Over the years, Costa Rica has become a premier tourist destination. Initially, this occurred because of its natural beauty and ecological preservation; nearly 30% of the land here is protected as national or privately owned parks or reserves. From coast to coast, travelers could see over 850 species of birds, 9,000 species of plants, 208 species of mammals, and 160 species of amphibians as they explored rivers, forests and volcanoes. In particular, the Gold Coast, in the northwestern corner of the country, from Sugar Beach in the north to the bottom of the Nicoya Peninsula, has seen an explosion of tourist activity.

 With its sparkling Pacific waters, ideal climate — between 70F and 90F year round (20C and 26C) — and the shortest rainy season in the American tropics, the Gold Coast has become a haven for families and others looking to relax or to participate in the numerous activities the area has to offer. The beautiful stretch of shoreline bestows the visitor with mile after mile of pristine beaches that are perfect for surfing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, walking, and sun bathing.

 One of the area’s greatest draws is the surf. When Robert August featured Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Witch’s Rock, and Ollie’s Point in the surf classic, “Endless Summer II,” the area exploded as people came in search of one of these awesome surf breaks. The Gold Coast offers several different types of breaks for all levels of surfers, and Tamarindo is famous for its wide range of surf schools. A great family activity, most of them guarantee to have you riding waves after just one lesson.

 In addition, several marinas and bays in the area offer great bases for plenty of marine sports and activities. People come from all over the world for the great offshore fishing, and the area boasts marlin, several types of tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish and wahoo. After a great day out on the ocean, enjoy your catch at one of the area’s many restraints that will grill it up and garnish with all of the trimmings for you.

 The number of boats and experienced captains has blossomed to accommodate the influx of visitors, and many companies are now also conducting estuary tours and ecologically friendly observation sessions of the country’s national treasure, the giant Leatherback Turtle. Diving and snorkeling are other popular maritime activities, and can often be combined with sailing and catamaran tours. Enjoy the area’s famous and spectacular sunsets on one of daily sunset cruises, and, if you plan things right, you can go out on one of the amazing full mood cruises.

 Having seen what the lure of nature, surfing and sport fishing could do to the economy of Costa Rica, the government has been working to develop this country as a must-visit golf destination for tourists. Under the tutelage of the Costa Rican Golf Association (CRGA), a number of prominent local golf business professionals created the Guanacaste Golf Association (GGA) to promote the sport in this province. There are now many courses in the area, some of which are world- class, Audubon Society approved, golf facilities, including the European-style Mike Young designed links at Hacienda Pinilla, and the resort style course at Reserva Conchal, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

 Other activities that the entire family can enjoy are trips to one of the many national parks that the area hosts, featuring marine life, tropical dry forest ecologies, volcanoes, birds, monkeys, and more, with hikes and trails for all levels and ages. Another way to see the area is on a horseback ride, arranged by the local ranchers, or high up in the treetops on one of the region’s many canopy tours.

 With so much growth having taken place, the Gold Coast has been quick to accommodate the influx of visitors. An expanding range of support services has emerged, including amenities such as medical and dental offices, pharmacies, police departments, telephone lines, internet, and satellite and cable TV access. Major international hotel chains such as the Four Seasons, Occidental, and the Marriott have appeared, and are providing tourists with luxury accommodations.

 Recently, an international airport was opened in Liberia that services the entire Gold Coast, and in just a few short years the number of tourists has increased exponentially. There are now daily direct flights from several major North American airlines, and the airport was recently remodeled and re-equipped to better facilitate the increase in traffic. Furthermore, in order to keep pace with the now 1.5 million visitors per year to the Gold Coast and its surrounding environs, the Guanacaste Chamber of Tourism has been making great strides to improve the area’s infra- structure and maintain its safety. The evolution and expansion of the entire Gold Coast continues.

 Life here is truly as the locals say: pura vida. Meaning “pure life,” this is what you will find when you come experience it and fall in love with our little piece of Paradise!