Why visit Tamarindo?
Once a sleepy fishing village, Tamarindo boomed in the 21st century thanks to surfing and eco-tourism, famously boosted by its appearance in the 1994 film The Endless Summer II. Today it's the largest developed beach town in Guanacaste and the most accessible spot along Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast.
Beyond the waves, the area offers world-class sport fishing, scuba diving at the Catalina Islands, several nearby golf courses, and access to Las Baulas National Marine Park, an important nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles. A night market, food truck park, fire performances, and electronic music festivals round out a lively town scene.
What travelers usually like
- Surf breaks suitable for beginners through advanced riders
- World-class sport fishing with numerous charter captains
- Scuba diving at the nearby Catalina Islands
- Leatherback turtle nesting at adjacent Las Baulas National Marine Park
- Vibrant culture with night market, food trucks, and music festivals
- Nearby golf courses including Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal
Things to consider
- Tamarindo has faced water-quality issues, losing and regaining its Blue Flag beach designation over the years; it reportedly regained it in 2018.
- As Guanacaste's largest developed beach town and a festival destination, it can feel busy and commercialized compared to quieter villages.
- The drive from San Jose takes 3.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic, though Liberia International Airport is only about an hour away.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamarindo good for surfing?
Yes. Tamarindo and nearby areas are very popular for surfing, with waves ranging from beginner to advanced level.
How do I get to Tamarindo?
The closest international airport is Liberia International Airport, about an hour away. There is also a local airstrip and daily bus service to and from San Jose.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
Tamarindo has two seasons: a dry season from December to April and a wet season generally from May to November.
Travel Score
Surfing, sport fishing, and scuba diving at the Catalina Islands offer abundant adventure options.
Beginner-friendly surf breaks and turtle nesting appeal to families, but the busy, commercialized nightlife scene is less ideal.
Nearby golf courses like Hacienda Pinilla and Reserva Conchal suggest upscale offerings, though the town is described as commercialized.
Vibrant nightlife with fire performances, electronic music festivals, and bars like Crazy Monkey Rooftop Bar and Sunset Lounge.
A long list of highly-rated restaurants including Indian, Sicilian, Mediterranean, and steak options rated 4.9/5.
World-class surf beach that regained its Blue Flag designation in 2018, though past water-quality issues are noted.
Adjacent Las Baulas National Marine Park is an important nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles.
The town is described as busy and commercialized, making it less suited for quiet relaxation.
Getting to Tamarindo
Featured experiences
More curated experiences will be added soon.
Where to Eat
Sourced live from Google -- ratings and details may change.
Sunset Lounge Tamarindo
Al lado de Handle Bar, C. Tigris, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Little Lucha
100 meters east of Banco National, across from the night market, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
L' Estanco El Jardin Escondido
100 meters west of Banco Nacional Costa Rica Tamarindo 50309, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Delmonicos Steak Tamarindo
100 metros sur del Hotel Mar Rey, Av Central, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Naans & Curries • An Ethnic Indian Restaurant, Tamarindo
Av Central 312, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Antichi Sapori Sicilian Cuisine
Plaza Tamarindo local n 10, Av Central, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 51101, Costa Rica
Sofia Mediterraneo Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo, frente a Alameda 11, Diagonal a, Hotel the Coast, Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Langosta, 50309, Costa Rica
Crazy Monkey Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
8537+M2G, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Travel insights
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Landing in Costa Rica is exciting—but figuring out transportation shouldn't be. Here's everything first-time visitors need to know before arriving at Liberia Airport.
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Liberia or San José Airport: Which Is Better for Guanacaste?
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Rental Car vs Private Driver in Guanacaste: Honest Guide
A balanced, locally-informed look at whether renting a car or hiring a private driver makes more sense for your Guanacaste trip, covering cost, insurance, roads and flexibility.
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