Homes
$4,500,000
Puntarenas Province
Tambor Real Estate & Travel Guide
Tambor is the gateway to the southern Nicoya Peninsula and one of its most underrated places to own property. The bay arcs in a deep crescent of calm grey-sand beach, sheltered from open Pacific swell by the headland — meaning warm, swimmable, family-friendly water that is rare on this stretch of coast. The town itself is small and local, anchored by the Paquera ferry terminal 30 minutes north, where the Naviera Tambor car ferry lands, and a handful of beachfront hotels and restaurants.
The defining feature for buyers is access: Tambor is 30 minutes from the Paquera ferry, far closer than the Pacific-side surf towns. That, combined with calm-water swimming, makes Tambor especially popular with retirees, families, and second-home owners who want a quick getaway.
The market is significantly more affordable than Santa Teresa — ocean-view homes start around $300k and beachfront condos in the $250k range still exist. Inventory turnover is slower, which can favour patient buyers willing to wait for the right property.
Where is Tambor?
Tambor sits on the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Puntarenas province, 30 min south of the Paquera ferry terminal and about 45 min by road from Santa Teresa.
From San José
Highway 27 to Puntarenas, ferry to Paquera, then 30 min south. Total 3.5–4.5 hrs. Or fly Sansa to the Cóbano aerodrome (ACO).
From Liberia
~4 hrs via Nicoya and Cobano.
Nearest airports
- · Cóbano (ACO) — daily Sansa flights from San José
- · Liberia (LIR) — 4 hrs
- · San José (SJO) — 3.5–4.5 hrs via the Paquera ferry
Neighborhoods of Tambor
Tambor village & bay
$250k–$800kThe walkable town centre fronting the calm bay. Local restaurants, the fish market, and beachfront condos.
Panica & hills
$300k–$1.2MElevated lots in the hills just west of town with panoramic bay views.
Tango Mar & resort area
$400k–$2MGated golf-and-beach community south of Tambor with single-family homes and lots.
Things to do in Tambor
Swim the calm bay
Tambor's sheltered bay is one of the few warm, swimmable beaches on the peninsula — ideal for families and small children.
Day-trip to Tortuga Island
Boats leave Tambor daily for Isla Tortuga — 45 min offshore, white-sand beaches and clear snorkelling.
Golf at Tango Mar
9-hole oceanfront course south of town.
Whale watching (Aug–Oct)
Humpbacks migrate through the gulf of Nicoya in the southern winter months.
Curú Wildlife Refuge
20 minutes north — easy trails, monkeys, and a quiet beach inside a private reserve.
Fly in to Cóbano
Sansa and Costa Rica Green Airways fly from San José to the Cóbano aerodrome (ACO), about 9 km from Tambor, and you finish the trip by road.
Practical information
Cost of living
Monthly (couple)$2,000–$3,200
1BR rent$600–$1,200
2BR rent$1,000–$2,000
Build / m²$1,400–$2,200
Cheaper than Santa Teresa. Local economy, less imported product.
Best time to visit
High season
December–April: dry, sunny, peak family travel.
Green season
May–November: green, calmer, with humpback whales Aug–Oct.
Shoulder
May, June, November.
Where to stay
Luxury
Tango Mar Beach Resort · Barceló Tambor
Boutique
Tambor Tropical · Hotel Costa Coral
Mid-range
Hotel Dos Lagartos
Several all-inclusive options in addition to boutique stays.
Gallery
Properties for sale in Tambor
Avg. $1.9M24 photos
Hotels & BusinessesLuxury
$4,200,000
HomesEco & Off-Grid
$3,100,000
Farms & AcreageEco & Off-Grid
$1,200,000
Hotels & Businesses
$700,000
Homes
$485,000
Land & Lots
$440,000
Farms & AcreageEco & Off-Grid
$440,000
Guides for buying in Tambor
- Beachfront Property on the Nicoya Peninsula: What "Beachfront" Legally Means Before You Pay for It
- Resorts, Hotels and Turnkey Businesses for Sale in Nicoya, Costa Rica
- When to Buy Property on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula: Timing, Trends, and What the Market Actually Looks Like in 2026
- How to Buy Property in Costa Rica as a Foreigner: The Complete 2026 Guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly to Tambor?▾
Sansa no longer lists Tambor as a destination. Its daily flights from San José (SJO) serve the Cóbano aerodrome (ACO), listed as Santa Teresa-Malpais, and the drive back to Tambor is by road. Most owners come by car and the Paquera ferry, which lands 30 minutes from the village.
Is the bay safe for swimming?▾
Yes — Tambor is one of the few beaches on the peninsula with consistently calm, swimmable water year-round, sheltered by the headland.
How does Tambor compare to Santa Teresa?▾
Tambor is significantly more affordable, closer to the Paquera ferry, and has calm-water beaches better suited to families. It has fewer restaurants, less nightlife, and a more local feel.
Can I drive to Santa Teresa from Tambor?▾
Yes — about 45 minutes via Cobano on the main road.
Is there a hospital nearby?▾
The CMI Cobano private hospital and CCSS public clinic are about 30 minutes away in Cobano.
Is the long-term rental market active?▾
It's thinner than Santa Teresa. Most rentals are short-term vacation or seasonal. Long-term inventory tends to come through local word-of-mouth and a few local agents.
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