Tamarindo, located on the Pacific Coast, is a popular vacation destination in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is surrounded by national parks to its north and south, and mountains to its east.
The beach is a long stretch of white sand and warm blue water. The town stretches along the beach and shops and restaurants are within a short distance.
Tamarindo is known as a surf town with ideal conditions for surfing and windsurfing.Leatherback Turtles come at night to lay their eggs in the northern part of the bay.
Once a sleepy fishing town it has quickly grew up after being featured in the cult favorite movie about surfing called Endless Summer. Since then surfers from around the world have visited and now some move there. While it has many surf breaks and schools for learning how to surf, it is also considered a “jumping off” point to the other nearby surf locations. The number of tourist visiting is rapidly increasing and new housing is rapidly being built. Many people hold that Tamarindo has lost its authenticity as it has become one of the more overrun and relatively developed costal towns in Costa Rica. Many travellers now avoid Tamarindo for this reason, referring to the town as TamaGringo.
The population numbers are impossible to verify as they rise and fall dramatically as the seasons change from high to low. While a famous town, it is probably smaller than most think.
Nearby Beaches
To the north of Tamarindo is Playa Grande. There are two ways to reach Playa Grande: swim across the Tamarindo River or drive far inland to cross the river and continue to Playa Grande on a dirt road.
To the south of Tamarindo are the beaches Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Negra. Playa Negra was featured in Bruce Brown’s Endless Summer II. Access to Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra is difficult, due to poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Getting in and getting around Tamarindo
It is recommended to fly into Liberia (city in Costa Rica) international airport and take a Taxi from there which lasts a little over 45 minutes. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles. In addition, the bus ride from San Jose takes about 6 hours, costs $5 dollars, and is comfortable (as of 2006 the bus leaves at 11.30am). Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45 minute flight from San Jose.
The town is nice and small, a sort of miniature tropical paradise. You can find taxis, rent cars, or scooters.
Things to see and do in Tamarindo
Numerous lagoons in the area are filled with wonderful wildlife. Incredible sunsets and sunrises on beautiful beaches add to the overall experience. Rainforests are just a short ride away, as well as volcanoes and other aspects of nature unique to this region of Costa Rica.
Tamarindo has become a mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen, with a sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains who are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Their record catches of marlin, sailfish, giant tuna and other species have become legendary. Whether you want deep bluewater fishing, or reef or shoreline fishing, the fleet can accommodate you. Surf casting and handlining in front of your villa for snook and jack are also popular. Any way you do it you can be sure to have your fresh catch cooked up for you at one of the friendly beachfront restaurants.
- Tamarindo Surf School and Surf Camp, Learn how to surf.
Warm water surfing is enjoyed year ’round and families find this area offers opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the coast. Tamarindo was the first stop on an epic worldwide surf journey in the popular movie Endless Summer II. Be aware that the beaches are very crowded with amatuer surfers these days. It can be hard to catch waves without running into another tourist. The crowds do start to thin out as evening approaches though.
Visitors also can choose to scuba dive, snorkel, go on beach cruises, water ski, jet ski, go ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores.
In addition, there are only a few places in the world where the Giant Leatherback Turtle comes to lay her eggs, and National Park Las Baulas is one of them. A short ride from Tamarindo, watching this beautiful part of nature is a once in a lifetime event.
What to eat and drink in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is proud to offer an amazing selection of fine international and typical Costa Rican restaurants. Tamarindo has a French and German bakery, as well as restaurants catering to health-conscious and vegetarian patrons. One will never tire of sampling the wonderful variations of uniquely prepared specialties featuring the abundant supply of fresh local seafood, fruits and vegetables. Most restaurants face the beach, so while waiting for food, one can play in the sand or admire the beautiful sunset.
Tamarindo also has grocery stores, fresh produce and fruit juice stands, and internet cafes.
To quench your thirst, any tropical drink is recommended. Fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, and bananas are Tamarindo’s specialty. (http://wikitravel.org/en/Tamarindo)
Where to stay in Tamarindo
Barcelo Langosta Beach All Inclusive – The Barcelo Langosta Beach All Inclusive is situated on a beautiful beach in Tamarindo in northwest Costa Rica and is conveniently set in seclusion 48 kilometers from the Liberia International Airport
Hotel Pueblo Dorado - The Hotel Pueblo Dorado is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Tamarindo Diria Beach And Golf Resort – Tamarindo Diriá Beach and Golf Resort is a vast beachfront property located adjacent to the crystalline waters of Tamarindo Bay in Costa Rica.
Cala Luna Hotel and Villas - Playa Tamarindo – Tamarindo, Costa Rica 5159
