Central Tamarindo
Beach, nightlifeThe main strip.
Town guide
Things to do in Tamarindo
The liveliest beach town in Guanacaste: beginner-friendly surf, sunset beach bars, nightlife, leatherback and olive ridley turtles nearby, and day trips to the volcano and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja.
16
Hostels in the city
9.0
Average, from 4,678 reviews
1 hour
From Liberia airport
3–5
Days
Guanacaste's beach town
Tamarindo is a beach town on the northern Pacific coast, in the dry province of Guanacaste, about an hour from Liberia's international airport. It grew from a fishing village into the most developed beach town in Costa Rica, with hotels, restaurants, surf schools and the busiest nightlife on the Pacific coast.
Its long, gentle beach is one of the best places in the country to learn to surf, and Playa Grande, across the estuary, has stronger waves and is part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, a nesting beach for leatherback turtles. The estuary has crocodiles and mangroves for boat tours. Guanacaste is the driest region of Costa Rica, with the most reliable sunshine from December to April.
Tamarindo is busy and touristy, and some travellers prefer quieter beaches nearby, such as Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra and Nosara. Give it three to five days.
Where to base yourself
Central Tamarindo for the beach and nightlife, Langosta for quieter stays, or Playa Grande across the estuary.
Langosta
QuieterSouth of the centre.
Playa Grande
Surf, turtlesAcross the estuary.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 7 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Tamarindo
Take a surf lesson on Tamarindo's beginner-friendly waves, or surf Playa Grande if you are experienced. Watch the sunset from the beach, and take a catamaran sunset cruise with snorkelling.
Take a boat tour through the Tamarindo estuary to see crocodiles and birds. Between October and March, join a guided night tour to see turtles nesting at Playa Grande, in Las Baulas National Marine Park.
Drive to quieter beaches such as Avellanas, Playa Negra and Conchal, and take a day trip to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for volcanic mud pots, waterfalls and hot springs.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
All beaches are public, so Tamarindo, Langosta and the nearby beaches are free, and so are the sunsets.
Walking the beach to Langosta at low tide costs nothing.
Turtle tours, the national parks and boat trips charge.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Tamarindo has lots of international restaurants, at high prices. Sodas serve casados for €6 to €10, and fresh ceviche and fish tacos are everywhere.
Try Guanacaste dishes such as arroz de maíz and rosquillas.
Restaurant bills add 13 per cent tax and a 10 per cent service charge, so check whether menu prices include them; an extra tip is optional.
Nightlife
Going out
Tamarindo has the busiest nightlife on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, with beach bars, clubs and weekly party nights at different venues.
Sunset drinks on the beach start the evening.
Cocktails cost €6 to €10. Take taxis or walk in groups late at night.
Getting around
Getting around
Liberia International Airport is about an hour away by shuttle or taxi. Shuttles run from La Fortuna, Monteverde and San José, for €40 to €70, and public buses from San José take five to six hours.
In Tamarindo, people walk, cycle and use taxis. A car or quad is useful for nearby beaches.
A small boat crosses the estuary to Playa Grande.
Costs
What Tamarindo costs
Tamarindo is expensive. Dorm beds start at around €15 to €25 a night. Restaurant mains cost €12 to €25.
Surf lessons cost about €45 to €65, turtle tours around €30 to €45, and catamaran cruises €60 to €90.
US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside colones.
Safety
Safety and scams
Tamarindo is generally safe, but theft from cars, rooms and the beach is common. Lock up and never leave belongings on the sand.
Crocodiles live in the estuary; do not swim near the river mouth. Rip currents occur on some beaches.
Take taxis late at night, and watch your drinks in bars. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth the trip
Beaches, turtles and the volcano.
Rincón de la Vieja
Mud pots, waterfalls and hot springs.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Turtle season and the dry season.
October to March
Turtle nesting
Playa Grande
Leatherback turtles, with guided night tours.
March or April
Semana Santa
Guanacaste beaches
The busiest week of the year.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Tamarindo, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Casa Aura Beachfront Premium Hostel
Rooms from €17 a night
See dates and book
Pipe House Playa Grande
Rooms from €31 a night
See dates and book
Tamarindo Backpackers
Dorms from €14 a night
See dates and book
Mai Ke Kai Surf House
Dorms from €11 a night
See dates and book
Villas Macondo
Rooms from €25 a night
See dates and book
CASA PURA VIDA SURF HOSTEL
Dorms from €11 a night
See dates and book
La Botella de Leche Hostel
Dorms from €10 a night
See dates and book
When to go
December to April is the dry season, and Guanacaste is the driest region in the country. The green season, from May to November, brings rain, especially in September and October. Leatherback turtles nest from October to March.
Jan
Dry, turtles
Feb
Dry, turtles
Mar
Hot and dry
Apr
Semana Santa
May
Green season
Jun
Rain
Jul
Short dry spell
Aug
Green
Sep
Wet
Oct
Wettest, turtles return
Nov
Turtles
Dec
Holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. The driest and hottest region.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Tamarindo prices.
Treat these as a guide. Surf lessons and tours cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Tamarindo questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Tamarindo good for beginner surfers?
Yes. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn.
How do I get to Tamarindo?
By shuttle or taxi from Liberia airport in about an hour, or by bus or shuttle from San José.
Is Tamarindo too touristy?
It is busy and developed. Quieter beaches like Avellanas and Playa Negra are close by.
When can I see turtles near Tamarindo?
From October to March at Playa Grande, on guided night tours.
Is there nightlife in Tamarindo?
Yes, the busiest on the Pacific coast.
Can I swim in the estuary?
No. Crocodiles live there.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April, the dry season.
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