The horseshoe bay of Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offers three and a half kilometres of white sand and azure waters. Five-star resorts are strung along the beachfront with charming restaurants, bars and shops clustered further back from the beach under the lush vegetation that blankets this laid-back town. Surfing, diving, estuary trips, fishing and a weekly farmers market are just some of the activities on offer in Tamarindo. For a rare opportunity to witness turtles nesting, travel to National Park Las Baulas just outside town.