Welcome to Tamarindo, a beach town on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast. Located in Guanacaste province, it’s known for golden sands, surf breaks, a busy restaurant scene, and its sunsets.
Whether you are a solo backpacker looking to catch your first wave, a family seeking a beach resort, or a digital nomad wanting a lively coastal vibe, Tamarindo has something for everyone.
Here is our guide to the best things to do in Tamarindo and how to get here stress-free.
Top things to do in Tamarindo
1. Catch a wave (learn to surf)
Tamarindo is one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf. The main beach, Playa Tamarindo, has a smooth sandy bottom and gentle, consistent waves that are good for beginners. If you are an experienced surfer, breaks like Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, and the well-known Witch’s Rock are a short boat or shuttle ride away.
2. Watch nesting sea turtles
Just across the estuary lies Las Baulas National Marine Park. From October to March, this protected area is a nesting site for endangered Leatherback sea turtles, the largest sea turtles on earth. A guided night tour lets you watch them lay their eggs on the beach without disturbing them.
3. Take a sunset catamaran cruise
You cannot visit Tamarindo without experiencing its Pacific sunsets from the water. Board a catamaran for an afternoon of sailing, drinks, and lunch. The boat drops anchor at a secluded bay where you can snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles before sailing back as the sky turns pink and orange.
4. Explore the Tamarindo estuary
Take a break from the beach and go on a guided kayak or panga boat tour through the mangrove forests of the estuary. This calm waterway separates Tamarindo from Playa Grande and has plenty of wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and tropical birds.
Where to eat and shop
Tamarindo has more nightlife and food options than quieter beach towns.
- The Tamarindo Night Market: held every Thursday evening, this open-air market has live music, local artisanal crafts, and street food vendors.
- Dining: fresh, locally caught seafood at beachfront restaurants, or organic vegan cafes tucked away in town.
How to get to Tamarindo safely
Getting here takes some planning.
- From Liberia Airport (LIR): LIR is the closest airport, located about 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
- From San José Airport (SJO): SJO is located roughly 4 to 5 hours away.
The main highway to Tamarindo is paved, but traffic can be heavily congested, and navigation within the beach town itself is chaotic, with narrow roads, pedestrian crowds, and limited parking. If you want to explore neighboring beaches like Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo, the backroads turn into bumpy, unpaved gravel tracks.
Skip the rental counter and ride in style
Don’t start your beach vacation waiting in a rental car line or worrying about hidden insurance fees. An airport shuttle gets you to the coast without the hassle.
At Beach Shuttles CR, we offer door-to-door private and shared transfers directly to your Tamarindo hotel or rental villa. Step off the plane at LIR or SJO, jump into our air-conditioned vans, and let our drivers handle the traffic. We have plenty of room to store your surfboards and luggage.
Ready to hit the beach? Reserve your airport transfer to Tamarindo with Beach Shuttles CR today!
