Quick Links

Summary

  • Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a popular vacation spot known for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and excellent nightlife. A must-visit destination for adventure seekers and beach lovers.
  • The best time to visit Tamarindo is from mid-November to August, with prime weather and opportunities to see leatherback and green sea turtles nesting in the area.
  • Tamarindo offers a wide range of activities, including inshore and deep-sea fishing, surfing for all skill levels, and exploring nearby national parks with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Start planning your trip to this incredible destination now.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, began as a modest fishing community but is now one of the most visited places in the Guanacaste province. A typical day in Tamarindo will see about 500 people strolling its streets. Nonetheless, during the peak tourist season, the number might rise to almost 5,000.

Tamarindo has a wide variety of places to stay, eat, and drink, and the main street, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, is an entertaining must-visit. Yet the town's most attractive feature is its stunning beach, widely regarded as one of the world's finest spots for surfers and other athletic beachgoers. Factoring in the golden beach, breathtaking sunsets, and lively atmosphere, it's clear that Tamarindo is the ideal destination for vacationers.

UPDATE: 2023/08/28 21:01 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE

What Makes Tamarindo, Costa Rica So Special?

Costa Rica holds the top position for the safest country in Latin America, and one of the most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica is Tamarindo. With an array of attractions, including stunning beaches, world-class surfing, multiple national parks, excellent nightlife, and easy access from the United States, it's no surprise that Tamarindo is one of the most popular vacation spots in Costa Rica.

Related
10 Of The Nicest Beaches To Visit In Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, a beach town in Costa Rica, is an ideal destination for visitors craving relaxation away from the bustling city life.

What To Know Before Going To Tamarindo

Tamarindo, conveniently located just 45 minutes from Liberia International Airport, makes the journey stress-free and promises a wealth of adventure. It's no surprise that Tamarindo, located in Guanacaste, has plenty of dining options serving local specialties. A terrific time to visit is during one of the many festivals held throughout the year, such as the BPM Festival, when the streets come alive with music, dancing, and delicious food.

Fire dancers at night on the beach in Costa Rica
Photo by Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash
Fire dancers at night on the beach in Costa Rica

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Tamarindo

Weather-wise, mid-November through August is a prime time to explore Tamarindo. From November to April, when leatherback and green sea turtles nest in the area around Playa Grande, it becomes a popular tourist destination.

Sign for nesting sea turtles on the beach in Playa Grande, Tamarindo

Photo by Adriana Wojakowska on Unsplash

Sign for nesting sea turtles on the beach in Playa Grande, Tamarindo

The Tamarindo Marathon, held annually in September, is a significant tourist draw for the town. Those looking to avoid crowds, however, should give these dates a miss.

Tamarindo's Beautiful Beaches & The Fun Things To Do There

One of Tamarindo's biggest draws is its abundance of beautiful beaches. Visitors can reach beautiful beaches like these in a matter of minutes from the city center, and they are just as good as any of the other Northern Pacific Coast beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo, or Tamarindo Beach, is a popular destination due to its beautiful scenery and the relative calmness of its waters during low tide, making it a great place to go swimming. This beach is also a popular spot for surfers, as it has waves suitable for novices. Other popular activities that are enjoyable for both adults and children are snorkeling and people-watching.

People walking on the beach in Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Unsplash


People walking on the beach in Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Playa Grande, located north of Tamarindo and within the confines of Marino Las Baulas National Park, is exceptionally picturesque and spotless, thanks to the strict regulations. The public can access the beach during the day. However, leatherback turtles nest there; thus, visitors should be cautious. Playa Grande is an excellent place for those interested in seeing any of these elusive animals, but it might not be the best area for beach volleyball or a stroll at midnight.

The Town Is An Excellent Spot For Sport-Fishing

In addition to the stunning beaches, this area is a fishing mecca due to the high quality of the inshore fishing and the ease of access to world-class deep-sea fishing. Located at Costa Rica's westernmost tip, travelers can reach the country's continental shelf and deep waters in just half an hour's boat ride. During the green season from May - November, offshore fishing is excellent. During this time, sportfish such as marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna are the significant species in the waters of Tamarindo, with some individuals weighing in at over 250 pounds.

Fishing boats on the water at sunset in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Photo by Zachary Shea on Unsplash

&n
Fishing boats on the water at sunset in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The rugged, volcanic shoreline and rich marine life of the islands near Tamarindo make it an ideal location for inshore fishing during the dry season too. Whether one is fishing for snapper and grouper at "The Coral," a submerged volcanic reef, or for wahoo and roosterfish off the coast of the Catalina Islands, the action never ceases.

Related
A Travel Guide To Costa Rica: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip
Travelers should learn more about the most famous landmarks, restaurants, and hotels in Costa Rica before planning a trip.

Surfing in Tamarindo

Surfers have been flocking to Costa Rica for decades, with the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts both rich in high-quality waves. The warm tropical water, lush jungle backdrop, and white-sand beaches further add to the appeal. Tamarindo is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Costa Rica, thanks to the variety of waves on offer and the consistency of the surf. From heaving slabs to mellow longboard peelers, surfers of all skill levels can enjoy the waves of the region.

Surfer standing on the beach in Tamarindo giving a shaka while holding a longboard

Photo by Jake Johnson on Unsplash
Surfer standing on the beach in Tamarindo giving a shaka while holding a longboard

Is Tamarindo Good For Beginner Surfing?

In short, yes. The green season (April - October) sees the biggest waves thanks to the predominant swell direction at this time of year. Even during these months, there are beginner-friendly breaks in Tamarindo. The dry season sees calmer conditions, which can be more conducive for learning both for the waves and for the lighter crowds. In either case, novice surfers should always take a few lessons to get to know the local breaks. Here are some popular options for surf lessons in Tamarindo:

  • Witch's Rock Surf Camp
  • Iguana Surf
  • Tamarindo Surf School
  • Kelly's Surf Shop
  • Tamarindo Surf Lessons
  • Pacific Surf School
  • Neptuno Surf Shop & Surf School

There Are Several Costa Rican National Parks Near Tamarindo

The region's national parks and animal refuges are other major draws. The Marino Las Baulas, National Park in Playa Grande, is ideal for kayaking and hiking and features a mangrove swamp and coastline. Numerous endangered species call this national park home, including over 150 kinds of birds and a population of leatherback sea turtles that utilize the area's beaches to lay their eggs. The famous Monkey Park in Portegolpe is only a half-hour drive from the city. The park is run by a non-profit organization that has made itself available to the native species of Costa Rica to meet their needs for rehabilitation and eventual release.

Monkey on a tree branch in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Photo by Christina Victoria Craft on Unsplash
Monkey on a tree branch in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Planning Your Trip to Tamarindo

With all the amazing things to do and see in Tamarindo, all that's left to do is start planning a Costa Rican vacation. Here are a few tips to get started:

Aerial view of blue water and the shoreline in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Photo by Zachary Shea on Unsplash

Aerial view of blue water and the shoreline in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  • Flying to Tamarindo: Those who want to fly to Tamarindo may do so via several airlines. While Guanacaste Airport (GUA) is just about an hour away from Tamarindo, some tourists fly to the much-distant San José International Airport (SJO), which is a little over a four-hour journey away. Guests can also take a domestic flight to Tamarindo Airport, which will get them there faster but will cost more.
  • Where to stay in Tamarindo: There are numerous dining and entertainment options available at the expansive Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, including four restaurants, four bars, a casino, and a spa. The beach bar and nearby pizzeria are great options if you're looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink. Guests will appreciate the resort's proximity to the Marino Las Baulas National Park, which is less than a mile away.