What to do in Tamarindo in Costa Rica.
What an amazing coastal town…
I loved walking along Tamarindo Beach each morning with a nice coffee…
And the sunset beers always rounded off some action packed days!
If you are visiting Costa Rica soon and want to know what to do in Tamarindo, then you have come to the right place.
After my awesome Costa Rica trip, I have included my favourite things to do in Tamarindo, along with some recommendations for accommodation, dining, and cheap eats.
There is something special about the Pacific Ocean, so spending time enjoying all it has to offer, alongside sunshine, nature, and the pura vida lifestyle, makes for an amazing experience in Tamarindo.
There is only one place to start, and that is with an introduction into the surfing culture of Tamarindo - it really is a town which lives and breathes surfing!
Horses trot along the beach all day and night.
Enjoy the Surfing culture.
It didn’t take me long to feel the surfing vibes in Tamarindo.
As I looked for my surf house accommodation, I couldn’t walk down the street without spotting a surfboard, surf shop, or some people talking about the sport!
With the Pacific Ocean on its shores, it is no surprise that Tamarindo is deeply connected to surfing, as the conditions couldn’t be more perfect for the adrenaline filled activity!
Over the last half century, the town has enjoyed an epic transformation into a surf haven for international visitors of all levels.
Playa Tamarindo, which is the town’s main beach, offers consistent waves, especially during the dry season, which means surfing is easily accessible for all levels.
After my fun surf lesson.
Surfing Lessons in Tamarindo: Ride the waves like a pro!
Whether you're an experienced surfer looking to sharpen your skills or a complete beginner ready to catch your very first wave, Tamarindo is the ultimate destination for surfing lessons!
You can choose from group lessons for a fun, social experience, or private sessions for more tailored guidance.
Most lessons last between 90 minutes and two hours, perfect for soaking up the essentials without feeling rushed.
On my solo trip to Costa Rica, I opted for an individual lesson.
It was my first time surfing, and my goal was simple: ride a wave before the lesson was over.
With the help of my awesome instructor, Manuel, I did just that!
Here’s what you can expect from a beginner lesson in Tamarindo:
Theory First: Before hitting the water, you’ll learn the basics, such as surfing techniques, balancing tips, and the parts of the board. This was carried out on the beach for my lesson.
Time in the Pacific: Once I was ready, I headed to the Pacific practice in the gentle waves of Tamarindo’s stunning coastline.
Tailored Guidance: Manuel adapted the lesson around my pace and readiness, ensuring I felt confident every step of the way. He helped to push me into some good waves also, to give me that extra boost!
The high tide in Tamarindo changes daily, so your exact surf lesson time will always be confirmed at short notice, usually the evening before.
Manuel tailored my lesson around my readiness and ability to take in the information he was showing me.
Ready to ride your first wave? Book your lesson today and experience Tamarindo’s legendary surf for yourself!
One of many surf shops in Tamarindo.
Surfing camps in Tamarindo.
Surf camps are also a popular draw to Costa Rica, and Tamarindo is home to over a dozen popular ones.
The majority of surf camp packages include:
✓ Free return airport transportation (Liberia Airport).
✓ Unlimited surfboard rentals
✓ Classroom lessons.
✓ Daily surf lessons on the Pacific.
✓ Daily breakfast and lunch.
✓ Surfing photo packages.
There are also different surf camp itineraries which are planned around beginner, intermediate, and advanced level surfers.
If you want some more information, then you can check some prices here.
Relax on Tamarindo Beach.
I found Tamarindo Beach to be a haven for relaxation, offering stunning scenery, warm waters, and activities designed to help you unwind.
And with Tamarindo boasting sunny weather for most of the year, it is an ideal spot if you love the beach.
Here's how I made the most of my time on Tamarindo Beach:
A morning stroll off the beaten track.
Walking along the beach in Tamarindo was a morning ritual for me, usually listening to some music, or a podcast.
The beach is packed from very early on in the morning, as locals enjoy daily adventure, however, if you walk far enough, you come to some rock pools, which offer a challenging but fun hike around the corner.
The waves of the Pacific seemed to be a lot more fierce round there.
It took me around an hour to walk from one end of the main beach to the other, and back again.
Getting those morning steps in is essential before enjoying Tamarindo’s food and drink scene!
There are plenty of spots to relax on Tamarindo Beach.
