Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Your Guide to Tropical Paradise

Welcome to Tamarindo - a surfer's paradise!

Welcome to Tamarindo, a coastal jewel on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Nestled in the Guanacaste province, Tamarindo is a tropical haven renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant surf scene, diverse wildlife, and an all-encompassing "Pura Vida" atmosphere. Let's embark on a virtual journey to discover what makes Tamarindo the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Tamarindo Highlights:

Beautiful Beaches: Tamarindo Beach, with its golden sands and clear blue waters, is a magnet for sun worshippers, surfers, and beachcombers. It's the ideal place to soak up the sun, swim, or try your hand at surfing.

Surfing Mecca: Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll find waves suited to your skill level. Local surf schools offer lessons for those eager to ride their first wave.

Wildlife Encounters: The region surrounding Tamarindo is a biodiversity hotspot. Keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, iguanas, colorful parrots, and even nesting sea turtles during the season. Don't miss a visit to Marino Las Baulas National Park for a chance to witness these gentle giants.

Adventure Awaits: Beyond the beach, Tamarindo offers a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities. Explore the nearby dry tropical forests on a canopy tour, embark on a thrilling ATV ride through rugged terrain, or try horseback riding along the beach.

Local Cuisine: Tamarindo's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Costa Rican dishes and international flavors. Savor fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and delicious street food. Don't forget to sample "casado," a traditional Costa Rican meal.

Nightlife: As the sun sets, Tamarindo comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy beachfront cocktails, live music, and dancing at the town's bars and clubs.

Practical Tips:

Getting There: The nearest international airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, about a 1-hour drive from Tamarindo. Liberia Airport offers convenient access to the region.

Weather: Tamarindo enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from November to April, offers sunny skies and warm temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit. September and October bring heavier rains and it can rain all day at times.

Accommodations: Tamarindo offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts and vacation rentals. Beachfront properties provide stunning ocean views and easy access to the surf.

Water Sports: In addition to surfing, Tamarindo offers opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sportfishing. You can also take a catamaran cruise to explore the coast and even spot dolphins.

Eco-Tourism: Explore nearby natural wonders such as Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where you can hike to waterfalls and rejuvenate in hot springs, or visit Palo Verde National Park for birdwatching adventures.

Relaxation: Tamarindo is the perfect place to unwind. Consider booking a spa day, practicing yoga on the beach, or simply lounging in a hammock under swaying palm trees.

Tamarindo invites you to experience the essence of Costa Rica—its natural beauty, warm culture, and adventurous spirit. Whether you're seeking thrilling escapades or peaceful relaxation, this coastal paradise promises a memorable journey filled with the pure life spirit that defines Costa Rica. Come to Tamarindo and discover why it's a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

Planning a vacation to Tamarindo

We recommend visiting Tamarindo for 3 – 5 days.  There are plenty of activities in the area, but you will enjoy a much more memorable experience by splitting time with another destination, such as a rainforest, cloud forest or volcano area.

There are many different styles of hotels in Tamarindo.  For mid-range, we recommend Tamarindo Diria Resort, Tamarindo Bay, Casa Cook and Jardin del Eden.  If you are looking for an all inclusive Tamarindo hotel, you are in luck with the Barcelo Langosta Resort.  We recommend Capitan Suizo Hotel or Cala Luna Hotel for luxury.  Hotel Luna Llena, Hotel Zullymar and Tamarindo Vista Villas are great budget options.

There are plenty of Tamarindo tours and activities available.  While in the area, one can enjoy beach activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and surfing, all of which are ideal from this location.  One can also enjoy snorkeling, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing.  Tamarindo is well known for great tuna, billfish and mahi mahi fishing.

Reasons to visit

• The beaches are beautiful.
• There are several beach areas; some are better for swimming, some for learning to surf and some for experienced surfers.
• There are many conveniences such as shops, restaurants and bars.
• The town offers good nightlife.
• There are many options for activities.
• It is located in the dry forest, so the rain season is short.
• You can see wildlife such as monkeys and sloths in the estuary.
• There is good snorkeling at Captains Island in front of Tamarindo.
• There is a wide variety of resorts and hotels including an all-inclusive resort.
• Easy access to Liberia Airport.

Reasons not to visit

• The town is somewhat Americanized.
• The main beach area can become a little crowded in the high season.
• As it is located in the dry forest, there is no rainforest.
• Rain can be heavy in September and October.
• This is not a good destination for nature lovers.
• It is located 4.5 hours from San Jose Airport.
• You are seeking a cultural experience.
• You are seeking an off the beaten path vacation.
• You think you can do day trips to Arenal Volcano or Monteverde.   While money can buy it, be prepared for a 4 hour drive in each direction…
• You are seeking a beach to snorkel off of (actually there are few in Costa Rica that meet this requirement).

Weather and packing list

The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.

Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.

Fun Fact: Tamarindo is not only an awesome beach destination for swimming, surfing and all around fun, but it is also surrounded by national park, estuary and wildlife reserve.