Potrero Beach is an ideal base location for those interested in touring the local countryside. Many of Costa Rica's best destinations are easily accessible and nearby.

If you have visited Costa Rica in the past, you know the local highway conditions were very poor, however recent efforts to resurface and widen the roadways have vastly improved the driving situation for tourists that want to tour independently. That said, a local guide may get you to your destination quicker and if you're not conversant in Spanish, a guide may help smooth over any language barriers that can come up along the way. You will find that Costa Ricans are extremely helpful, and will help you get to wherever you want to go.

Whether you rent a car or book through local tour operators, you are sure to find something for everyone here.

Here are our Top 10 Recommended Tours

1. Sport Fishing  - Local charter boats offer full day and half day charters for some world class inshore and offshore fishing. We recommend Captain Tom and the Las Brisas for inshore fishing at it's best. Capt Tom knows all the best spots in the area and you may even catch your dinner. Depending on the season you can hook-up a Dorado (Mahi-Mahi), Tuna, Snapper or Roosterfish (this one is live release only). Of course there's Marlin, Sailfish and Grouper if you're looking for big fun. Check out Capt Tom's info for additional info and to book a trip.

2. World Class Golfing - A morning of late afternoon round on the course designed by Robert Trent Jones at the Reserva Conchal. The course offers magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a challenging round of golf.

3. Horseback Riding - When in Rome.... Guanacaste province is the heart of horse and cattle country. The region is full of sprawling ranches and magnificent vistas. So why not take in some of the local culture while you're here and enjoy an afternoon ride. Marvin Moreno, owner of Bomar Tours will take you on a 2 hour ride through the local hills, where you can enjoy getting away from it all. It's an excellent opportunity to do some birding, and you can often spot howler and white face monkeys on route. Marvin also offers 1 hour sunset rides along the beach and longer day or overnight trips. Call ahead to make reservations - Bomar Tours 506-654-4469

4. SCUBA Diving - There are several SCUBA Centers based in Flamingo, on the southwest point of Potrero Bay. Tours visit the nearby Catalinas, Somberos, Elephant Rock and numerous coastal dive sites. Most of the sites are underwater pinnacles of volcanic rock. There are some interesting corals, but the main attraction here is the large marine life. Giant Mantas, Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, Black Tip sharks, large schools of eagle rays are just a few of the local residents. Most dives are 60-80' circling around outcroppings and the currents can be strong, with the dive boat following the group. These dives are recommended for intermediate level divers (Advanced Open Water). That said, there are many locations closer to shore that offer excellent diving opportunities for beginners. Let your divemaster know your comfort level as they are very experienced in the local diving conditions.

5. Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs - Perhaps the most visited tourist locale in Costa Rica, Arenal is the picture of a volcano we all imagine, set at one end of an elevated lake, that is a major source of power and water for a large part of the country. This active volcano constantly vents off heat and lava flows are common throughout the year. The scene is even more dramatic and memorable at night when the lava is flowing down its side in vivid red streams. Lodges and hotels have sprung up all around the lake, largely to accommodate the visitors who come to witness this spectacle. The same area is host to the Tabacon Hot Springs, a year round source of hot water heated by the volcano itself and said to be medicinal in its benefits to ones health. Medicinal or not, a dip in the springs, followed by a relaxing massage is a sure fire way to de-stress both the body and the soul.

6. Turtle Watching at Playa Grande - A beautiful stretch of white sand beach stretching for miles, now protected from developers, and including the ocean waters offshore known as the 445 hectare Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas aka Playa Grande Marine Turtle National Park. The beach is home to nesting leatherback turtles, who return anually to lay their eggs as they have done for millions of years. The beach is open to visitors at night (6 pm - 6 am) October 15 through February 15, and off-limits the rest of the year. There are no restrictions on daytime visits. The beach is open at night February 15 through March 15 solely for environmental education. Guides from the local community roam the beach and lead groups to nesting turtles, guided by other guides who spot for turtles and call in the location via walkie-talkies. Visitors are no longer allowed to walk the beach after dusk unescorted therefore guides are mandatory at a cost of $7. Groups cannot exceed 15 people, and only 60 people are allowed onto the beach at night at each entry point (four groups per gate with eight groups maximum nightly). There are two entrance gates to the beach: one where the road meets the beach by the Hotel Las Tortugas; and the second at the southern end, by Villas Baulas. You buy your tickets ($6) at either gate. Reservations are mandatory, although entry without a reservation is possible if there is space in a group, but don't count on it, as demand usually exceeds supply. You can make reservations up to eight days in advance, or between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for a same-day visit. At certain times the waiting time can be two hours before you are permitted onto the beach.

7. Bird Watching in Palo Verde - The Palo Verde National Park of Costa Rica protects forested areas as well as an extensive marshland between the Tempisque and Bebedero rivers of Guanacaste. The Palo Verde National Park itself is a diverse patchwork of habitats located in the heart of the Tempisque basin near the mouth of the Rio Tempisque River. The density and variety of bird species that have been inventoried at Palo Verde is the primary reason that the park was created. Over 240 bird species have been sited. Many resident tropical species also live here, including the rare Jabiru Stork. Other animals inhabiting the park are Howler monkeys, whiteface monkeys, porcupine and the coyotes. In the Tempisque you will observe caymans of all sizes and may witness crocodiles up to five meters long. The Organization for Tropical Studies operates a Biological Station in Palo Verde.  Lodging, meals and tours are available. For reservations call OTS at (506) 524-0607 Costa Rica.

8. Riding, Swim and Mud Bath at Rincon de la Vieja - An excellent overnight excursion is a trip to to the volcano Rincon de la Vieja. Although the trip can be easily done in a day, we recommend an overnight stay at Buena Vista Lodge. The Lodge is an excellent base over half way up the Volcano, and is a easy scenic drive from Potrero, just north of Liberia off the Pan-American Highway. The views along the way are remarkable. The lodge at Buena Vista offers trail rides up the volcano, swimming at the waterfalls, zip lines, a huge waterslide, and evening excursions through the rainforest from atop an elaborate trail and boardwalk system. The Hot Springs and mud bath are not to be missed. If you plan to stay overnight call ahead for reservations, especially during high season.

9. Canopy Tours - Just a short 30 minute drive from Potrero, along the Congo Trail (aka the Monkey Trail) will bring you to the local Canopy Tour. Here you ride from one tree to the next, via zip lines and a series of platforms. All equipment is provided and the whole family will enjoy the trip, at least those not afraid of heights. The guides will point out wildlife along the way and make sure that all participants are safe and sound throughout the trip. The Canopy Tour Center has a arborium and small zoo with some of the local inhabitants of the dry forest region.

10. Caving - Barra Honda National Park was created in 1971 to protect its famous cave systems. Although most of the parkland was cleared of trees many years ago, wildlife is fairly abundant and increasing with protection. A good trail system takes the visitors to the caves, where unusual limestone formations offer spectacular views. The park is located south of Potrero, just east of the town of Nicoya, on the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. Barra Honda Peak has a vast system of independent caves, nearly 42, of which only 19 have been explored. This caverns are renowned for their pristine condition and conservation efforts have helped to retain all the geo-biological features of the area. Vertical entrances to the caves require special equipment and trained professionals. Local Tour operators and hotels can make all the necessary arrangements for you.