Tamarindo
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Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Main surf and sunset beach in town
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Swim away from the surf lineup
- Great for sunset
- Watch for riptides
📷 Photos
- 2
Surf beach and turtle-nesting site across the estuary
3 tips
- Best waves at mid-tide
- Nesting season runs roughly October to February
- Take a boat or drive around
📷 Photos
- 3
Protected leatherback turtle nesting beach
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Join guided night tours in season
- No flashlights or photos on the beach
📷 Photos
- 4
Quieter beach south of Tamarindo
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk along the shore at low tide
- Calmer than the main beach
- Good for sunset
📷 Photos
- 5
Wide beach with consistent surf
3 tips
- Check tides before going
- Good surf for intermediates
- Bring sun protection
📷 Photos
- 6
Beach made of tiny crushed shells
3 tips
- Calm water, good for snorkelling
- Bring water and snacks
- Reached by road from Tamarindo
📷 Photos
- 7
Marina town with a white-sand beach
3 tips
- Fishing and boat trips leave here
- Good for dinner
- Quieter than Tamarindo
📷 Photos
- 8
Historic national park with dry forest and surf spots
3 tips
- Day trip from Tamarindo
- Bring water and repellent
- Check road access
📷 Photos
- 9
Volcano park with hot springs and waterfalls
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Check volcano status
📷 Photos
- 10
Mangrove estuary with crocodiles and birds
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Boat tours leave from Tamarindo
- Bring binoculars
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Tamarindo tips
Transportation
- Fly into Liberia: Guanacaste Airport in Liberia is about an hour from Tamarindo, far closer than Juan Santamaria in San Jose; pre-book a shuttle or rental car.
- Use shared shuttles: Companies run shared shuttles from Tamarindo to La Fortuna, Monteverde and San Jose, easier than public buses for travellers.
- Rent a bike or ATV for beaches: Bikes and ATVs are popular for reaching Playa Langosta and Playa Conchal on dirt roads; always wear a helmet.
Security
- Beware of rip currents: Strong rip currents form near the estuary and along Playa Grande; swim near lifeguards and swim parallel to shore if caught.
- Watch for crocodiles: Crocodiles live in the Tamarindo estuary at the north end of the beach; do not swim or wade near the river mouth.
- Never leave valuables in cars: Break-ins happen at beach car parks; take passports and electronics with you or leave them in your hotel safe.
Saving
- Eat at local sodas: Small sodas serve a casado with rice, beans, salad and meat or fish for much less than restaurants on the main beach strip.
- Visit in green season: Hotel prices drop from May to November, and mornings are usually sunny before the afternoon rains.
- Self-cater from supermarkets: Buy fruit, gallo pinto ingredients and drinks at Tamarindo supermarkets and cook in your rental; beachfront bars on the main strip charge far more.
Weather/Clothing
- Enjoy the dry season: December to April is hot, sunny and dusty in Guanacaste; pack light clothes, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle.
- Prepare for green season storms: May to November brings afternoon downpours, especially in September and October; pack a light rain jacket.
- Bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen: The Pacific sun is fierce; a long-sleeved rash guard protects you during long surf sessions.
Cultural
- Embrace pura vida: Ticos use pura vida as hello, thanks and goodbye; slow down, greet staff warmly and expect service in Tamarindo to run at a relaxed Costa Rican pace.
- Try gallo pinto and Salsa Lizano: Breakfast of rice and beans with eggs is a staple; add Salsa Lizano, the tangy sauce on every Costa Rican table.
- Respect wildlife: Howler monkeys, iguanas and coatis roam Tamarindo; never feed them, and keep lights off and your distance from nesting turtles on Playa Grande.
Local Hacks
- Take a surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo: Gentle waves near the town centre make it ideal for beginners; lessons include boards and rash guards.
- See leatherback turtles at Playa Grande: Las Baulas National Park protects nesting leatherbacks, mainly from October to March; join an official guided night tour.
- Join the sunset crowd: Each evening locals and surfers gather on Playa Tamarindo for the Pacific sunset; book a sunset catamaran or sit near the estuary rocks for the best view.
1-day itineraries in Tamarindo
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Playa Tamarindo and around
🕘 9:30–13:45📍 5 stops
- 1Pico Pequeño Surf Break
- 2Plaza Tamarindo
- 3Playa Tamarindo
- 4Pangas Beach Club
- 5Playa Langosta
Day 2 of 3
Estuario del Río Tamarindo and around
🕘 9:30–12:45📍 3 stops
- 1Estuario del Río Tamarindo
- 2Playa Grande
- 3Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
Day 3 of 3
Playa Conchal and around
🕘 9:30–12:30📍 3 stops
- 1Playa Conchal
- 2Playa Brasilito
- 3Playa Flamingo