Our time in Playa Flamingo has come to an end, and my brother-in-law has returned to Templeton. The first leg of our trip has been nothing short of amazing, and this place will forever hold a special place in our hearts. From the incredible people to the mouthwatering food, it has exceeded all our expectations. But before saying goodbye, we had the opportunity to embark on some truly incredible excursions.
Horseback Ride
Since our boys are only 3 and 5 years old, we didn’t expect to go horseback riding with them. However, to our surprise, we found a fantastic 2-hour beach ride that allowed us to bring them along. Our adventure began in Flamingo, where we journeyed through the jungle before reaching the beautiful beaches of Brasalito and eventually Playa Conchal. The boys absolutely loved the ride, eagerly pointing out every iguana and howler monkey we encountered along the way. Our guide, Ricardo, was exceptional, helping us capture pictures and sharing his knowledge about the local flora and fauna. The sandy beach of Brasalito transitioned to the stunning white beach of Conchal, which is covered in broken conch shells, giving it its namesake. We concluded the ride with cold lemonade for the boys and some refreshing rum cocktails for Alli, Spencer, and me. We then hopped into a taxi for a short trip back to Flamingo, where we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
The Boat Ride
Since it was Spencer’s last day in the country, we decided to book a private 27′ boat called the Yellow Fin for some fishing and snorkeling. We trolled for the first couple of hours, making our way to breathtaking rock formations in the ocean. Our guide, Miguel, and boat captain, Jose, referred to these formations as “sombreros” due to their unique volcanic shapes. After the boys caught a couple of small blue runners, we reeled in the lines and prepared to snorkel. As soon as we entered the water, we were greeted by a magnificent eagle ray and two green sea turtles, along with pufferfish, octopus, sea bass, and a dazzling array of colorful reef fish. Our guide even went free diving to retrieve oysters and other marine creatures, and we enjoyed sushi on the boat before returning to the marina. It was an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, to say the least.
Tamarindo
With our time in Flamingo behind us, we made our way to Tamarindo, where we will be spending the entire month of July. We are currently on day three of our stay here and have already discovered some great food and an amazing Saturday market. Tamarindo is much more touristy compared to Flamingo, and we’ve likened it to Lahaina in terms of its vibe and atmosphere. We’ve noticed that English is more widely spoken here, and there are plenty of visitors from California. The good news is that there are ample opportunities for surfing, and restaurants abound. The beach comes alive every evening as the sun begins to set, and cameras come out to capture the beauty. After dark, fire dancers perform on the beach, and bars and restaurants host bands of various genres. The temperature remains pleasant, and tank tops, board shorts, and flip-flops dominate the scene.
Vaquero Bar and Grill
Last night, as we strolled along the beach to check out the growing swell, we decided to stop by Vaquero Bar and Grill so the boys could enjoy the live band playing classic rock. Taking our seats near the sand, we placed our drink order and were approached by a woman who offered the boys a Twix candy bar, explaining that it was from Robert August, who happened to be sitting at the table next to us. Robert August is widely credited with discovering this area as a world-class surf destination, thanks in part to his iconic movie, The Endless Summer. Upon hearing this, I took the boys over to express our gratitude and take a picture with him. He was every bit as cool as we had imagined. As the night drew to a close, we made our way back up the beach, stopping for some ice cream before returning to our apartment. It was an incredibly fun evening, and the boys are filled with excitement for the remaining time we have here in Tamarindo.
As our time in Playa Flamingo comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible memories we’ve created in this picturesque destination. From the warmth of the locals to the tantalizing cuisine, it has exceeded our every expectation. But before we bid our farewells, we embarked on exhilarating adventures that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Riding horses along the stunning beaches, our boys eagerly spot iguanas and howler monkeys, and our knowledgeable guide, Ricardo, enriches our journey with fascinating insights. The boat ride was equally unforgettable, as we set out to explore the mesmerizing rock formations and encounter a diverse array of marine life while snorkeling. With Spencer’s departure, we now turn our attention to Tamarindo, our next stop on this thrilling adventure. Already, we’ve immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling tourist hub, where surfing, delectable food, and lively entertainment seamlessly intertwine. The boys’ encounter with surf legend Robert August at Vaquero Bar and Grill added an unexpected touch of magic to our evening. As we savor every precious moment, we eagerly anticipate the days ahead in Tamarindo, knowing that more cherished memories await us in this vibrant coastal town.
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