Bahía Salinas , Guanacaste

Bahía Salinas is gorgeous hidden gem found on Costa Rica’s western coastline. Nestled in the northwest corner of Guanacaste province, this isolated town hosts pristine beaches virtually untouched by modern development and views of the bay unrivaled in their beauty. With its magnificent sights, year-round warmth and naturally strong winds, it's no wonder that vacationers in the know flock to this stunning seaport every year.

The Perfect Place to Relax

As an ideal getaway destination for travelers seeking to unwind, Bahía Salinas boasts plenty of opportunities to take in the small Central American nation’s tropical scenery. From sunset boat tours to fishing, you’ll find no shortage of activities that let you kick back and enjoy everything Guanacaste offers. Not only that, its close proximity to Nicaragua means that it’s just a quick jaunt to more fun in the sun through daytime excursions in nearby San Juan Del Sur.

Surfing, Kiteboarding and More

Adventure awaits the more daring vacationer through exciting, high-octane recreation. Already blessed by sparkling sandy beaches, the town also benefits from strong wind gusts that become more intense between November and March. As a result, the town is a prime location for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and kiteboarding enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned wave catcher yourself or you’re looking experienced teachers giving lessons, the local coastline provides miles of sand, waves, wind and sun for your enjoyment. If your interests lie more towards fun on the land, Bahía Salinas still has lots to offer. Mountain bikers will love the area’s trails and the natural grandeur of the surrounding landscapes.

Bahía Salinas

Where to Stay

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Isla Bolaños: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Vacationers can take in more of nature’s rarest treasures via a short boat trip to Isla Bolaños. As a national wildlife refuge, the island is home to fascinating marine avian species such as the American oyster catcher and the brown pelican. Enjoy hours of birdwatching surrounded by striking, sun-drenched settings. Although the island is closed to visitation from December to March, travel is open from April to November through advance arrangements with the Park Service offices in either San Jose or Santa Rosa.

Santa Rosa National Park

If you can’t get enough of the birdwatching on Isla Bolaños, you’ll want to visit nearby Santa Rosa National Park. Spanning over 500 square kilometers, the park boasts over 250 species of birds native to the region. It’s also a refuge for other wildlife, home to three species of monkeys, several varieties of land turtles and the white-nosed coati, a fascinating distant cousin to the raccoon. Marine wildlife enthusiasts will want to see the Pacific Ridley sea turtles that also populate the park’s two nesting beaches, Naranjo and Nancite.

Traveling to Bahía Salinas

This premier vacation and resort spot is about an hour and a half away from Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste province. To get to the town, you’ll fly into Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. After your arrival by air, you’ll then take a bus from La Cruz to El Jobo. Buses to the region usually run three times per day.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Once you visit Bahía Salinas, you'll agree that it's one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets. Packed with picturesque and unspoiled beaches and the perfect balance of warm weather, wind and brilliant blue skies, it’s the ideal spot for invigorating, action-packed marine fun or chilling out beachside to drink in the intoxicating sunlight, glittering turquoise ocean and lush tropical scenery. Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss excursions to Santa Rosa National Park and Isla Bolaños, and tourists can take advantage of the biking, fishing and day trips the area has to offer.