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Tamarindo is a sublime beach city located in Guanacaste Province on Nicoya Peninsula on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Featuring splendid beaches, tropical jungles, serene and tourist friendly ambiance with a variety of options for sports and adventures, Tamarindo is a perfect example of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and brilliance. The town is mostly noted for its surf breaks, sportfishing ventures and eco tourism. Even though it has a fairly small population of approximately 3,525 people, the town gets somewhat crowded during the holiday season. Moreover, it offers all the comforts and nice facilities including banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, bars, internet cafes, surf camps, luxury and budget based accommodations and restaurants.

Description

For eco tourism, sporty adventures and deluxe getaways, Tamarindo is the epitome of a perfect tropical holiday destination.
However, if you are expecting to see the real culture of Costa Rica, then you might be disappointed for the city is quite touristy and does not represent the Tico culture at all. Also, Tamarindo lost its Blue Flag Status due to recent commercial projects. Yet it is still tranquil and beautiful. The beaches are sparkling with sun drenched sand, the water bordering the shores is crystal clear and flourishing with species and the forests are forever blooming and dense with wildlife. It is readily accessible via an aircraft or a bus service and offer a good range of amenities to its guests. You can explore the town by either renting car, a scooter or taking a taxi.

The town’s famous beach is Playa Tamarindo boasting a three and half kilometer of shimmering silver sand bordered by lovely waters. It is well known for its large waves, lagoons, estuaries and strong tides. It has two awesome beach breaks for advanced surfers which were shown in the cult surf movie, Endless Summer II. It also makes up a part of a bay formed by Cabo Velas that serves as a protected nesting area for Leatherback turtles. When the turtles arrive to the beach to lay eggs, usually between October and March, amazing turtle tours can be held. The beach is sanctuary for sport fishermen as well. The water is rich with marvelous fish species all year round. The weather of Tamarindo stays sunny throughout the year with negligible amount of rainfall between May and October. For accommodations, many options are available ranging from small hostels, bed and breakfast services to private oceanfront houses, condos and resorts. It is a bit pricey as compared to other Costa Rican towns but don’t let that stop you. In short, for a luxurious, sporty and sunshine filled tropical respite, Tamarindo is a perfect point.

Surf Spots in Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo features two main surf breaks, Pico Pequeno and El Estero.

El Estero

El Estero is an exposed rivermouth presenting consistent surf all year round. It peels to both direction over a sandy bottom but
favors rights more lefts. El Estero collects offshore winds from the east and the best direction is from west and southwest. It receives offshore winds from the east and good wind direction is from southwest and west. Groundswells are much more common than windswells and the best swells gather from northwest and west that can hold up to 10 feet. Mid to high tide provides an ideal time to surf. The months of November and December bring large waves which can reach up to 12 feet. The waves used to be hollow but since the sandbars are constantly shifting, the waves keep changing as well. El Estero is great for all sorts of surfers. Few drawbacks include polluted water, crowding and sharks.

Pico Pequeno

Pico Pequeno, also referred to as Little Peak, is a beach break that breaks to the right directly in front of a famous hotel named Diria Hotel. The break is found about 100 meters north to Tamarindo. The break is small featuring strong and powerful waves that break over a sandy bottom. Even though, the waves seem easy and gentle, they are actually quite dangerous and can rip you up if you are inexperienced. The spot is created by large offshore rock which you can see from the beach. The break is double meaning that first it breaks off the rock and then reshapes itself to break again. Initial surf is better to ride. Best time to surf is at a rising mid tide with swells rising from the west and northwest and wind from southeast. Pico Pequeno is splendid for advanced surfers looking for a new challenge. The break is jam-packed on weekends and weekdays alike.

Playa Langosta

Playa Langosta is found on the southern region of Tamarindo. The tiny beach town is deserted with a tranquil atmosphere to it. It features a fast and powerful rivermouth that goes left and right breaking over a sandy bottom. The spot is solely for veterans who will love to battle the strong waves of the rivermouth. The waves are fairly short with a range of 50 to 150 meters high. The break receives good swells from the west and southwest hemispheres. Watch out for the rocks, undertows, currents and rips.

Isla Capitan

Isla Capitan is a small island located just off Playa Tamarindo. It boasts an exposed reef that break to the lefts on the north side and to the right on the south over a reef rocky bottom. The break can be accessed via paddling or a boat ride within 40 minutes. The spot is recommended to only experienced surfers.

Capitan Suizo

Capitan Suzia is a rather inconsistent beach break found nearby Playa Tamarindo. It is great for all levels of surfers especially for beginners and long boarders. The waves break over a sandy bottom to both directions and feature short and powerless waves. It is best to surf at a high tide. The break is mostly secluded.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande is a beautiful beach on the northern end of Tamarindo. It boasts a beach break renowned for its barrel waves and long rides. The break is quite consistent and fast that peels to both directions and breaks over a sandy bottom. The ideal time to surf the break is at mid to high tide with swells coming from the west and northwest directions. The size of swells starts working at 3 feet and can hold up to 10 feet during rising and falling tides. Playa Grande is super crowded both on weekends and weekdays.

