Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo is among the most popular vacation destinations in Costa Rica.  Once a sleepy town, Tamarindo is now Guanacaste’s largest coastal center, frequented by foreigners from all over the world.  It has all the amenities of a Costa Rica beach town – surf, sand, sun and a bustling nightlife.
Being such a touristy destination and a growing one as well, Tamarindo is big enough to have medical care facilities, banks with ATM machines, Internet cafés, over 40 restaurants, bars, resorts, golf courses, beauty spas, tour operators, surf shops, art galleries and crafts, bakeries, markets and much more.

Playa Tamarindo is part of a bay formed by a cape, Cabo Velas.  The beach is a three and a half km stretch of white sand and blue waters.  Tamarindo offers its visitors first class water sports such as surfing, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving, as well as other activities including horseback riding, canopy tours, turtle watching, golfing and ATV tours.

Tamarindo’s surf is easy, especially for beginners and families. There’s a variety of breaks within walking distance, so renting a car is not even necessary.  And for more advanced and experienced surfers, Tamarindo has two excellent main breaks: Pico Pequeño, a rocky point in front of Tamarindo Diriá Hotel, and the river mouth called El Estero.

Even though this amazing town has become a mecca for surfers, Tamarindo is also a favorite for eco-travelers.    It’s surrounded by National Parks to its north and south, and mountains with abundant nature. 

To the north of Tamarindo Beach, separated by a natural salt water estuary, lies Playa Grande. Grande Beach is known for being one of the main spots on the coast where Leatherback Turtles come to lay their eggs, which is why watching the turtles during the nesting season has become one of the most popular eco-friendly activities in the region.

The beaches in the area are generally clean and recent efforts by the government and local organizations are proving themselves. Although the beach has not regained its Blue Flag Status, in 2008, it did get a clean bill of health from the Costa Rican Government.

Tamarindo’s Weather

Tamarindo’s weather is near perfect.  The sun shines year round and the temperature is pleasantly warm.   During the rainy season (May – October), one can expect brief showers in late afternoons.

Getting There

Tamarindo Beach is the most accessible tourist town along the northern Pacific Coast.  There’s an airstrip serviced 7 days a week from San José, by airlines Nature Air and Sansa.  As well, Liberia’s International Airport is open to international flights from a variety of carriers, and it’s only a 45 minute drive from the airport to Tamarindo. 
Daily bus service to and from San José is also available.  For those who wish to rent a car and drive the countryside themselves, there is a paved highway in great conditions, from San José to Tamarindo.  The trip takes 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

Accommodations in Tamarindo
Tamarindo has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, especially in the condo development area. At any one time, there are several condo options to choose from.  Tamarindo Beach also features a great variety of hotels – from budget to luxury, as well as a large selection of cabins and B&B’s at affordable rates. 

. 

Need accommodation in Tamarindo Beach. Visit our selection of hotels and let us help you with your Tamarindo beach vacation. See selected Tamarindo beach accommodation Tamarindo Diria Tamarindo Vista Villas Jardin del Eden Hotel