On the northern Pacific Coast, in the province of Guanacaste, you will find beautiful beaches of grey, fine dark, white and golden sands bathed by a blue sea of clear waters, rich in fish and sea birds. Here, the town of Tamarindo is the centre of tourist activity and an ideal place to laze by the pool, learn to surf or head out at night in search of turtles. Further south, the beaches around Sámara and Nosara are less developed and the area has a more low-key feel. Further south still and into the province of Punta Arenas and on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the surfing beaches of Playa Mal Pais and Playa Santa Teresa boast rocky coves, white sand beaches and funky boutique hotels.