Surf Camps in Tamarindo

For a proper surf guide and lessons on your vacation, surf camps and schools will prove to be really helpful. Some of the renowned surfing camps in Tamarindo are:

Tamarindo Surf School

Tamarindo Surf School is the premier surf school in Tamarindo offering surfing lessons, full courses, packages, equipment, tennis lessons and reasonably priced accommodations. The staff is fully trained and skilled with decades of experience in the field. Tamarindo Surf School organizes surfing expeditions to Tamarindo and several other famous places such as Avellanas, Playa Grande and Playa Negra. For veteran surfers, surf trips are made to Roca Bruja “Witch Rock” and Ollie’s Point.

Banana Surf Club

Banana Surf Club is found in the heart of Tamarindo. The renowned school have earned a superb reputation due to its fantastic team of experienced surfers and amazing customer service. The school includes a surf shop that sells and rent out a large range of surf boards, accessories and beachwear. Their phone numbers are (506) 2653.0130 and (506) 2653-2463 and email address is info@bananasurfschool.com. For more information, check out their website.

Costa Rica Surf Club and Surf Camp

Costa Rica Surf Club and Surf Camp offers you a chance to learn surfing and polish your techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned surfer, the camp promises their guests a unique and fulfilling experience. Costa Rica Surf Camp is nearby numerous surf points. Besides being itself a surf rich area, Tamarindo is located close by other great points as well, such as, Playa Negra, Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point. The camp is a budget friendly place with a relaxed, peaceful air about it.

Surf Shops in Tamarindo

Banana Surf Shop

In Tamarindo, there are two branches of Banana Surf Shop. The shop is a part of the exclsuive surf camp, Banana Surf Club, featuring a large variety of top notch surf products. They offer all kinds of surf boards for sale and rent, ding repair kit, leashes, wax, rash guards, wet suits and other many other useful accessories. Moreover, they have a delightful collection beach clothes such as bikinis, shorts, tops and much more! Their phone numbers are (506) 2653.0130 and (506) 2653-2463 and email address is info@bananasurfschool.com. For more information, check out their website.

Iguana Surf Shop

Iguana Surf Shop was founded in 1998 in Tamarindo. It is operated by a group of extremely professional staff that ensure excellent customer service and offer high quality product. Iguana has a vast array of sports equipment including more than 125 surfboards, boogie boards, kayaking gear and bikes for rent. The shop also sell beachwear and accessories. The shop is open from 8 AM to 6 PM seven days of the week. You can contact them on 2653 0613 and at iguana@IguanaSurf.net. For more information, visit the website.

Kelly’s

Kelly’s Surf Shop is a surf shop and school offering amazing offers and best quality surf boards and other equipment in great prices. People will be happy to find a nice collection of surfboard of all sizes and shapes along with other necessary gear. Kelly’s also offer surf classes to people. The classes are conducted by professional surfers who will provide with the best possible experience. If you have any queries, call them at 506-2653-1355 and check their website.

Matos

Matos Surf Shop have three shops, two are located in Tamarindo and one in Playa Grande. Matos was founded in 2001 and with its catching tagline, Whatever a surfer needs”, Matos is widely known to offer a fabulous service to their customers. Whther you need to buy a brand new board, customize one or wish to repair your old one, Matos will help you out! If you have any questions, email them at info@matossurfshop.com or place a call (506 8836 2899).

Neptuno

Neptuno Surf Shop is a haven for surf lovers. Offering a range of top notch surf products, surf classes and amazing packages, Neptuno promises to be your best surf consultant and guide. They provide an extensive range of surf equipment and take you on fun tours to the best surf spots. Don’t hesitate to call or email them! Their number is 506 2653 2967 and email ID is info@neptunosurfshop.com.

Pedro’s

Pedro’s offers a comprehensive range of surf boards, bikes and snorkel gear for both sale and rental in very reasonable prices. They also display a fine range of clothes, bikinis, hats, plenty of accessories and jewelry. If you have to get your surf board or other gear repaired, Pedros can fix it within a day. Visit their website for further information.

Other Activities in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a miniature tropical paradise that offer plenty of activities to its guests. Be it land activities such as canopy tours, zip lining, horseback riding or aquatic adventures like fishing, snorkeling and estuary tours, Tamarindo is a perfect destination for nature and adventure lovers.

Marino Las Baulas National Park

Marino Las Baulas National Park is a nature reserve located north of Tamarindo. It is home to the largest population of leatherback sea turtles and their nesting colonies. Playa Grande, which is a part of the refuge, supports numerous turtles and their eggs during the nesting season. Many travelers visit the park to see the turtles from May to October. The park’s underwater area is also protected. In some portions, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities are allowed. Marino Las Baulas houses more than 174 species of birds along with numerous animals. Moreover, there are plenty of mangroves, estuaries and swamps.

Sportfishing

Tamarindo is regarded as one of the best places for recreational fishing in Costa Rica. The superb fishing ground has a large population of both inshore and offshore species. Some of the popular catches include blue, black and striped marlins, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, dorado, sailfish, large roosterfish, snook, red snappers and wahoo. People who are interested can join any authorized fishing charter that offer full and half day expeditions, round trip transportation, fantastic deals and occasionally even accommodations. During the cruise, you can scuba diving and snorkeling. While on the ship, you may come across whales, dolphins, manta rays, sharks and other marvelous sea animals.

For more information on Tamarindo, please visit:

Tamarindo Beach: A Costa Rican Piece of Paradise – An article on Tamarindo on costaricajourneys.com
A Guide to Tamarindo’s Surf Spots – Everything you need to know about the breaks in Tamarindo on costaricasurfing.org
Tamarindo – All about the town on wikitravel.org