Things to do in Tamarindo

Things to do in  Tamarindo

Paradise on the Pacific

Costa Rica’s premier surf spot, Tamarindo epitomizes the national “pura vida” lifestyle and is home to seemingly endless, forest-fringed beaches ideal for a day in the sun and sand. Mellow waves make it a perfect place to learn to surf, while beach-hopping in an ATV or a sunset catamaran cruise also top the list of things to do in Tamarindo, a Pacific Coast paradise. The fun continues after dark, too, with plenty of nightlight options from tropical bars and breweries to the lively Tamarindo Night Market.

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Top 1 attractions in Tamarindo

#1

Tamarindo Beach

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Once the site of a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo Beach has become one of Costa Rica's most popular stretches of golden sand. Surfers travel from across the globe to ride Tamarindo's waves, but you don’t need to be a pro to hang 10 here. There are spots nearby that are calm enough for first-time wave riders to learn.More
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Top activities in Tamarindo

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour

Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour

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741
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$135.00
Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure

Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure

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778
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$90.00
Marlin del Rey Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco

Marlin del Rey Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco

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217
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$125.00
Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari
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Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari

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333
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$45.00
Tamarindo Kayak Estuary Mangrove Tour
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Tamarindo Kayak Estuary Mangrove Tour

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20
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$75.00
Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

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956
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$135.00
Sunset Sailing Catamaran Tour from Tamarindo

Sunset Sailing Catamaran Tour from Tamarindo

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279
From
$95.00
ATV or Buggy Private Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal

ATV or Buggy Private Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal

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449
From
$80.00
Sunset Catamaran in Playa Flamingo

Sunset Catamaran in Playa Flamingo

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620
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$95.00
Tamarindo Snorkel and Sunset Cruise with Lunch

Tamarindo Snorkel and Sunset Cruise with Lunch

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475
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$110.50
Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica

Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica

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360
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$230.00
Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

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179
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$180.00
Zip Line and ATV Adventure

Zip Line and ATV Adventure

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114
From
$159.00
ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach

ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach

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388
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$67.00
Sunday Funday Party Bus - Beach and Pool Hopping Crawl from Tamarindo

Sunday Funday Party Bus - Beach and Pool Hopping Crawl from Tamarindo

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178
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$48.00
Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

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95
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$119.00
Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

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85
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$160.00
4 in 1 rain forest, blue river, volcano mud bath and hot springs

4 in 1 rain forest, blue river, volcano mud bath and hot springs

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6
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$225.00
Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

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42
From
$95.00
Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

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64
From
$99.00
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All about Tamarindo

When to visit

High season throughout Costa Rica runs from December through April or May, with the biggest crowds around Christmas, New Year’s, and the week leading up to Easter (Holy Week). April and May are the best time to see leatherback turtles nesting (and most turtle tours only run from late March until the end of April). The surfing conditions are at their finest from March through September, though you’ll want to be prepared for some rain.

Getting around

Tamarindo is easy to get around on foot, but if you’re staying in a hotel outside of the main town center, you may need to take local taxis to get to and from restaurants. And if you want to spend a lot of time beach hopping, it’s best to rent a car (though due to the often rugged roads, make sure to get one with 4-wheel drive). Public buses also connect the town to many of the area’s beaches.

Traveler tips

If you’re in the mood for a healthy meal—or just want to try some fantastic coffee—head over to Norico, a hybrid coffee roaster and health food restaurant that serves up everything from sandwiches to tapioca-based bowls. Its coffee drinks are made with single-origin Costa Rican beans roasted on-site, and even if you don’t have time to grab a meal, it’s worth stopping by to pick up a bag of coffee to take home.

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People Also Ask

Is Tamarindo worth visiting?

Yes, Tamarindo is worth visiting. Blessed with great waves and a beautiful beach, Tamarindo is among Costa Rica’s top surf destinations, with a legendary party scene to match. Non-surfers will find plenty to do as well, and the city is a popular base camp for travelers exploring nearby national parks.

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Why is Tamarindo famous?

Surfing made Tamarindo famous. Consistent year-round surf sweeps Tamarindo’s sandy beaches, drawing wave-chasing travelers from around the world. Once a small fishing village, Tamarindo is now a top destination for year-round surfing. Tamarindo nightlife, ranging from chill beach bars to late-night dance clubs, is among Costa Rica’s best as well.

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Is Tamarindo a party town?

Yes, Tamarindo is a party town. World-class surfing brings travelers from around the globe, and many head straight from the waves to beachside bars and clubs. But while Tamarindo has energetic nightlife, its scenic location and easy access to the Guanacaste province also make the city popular with traveling families.

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How many days do you need in Tamarindo?

Plan to spend at least three days in Tamarindo, which is just enough for a few half-day surf sessions or classes. Stay longer for extra time to browse Tamarindo Night Market (Thursdays), take a sunset catamaran cruise, lounge at beach-side bars, and spot sea turtles in nearby Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge.

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Can you swim in Tamarindo Beach?

Yes, Tamarindo Beach is great for swimming. In general, the south end of the beach has the calmest water and is the safest place for swimmers. However, strong currents can be a safety risk and vary from day to day, so it’s important to ask about riptides before going in.

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Is Tamarindo too touristy?

Tamarindo is a tourist town, popular with both surfers and other travelers. Busy spring and winter months can draw throngs, but spacious beaches mean Tamarindo rarely feels overcrowded. To plan a surf trip but avoid busier times, come in July or August for great waves, dry weather, and fewer tourists.

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