Guanacaste, Costa Rica, provides an unforgettable vacation experience with its perennial sunshine, stunning beaches, and remarkable natural attractions. Known for having some of Costa Rica’s most exquisite beaches, the “Golden Coast” is a premier destination for beach enthusiasts.
Plan your trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with our detailed guide.
Location
Guanacaste, Costa Rica Airport to Fly Into
Arriving at Guanacaste Airport, visitors find themselves in the hub of Guanacaste. Located about a 25-minute drive to the Papagayo Peninsula, just over an hour to Tamarindo/Conchal, and two hours to Samara. The airport code is LIR.
From San Jose International Airport, travelers should anticipate around a 3-hour drive to the city of Liberia. The airport code for San Jose is SJO.
Where to Stay in Guanacaste
Activities in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Watching the stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, enjoying happy hours, and participating in various water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming are some of the best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. You can also engage in beach volleyball with locals. Additionally, numerous day trips and activities ensure endless days filled with fun and adventure.
Surfing in Playa Tamarindo
The vibrant surf culture of Tamarindo is renowned nationwide. Consider taking a surf lesson here as it’s an ideal spot for beginners. Numerous surf shops in town offer two-hour classes, typically priced around $55 USD per person. You can also rent boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, and surfboards from these shops.
Popular surf shops and schools in Tamarindo include Witch’s Rock, Iguana, Banana Surf Club, Wave Rider, Pablo Surf School, and Mato’s Surf Shop. Playa Tamarindo is conveniently located within a 30-minute drive to other excellent surfing destinations such as Playa Avellanas and Playa Grande, catering to surfers of all skill levels. Playa Langosta also offers great surfing under specific conditions.
For the best surfing experience at Tamarindo Beach, aim to hit the waves about two hours before high tide. During the rainy season, low tide might have larger waves but also exposes many rocks, making it advisable only for expert surfers.
Scuba Diving
Tamarindo’s proximity to excellent scuba diving sites like the Catalinas Islands makes it a great spot for underwater exploration. Even non-certified individuals can experience a discovery scuba dive offered by local companies.
Sunset Sailing
Experience breathtaking views of the coastline, snorkel to observe tropical fish and sea creatures, and enjoy the sunset from the water on a sunset sailing cruise. Marlin del Rey is a popular choice offering an open bar, snacks, and lunch. Other excellent companies include Blue Dolphin, Dream Chaser, and Antares.
Fishing
Tamarindo offers fantastic opportunities for inshore and offshore fishing, where you can catch snappers, jacks, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and more. It’s a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts in Costa Rica.
Black Stallion Zipline, Horseback Riding, and BBQ
This adventure park features a beginner-friendly zipline, horseback riding, and offers one of the best BBQ dinners in Costa Rica. Located just a 15-minute drive from Tamarindo, the park’s beautiful property makes it a must-visit attraction.
Beach Hopping to Nearby Beaches
Beach lovers will relish the opportunity to explore nearby popular beaches like Avellanas, Grande, Langosta, Conchal, Flamingo, Mina, and Brasilito. One of the reasons Tamarindo is a favored beach town in Costa Rica is the ability to visit a different beach every day for weeks.
Marino Las Baulas National Park Estuary Boat Ride
At the northern end of Playa Tamarindo lies an estuary separating Tamarindo and Playa Grande, part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Boat tours through the estuary allow visitors to observe two species of monkeys, wading birds, and crocodiles. The park entrance is located at the northern end of the beach, and boat tours cost around $40 USD per person.
Leatherback Turtle Tours on Playa Grande
From October to May, Playa Grande serves as an important nesting site for leatherback sea turtles. During this season, guided nighttime tours allow visitors to witness the incredible nesting process of these majestic creatures.
Party Scene
Tamarindo offers a lively party scene, from dancing at Crazy Monkey Bar or Pacifico to enjoying live music on the beach. On Sundays, the Beach & Pool Crawl provides more beach, drinks, and pool party fun.
Night Market and Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday night, the Plaza Palmas hosts a night market from 6-10 PM. On Saturdays, a local farmer’s market adjacent to the Green Papaya restaurant runs from 7 AM to 1 PM. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a VIDA bowl – a refreshing acai and fruit smoothie.
Sunset Happy Hour
With spectacular sunsets and numerous beachfront bars, sunset happy hours in Tamarindo are a must. Enjoy 2×1 beer deals on drinks while watching the sun set over the horizon.
Day Trips from Tamarindo
- Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park or Barra Honda National Park for some excellent hiking.
- For a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture, head to Vandara Explore Costa Rica’s Nature Park to enjoy ziplining, waterslides, horseback riding, and hot springs.
