Tamarindo
Lively surf town with a mangrove estuary and great nightlife.
Surf, sun and sunsets in Guanacaste
Tamarindo is one of the best-known beaches in Guanacaste, the province with the most reliable dry season in the country. It has waves for every level, plenty of restaurants and nightlife, and it is a convenient base for exploring other North Pacific beaches.
Things to do
- Surf lessons: the main beach has gentle waves in several areas, ideal for learning. Surf schools line the coast.
- Tamarindo Estuary: a boat or kayak trip through the mangroves to see birds, crocodiles and, with luck, monkeys.
- Sunset catamaran: trips with snorkeling and the sunset from the water.
- Las Baulas National Marine Park: it protects neighboring Playa Grande, a nesting beach for leatherback turtles. Night visits are only allowed with authorized guides and in season.
- Nearby beaches: Playa Grande, Langosta, Avellanas and Conchal are a short drive away.
Tips
- Protect yourself from the sun: the dry-season heat is intense; bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Ask where it is safe to swim: some beaches have strong currents.
- For a quieter stay, also consider Nosara or Playas del Coco · Papagayo.
Getting there
Tamarindo is about an hour and a quarter by road from Liberia International Airport, so you can fly straight to the beach without going through San José. From San José it is about four and a half hours by road, and there are domestic flights to the Tamarindo airstrip. It pairs very well with Rincón de la Vieja, Río Celeste or La Fortuna.
Where to stay in Tamarindo
Things to do in Tamarindo
- Surf lesson from $55 pp
- Estuary tour from $45 pp
- Sunset catamaran from $80 pp
Traveler reviews
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Plan your trip
from $60 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
December to April (dry season); May to November brings afternoon rain and better prices
Getting there
✈ Has an airstrip for domestic flights