Tamarindo

Travel Guide
Tamarindo showing a sandy beach as well as an individual male
This former fishing village has developed into a popular destination for vacationers seeking surf breaks, a lively nightlife and coastal scenery.

Tamarindo is the most lively and developed part of the picturesque Guanacaste province. Rolling surf breaks, miles of beaches and an array of restaurants and nightclubs make the town a hit among surfers, families and partygoers. Spend relaxing days at the beach and visit a stunning marine park to discover mangrove swamps and giant turtles.

Walk along the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) stretch of white sand on the beach. Take your board out on the rough ocean waves and hit the world-renowned surf. The city’s nickname is Tamagringo, in a playful reference to the “gringo” revelers and surfers who visit from overseas. Pico Pequeño and El Estero are two acclaimed surfing spots in the area. 

Go on a daytrip to Las Baulas National Marine Park to see the gigantic endangered turtles that come ashore. Learn about the plight of the magnificent creatures in the site’s museum. Explore the mangrove swamps to see monkeys and other wildlife.

There are many activities in the area for families. Take the kids to Bolas Locas Mini Golf to play rounds on a creative course with volcano holes, tidal wave spirals and rocky mazes. Take in gorgeous beach views while riding a horse from the Painted Pony Guest Ranch. Visit the church, where locals hold mass and musical concerts in English.

Dine at one of the restaurants in the heart of the town and enjoy local delicacies, such as pork skins or shrimp and onions. There are also many bistros serving international cuisine. Dance at a salsa club or enjoy drinks at a sports bar until the early hours of the morning.

Fly to Liberia International Airport and take the 41.9-mile (67.5-kilometer) journey southwest to Tamarindo by taxi or airport shuttle. It is easy to get around the small beach town on foot or by taxis.

The lively vibe in the built-up town of Tamarindo offers a fun-filled contrast to the serene destinations in Guanacaste.

Wyndham Tamarindo
Wyndham Tamarindo
3.5 out of 5
200m Al E Y 800m Al N Del, Bco, Ncal. De Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is ¥25,098 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥25,098
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (876 reviews)
"Staff was excellent at check in. And the lobby and pool area beautiful. The rooms were not great and need more attention to cleanliness. Would have been nice to have a chair to sit on. The view from balcony was breath taking."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Wyndham Tamarindo
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is ¥38,814 per night from Apr 20 to Apr 21
¥38,814
per night
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"front desk need to improve there customer service."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Playa Langosta, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥39,865 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
¥39,865
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Overall a great experience at this hotel. The rooms were spacious and clean, the staff were very helpful and friendly and the beach beside the resort was a great place to spend time. A wonderful beach to watch the sunset from. The all inclusive food and drinks were convenient but the food options ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
3.5 out of 5
Av Central, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Grande ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"My fiancé and I stayed for three nights at Casa Nahua, we originally had only planned for one night but loved the place and location so much we decided to extend our stay there. The property manager was very accommodating, a really lovely lady who was happy to help with any recommendations or telling ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
2BDR+ PLAYA AVELLANAS TREE HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
2BDR+ PLAYA AVELLANAS TREE HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
Playa Avellanas
Stay at this beach vacation home in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Avellanas Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (92 reviews)
A wonderful jungle/beach adventure!
"Ben met us and welcomed us and showed us around. He gave us great ideas for meals and beach activities, even bringing us a boogie board. Howler monkeys all around in the trees. Two charming cats welcomed us too. The treehouse is a bit rustic but truly a great Costa Rican experience! Our host Ben ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

2BDR+ PLAYA AVELLANAS TREE HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
3BDR PLAYA AVELLANAS BEACH HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
3BDR PLAYA AVELLANAS BEACH HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
Playa Avellanas
Stay at this beach vacation home in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Avellanas Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
Live Like a Local
"Ben and his staff went out of their way to initiate and maintain communication with us as soon as we arrived in Costa Rica. We loved spending time outside on the hammocks and deck, and the proximity to the beach and restaurants was appropriate walking distance for our family which included small ..."

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2023

3BDR PLAYA AVELLANAS BEACH HOUSE with Exclusive Beach Access AC, TVs, WiFi, MAID
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Tamarindo

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
234
" "5 - Excellent 52.46636771300449%
4 - Good
152
" "4 - Good 34.08071748878924%
3 - Okay
42
" "3 - Okay 9.417040358744394%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 1.5695067264573992%
1 - Terrible
11
" "1 - Terrible 2.4663677130044843%

5/5 - Excellent

EileenG
Mar 22, 2020

Tamarindo has amazing dining options. I never had a bad meal. From tacos to salads to pasta to seafood, everything was fresh, locally sourced and delicious.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Will go again!!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

From town to the Cala Luna, the standard cab fare is $10. The hotel has arranged for cabs into town for $5. There are quite a few dining choices in town but I didn't try them. Near to the hotel is El Sapo, an excellent pizza restaurant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

The water is great for surfing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

Due to our age (80's) and handicaps we had to downgrade our wonderful room #4 to room # 40 because of the many stairs , We expected a compensation, but according to reception staff , none was to be had. Hopefully, for a future trip we can negotiate

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 4, 2020

Its very touristy