Tamarindo Beach: Things To Do, When To Visit, Where To Stay

Best Things to Do in Tamarindo

Experience Tamarindo Beach.

Tamarindo Beach is a long beach with great waves. The currents here can be strong so watch the posted advisories when swimming, but much of Tamarindo Beach is perfect for those just learning how to surf. The vibe of Tamarindo is best described as “Party and Play.” Great swimming, surfing, fishing, and water sports during the day, and buzzing nightlife come sunset. Because of its central location, tourists often base themselves here and explore Guanacaste over several days. Younger crowds enjoy the local bars and discotheques. Situated only 1 hour away from Liberia Airport, we recommend renting a car and exploring these well-maintained roads at your leisure.

Explore Neighboring Beaches.

The different beaches in the area offer a variety of activities for those who want to spend their time in the sand and the sun. Langosta Beach, just south of Tamarindo, is known for its white sand, relaxed atmosphere, and the absence of development. This beach can feel secluded at times, with beautiful sunsets and fascinating tidal pools – a popular beach for families! Other popular beaches in the area include Coconut Beach and Hermosa Beach. Avellana Beach, a 30-minute drive south of Tamarindo, is a good surfing beach.

Related Article: Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Las Baulas National Marine Park for Turtle Nesting

Las Baulas National Marine Park encompasses about 1,100 acres of beach and coast and over 54,400 maritime acres. It is named for the leatherback sea turtles (baulas) that return to lay their eggs each year at Grande Beach. Just 30 minutes north of Tamarindo Beach, Grande Beach is a quieter beach known for the Leatherback Sea Turtles that come to lay their eggs. Between November and April, the largest of all living sea turtles dig meter-deep pits and bury their eggs before returning to the sea. These giants (they can get to be 8 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds!) can be observed at night as they visit the beach.

Related Article: Best Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Where To Go When

Surfing in Tamarindo

Without a doubt, there’s one thing that seems to have the greatest draw for this boomtown – surfing. The breaks in the area are some of the best in the world, as evidenced by the several international surfing competitions held here every year. The beautiful beaches are popular thanks to the consistency of the waves, and the town is a perfect jumping-off location for beach and point breaks along the coast. The calmest water for swimming can be found on the southern end of the beach while the water just off the busiest part of town is best for surfing. The nearby river mouth offers breaks that are perfect for the more experienced.

Related Article: Best Costa Rica Surf Spots

Tamarindo Estuary Kayaking or Boat Ride

Just north of Tamarindo, between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande, is a maze of estuary waterways. Explore this fascinating ecosystem by kayak with a professional guide, who can point out the unique species that live here. Look for crocodiles sunbathing on the river bank and a variety of wading bird species.

Related Article: Top Jungle Tours in Costa Rica

Sailing and Snorkeling Las Catalinas

Sailing and snorkeling tours are typically offered as a duo with the option to go in the morning or for sunset. A guide will drop you off at one or two (weather-dependent) prime snorkel spots and point out the best spots to see fish and other underwater wonders!

Related Article: 10 Best Costa Rica Diving and Snorkeling Spots

Tamarindo Sportfishing

Marlin and Sailfish are some of the highlights of Tamarindo sportfishing. Five-hour half-day and 7-hour full-day fishing charters are available. The half-day tour is generally best for inshore fishing, where anglers might reel in Roosterfish, Snapper, and Amberjack. Fishing in Tamarindo is great all year, but Billfish are most abundant from mid-April to August.

Related Article: Best Places for Sportfishing in Costa Rica

When to Visit Tamarindo:

The best time to visit Tamarindo, Costa Rica, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels:

1. Dry Season (December to April): This is Tamarindo’s peak season, with sunny days, minimal rain, and ideal beach weather. It’s perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities. However, this period also attracts the largest crowds, and accommodations may be pricier.
2. Green Season (May to November): Rain showers become more frequent, particularly in October, but mornings often stay sunny. November is an excellent time to visit, as rainfall begins to taper off, leaving the landscape lush and vibrant with fewer tourists. Additionally, prices tend to be lower during the green season.
3. Special Events: If you’re interested in local festivals, consider visiting around Easter (Semana Santa), when the town is lively with Costa Rican families on holiday. The annual Tamarindo Marathon, typically in September, also draws visitors interested in sports.

Each season has its unique appeal, making Tamarindo a versatile destination year-round.

How To Get To Tamarindo:

Tamarindo is just one hour from the international airport in Liberia, which is why it’s so popular among tourists and expats. Most visitors arrive by car, whether it be a rental or a private ground transfer. A small airstrip in Tamarindo with daily flights to/from San Jose allows you to connect to more remote destinations depending on the season.

Approximate driving times from Tamarindo to popular Costa Rica destinations:

• Arenal: 3 – 3.5 hours
• Liberia: 1 hour
• Papagayo: 1 hour
• Bagaces/Upala: 2 hours
• Other Guanacaste Beaches: 15-30 minutes
• Nosara/Punta Islita: 1.5 hours
• Monteverde: 3 hours