Enjoy a massage by the ocean.
If enjoying a professional massage is your way of relaxing, then there is no better place than right by the Pacific!
Independent practitioners offer 60 minute 90 minute massages for visitors.
When I wandered past I noticed three workers providing massages, so there is plenty of availability for most hours of the day and evening.
I found it to be quite pricey, but what isn’t in Costa Rica these days?
Happy hour deals at sunset.
Beers with a view.
With happy hour running for several hours every night at Tamarindo’s popular beach bars, you can enjoy ice-cold beers and tropical cocktails at bargain prices (a rarity in Costa Rica!).
Many bars, like El Be! Tamarindo Beach Club, or Nogui’s, offer prime beach seating, with hammocks strung between palm trees, cosy loungers, and shaded cabanas.
I found these spots to be perfect for relaxing with a drink while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific.
If you’re in the mood for some evening fun after the sun has set, then many beach bars also feature live music, fire shows, and DJs to keep the energy going well into the evening.
My daily walk along the beach.
Explore the Coastal Town in fun ways.
Tamarindo is a relatively small town, making it easy to explore, and the town is abundant with different options, depending on how adventurous you are feeling!
Its compact nature allows visitors to enjoy plenty of stops during their exploration, which is needed in the hot and humid conditions. As some of the below options involve exercise.
Tamarindo offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it an ideal destination for travellers of all interests
Which way are you going to enjoy Tamarindo’s local charm?
Hiking near Tamarindo.
Hiking near Tamarindo offers an exciting opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s rich landscapes, including coastal spots and tropical forests.
There are trails in Las Baulas National Marine Park which lead to serene beaches and viewpoints, perfect for wildlife watching. We noticed some tourists making their way through the park as we floated by on our estuary tour.
The closest rainforest to Tamarindo is the ‘Santa Rosa National Park’, located about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from the town, therefore, if you want to enjoy forest hike, then you will have to head away from Tamarindo for the day.
If you don’t want to leave the town, then as mentioned above, a beach stroll is ideal!
ATV Tours in Tamarindo.
ATV tours in Tamarindo are a thrilling way to explore the surrounding nature, including beaches, forests, and hidden trails.
As you can see on the Tamarindo map below, there is a lot of lush nature just back from the coast and town centre, meaning that you can enjoy the best of both worlds as you explore.
The tours often take visitors through scenic landscapes, offering a chance to see wildlife and to enjoy some off-road action!
Private ATV Guided experiences are fun and last around 2 hours, and include riding over two beaches in Tamarindo.
The trails are manageable, but by no means boring, so this tour is very accessible for visitors.
There is an abundance of activities to find on the Tamarindo Map.
Golf cart rentals in Tamarindo.
When I first arrived in the Pacific town, I noticed golf carts speeding around, which I thought was quite unique!
Golf cart rentals are popular in Tamarindo, as they provide an easy and eco-friendly way to get around the town, especially in the busy areas near the beach and restaurants.
Rentals are typically available for daily or weekly use, and you can find various options, from basic to more luxurious carts.
They offer a relaxed and fun way to explore the area, making it an ideal choice for vacationers, especially visitors who aren’t as mobile. I noticed a lot of American tourists using the carts.
It is a very fun way of exploring though, that’s for sure!
Exploring the town on golf carts is fun.
Bike hire.
Tamarindo is a bike friendly destination which is reflected by its many cycle hire shops.
I noticed around 5/6 shops in different parts of town, which offered a mix of bikes, from beach cruisers and mountain bikes, to electric bikes and road bikes.
I decided to rent a beach cruiser from a place called Handle Bar, which offered bike rental, beers, and food!
It was only $10 per day, whereas mountain bikes were $25.
The weather was too warm for me to ride too far, so an hour or two cruising was ideal.
Or bike.
Horseback riding on Tamarindo Beach.
Tamarindo Beach is known for its pristine coastline, golden sand, and gentle waves, which has made it a prime spot for horse riding.
Many international visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean while riding along the coast.
It does get very hot and humid in Tamarindo, and I did notice horses hiding in the shade, so this put me off riding on.
If you are going to, I recommend an evening ride, when it is cooler and easier for the horses.
It is a nicer ambience for a ride when the sun is on its way down also!
Some quirky street art I found while exploring.
Take the estuary tour.
