Bahia Salinas is located in the far northwestern corner of Costa Rica's  Guanacaste Province and only 5km (3.1 miles) from the Nicaraguan border. It is  a remote and often windswept destination with scenic bay views and charming beaches  with golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is a relaxing place to experience  rural Costa Rica and nature, and it can be a thrilling location for world-class  wind surfing and kite boarding.

Bahia Salinas is situated approximately 65 km (40.4 miles) or 1.5 hours  from Liberia. You can travel to the city La Cruz on paved roads and  then reach the Bahia Salinas over a dirt road.

Constant winds funnel through Bahia Salinas, with the strongest winds  blowing from November to March. The wind's regular pattern and the bay's sandy  beaches make Bahia Salinas a great location for travelers who want to take wind  or kite surfing lessons.  Bahía Salinas is the second-best place in all of Costa Rica (only after Arenal Lake) for windsurfing, and is  arguably the best place in the country for kite boarding because the vegetation  around Arenal can be quite dangerous for those in the air.  For  other visitors, the persistent winds and rural location of Bahia Salinas  creates a cool and meditative environment.

In addition to windsurfing, activities in the Bahia Salinas area include  kayaking, mountain biking, sunset boat tours, and fishing.  You can escape  from the bay's windy beaches on the opposite side, where there are several  crescent-shaped beaches for sun bathing. With its close proximity to the Nicaraguan  border, Bahia Salinas is also a launching-point for one or two day tours to  colonial cities in Nicaragua.

Bird-lovers visiting Bahia Salinas will want to rent boats for Isla Bolanos.  This island, which sits in the middle of the bay, is a national wildlife refuge  and sanctuary for the brown pelican, American ostercatcher, and many other  seabirds. Also nearby (20km; 12.4 miles) is Santa Rosa National Park, which is  home to 250 bird species.  Other nearby  national parks are the Rincon de la Vieja National Park (56km; 34.8 miles) and  the Guanacaste National Park (20 km; 12.4 miles).

There are several lodging options, including a nice beach resort.  Bahia Salinas is a great place to visit if  you are looking for a beach to participate in wind sports or if you just prefer  a beach that is off the beaten path.