- The Guachipelin combo tour offers an exciting day filled with ziplining, white water tubing, and hot springs.
- For adventure and culture, visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park, featuring ziplining, a butterfly garden, and horseback riding.
- Discover Guanacaste culture and wildlife with a boat cruise at Hacienda El Viejo.
- A one-hour drive takes you to Playas del Coco for exceptional snorkeling and beach hopping, while a 30-minute trip allows for scuba diving at Catalinas Islands.
- Venture to Rio Celeste, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful spots, for a 2.5-hour hike to see the sky-blue river.
- Spot sloths in the rainforest on a one-day Bijagua tour.
- From May to December, visit Ostional to witness turtle nestings.
Tamarindo Costa Rica Location
Tamarindo is located 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Guanacaste Airport, about an hour’s drive. From San Jose, it’s 257 kilometers (160 miles) or about a 4.5-hour drive.
How to Get to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
By Bus:
From Liberia, the Transportes La Pampa bus departs from the Mercado Municipal daily at various times and costs about 1,760 colones (~$3 USD). From San Jose, Tralapa offers buses to Tamarindo at 8 AM and 4 PM, costing around 5,000 colones (~$10 USD).
By Plane:
Tamarindo has a domestic airport. Flights from San Jose with Sansa Air cost approximately $70 USD one way and take about 30 minutes.
By Shuttle:
Tamarindo Transfers & Tours offers shared shuttles for $20 USD per person from Liberia International Airport and private transfers costing around $90 USD for 1-4 people. A private transfer from San Jose is about $220 USD for 1-4 passengers.
By Taxi:
Official airport taxis at LIR Airport cost around $90 USD one way.
By Car:
Renting a car with Vamos Rent-A-Car is often the most convenient way to get around Tamarindo and the surrounding areas. Vamos Rent-A-Car offers a wide range of vehicles to suit any need, from compact cars to larger SUVs. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to bus or shuttle schedules. Renting a car can also be cost-effective, especially if you plan to travel to multiple destinations or have a group of people sharing the cost. Moreover, Vamos Rent-A-Car provides excellent customer service, competitive rates, and additional benefits such as free extra drivers and no hidden fees, making your travel experience even more seamless.
Driving Directions to Tamarindo from Liberia Airport
Use Google Maps or Waze for GPS directions. The drive is straightforward on a main road and takes about an hour. A 4×4 is not required.
Driving at night is feasible as the route is well-paved. Ensure you use a GPS for navigation.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica Weather
Tamarindo experiences typical tropical dry and rainy seasons. Dry season runs from December to April, while rainy season spans May to November. March and April are the hottest months with temperatures ranging from 85-95 F (30-35 C). October is generally the rainiest month. During rainy season, expect sunny mornings and rainy afternoons and nights.
Tamarindo Surf Camps
Iguana Surf offers a fun-filled surf vacation experience, while Witch’s Rock Surf Camp remains a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Tamarindo Hotels
Here are some recommendations for accommodations in Tamarindo, ranging from budget to upscale options, along with various Airbnbs and vacation rentals:
- Hotel Mar Rey: A budget to mid-range hotel right in the center of town.
- Hotel Luna Llena: Located further back, featuring spacious bungalows and a large pool. Mid-range pricing.
- Tamarindo Diria: An upscale beachfront resort with three pools (one adult-only), a beachfront restaurant, and rooms with beach and garden views. Includes an adult-only section.
- Wyndham Tamarindo: This hilltop hotel boasts a fantastic beach view and an incredible infinity pool. About a 15-minute walk to town.
- The Beach Bungalows: Charming bungalows located 10 minutes from downtown and 15 minutes from the beach, with lush gardens and a gated area.
- Selina: Ideal for backpackers, young solo travelers, and digital nomads, situated in town.
- Jardin del Eden: An adult-only choice perfect for honeymooners or couples, featuring romantic rooms and in-room Jacuzzis.
- JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa: Located 25 minutes away or the all-inclusive Occidental Langosta.
- Mother Earth Vegan Hotel: A vegan hotel in Tamarindo.
Tamarindo Restaurants
- Noguis: Beachfront with Costa Rican and international dishes. Delicious pie. ($$)
- Pikatas: Excellent ceviche and generous portions. Near the beach by the roundabout.
