Tambor Travel Guide

Tambor is set in the valley of a large and calm horseshoe bay: the Bahia Ballena which means whale bay in English. During dry season these giants of the seas used to come into the bay. Nowadays with the increased coastal activity whales prefer to stay further offshore.

The valley of Tambor is cradled by lush forested hills which belong to the Biological corridor in Costa Rica. The northern side of the bay is close to the Curu Wildlife Reserve which protects various ecological habitats with a wealth of wildlife. It is fronted by the Islas Tortugas, a tropical island paradise which can be visited by boat from Tambor.

The volcanic history of the sand makes for a grey-colored beach which slopes gently into the bay. The shallow waters are exceedingly calm and offer excellent swimming for even the most timid of bathers.

Tambor is a perfect holiday destination for families with kids. The beach is comfortably accessed with a car and shaded by old almendro trees and palms. Low tide produces a broad expanse of fine sand which easily accommodates teams of volleyball and soccer along with children building sand castles and couples on their honeymoon.

Hotels in Tambor are often oceanside or within easy walking distance to the beach. The village is very small and has preserved a somnolent, laid-back atmosphere.

However, four kms north of the village of Tambor is Costa Rica's first and only all-inclusive resort, which nowadays many tourists might mistake for Tambor. The hotel also contains a casino and discotheque and an associated country club offers a golf course.

Tambor also hosts the only airport of the whole Southern Nicoya Peninsula, which serves several flights per day to Costa Rica's capital San José.

One km south of the village is a small fishermen community and the pier of Tambor. The bay of Tambor offers one of the few safe anchorages at the pacific side of Costa Rica.

From the pier you can get on a sport fishing tour or go for a hike around the western tip of the Tambor bay to discover a series of pristine beaches.