Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo beach
Tamarindo is the most developed beach on the Nicoya Peninsula and a prime tourist destination
for a beach vacation in Costa Rica.
The convenience of a nearby international airport and its reputation of being a mecca for
surfers and beach culture, has made Tamarindo a focal point for tourism at Guanacaste's sun-kissed coastline.
The town of Tamarindo
In 1994 the surf-cult-movie "Endless Summer II" starred Tamarindo's world class breaks and stunning beaches,
thus putting it on the maps of surfing nomads and nature seekers.
Two decades later Tamarindo has evolved from a secret beach spot into a bustling town,
offering services and amenities which are hard to find in most parts of Costa Rica.
Beachfront bar in Tamarindo
Hotels in Tamarindo are plentyful, accommodating all budgets and styles from posh resorts and boutique
treasures, to condominium rentals, family hotels, or backpacker hostels.
See: Map of Tamarindo with Hotels
The variety in lodging options is matched by an equally diverse range of culinary experiences.
There are cutting-edge restaurants, as well as traditional Costa Rican fare,
health-conscious and ethnic cuisine.
Tamarindo's multi-cultural composition yields shops selling French pastry,
Italian specialities, or German bread.
Aside from groceries there is a large supermarket with an assortment of national and
international delicacies to compliment the abundance of locally
produced fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
Tamarindo town center
Surfers don't need to bring their own board - there are many surf shops in Tamarindo with surf equipment for rent or for sale, along with fashion wear, and all you could need for a beach vacation.
In Tamarindo you find one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, local fashion and crafts, as well as souvenirs imported from Asia. Banks with ATM machines are available, a pharmacy, spa and health services, and a bookstore. Tamarindo's lively American expat community also publishes local magazines and newspapers in English language.
Tamarindo's night life scene ranges from elegant lounges to funky beach bars, Reggae dance halls or life music sessions. Whether you prefer a quiet glass of wine in a soothing ambience, or dancing to hot rhythms until the wee hours, Tamarindo has something for everybody's taste.
Tamarindo Beaches
View from Tamarindo to Playa Grande
The center of beach activity is right in front of Tamarindo town. When tide is out, in particular, a generously
wide expanse of sand offers plenty of space for families with kids, beach soccer and sunbathing, while surfers
ply their talents in the breaks.
Tamarindo beach forms part of the Bay of Tamarindo which is bisected by the Rio Matapalo.
Across the river, to the north of Tamarindo, is Playa Grande, a long sweep of white-sand beach, curling off until the
wooded promontory of Cabo Velas, Costa Rica's westernmost point.
Playa Grande is one of Costa Rica's National Parks, protecting a major nesting site for the giant leatherback sea turtles.
Playa Langosta, south of Tamarindo
To the south of Tamarindo, around a headland, you get to Playa Langosta.
A rocky stretch with tide pools and pockets
of white-sand beach backed by small trees and scrub is followed by a large swathe of soft-sanded beach ending at the estuary
of the Rio San Francisco.
The estuaries of Rio Matapalo and Rio San Francisco are protected biological reserves with large stands of mangroves and
abundant wildlife.
More about the Beaches: Activities in Tamarindo
Weather in Tamarindo:
Seasons on the Nicoya Peninsula