Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Beaches

Playa Tamarindo is a long, rocky beach, with excellent waves near the mouth of the estuary. Currents can be strong, especially on a falling tide. Tamarindo has two main breaks for advanced surfers: Pico Pequeño a rocky point to the right of the Hotel Tamarindo Diriá and the excellent river mouth break across from Cabinas Tsunami called El Estero. The rest of the beach breaks are perfect for learning. The biggest waves can reach a height of up to 12 feet, although this is a rare occurrence and is only seen during November and December.

Some eco-friendly activities that may be done in Tamarindo and Neighboring beaches include, watching turtles during their nesting season, diving, snorkeling, body surfing, zip-lining, estuary trips, horseback riding and fishing. During the December to April period when the water turbidity is low, fishing may be done from the shore.

The beaches in the area are generally clean and recent efforts by the government and local business organizations are proving themselves. While the beach has not regained its Blue Flag Status, in September 2008, it did get a clean bill of health from the Costa Rican Government. The town is trying to regain its Blue Flag Status.

What To Do

ATV Tours - Combo Tours - Estuary Safari - Horseback Riding - Kayak Tours - Massages - White Water Rafting class or Tubing - Rincon de la Vieja Tours - Scuba Diving - Shuttles & Transfers - Snorkeling - Spa & Beauty - Sport Fishing - Sailing - Sunset Sailing - Surfing Lessons - Tennis Classes - Turtle Nesting Tours - Zip Line / Canopy Tours

Transportation

Tamarindo is the most accessible location along the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica with an airstrip, Scheduled daily bus service to and from San José, paved highway from San José with an average driving time of 3.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

Liberia to Tamarindo

The average driving time from the Liberia international airport to Tamarindo is about an hour along route 21 through Palmira, Filedelfia, and Belen, and then on route 155 through Huacas. This route is paved all the way, but with just one lane in each direction. However, just as you reach the small town of Villareal, there is a busy 3-way intersection with route 152. It has no traffic lights but does have proper signalization. However, it is still wise to be careful, as motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians will often go right through the intersection without stopping, or even slowing down.

Route 152 into Tamarindo has a steep hill with a blind curve, so additional care is needed, both entering and leaving Tamarindo. There are also many shops along this route, so it is common for cars to appear without warning. The last turn into town, just as the ocean appears, has a tall cliff on the left, so it also has a limited view of oncoming traffic. There are often cars and trucks parked on both sides of the road, sometimes leaving only a single lane for vehicles in both directions.

Villareal

The nearby town of Villareal has a both a public Elementary school and a public High-school, two full size soccer fields, two soccer five fields, multiple restaurants, two large stores, multiple hardware stores, a police station, a church, several car repair shops, and a fuel station.

Langosta

Just east of the center of Tamarindo, there is a 3-way intersection. To the left is the road that leads to the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, and also a secondary exit from Tamarindo. To the right is the road that leads to Langosta.

Attorneys

A branch office of the regional law firm Expertis Legal is located in Tamarindo center.

Supermarkets

There are 4 supermarkets in the area.

Farmers Markets

There is a fair-sized farmers market between the beginning of the road to Langosta every Saturday morning, which has a variety of items for sale, not just food. You will usually find at least a few dozen vendors there. There is also a smaller farmers market in Villareal, at the corner of the soccer field, every Friday morning, but it only has fruits and vegetables.

Banks

There are 2 banks in Tamarindo.

Surf Shops

There are several shops in Tamarindo that sell and rent surf boards. They also sell related equipment and clothing.

Hotels

There are multiple hotels in Tamarindo. All of which range from small, 4 room hotels to large 300 room hotels. Each hotel is unique and different, and run by one of the many nationalities that comprise the residents. From German, to U.S Citizens, to Swiss, to Argentinian, to French, to Canadian, you will find all kinds of establishments here.