- Longboards BBQ: Tasty barbecue sandwiches. ($$)
- Hidden Garden: Fine dining with diverse vegetarian, seafood, and meat options. ($$$)
- Pangas: Fine dining seafood restaurant, ideal for a romantic beachfront dinner. ($$$)
- Green Papaya: Fantastic taco bar with handmade tortillas and chips. Cash only. ($$)
- NOI Bistro: Great spot for breakfast or lunch, known for the veggie burger. ($$)
- Masa Madre: Bakery offering sandwiches, pastries, paninis, pizza, croissants, coffee, and vegan/vegetarian options. ($)
- Cha Cafe: Serves smoothies, coffee, toasts, bowls, burritos, and healthy snacks, including cookies and breads. ($$)
- Santa Rita Coffee Shop: A pleasant place for coffee and breakfast. ($)
- Pan del Mundo: European-style bakery with sweet pastries, breads, baguettes, and sandwiches. ($)
- Surf Shack: Great burgers with veggie options. ($$)
- Mercadito: Food court offering a variety of foods such as burgers, seafood, arepas, poke bowls, waffles, crepes, tacos, Pops ice cream, and more. ($-$$)
- Red Door: A fine dining beachfront spot with delicious food and cocktails. ($$$)
- El Santuario: Charming outdoor Italian place with pizza, pasta, and barbecue.
- Venezia Gelati: Tasty gelato. ($)
- Brisa Mar: Formerly Matapalo Beachfront, this is the public restaurant of Tamarindo Diria with Costa Rican cuisine and international dishes. ($$)
- Cata Agave Bar: Beachfront, second-floor bar perfect for tequila lovers, offering awesome cocktails.
- Falafel Bar: Specializes in hummus, pita wraps, and shawarma. ($$)
- Dragonfly: Known for delicious curry and other dishes. ($$)
- Agua Salada: A chic beachfront fine dining spot with a cute decor and atmosphere. ($$$)
- La Pachanga: Excellent pizza and pasta. ($$)
- Soda El Estero: A local restaurant near the entrance of town offering affordable meals. ($)
- La Bodega: Great for breakfast. ($)
For beachwear and accessories, Tamarindo offers a variety of options:
- Suspiro Esmerelda Bikinis: Custom-designed bikinis with fun styles, located by the roundabout across from Noguis.
- Seaholic: Cute store with beachwear and accessories.
- 2 Aves: Next to Suspiro, offering cute beach towels and accessories.
- De’lohana Bikinis: Located on the second floor of Tamarindo Inn, offering biodegradable and super comfy bikinis.
- Morena Beachwear: A wide collection of bikinis and one-pieces in Centro Commercial El Punto.
- Bambamboo: Clothing made from organic materials such as cotton, bamboo, banana, or hemp. The designs are limited, but the comfort is exceptional.
- Tamarindo Night Market: The weekly Thursday Moonlight night market is a fantastic place for trinkets like jewelry, held at the plaza where the Tamarindo Fitness Center is located.
- Buena Nena: Offers cute clothing, jewelry, bags, hats, and other fashionable items.
Nightlife
Tamarindo boasts a lively nightlife scene. There’s often live music at restaurants like Mercadito, Chiringuito, Langosta Surf Club, El Be!, Lizard Lounge, Longboards, and The Ocean. Popular spots for drinking, dancing, and partying include Pacifico Bar, Rumours, Sharkys, Crazy Monkey Bar, and Lizard Lounge.
Living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo attracts many expatriates due to its diversity, business opportunities, favorable weather, and excellent surfing. It’s particularly popular among young entrepreneurs, digital nomads, families, backpackers, and surfers, rather than retirees who are more prevalent in other beach towns like Playas del Coco and Nosara. While some refer to Tamarindo as “Tama-gringo,” the town is home to people from various countries, including Canada, Australia, Europe, and South America.
However, Tamarindo is relatively expensive, with prices comparable to those in the United States. It’s also worth noting that local Guanacastecos typically live in neighboring areas such as Villarreal, Huacas, 27 de Abril, or Santa Cruz due to higher rent and home prices in Tamarindo, which cater to international tourists and expatriates.
For tourists, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s costlier beach destinations. While budget travel is possible, it’s generally more expensive than other areas in the country. Despite the costs, Tamarindo offers a fun and vibrant lifestyle, with plenty of activities, natural attractions, and a strong sense of community.
Safety
Tamarindo is considered safe for families, seniors, and couples. However, it is also a popular party destination for young backpackers, solo travelers, and surfers. To maintain safety, especially late at night, avoid small alleys and the street with bars, particularly from Thursday to Sunday nights. Specifically, steer clear of the alley next to Rumors/Sharky’s that leads to Surf Shack.
The main concerns in Tamarindo are theft and pickpocketing. Always be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. During the holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.
Another safety concern is the presence of crocodiles near Tamarindo Beach due to the nearby estuary. Avoid crossing the estuary on foot and always be aware of your surroundings.
With its combination of beautiful scenery, active lifestyle opportunities, and vibrant community, Tamarindo remains a desirable destination for both visitors and expatriates alike.
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