Tambor, Costa Rica

• Description of Tambor
• Tambor Map with Hotels
• Activities in Tambor
• North of Tambor: Pochote

Bahia Ballena, the large bay of Tambor

Tambor is set in the valley of a large and calm horseshoe bay: the Bahia Ballena which in English means whale bay. During dry season these giants of the seas used to come into the bay. Nowadays with the increased coastal activity whales no longer frequent the bay of Tambor.

Swimming is safe in Tambor

Tambor is a perfect holiday destination for tranqulity-seekers and families with kids. The shallow waters are exceedingly calm, offering excellent swimming for even the most timid of bathers. The beach of Tambor is easily accessed with a car, and you find shade under almendro and palm trees.

The volcanic history of the sand serves up a grey-colored beach which gently slopes into the bay. Low tide produces a broad expanse of fine sand where you can play beach volleyball or soccer.

Women playing football on Playa Tambor

The valley of Tambor is cradled by lush forested hills which form part of the Biological corridor of the Nicoya Peninsula.
The northern side of the bay borders the Curu Wildlife Reserve which protects various ecological habitats and a wealth of wildlife. It is fronted by the Islas Tortugas, a tropical island paradise which can be visited by boat from Tambor.
At the southern end of the bay of Tambor is a small fishermen community and a landing pier for boats. The bay of Tambor offers one of the few safe anchor places on the pacific side of Costa Rica.

Some hotels in Tambor are beachfront, other lodging options are found more inland where the majestic Rio Panica creates a scenic river landscape.
The village of Tambor is very small and has preserved a somnolent, laid-back atmosphere. Here you find a supermarket, souvenir shops, car rentals and tour operators. Tambor also boasts the only airport on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. Several times per day there are 20-min flights to San Jose, or other destinations in Costa Rica.

At the northern end of the bay, 6 km from Tambor village, is the gated world of Hotel Playa Tambor with 402 hotel rooms. Hotel Playa Tambor was Costa Rica's first all-inclusive tourist resort and offers a casino and gulf course.

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