Pawleys

I would love to take my two married children, their spouses and three toddlers somewhere warm for a week at Christmas. Would Costa Rica be a good choice? We rented a house at Tortola a couple of Christmas ago and that was wonderful.
My son is a surfer and my son in law loves deep sea fishing. The rest of us would enjoy the beach and being together. If there were interesting places to site see all the better.

hsmithcr

If you are a big beach family, Costa Rica is probably not the best choice. Many of the Caribbean islands have better beaches. But for wildlife, volcanos, mud baths, hot springs, river rafing, birding, fishing, and gorgeous scenery, Costa Rica is great.

Yes, there are many beaches in Costa Rica but many of them are narrow and have dark-colored "volcanic" sands.

One place you might consider is Tamarindo -- www.tamarindocosta-rica.com

Another is Playa Flamingo www.nicoyapeninsula.com

For overall information about Costa Rica - www.govisitcostarica.com

For driving times and distances - www.yourtravelmap.com

Many people who come to Costa Rica for the first time, choose to spend some time in the "mountains" and some time at the beach.

The three most popular destinations in Costa Rica are Arenal (www.arenal.net), Monteverde (www.monteverdeinfo.com) and Manuel Antonio (www.manuelantoniopark.com)

The Caribbean coast also has a lot to offer and is more, well, Caribbean. Look here: www.puertoviejosatellite.com

volcanogirl

You might enjoy Manuel Antonio, someplace like Tulemar Bungalows or Buena Vista Villas.

qwovadis

www.tamarindo.com meets all your needs

www.hotelcapitansuizo.com www.tamarindodiria.com

Witches Rock Surf Camp www.tamarindosportfishing.com

Beaches are nice not as nice/powder white as Tortola

Nearby www.reservaconchal.com as good as it gets in CR

CR has better nature volcano wildlife adventure

But Carib/Mexico/Belize if it is all about the best beach...

www.bookit.com good vacations packages all areas...

Do book ahead over the holiday season...

Allylam

Although we don't have the same type of beaches as most carribean Islands, I still think you could enjoy a week here with your family. Probably less expensive here than Tortola to rent a house for a week! There are many beautiful rental houses in Manuel Antonio, but not much surf there.
Tamarindo would be good, there is great surf in the area, and many other things (sites to see, etc) but be advised, it is very developed. They even have fast food there.
If you want something a little less developed, look north to Playa Coco or Flamingo, or south to Playa Nosara or Samara. Many things to do in those areas. Good surf, excellent fishing, zip lines, nature walks. Try searching vrbo in these areas and see if you find a house that fits your group. Sounds like there are nine of you, so you should be able to find a rental that sleeps 10. Many of the houses on 'vrbo' and 'home away' will also have some info on things to do in the area. I think Costa Rica could be a fabulous place for your family vacation.

Fanjoy

We are doing a big family reunion in January at Tamarindo in Costa Rica. There will be people of all ages including a baby and toddler. We have rented houses right across the street from the beach. I was there last year and thought it would be perfect for a week--sort of like being "at the cottage". Very relaxed, mellow sort of place and easy to get to. Some people are then going on and seeing a lot more of the country.

shillmac

Please check and be sure the ocean water at Tamarindo has been cleaned up and problems solved. You won't want to put little ones into it otherwise--or yourselves either for that matter!

You couldn't find a better place for your family vacation. The beach may not be white sand and turquoise water, but they are beautiful and generally not crowded.

We have been to Tortola as well--amazing; ready to go back! But Costa Rica has our heart!

Allylam

Shillmac has a good point about the water quality around Tamarindo. They lost their Blue Flag (a symbol of environmental cleanliness) some time ago (do to the over development of the area)and I don't think they got it back yet. I had not thought about that when I made my first post, and it is something to keep in mind. There are plenty of other beaches that still have their blue flag.

jmramon

I suggest Manuel Antonio Costa Rica highly! My Husband and I took my 70 year old parents along with my teenage children for Christmas 2009. We travel every Christmas and it was our best trip by far. We rented a home called Casa Elsa and walked to a beautiful white beach daily...never crowded. The scenery was unimaginable and the people lovely. We surfed everyday (novices) and made friends with the pros giving lessons on the beach. We are going to Honduras this year and hope that it is half as nice! Enjoy!