With its pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, superb natural surroundings, and near perfect weather, it is no wonder that Tamarindo is among the most popular vacation destinations in Costa Rica. A former fishing village in the northern region of Guanacaste on the North Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is the area’s most well developed tourist town with plenty of accommodations to suit every pocket. There’s also a thriving ex-pat population here, supporting numerous cultural activities and community programs.  Tamarindo is where Endless Summer II was filmed, with local legend Robert August in residence.  With much to enjoy & even more to do, this multi-cultural community is the ideal place to have some fun in the sun!

The beaches here are first-rate, and the entire town has a relaxed laidback feel to it, making it a fabulous place for anyone looking to have a good time. With the surfing conditions here near perfect for the experienced as well as novice surfers, Tamarindo Costa Rica is probably the most accessible beach town on the country’s entire northern Pacific Coast. Besides surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, boogie boarding, horseback riding and scuba diving, visit the nearby wildlife refuge of Diria, as well as the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where leatherback turtles come late November through January to nest and breed.

The beach at Tamarindo Costa Rica is large enough for those who are looking to find some peace and quiet to get some. In fact, the beach runs parallel the length of town.  For those who want to be where the offshort action is, a favorite past time here is sportfishing, with record marlin, tuna and sailfish catches off the coast. Golf lovers will find popular 18-hole options at nearby Hacienda Pinilla (Mike Young design) and Reserval Conchal (Robert Trent Jones course), two of the finest golf courses in Central America.

The beach features a gradual gradient to the water, and continues relatively shallow offshore.  Swimming is generally safe for all ages, and the beach has lifeguards monitoring activity in season.  Depending on the tide and specific part of the beach, Playa Tamarindo can have strong rip currents and barely submerged rocks, so if possible scope out your swimming location during low tide.  Also, the estuary to the north can be dangerous to cross at medium to high tide. The estuary to the north, separating Tamarindo from Playa Grande, can also be hazardous to cross at medium to high tide – even though it looks very shallow.  “Panga” boats offer tours of the estuary, and provide routine shuttle between Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande.  To the south is the beautiful and upscale beach of Playa Langosta.   Most of the high-end expensive hotels and B&B’s are spread out along Playa Langosta & south of Tamarindo.

Tamarindo town itself is quite colorful with plenty of local Tico flavor. Here you can find bakeries, an outdoor farmer’s market on Saturdays, fruit and fish trucks offering fresh fare, art galleries, pottery stores, a beauty spa and more than 40 restaurants, bars and discos with cuisines to suit every palette. Easily accessible by bus, the best way to get to Tamarindo is to fly into the Liberia International Airport (LIR), or if you are already in San Jose take the domestic flight to Tamarindo Domestic Airport which is just outside of town.

When you watch the following video, you’ll catch a glimpse of the adventure and excitement that awaits you in Tamarindo. It get’s me excited every time I watch!

PURA VIDA