Tamarindo is a city on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste region. It boasts beautiful beaches and breathtaking views of the coast. Nearby day trip options allow you to experience the beach and wildlife. Here is everything you need to know about a trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
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The best time to visit Tamarindo
We visited towards the end of August, which is considered their slow season. I would argue that this is a great time because it is not busy, and the tours are not as full. You will be able to get to the sites more freely without crowds. It did rain intermittently, but it did not ruin our day. Our guide mentioned that the busiest time people come is closer to Thanksgiving into the winter. If you go during that time it will be busier, and the prices will be higher.
Getting to Tamarindo
We flew into the Liberia airport, the closest public airport to the region, about 60 to 90 minutes from Tamarindo. We booked the Tamarindo shuttle, which was very prompt and communicative. The price varies by group size but is not too expensive. If you only have two people, it is $37.50 a person, and three or more are $25 a person. Book online and hold it with a credit card, then pay in cash when you arrive.
Where to stay in Tamarindo
We stayed at a boutique hotel called the House of Nomad. It is a brand-new hotel right in the center of Tamarindo—so new that they are still building the other half. The rooms are huge and include a kitchen with a stovetop. The beach and many restaurants are within walking distance. It is important to note that this hotel is also adults-only.
Although we stayed at this hotel, we visited other properties around the area for their amenities, and here are a few others I recommend:
Wyndham Tamarindo
It is on top of the hill, very close to where we stayed, but it has the best views of Tamarindo. It has an attached restaurant and bar called Nauta that is open to the public if you want to enjoy the view. They have a happy hour special that is two cocktails for one.
W Reserva Conchal
The W Reserva is on the other end of Tamarindo, right above the famous Playa Conchal, known for its beach sand made up of seashells. We took an Uber from Tamarindo Beach for $20 and enjoyed the resort amenities with a day pass. Staying there was on the higher end, but the day pass offers an option to enjoy the hotel.
The Coast Hotel and Langosta Beach Club
This hotel is part of Langosta Beach Club and to the left of Tamarindo Beach on Langosta Beach. We went there on Saturday, and the day pass was free all day, so it was a plus. We enjoyed sitting outside their beach club for a few hours and ate lunch at the restaurant. They have a DJ on the weekends beginning at one.
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is the place to stay. This expansive beachfront resort is in the center of Tamarindo, offering easy access to the town’s lively nightlife, diverse dining options, and exciting activities. The resort is a haven of relaxation, with multiple pools, beautifully landscaped gardens, and spacious rooms catering to families and solo travelers.
Getting around Tamarindo
We were visiting during their slow season in August, so it was very easy to get transportation. Depending on where you stay, many places are walkable. They also have Uber, which we mostly used if we needed to go further, and they have taxi stands.
What to do while staying in Tamarindo
Estuary Tour
We booked an estuary tour through Viator. They picked us up from our hotel, but we could have easily walked there. The tour is available three times based on the tides, and we picked the first time at 7:20 a.m. to avoid too much heat. Because it was the slower season, we were the only ones on the tour and saw so much wildlife. We even stopped and walked to find howler monkeys.
The ride was very relaxing and peaceful. There was only one other boat on the water.
Yoga on the Beach
I have always loved doing yoga in all the countries I go to and do it in nature. I found yoga on the beach through Airbnb experiences steps away from the beach. You don’t need to worry about bringing a yoga mat because they are provided, and they offer 10 minutes of meditation afterward. It was great connecting and meeting new people from all over.
Night Market
The night market is on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 9:30. It brings out the whole community and local vendors for a night under the stars, shopping and eating great food. They have live music and a bar for a family-friendly atmosphere. I enjoyed the homemade food and cocktails.
Reinas Chocolate
On one of the rainy afternoons, we ventured to Reinas Chocolate. It is tucked away from the main areas and family-operated. I appreciated the hospitality as soon as we walked in, and they offered a large variety of chocolates made in-house. We tasted everything from 100% dark chocolate to tequila-flavored chocolate. Everything was extremely affordable and delicious.
Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
This hidden gem is located about an hour outside of Tamarindo. It is a very short walk down to the huge waterfall, which was a refreshing site. Listening to the sound of the water crashing down is relaxing and tranquil. Depending on how rainy it is, the water may appear brown, but it is not dirty.
Jungle Life Costa Rica – Rainforest Tour
Jungle life in Costa Rica can be combined with the waterfall. They are about 45 minutes apart and offer a different type of climate than in Liberia or Tamarindo. It is truly a rainforest that is a protected sloth sanctuary with other animals. We went with a guide around the area and pointed out different animals and plants. It was an enriching experience. We saw poison dart frogs, vipers, butterflies, and, of course, sloths.
Rio Celeste
The hike to Rio Celeste is a must-do. Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, this hike takes you through a lush rainforest, where the vibrant flora and fauna create a colorful backdrop. The journey’s highlight is the breathtaking sight of the Rio Celeste waterfall, with its surreal, sky-blue water—a natural phenomenon caused by volcanic minerals. The hike to the waterfall is moderately challenging but well worth the effort, offering stunning views and the chance to soak in the tranquility of this natural wonder.
Tip: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the hike can be slippery, especially after rain.
If you are unsure how to get to the two waterfalls and the jungle tour, Viator has all three combined in one day, with convenient pick-up from your hotel in Tamarindo. It includes a self-paid breakfast stop and an included lunch stop. The whole day was about 12 hours and went by so fast. I highly recommend this tour.
These are just a few of the activities I did in Tamarindo/Liberia. For a complete list of my recommendations, check out my Viator list for Tamarindo. There is something for everyone’s interests.
Places to Eat
There are many food options in Tamarindo, but the prices are higher than in other areas. Nonetheless, there were significant options that wouldn’t break the bank, which I enjoyed.
- Little Lucha—This place serves tacos and other Mexican dishes. It offers a variety of tacos and specials.
- La Oveja Surf House—The surf house is hard to miss. It is right at the beginning of the town and blends into the trees. It is a cafe with healthy food and great coffee. They also have outlets for co-working.
- Surf Shack Burgers and Wings- I was initially drawn here because of their delicious-looking onion rings, but their burgers were also great. They have many options to choose from, and they are steps away from the beach.
- Mandarina Juice Bar- Great healthy breakfast and inexpensive smoothies. I enjoyed their acai bowl and immunity shot.
- La Casita Del Pescado—This small spot on the beach offers inexpensive seafood dishes and drinks. We got a lot for our money here. It was tucked away right before Playa Conchal on Playa Brasilito.
- Pico Bistro—We came here twice for breakfast because of its gorgeous views right on the beach and ample food options. They have this stuffed French toast that you should order!
- Nauta Bar and Restaurant—It Has Gorgeous views of the beach and an excellent happy hour. I also appreciated the healthy options.
- Caprichos Restaurant- Another beach-adjacent restaurant with various options and prices that won’t break the bank. I love the complementary popcorn they give you while you wait for your food. We stopped here twice!
- Langosta Beach Club—This property was listed above, but I must mention its beachside menu and ample drinks. Their prices are reasonable for a beach club. I got the sliders and a pitcher of sangria.
Final Takeaways
Tamarindo is a vacation location for everyone. From solo travelers to families, there is something to do that will peak your interest. The locals are friendly, and I felt very safe there. They take US dollars in most places, and English is spoken regularly. Pack your bags and set forth on an adventure where you’ll discover why the locals say “Pura Vida”—the pure life of Costa Rica.
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