Marina Flamingo

A Working Marina and Waterfront Village in Playa Flamingo

Marina Flamingo sits on the bay at Playa Flamingo, on Guanacaste's Gold Coast. For many people in town it is simply "the marina": the place where the fishing boats head out at dawn, where neighbors meet for lunch, and where visiting yachts tie up after a long passage down the coast.

This spot has a long history. It was Costa Rica's first marina, operating from the late 1980s into the early 2000s, and then it closed for many years. The rebuilt Marina Flamingo was officially inaugurated by the Marina Flamingo Development Group, bringing boats and daily life back to the waterfront.

The Marina

The marina has 92 wet slips today, with an expansion planned. Services for boat owners include the fuel dock, maintenance and repairs, and a boatyard with a 75-ton travel lift and dry storage for boats up to about 34 feet. A marine supply store on site makes small fixes much easier.

Sportfishing

Fishing is the heart of Flamingo's story. These waters are known for sailfish, blue marlin and yellowfin tuna, and the marina has long been a base for sportfishing tournaments. Along Guanacaste's northern coast, many captains consider May through September the best months offshore. Whether you own a boat or charter one for the day, it is an easy walk from your door to the dock.

Marina Village

The village around the marina has become an everyday hub for Playa Flamingo. You can start the day with coffee at Café Britt, grab a healthy lunch at Surf Box, eat with an ocean view at Oceana, or settle in for a steak and seafood dinner at Hazel's. There are also shops, a gourmet market, a pharmacy, a bank and attorneys' offices, all within a few steps of the water.

Health care is close, too: the village has a medical clinic with urgent care and an ambulance service, which matters a lot to full-time residents and families. The marina also hosts community events through the year, from holiday celebrations to a fun run, so it feels like a town square as much as a harbor.

Villa Residences and the Kingfisher Club

Marina Flamingo has 40 fully furnished villa residences. They can be leased for a short vacation or for longer stays of 3, 6 or 12 months, which makes them a comfortable way to spend a season in Flamingo before deciding where to buy. Boat owners with a slip have access to the marina's owner amenities, including a rooftop pool, a fitness room and the Kingfisher Lounge.

If You Own a Boat

If you are thinking about keeping a boat at Marina Flamingo, it is worth asking the marina a few questions early:

• Is a slip available for your boat's length and draft, and for how long?
• What lease terms are offered (monthly, seasonal or annual)?
• Can your boat be hauled out with the 75-ton travel lift, or kept in dry storage?
• What maintenance and repair work can be done on site?

We are happy to help you get in touch with the marina team as part of your property search.

Try a Season First

Many people fall in love with Flamingo on a short holiday. Leasing one of the marina's villas for a few months is a gentle way to see how the town feels in both the green season and the dry season, before you commit to a home.

Location

From the marina, it is about a five-minute walk to the white sand of Playa Flamingo. By car, it is roughly 10 to 15 minutes to Reserva Conchal, about 15 minutes to Las Catalinas, and about an hour to Liberia International Airport (LIR). Playa Potrero, Brasilito and Playa Conchal are all close by, so beach days, groceries and dinner out rarely mean a long drive.

Living Near the Marina

Playa Flamingo has homes and condos close to the marina, some down near the water and others higher on the hill with views across the bay to the Pacific. Living nearby means fresh fish at lunch, sunset walks on the docks and the convenience of a clinic, a bank and a pharmacy down the road.

Our office is in Playa Flamingo, and we know this waterfront well. We can show you homes and condos near the marina, explain how slip leasing works if you have a boat, and introduce you to the neighborhoods around it. See our Playa Flamingo community guide for more on daily life in town, or contact Flamingo Beach Realty to explore properties near Marina Flamingo.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many slips does Marina Flamingo have?

Marina Flamingo has 92 wet slips today, and an expansion is planned. Boat owners can also use the fuel dock, maintenance and repair services, a 75-ton travel lift and dry storage for boats up to about 34 feet.

Can I rent a villa at the marina?

Yes. Marina Flamingo has 40 fully furnished villa residences. They can be leased for a short vacation or for longer stays of 3, 6 or 12 months.

What is in Marina Village?

Marina Village has restaurants and cafes, shops, a gourmet market, a marine supply store, a pharmacy, a bank and attorneys' offices. There is also a medical clinic with urgent care and an ambulance service.

How far is Marina Flamingo from the beach and the airport?

Playa Flamingo's white-sand beach is about a five-minute walk from the marina. Liberia International Airport (LIR) is about an hour away by car. Reserva Conchal is roughly 10 to 15 minutes away, and Las Catalinas is about 15 minutes away.

When is the best fishing season in Flamingo?

Flamingo is known for sailfish, blue marlin and yellowfin tuna. Along Guanacaste's northern coast, many captains consider May through September the best months for offshore fishing. Local charter captains can tell you what is biting on any given week.