Playa Tamales

Oct 28, 2026

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Getting there

Going through town, you will come to an intersection. BM grocery store will be at the intersection. Across the street will be the gas station. Take a right at the intersection. That road will take you all the way to Carate Beach

You will stay on the road for a long time, never have timed it. On the left hand side, you will see a sign saying Pelican House. That will be road #1. Keep going, and you will see a second road; you’re almost there. The next road to the left will be Playa Tamales. The road to the beach is easy to drive on. No Need for a four-by-four.

The Beach

The beach is very protected. There are a lot of palm trees and shade trees to sit under. Just make sure you do not sit under a coconut tree; coconuts fall.

Swimming

Swimming is very good. Morning times are best; there will be less wind or no wind at all. The beach is sandy with some pebbles; water shoes are recommended.

Fishing

Tamales Beach is one of the best beaches to fish on the Osa Peninsula. There are different runs of fish that show up in November and December. December is when school gets out for the summer in Costa Rica. Sometimes there will be 50 to 100 people fishing on the beach in December.

During the winter months, there are a lot of baitfish at Tamales Beach. This brings in larger fish. Snapper, snook, and Jack crevalle will be easy to catch.

Fishing gear

Your rod should be 7 to 8 feet. The reel should be a casting or spinning reel. 30# line with a strong leader. Live Bait is best. The gas station in Puerto Jiménez sells cast nets. It will take you a bit of time to learn how to use one.

Next bait would be salted fish. Across from BM will be a white house. Knock on the door and ask for bait. buy some salt and a container . Cut the bait into sections and salt down.

Lures would be the next choice. Topwater lures will work well , plus plastic lures.

Wildlife

In the tree line you will see the wild life. There will be Scarlet Macaws and monkeys. You might even see other animals. Early mornings are best time to see the wild life.