www.CostaRicaTicas.com

For anyone interested in going to some of CR's nicer beaches, here's a list of all 26 beaches in Guanacaste with a "Ecological Blue Flag" rating:

- Junquillal
- Monte del Barco
- Arenilla
- Panama
- Punta del Madero
- Buena
- Guacamaya
- Ocotal
- Zapotal
- Pan de Azucar
- Flamingo
- Conchal
- Ventanas
- Grande
- Langosta
- Avellanas
- Bonita
- Mansita
- Junquillal de Santa Cruz
- Ostional
- Pelada
- Guiones
- Samara
- Carillo
- Camaronal
- Punta Islita

And as you'll notice - Jaco and Tamarindo are NOT on that list. If you want to see the full article, click on this link:
http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/20 ... /nac02.htm

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Not to nitpick too much, but the reason Jaco is NOT on the list MIGHT just be because it is NOT a GUANACASTE beach. It is in the PUNTARENAS province. That said, the part about Jaco not getting a blue flag is still probably true. That list probably would have been more useful if it listed the places that did NOT get the blue flag rather than the other way around, but I'm guessing that was not the way they wanted to spin it. The other key Guanacaste beaches that seem to be missing from the list include Naranjo, Hermosa, Brasilito and Nosara.

Since they're "ecological", does that mean that all plumbing lines end on the beach or in the water? Back to Mother Nature and all that....you know?

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I am absolutely amazed that Prolijo does not know that Nosara has 4 beaches , 2 of which are on the list. Pelada and Guiones.

Yeah, I'm fully aware that there are several beaches not only around Nosara but also around other beach areas like Tamarindo (which has Grande, Langosta and Avellanas nearby in addition to Tamarindo itself). My point was that NOSARA itself is not on the list and that is the primary beach that people think of and are familiar with when they think of that area. Sure, Pelada and Guiones are on the okay list, but as long as you're confusing them with NOSARA, then I could also mention Playa Garza which is just south of them and ALSO not on the list. My point was not to make a comprehensive list of every little beach that is or is not on the list but to mention a few of the more household names that were conspicuously absent.

I think it is important to point out that a blue flag has nothing to due with safety. Most beaches, blue flag or not, in Costa Rica have neither lifeguards or warning signs alerting tourists to potentially dangerous local conditions.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Excellent point! The "blue flag" rating is simply an ecological rating, and has nothing to do with personal safety or surf conditions / rip currents / undertow, etc. in that particular area.

And if you don't believe me, ask Esposo de Barbie about this!

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Here's a suggestion for a post in this thread, just an idea.............

"Mucho Gusto, thanks for the information amigo"

...And while we're on the Topic Ecological, here's what a columnist has to say about CR's overall environmental awareness (hint: he was wowed). I'm guessing he wasn't made aware of CR's dire need for waste treatment plants nearly everywhere nor have a Tamarindo Tootsie-roll bounce off his coconut. Fun reading, no? Especially the 156 comments.

www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/opinion/12friedman.html

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I forgot which beach is it that has a casino on the main drag and working girls standing outside of it at night. I remember the beach also had an international market by the beach.

Sounds like Tamarindo.

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Which one is the closest to San Jose?

Jaco.

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Brother MG was correct that Jaco is the closest beach to SJO, but if Brother Fl Cracker meant which is the closest "blue flag" beach to SJO...Somebody other than myself will have to answer that.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Since the article only included beaches in Guanacaste the distance from San Jose is not all that different to any of them.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine