Our time in Tamarindo has been nothing short of extraordinary, and as we prepare to bid farewell to this coastal paradise, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences that we’ve had during our journey. Before venturing to our next destination, Samara, we decided to make the most of our final days in Tamarindo by trying out a charming restaurant, taking a leap of faith and hiring a babysitter for our boys, and embarking on an adventure on the high seas.
Sunshine Babysitting
Throughout our month-and-a-half stay in Tamarindo, my wife Alli and I had often discussed the idea of hiring a babysitter so we could have some much-needed time to ourselves. However, the thought of leaving our boys with someone we didn’t know in a foreign country was enough to keep us hesitant. But then, on one sunny afternoon, while sitting on the beach at the point in Tamarindo, we met Pamela – a warm and caring individual who was watching over a sweet little girl. As we observed Pamela’s attentiveness and kindness towards the child, our minds were put at ease. It was at that moment we felt ready to give it a try. To ensure everything went smoothly, we sought the help of friends we had made at Tamarindo Paradise, who generously agreed to keep an eye on the situation while we were away. With regular updates and occasional pictures, we felt assured that our boys were in good hands as we embarked on a memorable sailing adventure. Pamela arrived with a bag full of toys, painted with the boys, and even treated them to pizza at La Baula while we were out. She turned out to be an absolute blessing, and our boys had a blast, allowing us to enjoy some much-needed time off from our parenting responsibilities. For anyone in search of daycare in Tamarindo, I can’t recommend Sunshine Daycare enough, and I especially vouch for the wonderful care provided by Pamela.
Antares Sailing Adventures
From the moment we arrived in Tamarindo, our eyes were drawn to the impressive sight of a massive sailboat resembling a pirate ship anchored in the bay. As someone who had never experienced sailing before, I was eager to get on the Antares – an 80-foot schooner known for winning races around the world. Built-in 1947, the Antares promised a high-end culinary experience with the added allure of snorkeling. With the kids safely in the care of Pamela, we embarked on what we hoped would be a refined culinary and sailing experience. Regrettably, it didn’t quite live up to our expectations. While it may have been a fun booze cruise for someone 20 years younger, we were in search of something more sophisticated. The boat’s condition left much to be desired, with seating limited to bean bags, and the crew’s focus seemed to be on pouring hard liquor straight from bottles into eager mouths, leading to a rather inebriated atmosphere within the first hour. The food provided was only mediocre at best, and the snorkeling experience we were promised never materialized, leaving us to simply jump into the water and swim. To our dismay, the boat didn’t even sail; we spent the entire time motoring. As a result, the overall experience fell flat for both Alli and me. In hindsight, we would have opted for one of the nicer catamarans, as this adventure failed to meet our expectations. While not every experience can be perfect, we had hoped for more, especially given the price of the excursion.
Trio Bar and Grill
I wish we had discovered this place sooner. Trio Restaurant Bar and Grill provided an incredible way to wrap up our time in Tamarindo. Throughout our trip, we indulged in a delightful array of ceviche, casados tipicos, and pizza for the boys. As a treat to myself, I opted for a steak at Trio, and it did not disappoint. The restaurant offers a fantastic experience for both adults and kids, with entertaining activities like giant Connect Four, pickleball, cornhole, and even a movie theater at the back for the little ones to enjoy. The ambiance was upscale, perfectly catering to the dining experience for adults. To cap off our meal, we had a tasty strawberry and pistachio cloud dessert, along with a shared lava cake that delighted everyone at the table. Our night at Trio was really fun, making it the perfect way to conclude our time in Tamarindo.
Our Shuttle Ride to Samara
Leaving Tamarindo was bittersweet; we had a great time there, but we were also excited to embark on the next leg of our adventure. We left at 11 am, beginning our two-hour drive south through the enchanting Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, our shuttle driver from Eco Trans shared stories about each town we passed through. Just north of Villa Real, we saw Toros, the massive rodeo bulls grazing on a ranchero. The next stop was the lively town of Santa Cruz, known for its rodeos and seven-day fiesta during the dry season. Our driver also told us about his hometown of Belen, centrally located in the Guanacaste region, offering easy access to the region’s beautiful beaches and volcanoes. Continuing our journey, we traversed the city of Nicoya, one of Guanacaste’s largest cities, providing a glimpse into the authentic local life, away from the touristy spots. We were humbled to witness the grandeur of the Iglesia de San Blas, the oldest church in Costa Rica, standing proudly since 1544. As we ventured through the coastal mountains, nearing Samara, we could feel the temperature drop as the rain clouds showered the lush region. The jungle surroundings made Tamarindo’s landscape feel like a desert in comparison. The vegetation in Samara was dense, teeming with life, and our excitement grew as we got closer. The beaches of Samara were equally captivating, and the warm, familiar smiles of the local Ticos made us feel welcomed. As we settled into our new home at Casa Bamboo, we are excited for the adventures that lie ahead. The future looks bright here.
In closing, our time in Tamarindo has been a whirlwind of unforgettable moments. Samara awaits with open arms, and we are eager to experience the new adventures that lie ahead, immersing ourselves in the culture, exploring the natural wonders, and creating more memories with our boys. As we venture forward, we carry with us the valuable lessons learned and the excitement of discovering what awaits us in Samara.
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