Things to do in Tamarindo
The most popular surf town in Costa Rica
When you say that you’re going to Costa Rica for surfing, most people probably think of Tamarindo beach. It is the most popular surf destination in the country and as such, the place is very touristy and commercialised. It is one road that leads along the beach with shops, restaurants, and hotels on either side.
Surfing in Tamarindo
You can only surf Tamarindo at high tide and when Charlie was there, the waves were very small. There are plenty of surf schools and surf camps in town and it can get quite busy in the water. Additionally, you will find lots of beach tourists lying in the sand as well. You can easily find a place to rent a surfboard or take lessons. Be prepared though that it will be crowded.
Tours from Tamarindo
There are two tours from Tamarindo that are very popular, and they exist due to the nearby nature reserves. The Estuario Playa Grande is a National Park since 1997 and home to thousands of mangrove trees, crocodiles, monkeys, birds and several other species. You can do guided boat tours through the estuary to spot wildlife. Charlie saw crocodiles of all ages and sizes, howler monkeys sleeping in the trees, herons in different colours, and an osprey on the hunt for fish. There are also kayak tours on offer, but Charlie is not sure whether that is such a good idea in waters with crocodiles. The guide on her boat, Christian, also told stories about people hiding out in the mangroves scared to get back in their kayaks once they noticed the type of wildlife in these waters.
The estuary ends in the Tamarindo River which leads to the ocean. The safest way to cross the river mouth to reach Playa Grande is by boat. You see them easily on the beach. Occasionally, people swim across the river mouth which is not recommended because of the crocodiles and there have been accidents in the past. Please, take a boat!
The second popular tour in Tamarindo is the turtle watching in the national park Marino Las Baulas. These tours take place in the evenings as the turtles come out of the sea and to the beach for nesting after dark. You can only do this tour with a guide who will drive to the entrance of the reserve and guide the way to the beach where the turtles nest. The turtles are sensitive to light and any source of white light needs to be switched off on the beach. The guide has a torch with infrared light so that you can still take photos of the turtles. Charlie saw four mama turtles that night and the last one of the freshly hitched baby turtles. The baby moved a lot faster than the older turtles and it was difficult to catch up. It was very cute though.
Another popular activity in Tamarindo is horseriding and you can see them on the beach at all times during the day. If you want to go on a horse ride, simply approach them.
Shopping in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is very touristy and therefore, a good place to do all your souvenir shopping. There are lots of shops and boutiques in town for any budget. You can get all your souvenirs, surf gear, and postcards.
Cafes and Restaurants
Tamarindo also has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. There are some nice bars right by the beach with fair prizes and a lot of them have live music in the evenings. At the southern end of town is a small food market with several food trucks. Charlie liked the bar El Chiringuito by the beach and the coffee shop Nordico Coffee for breakfast and coffee breaks. She hasn’t nearly tried every place in Tamarindo though. You would have to spend a few months in town to try them all.
Where to stay in Tamarindo
There is accommodation for any budget in Tamarindo. Right in the centre and directly on the beach is a big hotel resort and there are smaller hotels, lodges, surf camps and hostels scattered all over town. Charlie stayed at Selina which is at the southern end of Tamarindo. It was a 10-minute walk along the beach to the surf spot. If you’re into surfing, you have that easier by booking one of the surf camps on the northern end of town.
How to get to Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica and well connected. There are buses and shuttle services from different places in Costa Rica and by different providers. Charlie went to Tamarindo from La Fortuna by Interbus and she left for Santa Teresa by Tropical Tours Shuttle.
The airport in Liberia is not too far from Tamarindo and there is a public bus running between both towns.