Many visitors head to Tamarindo for the beaches and surfing culture, however, there is another beautiful side to the town!
The estuary on the edge of town is in close proximity to Las Baulas National Marine Park, and includes lush mangroves, tranquil waters, and vibrant landscapes, which are a perfect home for some familiar faces (more on that further down).
Tours of the estuary involve being led by an experienced guide on a slow boat ride around the loop of brackish water and mangroves, while learning some knowledge about the ecosystem, and spotting some awesome wildlife.
Our tour lasted 90 minutes and included a bottle of water and some pineapple as a snack halfway round the route.
A good thing about the tour is that it is accessible to everyone..
There was a 85 year old lady solo travelling in our group, along with a family, and a couple!
We saw several crocodiles on our estuary tour.
Howler monkeys and crocodiles.
The estuary is full of wildlife, making it an exciting opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and a wide range of bird species.
We spotted herons and kingfishers on our tour.
‘‘You will spot some crocodiles.. I promise!’’
That was Pedro’s words as we embarked on the boat journey… and he kept his promise…
We managed to spot around 5 crocodiles, however, only 1 clearly as the rest were very camouflaged during low tide.
Then came the monkey to say hello to the group.
After being called by our experienced guide that is. Pedro has operated the estuary tour daily, for 34 years.
So it is fair to say that he has mastered a monkey’s howl!
He was also filled with knowledge and facts about Costa Rica’s ecosystem, so listening to him explain all about that fills the tour up nicely.
A howler monkey came to say hello.
Arriving at Las Baulas National Park.
Unearth the creative side of Tamarindo.
Tamarindo is not just a beach town; it’s a creative hub of local culture, and artistry.
Pura Vida runs deeply through the coastal town!
The town has a cosmopolitan influence due to the annual influx of international visitors, which have to be catered for.
This has created some unique places, such as fusion restaurants, themed bars, and eclectic art galleries that blend global trends with Costa Rican traditions
Creative evening fire shows.
After the sun has set in Tamarindo, the fire comes out on the beach.
Nightly fire shows entertain the beach guests in several of the popular bars, as local artists try to add a fiery spark to Tamarindo’s vibrant nightlife scene.
The colourful Tamarindo sign.
Boutique shops and wellness centres.
If you're craving the fast-paced, vibrant lifestyle, you'll find it in abundance here…
However, there is also the opportunity to relax and unwind, with many wellness centres offering retreats, and other feel good activities, such as yoga and spa days.
Costa Rican traditions are combined with modern wellness practices in the various centres in town to offer a unique day of relaxation.
Beachfront yoga classes are also a common sight if you take a morning stroll along the oceanfront.
The beauty and spirit of the coastal town can be felt in these group settings daily
Boutique Shops.
Shopping can also be fun in Tamarindo, with plenty of quirky shops offering a vast array of handmade jewellery, clothing, and art, along with the obvious, like high-end surfing gear.
There are several little markets which also sell similar to the boutique shops, with souvenirs filling many stalls also.
There are many boutique shops aorund downtown.
Street art and sculptures.
One thing which I found Instagram worthy throughout Costa Rica is the abundance of colourful street art, which combines perfectly with the sunshine and nature to create feel good environments.
Tamarindo’s creative spirit is captured through murals and contemporary sculptures, most of which I noticed reflect the local lifestyle, environment, and the artistic energy of the community.
Walking around the central area of town is the best place to find unique art installations and murals.
From my observations as I wandered around, the town has a commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local artists.
If you are visiting Tamarindo, exploring the art scene is a must-do activity, as I found it offers a deeper connection to the pura vida lifestyle beyond its beaches and tourist attractions.
More street art.
What to do in Tamarindo at night?
When the sun has set in Tamarindo, the vibe changes, and more fun activities open up to visitors.
If you are interested in the wildlife in Tamarindo, then there are some unique offerings in the coastal town, depending on which time of year you visit. Peak turtle nesting season is between October and April, with Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles laying their eggs at a series of secluded beaches near Playa Grande.
The nightlife scene is what most International tourists want to enjoy in Tamarindo!
I really enjoyed walking along the beach as the sun dropped behind the Pacific Ocean, before dropping back onto Tamarindo Beach Road to experience some of the action.
As the sun goes down in Tamarindo, the fun begins.
Discover Tamarindo’s world class cuisine and nightlife.
