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About Tamarindo
Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste Province, has transformed from a small fishing village into a booming resort destination renowned for its lively beach culture and vibrant nightlife. It is famous worldwide for surfing, offering gentle breakers ideal for beginners along with reliable waves. Its small village center is packed with surf shops, souvenir stalls, and international dining options, while adjacent mangroves form part of Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. Between Nov to mid-Feb, guided evening tours take visitors to observe endangered leatherback turtles nesting at Playa Grande. Visitors can also rent surfboards locally for US$15–30 or explore the area's rich coastal wildlife by boat.
When to go
Tamarindo is at its best in the dry season for surf, wildlife and easy beach days.
Tamarindo experiences warm weather year-round, with the main dry season running from mid-December to late April. This peak high season offers sunny days and tame waves perfect for beginner surfers, though visitors will encounter higher prices and larger crowds. For a balance of wildlife watching, visiting between November to mid-February allows travelers to take evening turtle tours to nearby Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas. Alternatively, the green season from May to November brings lighter crowds, more affordable accommodation, and bigger swells for experienced surfers.
Pick a neighbourhood.
Visitors to the Tamarindo area can choose between the lively, convenient main village, quieter nearby surf spots, and elevated luxury enclaves down the coast.
The village loop at the end of the main road is the heart of town, packed with surf shops, souvenir stalls, eateries, and active nightlife.
Ideal for ocean lovers, this main stretch of coastline features gentle breakers for surf lessons and vibrant sunset views over the Pacific.
Located a quiet 15-to-20-minute walk south of Tamarindo, this area offers an excellent surf beach alongside upscale B&Bs and quiet hotels.
Set on a hill just a few minutes' walk from the beach, this spot provides grand views across the entire Tamarindo Bay.
Situated in the central area, this solar-powered, 14-room vegan hotel features a rooftop yoga studio and zero-waste dining at Off the Grid.
An eco-conscious property located five minutes from the beach, offering 1,400 solar panels and holistic treatments at its Lahari Wellness Center.
Occupying prime beachfront real estate at the tip of Tamarindo Bay, this secluded eco-hotel features resident Howler monkeys, an open-air spa, and El Barco restaurant.
Located right in the village centre about 100 meters from the beach, this popular nightlife hub draws both tourists and locals.
The things worth planning around.
Tamarindo in Costa Rica offers a vibrant coastal blend of reliable surf breaks, rich wildlife encounters, and lively nightlife.
Tamarindo is an ideal surfing paradise with reliable, relatively gentle waves that make it a famous spot for beginners.
During nesting season from October 20 to February 15, visitors can take guided evening tours to observe critically endangered leatherback turtles laying eggs.
A popular two-hour boat trip through the tangled mangrove forests lets visitors spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
Fly over the coast in a two-person gyrocopter near Playa Grande to catch bird's-eye views of turtles in the ocean and crocs in the estuary.
Located on the Río Tempisque, this national park preserves essential habitat for over 300 bird species, including endangered jabiru storks and toucans.
Situated near the village centre close to the beach, this popular spot draws locals and tourists with frequent live music.
Located a couple of kilometres south of Tamarindo, this beach is an excellent spot for riding surf breaks.
Watching the sunset into the Pacific Ocean beyond the rocky headland at the southern end of the beach is a prime evening activity.
Come hungry.
Tamarindo and the surrounding Guanacaste province offer a rich dining scene ranging from affordable roadside ceviche and local sodas to zero-waste fine dining and volcanic rock steakhouses.
This all-day breakfast and lunch cafe in Tamarindo serves a standout version of gallo pinto, Costa Rica's classic national rice-and-bean dish.
Chef Noam serves an innovative zero-waste seven-course meal in Tamarindo using creative ingredients like pickled watermelon skin and frozen chutney.
This charming meat-centric beach restaurant in Tamarindo specializes in steaks like ribeye cooked directly on sizzling volcanic rocks.
A vibrant outdoor spot serving Mexican tacos and cacique guaro cocktails before turning into a nightlife destination with DJ-spun house beats.
Located on the road to Langosta, this casual spot serves smoked pulled pork, chicken, brisket, and ribs alongside homemade BBQ sauces for under $10.
Sitting atop a 2,320-foot mountain, this white castle-like private venue pairs Italian dishes by chef Marco Bedino with sweeping panoramic views.
A popular post-swim casual stop in nearby Playa Grande offering beef, veggie, and combo tacos next to beach hammocks.
Locals drive trucks into town around lunchtime to sell traditional full plates of Costa Rican food for around ₡2000.
Climate
Climate data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).
Ready when you are
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