Tamarindo

A Lively Town with a Famous Popular Beach

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Visiting Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo is located in the Guanacaste Province along the Pacific Coast and is one the most popular beaches in Costa Rica. 4 ½ hours from San Jose, Tamarindo gets its name from the tamarind trees that line the coastline. Tamarindo is without a doubt the most popular beach in the province of Guanacaste. You will also find many expats living in Tamarindo. You can find stunning hotels and and endless scene of bars and restaurants. Surfers love the laid-back vibe of the place while beach lovers delight in the crystal blue waters. There are also a variety of surf shops including the famous Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. The ocean is warm and the sun is hot year-round, ensuring an excellent atmosphere for relaxation and tanning. The perfectly shaped coastline framed by magnificent palm trees is picture perfect. It is a greta place to enjoy a romantic sunset perhaps even while taking a horseback riding tour. You’ll never forget your visit to Playa Tamarindo.

Highlights

Surfing 

Surfing TamarindoThe surfer lifestyle is very much alive in this bustling beach town. Surfers of all levels can enjoy the waves, but Tamarindo is a great place for beginners. In fact, Tamarindo is home to the first ever surf school in Costa Rica. It is located right on the main beach and comes highly recommended.

Fishing

Tamarindo Diria Beach SailingTamarindo Costa Rica is a mecca sports fishing. Fishermen come from all over the world to experience the amazing Costa Rica sport fishing. People have caught record marlin, giant tuna, and sailfish in Tamarindo and many come back from more action every year.

Kayaking

Kayaking ClassVery close to Tamarindo are estuary waterways, where you can kayak while you observe Costa Rican wildlife. Explore with a professional guide to see this unique ecosystem and maybe even some crocodiles!

 

Nightlife

Tamarindo Diria Hotel and CasinoTamarindo is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for nightlife. There are a variety of bars and restaurants that offer, karaoke, live music, bar games, DJs and dance nights. Ask the locals where the hotspot is each night! You can also almost always find a lady’s night somewhere.

Tips

  • Visit December-May: December-May is the dry season so you’re guaranteed beautiful weather every day. Be aware, however, that Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica so it tends to get crowded.
  • Don’t miss the Tamarindo Sunset! It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see.
  • Watch for crocodiles in the river: If you want to cross the river to get to Playa Grande, hire a boat to avoid any curious crocodiles lingering in the river.
  • Playa Grande is home to Las Baulas National Park. Las Baulas are leatherback turtles who visit Playa Grande to nest. This national park is a must visit!
  • Check out other beaches close by: You can either rent a car or take a bus to many nearby and equally beautiful beaches like Playa Langosta,  Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo.
  • Visit the estuary: Take a boat ride or kayak through the nearby estuary to see wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys and Costa Rican birds.

Getting There

Closest International Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR)

sansa airline airportThere are many convenient ways to get to Tamarindo. From San Jose you can rent a car, take a shuttle or private transfer. Keep in mind that it is about a 4 ½ hour drive. You can also take a domestic flight with Sansa. It costs about $70 and takes approximately 30 minutes. If you fly into Liberia, you will be able to arrive in about 1 ½ hours by rental car, shuttle or private transfer. 

Dining

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort RestaurantBecause it is such a popular tourist destination, there are many dining options available. Be aware that it might be a bit more expensive than other, less crowded, beach towns. Try Longboards BBQ for awesome barbecue sandwiches, La Pachanga for mouth-watering Italian pasta and pizza or NOI Bistro for a great veggie burger! For breakfast, make sure to try Gallo Pinto. The delicious, national dish of Costa Rica!

Tamarindo - Get Info

Tamarindo Map

Located on the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is easy to get to from Liberia and San Jose by car, shuttle or private transfer.

Click to Enlarge Tamarindo Map

Tamarindo Vacation Packages

From romantic honeymoons to all-inclusive vacations to adrenaline-filled adventures, you can find the perfect tour for you and your family!

Best of Guanacaste

Best of Guanacaste

LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Active Family Adventure – Family Vacation to Costa Rica

Active Family Adventure – Family Vacation to Costa Rica

7
SJO
Less than $1000 p.p.
Extended Coast to Coast

Extended Coast to Coast

SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Costa Rica Classic

Costa Rica Classic

7
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Golf In Paradise – Costa Rica Golf Vacation

Golf In Paradise – Costa Rica Golf Vacation

7
LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Fishing Adventure Package

Fishing Adventure Package

5
LIR
More than $2000 p.p.
Romantic Beach Getaway

Romantic Beach Getaway

LIR
$1000-$1500 p.p.
Volcano & Beaches of Guanacaste

Volcano & Beaches of Guanacaste

LIR
Less than $1000 p.p.

Tamarindo Hotels

There are many great places to stay in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. Hotels in Tamarindo are varied from luxurious all-inclusive international hotels to small family run establishments. You can even rent a villa for a more home-away-from-home experience.

El Jardin del Eden

El Jardin del Eden

4
From: $125 - $200
Tamarindo Diria

Tamarindo Diria

4
From: $200 - $300
Esplendor

Esplendor

5
From: $125 - $200
Hotel Pasatiempo

Hotel Pasatiempo

3
From: Under $125
Hotel Capitan Suizo

Hotel Capitan Suizo

4
5
From: $200 - $300

Tamarindo Tours

From snorkeling to ATV to zip lining, you can be sure to find adventurous tours for the whole family in Tamarindo.

Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach with Jacamar

Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour on Kayaks with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour on Kayaks with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour by Boat with Jacamar

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Tour by Boat with Jacamar

ATV Golden Coast Tour with Arenas Adventures

ATV Golden Coast Tour with Arenas Adventures

ATV Mountain Trip / Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste with Arenas Adventures

ATV Mountain Trip / Tropical Dry Forest of Guanacaste with Arenas Adventures

Kayak Snorkeling in Tamarindo with Arenas Adventures

Kayak Snorkeling in Tamarindo with Arenas Adventures

Surf Lesson with Arenas Adventures

Surf Lesson with Arenas Adventures

Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Sportfisher

Sportfishing Angelica IV 29′ Feet Sportfisher

Sportfishing Bernacle II 36′ Feet Ocean Boat

Sportfishing Bernacle II 36′ Feet Ocean Boat

Sportfishing BrindisiToo 50′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing BrindisiToo 50′ Feet Bertram Boat

Sportfishing Circle Hooker 29′ Feet Pursuit Boat

Sportfishing Circle Hooker 29′ Feet Pursuit Boat

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise Tamarindo

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise Tamarindo

From: $75 - $100
Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Tamarindo with Marlin del Rey

Sunset Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise in Tamarindo with Marlin del Rey

ATV Mountain Trip Tamarindo

ATV Mountain Trip Tamarindo

From: $75 - $100
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