Tamarindo Beach

The Basics

This beach has become one of the most developed on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Some visitors say the beach town has lost its authentic charm, while others enjoy the modern restaurants, nightlife, and creature comforts. Regardless, the mile-long, crescent-shaped beach offers plenty of space to sunbathe; the shallow, calm waters make for good swimming conditions; and sailing, kayaking, fishing, and surfing are all popular activities. All-terrain vehicle tours and sailing cruises are also available.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Surfers take note: Waves are said to be best close to the estuary.

• There are many facilities and lodging options in the town of Tamarindo, or you can head across the river to Playa Grande for a more quiet atmosphere.

• Parking can be difficult to find and parking guards will sometimes charge a fee.

How to Get There

Located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific Coast, Tamarindo Beach is five hours from San José by car and only an hour from the international airport in Liberia. There are also two public bus routes to Tamarindo from San José and Liberia, as well as shared shuttle options from both cities.

When to Get There

Although the temperature is always mild, high season is November through April when days are warm and sunny. This is also nesting season for leatherback and green sea turtles in nearby Playa Grande, where observation tours are available. The summer months of June through September often see torrential amounts of rain.

Nearby Barra Honda Caves

Located inside Barra Honda National Park, a 1.5-hour drive from Tamarindo, these well-preserved limestone caves feature stalactites, stalagmites, and other calcareous formations. They are a big draw for eco-tourists and climbers, but keep in mind, you’ll need to be outfitted with the appropriate climbing gear and be accompanied by a guide to explore the caves.

Ways to explore

Of all the beaches on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo is the most built up, making it a central hub for travelers and a convenient home base for adventures. You can book a sailing cruise over breakfast, spend the afternoon lounging on the beach, and party with friends and travelers on a bar crawl after dinner. Beginner surf lessons are ubiquitous, as are snorkeling tours, all-terrain-vehicle and horseback rides, and hiking trips that help you spot wildlife in the adjacent rain forest.

Accessibility

A ramp at Witch’s Rock makes the beach accessible to wheelchair users. Plan ahead for activities such as adaptive surfing or accessible boat tours.

Age limits

Many catamaran and adventure tours have age minimums between 5–8; check your tour details before booking.

What to pack

Water bottle, small bills for refreshments and parking fees, lots of sunscreen

What to wear

Dress for what you’re doing—close-toed shoes for adventure tours, swimsuits and cover-ups for snorkeling, and optional rash guards for surfing.

Not allowed

Alcoholic beverages on adventure tours, smoking in parks

Amenities

Restrooms, lockers, and showers are available at Witch’s Rock for a fee. Otherwise, amenities are limited to restaurant patrons and hotel guests.

Address

Located on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coastline, Tamarindo Beach is easy to reach by car, shuttle, or bus. The town itself is small and walkable, making a car a nice-to-have for exploring the surrounding parks and beaches rather than an absolute necessity.

Driving

Tamarindo is roughly a 90-minute drive southwest from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia and an approximately 4-hour drive from San José. Note that parking near the beach is limited.

Public transportation

Frequent buses from Liberia are a cheap—albeit slow—way to travel to Tamarindo. For a more direct option, book with a shuttle service or look for tours that include transit.

Best times to visit

Don’t miss a single sunset. Whether you book a sunset catamaran tour or simply go for a stroll, you’ll want to step outside to admire the sky in all of its glory.

Best days to visit

Check out the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for fresh juices, tropical produce, and snacks. On Thursday evenings, the Moonlight Market pairs souvenir shopping with a party atmosphere.

Best months to visit

December to March is the high season for a reason. While there are more crowds, it’s the best time of year for world-class waves, migrating whales, and nesting sea turtles.

Special events

Tamarindo is the place to be during Christmas and New Year’s, when beachfront parties and fireworks displays give the town an exciting atmosphere.