-known and largest. Tambor Tropical is a nice beach bungalow boutique hotel. Tango Mar Resort is a nice boutique style resort with a 9 hole golf course and yoga studio.
There are plenty of Tambor tours and activities available. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and fishing in the quiet waters. Golf courses are conveniently located to the area as well. Cabo Blanco Reserve is a great option for those that are interested in wildlife observation in a national park setting or Isla Tortuga makes a great day trip for diving or just getting lost in tropical paradise.
While it is not necessary to have a rental car in Tambor, it is a convenience as everything is spread out. However, one should keep in mind that in order to access Tambor, you have to take a ferry or unpaved roads which are generally in bad condition. Flying into the Tambor Airport is another option, though keep in mind you will have to arrange ground transfers.
From San Jose: Take the Autopistas del Sol to Puntarenas and then take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. From Paquera, take the main road south to Tambor.
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