As I walked along this road, I encountered popular spots such as Pangas Beach Club, Sharky’s Sports Bar, and the Tamarindo Night Market.
There is also a mixture of international and local restaurants, which range from budget to high end experiences.
L'Estanco - The Hidden Garden Restaurant.
My favourite restaurant in Tamarindo is ‘L'Estanco - the Hidden Garden Restaurant’, as it offers some really tasty dishes, and its garden setting creates an ideal ambience, with a secret feel to it.
The lush nature which fills the garden also creates some unique aesthetics alongside some of the oriental style statues.
Their menu is focused on locally sourced, organic ingredients with a mix of Costa Rican and international dishes.
I really enjoyed the Garden Beef dish.
Pangas Beach Club.
Another restaurant which serves some of the best food in Tamarindo is Pangas Beach Club.
As you can guess, it is located in a beautiful beachside spot, and offers some fresh seafood dishes.
I recommend checking out the specials board, and enjoying some cocktails with your dinner!
Sharky’s Bar.
If you are looking for a lively and central option for a party, or you enjoy watching sports in a fun setting, then Sharky’s Bar should be on your visit list in Tamarindo.
There is a heavy American presence in Sharky’s, so it isn’t your best option for an authentic Tico experience, but fun nonetheless!
I enjoyed happy hour 2-for-1 beers, along with some chicken wings while watching the Champions League, and had an awesome afternoon.
The staff were very welcoming, and they were encouraging me to return for Karaoke night, but I didn’t get a chance to in the end!
A very lively sports bar.
Cheap eats in Tamarindo.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, eating at local Soda Restaurants is one of the best choices for budget travellers.
These local gems offer delicious traditional Costa Rican meals like casados, rice, beans, and fresh fish for a fraction of the cost of touristy spots.
Tamarindo can be expensive to dine.
One of the street food places is also a great place to start!
Jardin Food Truck Park.
My top pick for street food in Tamarindo is Jardin Food Truck Park, which is located near the beach, and is open for lunch and dinner.
With an average food price of around £10 per meal, and plenty of different cuisine options, I found it to be an ideal spot to sit and enjoy some culture in Tamarindo.
I recommend the burritos from the taco truck, as they are really filling and tasty!
In the evenings, you can enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere, along with cocktails from one of the vans. I enjoyed a mojito after my burrito.
Other choices of food include pizza, Greek, burgers, homemade churros, Caribbean, and some local Tico cuisine.
A good place for cheap eats in Tamrindo.
2 for 1 on the cocktails.
A quirky breakfast spot.
If you are looking for the best breakfast in Tamarindo, allow me to recommend Breaking Bread!
The quirky themed cafe offers freshly baked goods, awesome service, and some very bright and colourful decor, to enjoy while you dine.
Breaking Bread specialises in pastries, so its croissants, and cinnamon rolls are beautiful!
I really enjoyed chatting to the friendly owner on every visit, in the open air seating area, while waiting for my food.
There is also a very cute dog who comes to say hello.
The cafes location also makes it a great option for takeaway coffees and snacks to take with you on your day of adventure!
My favourite breakfast spot.
I visited the cafe several times, and tried some different options.
My favourite meal was the french toast which is made with thick Challah bread, and has a sweet caramelised texture.
As you can see below, the portion sizes are adequate, and worth the price.
My scrumptious french toast.
How long do you need in Tamarindo?
As with all of the popular destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a versatile town, which can be enjoyed for varying lengths of time.
Enjoying a surfing camp is going to require a longer visit then simply passing through the town on a Pacific coast bucket list trip. I would say the ideal length of time in Tamarindo is 4 days, which can be squeezed into a 10-14 days Costa Rica itinerary.
Four days gave me enough time to fully explore the town in different ways, enjoy some surfing, the estuary tour, and take part in the famous happy hour at sunset for a few nights!
If you are interested in taking day trips from Tamarindo to nearby national parks of Rincón de la Vieja or Santa Rosa, then you should add a day.
Tamarindo sign.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
There is no bad time to visit Tamarindo, as it is absolute paradise, even in the rainy season!
However, the coastal town does have a reputation for certain activities, so visiting in optimal months will ensure you can enjoy the full experience.
The majority of travellers will want to visit in the dry season (December to April), as it is the best time for reliable weather, with very minimal rainfall, and temperatures surpassing 30°C most days.
