"The Beaches of Golfo Nicoya The Nicoya Peninsula, on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is lined by some of the country’s loveliest golden-sand beaches. Surfers love them for their gnarly offshore waves, but wilder species converge here, too—including several endangered sea turtle species (who, during nesting season, come in droves to lay their eggs). In early mornings, visitors to beaches like Playa Caletas (who often explore on horseback) may hear howler monkeys in the trees edging the shore. Timing your excursions right is key when viewing wildlife. All Lindblad-National Geographic Costa Rica & Panama expeditions strive to explore wild habitats when their residents are most active. Sponsored by Lindblad-National Geographic"

"Horseback Riding on the Beach Guanacaste is Costa Rican cowboy country, so it is only fitting to saddle up and gallop along a tropical beach with the wind in your hair. The area around Playa Conchal is full of stables and tour operators, but one of the best is Casaguas Horses Tours at the Painted Pony Guest Ranch outside of Tamarindo. Offering horseback riding lessons, themed tours, and friendly bilingual guides, Casaguas bills itself as a "complete equestrian center."

"Turtle watching in Marino Las Baulas National Park Marino Las Baulas National Park is a protected area compising Playa Grande, Ventana and Langosta. Together they are the stage for one of the most magical occurrences in the animal kingdom: the nesting of the gigantic baula (leatherback turtle), an endangered species. The hatching of these turtles is a remarkable highlight each year as they make their way out to sea. The egg-laying season goes from October-November."

"Scuba Diving at Playa del Coco If you are a diver, or have always wanted to take scuba lessons, Playa del Coco is a great jumping-off point for exploring the deep blue. Visibility may not be as good as in the Caribbean, but the area makes up for it with the rich and varied marine life you're likely to encounter. Three well-regarded diving outfitters in Playa del Coco are Deep Blue Diving, Rich Coast Diving, and Summer Salt."

"Surfing Mecca The Gold Coast is a legendary surfing destination, and veteran surfers make pilgrimages from all over the world to catch these waves. Playa Grande is the granddaddy of all Costa Rican surfing beaches, and it doubles as a nesting ground for leatherback sea turtles. Other popular surf spots in the area are Playas Avellanas & Negra (where the 1994 surf classic The Endless Summer II was filmed), and Tamarindo. If you're a beginner or novice and need lessons, Point Break Surf is a great option."

"Yoga on the Beach What better way to rejuvenate than a yoga class and massage on the beach? Lorena at ReFLEXion Yoga Tamarindo is a gifted and soothing yoga instructor and healer. Besides the yoga classes (for all levels), she also offers an array of other healing therapies for the body and mind, including massage and reiki sessions. Sometimes being on vacation can start to get... well, stressful. This is the perfect solution."

"Wildlife Sanctuary Palo Verde National Park is the perfect escape for avid wildlife and bird watchers. The park is one of the world's most important wetland sanctuaries and a vacation destination for many species of migratory birds. It is also home to crocodiles, monkeys, deer, coati, and jaguarondi. The best way to glimpse the wildlife is on board a boat ride through the fast-flowing Tempisque River."

"Pangas Beach Club (Playa Tamarindo) Cozy and comfortable, it’s hard to leave Pangas. The hours fly by here, where the Las Baulas estuary meets the Pacific, at wooden tables, right on the sand; or beneath marvelous, sparkle-lit trees in a setting that’s practically one with the surrounding nature. A tropical fusion menu makes the most of local bounty, featuring innumerable fruits, grass-fed beef, and locally caught seafood; fresh-prepared cocktails intensify the vibe. Surf-racks and showers available to those coming off the waves; reservations suggested."

"A Memorable Pizza The delicious aroma of pizzas baking in a brick kiln welcome you to the warm and cozy eatery La Baula. The most famous pizzeria in the area, it gets its name from the baula, or leatherback, turtles that lay their eggs nearby. This is the place for delicious pizza, friendly service, and a casual ambience. After one meal at Baula, it will be on your short list of favorite pizza joints around the world."

"Fusion for Your Palate Nestled under an old tree, Lazy Wave offers fresh Asian, Latin, and European fusion cuisine. The setting is wonderful, with fluffy cushioned couches and candle-lit tables in an exotic garden."

"Lola’s Among Playa Avellana’s numerous pleasures, the small-town, almost-no-cars vibe sets the scene for true relaxation—as well as fun. Look for Lola’s—perhaps the hippest spot in town—in the tiny business district and try out fresh, locally sourced pizzas, mahi-mahi tacos, and veggie burgers; smoothie lovers will go nuts. Locals and visitors pack in under the almond trees late mornings after surf excursions and other adventures. Be on the lookout for Lolita, the piglet daughter of the original Lola (sadly no longer with us) as she frolics in the sand or ranges across the property."

"Fun on the Beach On the white-sand beach of Playa Flamingo, Coco Loco has everything you need to set your afternoon or evening on the right note. Enjoy fresh food and delicious cocktails in a fun, laid-back environment. Make sure to try their signature drink, the Coco Loco: a sweet and flamboyantly colored concoction."

"For a Night Out El Be Tamarindo Beach Club will never go out of style. Take your pick between the bar terrace and DJ—ideal for dancing all night—or the Sandbar, where you can relax on the beach. In either spot, you'll enjoy an authentic Costa Rican kind of party, with friendly locals and surfers, and happy travelers."

"Buy and Make Beautiful Pottery Guaitil Pottery Studio in Tamarindo is a truly unique experience. Here, owner Arbin Espinosa Guevara displays and sells his Guaitil pottery, and gives lessons to visitors interested in learning the craft themselves. One of the few remaining indigenous crafts still practiced in Costa Rica, this organic coil-built pottery is beautiful and intricate. Browse the studio, watch artists at work, or take lessons in this ancient tradition yourself."