Tamarindo is probably one of the most popular beach towns in Guanacaste and it has boomed in popularity on recent years. Located on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beach, amazing surfing opportunities all year round, and very lively town. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
In the past few years Tamarindo has become one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica attracting huge crowds of tourists and more predominantly during the dry season. Although a crowded beach and a more touristy vibe may not be the most enjoyable atmosphere Tamarindo is still a very charming beach town and has a lot to offer in entertainment and fun for families and young travelers alike. Since the town has grown so much you can find a huge amount of restaurants, hotels, hostels, bars, clubs, and even casinos to cater the needs of every type of traveler.
Things to do:
Tamarindo Beach is a popular destination for surfing, attracting surfers from all over the world with its consistent waves and warm water. Surf schools and board rentals are available for beginners, and experienced surfers can find challenging breaks as well. In addition to surfing, visitors can enjoy other water activities such as stand-up paddle, kayaking, and fishing.
Apart from water activities, Tamarindo offers a variety of land-based activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining. The area is home to several national parks, such as the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where visitors can observe wildlife such as monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds.
Tamarindo has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, and cocktails, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet locals and other travelers.
Local’s tip:
If you have the chance make the trip to visit Playa Grande, which is the neighboring beach of Tamarindo on the right side. Playa Grande is significantly less developed than Tamarindo with only a few houses and businesses keeping a more “local” and laid-back vibe. Also if you’r into surfing, Playa Grande has even better waves than Tamarindo and being less popular means less surfers crowding the lineup!
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Plan your visit
How to get there:
Tamarindo has a small airport so taking a local flight from San Jose is a very comfortable option for those who can spend extra money on a flight. You can purchase your tickets in the Sansa Airlines official website. If you’r in a tight budget there are many bus options to get from San Jose to Tamarindo. At the moment two bus companies offers routes to Tamarindo, which are Empresa Alfaro and Empresa Tralapa. There are also other bus options if you’r coming from Liberia or Santa Cruz, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes and depart almost hourly.
Bus options from San Jose:
The first option is Empresa Alfaro. Tel.: 2261-2640. The journey takes 5 hours and 30 minutes. The cost is around $10 USD for both Alfaro and Tralapa.
Departure time options from San Jose: 11:30am and 3:30pm
Return time options from Tamarindo: 3:30am and 5:30am
The second option is Empresa Tralapa. Tel.: 2258-1261.
Departure time options from San Jose: 8:30am, 3:30pm, 4pm
Return time options from Tamarindo: 5:30am, 7am, 2pm