There is no doubt that this is the ideal time for activities on Tamarindo Beach, however, getting a seat in the highly rated bars and restaurants can be a challenge without booking in advance.
I visited Tamarindo in the green season in May and loved every minute of my time there!
Although it was very humid, which is expected in the ‘worst months to visit Costa Rica’, I managed to avoid rainfall completely, and also secured some cheaper deals for my surfing lesson, tours, and accommodation, which is very handy in Costa Rica these days.
Even during the rainy season, it is sunny most mornings and still reaches over 25°C the majority of days.
From my personal experience, the best time to visit Tamarindo is between February and May, to secure good deals, avoid some crowds, and save spending money!
You will enjoy more beginner friendly waves on the Pacific between the months of December and April.
Some more awesome art.
An awesome accommodation option in Tamarindo.
There are many different options for accommodation in Tamarindo, but if you really want to embody the deep culture of the town, then staying in a surf house is a great option.
I loved my stay in Mai Ke Kai Surf House!
With Tamarindo Beach reachable within 600 metres, it is no surprise that the hostel is surf crazy!
Near the beach is the best area to stay in Tamarindo, so Mai Ke Kai definitely ticks the location box.
The hostel was only opened in 2023 by Maria and her partner, so the place feels cozy and very clean and spacious.
Maria was also awesome at helping to sort some tours, and transport out for me.
For a cheap place to stay in Tamarindo:
Mai Ke Kai Surf House.
Getting to Tamarindo.
Costa Rica is not an easy country to navigate due to its rugged landscapes and vast rainforests. There are different options for getting to Tamarindo though.
Below is a brief summary of the different options, with costs and timeframes.
Typical ways of reaching Tamarindo from other Costa Rican Destinations:
Liberia Airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós International - LIR).
Approximately 66 kilometers.
Shared Shuttle Service (Shared): Price: £20–£30 GBP per person. Duration: Approx 1 hour.
Taxi: Price: £60–£80 GBP per car. Duration: Under 1 hour.
Rental Car: Price: £40–£60 GBP per day. Duration: Under 1 hour.
Public Bus: Price: £3–£5 GBP per person. Duration: 2–3 hours (requires a transfer in Santa Cruz).
San José.
Approximately 260 kilometres.
Domestic Flight: Price: £60–£100 GBP (one way). Duration: Under 45 minutes.
Shuttle Service (Shared): Price: £30–£40 GBP per person. Duration: Approx 5 hours.
Public Bus: Price: £6–£12 GBP per person. Duration: 6–7 hours. (Take a bus to Santa Cruz and transfer to a Tamarindo-bound bus).
Monteverde or La Fortuna (Arenal area).
Approximately 120 & 140 kilometres.
Shuttle Service (Shared): £45–£55 GBP per person. Duration: Between 4–5 hours.
Rental Car: Between 4–5 hours.
No direct buses; you'll need to connect through Liberia or Santa Cruz.
A personal tip is to use shared shuttle buses to travel around Costa Rica. They are well run and comfortable!
Closest airport to Tamarindo.
The closest airport to the coastal town is Tamarindo Airport (TNO), which is located approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) from downtown Tamarindo, and takes around 5-10 minutes by car or taxi.
It is a small domestic airport, therefore it is only really suitable for flights from San Jose.
If you are heading straight to Tamarindo from an international destination, then Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, is the closest, and is approximately 1 hour (67 km or 42 miles) from Tamarindo.
Getting to Tamarindo by shuttle.
Prefer rainforests? La Fortuna is my favourite nature spot.
The Pacific is awesome, of course… However, Costa Rica is famed for its vast rainforests, with approximately 52% of the country covered by nature.
La Fortuna is the ideal town to visit, to immerse yourself in forest life.
During my action packed La Fortuna itinerary, I ventured into the forest several times, searching for hidden waterfalls, along with walking high up on the hanging bridges, and the highlight for most… Finding sloths in their natural habitat.
I enjoyed the best tours in La Fortuna, which made my experiences awesome, as the tour companies are very established, and the guides are fun and very knowledgeable!
It can be full on exploring La Fortuna in very high humidity, so if you would rather just chill, then the iconic La Fortuna waterfall allows for swimming, and the famous El Salto swimming hole is the best free activity in the jungle town.
Including Tamarindo and La Fortuna on your Costa Rica itinerary is the best thing you can do!
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