Tamarindo
A stunning coastline with golden beaches and waves
On Costa Rica’s sun-drenched Pacific coast lies the charming town of Tamarindo, where relaxation and adventure come together. Here, the days begin with the sound of lapping waves and end beneath a colourful sunset. Local markets, atmospheric cafés and a warm welcome from the community give the town a unique charm. Whether you want to go surfing, explore the surrounding nature or simply soak up the laid-back atmosphere, Tamarindo invites you to discover it at your own pace. It’s one of those Costa Rican destinations where time slows down and the ‘pura vida’ spirit is palpable everywhere.
Discover Tamarindo
-
Diving & Snorkelling
Off the coast of Tamarindo lie the Catalina Islands, renowned for their impressive marine life. Here you can swim amongst manta rays, sharks, sea turtles and colourful fish. Both beginners and experienced snorkellers and divers can turn to professional dive centres for courses and guided dives. With warm water, good visibility and a variety of dive sites, this is a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to experience the ocean in a different way.
-
Horse riding along the coast
Explore the area around Tamarindo on horseback. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a ride to suit you. Gallop along the coast at sunset or ride through the dry forest, where you’ll also have the chance to spot monkeys, iguanas and exotic birds. For the more adventurous, a horse ride can also be combined with a canopy trip (zip-lining), where you can enjoy the most stunning views of the sea and the mountains.
-
Endless walks along the beach
Tamarindo is ideal for beach walks. Playa Tamarindo, accessible directly from the town centre, boasts a long stretch of beach offering views of the most beautiful sunsets. If you fancy a longer walk, head to Playa Grande, part of the nature reserve, where sea turtles are regularly spotted. Playa Langosta, south of Tamarindo, is quieter and perfect for a leisurely stroll along a somewhat rougher coastline.
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant, yet welcoming culture. Tamarindo is no exception. This coastal town offers a blend of local traditions and international influences, making it a popular destination. The friendly and hospitable locals contribute to the warm, welcoming atmosphere you’ll experience here. In Tamarindo, you can enjoy fresh seafood, local specialities such as ‘gallo pinto’, and delicious tropical drinks. Everywhere you go, you can hear the sound of waves lapping against the beach and the rhythm of daily life.
How to get there
Tamarindo is easily accessible, both by air and by road. The nearest airport is in Liberia, about an hour’s drive from Tamarindo. This airport handles both domestic and international flights. Tamarindo is also easily accessible by road, via the Pan-American Highway. This well-maintained road connects Tamarindo with other popular destinations in Costa Rica.
By car from San José
By car, it is approximately a 5 to 5.5-hour drive from San José. The most common route is via Route 27 (Autopista José María Castro Madriz) towards the coast and then via Route 1 (Interamericana North) to Liberia. From there, follow Route 21 and then Route 152, which leads directly to Tamarindo. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, rice fields and dry tropical forest.
From Liberia
Liberia is the nearest major town with an airport. From Liberia, it is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive to Tamarindo.
By domestic flight
From San José, you can take a short domestic flight to Liberia. The flight takes about 45 minutes. From Liberia, you’ll then travel to Tamarindo by transfer or rental car, a journey of about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Across the border from Nicaragua
As Tamarindo is relatively ‘close’ to the border with Nicaragua, travellers often choose to make it their first destination in Costa Rica. From the Peñas Blancas border crossing, it is about a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive to Tamarindo.
For all overland travel options, although the roads are in good condition – particularly the main route from San José – it is important to bear in mind seasonal rain showers, which can sometimes affect journey times.
Best travel time
The best time to visit Tamarindo is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, you’ll enjoy sunny days and little rain. The rainy season, from May to October, has the advantage that Tamarindo is generally quieter and the landscape is beautifully green, but it does bring regular showers. These showers are usually short and heavy, and often occur in the late morning or early afternoon, meaning that even when visiting Tamarindo during the rainy season, you can still enjoy the beach and outdoor activities. The period from May to October is best for surfing, and if you’d like to see turtles, for example, you can visit Tamarindo between October and March, during the nesting season.
Places of interest
Tamarindo town centre itself is quite large, but the surrounding area boasts numerous long stretches of beach, surfing opportunities and other activities to enjoy:
Surfing
Tamarindo is a true surfer’s paradise for both beginners and advanced surfers. Tamarindo Beach offers gentle waves and plenty of surf schools offering lessons and equipment hire, whilst Playa Grande and Playa Avellanas have more powerful waves for experienced surfers.
Las Baulas National Marine Park
Las Baulas National Marine Park can be reached by car or boat and is a protected nature reserve where, amongst other things, leatherback turtles nest (between October and March). You can explore the mangroves by boat, spot exotic birds and caimans or, if your specific excursion allows, take a walk along unspoilt beaches.
Visit the beaches
The beaches around Tamarindo are idyllic spots for relaxing and swimming. Playa Ventanas is a hidden gem, enchanting visitors with its golden sand and serene atmosphere. Playa Concha is renowned for its mother-of-pearl shell sand and crystal-clear waters, and is also an ideal spot for snorkelling. Other beaches where you can enjoy the sun, sea and nature in peace are Playa Avellanas, Playa Flamingo and Playa Penca.
Catamaran boat trip
A unique way to explore the coast around Tamarindo is by catamaran. There are various options available, such as the morning trip, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and go snorkelling. On the sunset trip, you can take in the stunning views whilst sipping a drink on board.
Palo Verde National Park
Discover the diversity of Costa Rica on the Palo Verde Wetlands & Cultural Experience. This excursion combines nature and culture in a fascinating day trip. Cruise along the Tempisque River and spot crocodiles, anteaters, monkeys and exotic birds, amongst other wildlife, in the vast Palo Verde National Park, one of Central America’s most important wetlands. You’ll then immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional community, where you’ll learn more about crafts, cuisine and daily life.
Unique accommodation
-
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
This hotel is situated on the edge of the beach and is completely surrounded by nature. It is the ideal spot because, whilst not being far from the lively town centre, you can still enjoy complete tranquillity. The suites and villas are stylishly furnished and the hotel has a sustainable ethos.
-
Jardin del Eden
This stylish, adults-only hotel is an oasis in the heart of Tamarindo. With its own beach garden, direct access to the beach and an intimate atmosphere, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxation on the one hand and the liveliness of the town centre on the other. The light, elegantly furnished rooms and tropical gardens make for a delightful stay.
-
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
This hotel boasts one of the best locations in Tamarindo: right on the beach and right in the heart of the lively town centre. Here, you can step straight onto the sand or stroll to restaurants and shops. The spacious rooms and several swimming pools ensure a relaxing stay. Whether you’re coming to surf, sunbathe or soak up the atmosphere, at the Diria Beach Resort it’s all within easy reach.
-
Captain Suizo
This small-scale, family-run boutique hotel places great emphasis on sustainability and hospitality. With a beachfront location on the outskirts of Tamarindo, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The hotel is surrounded by tropical nature and wildlife. The comfortable rooms and bungalows feature an open-plan design and a lovely swimming pool set in a lush garden.
Fancy a trip of Costa Rica?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Costa Rica and are you curious about the options? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.
Back to luxury holidays in Costa Rica