Tamarindo

Travel Guide

Tamarindo featuring shopping and street scenes
Tamarindo featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual male
Tamarindo featuring a beach
Tamarindo
Tamarindo showing a beach as well as a large group of people
This former fishing village has developed into a popular destination for vacationers seeking surf breaks, a lively nightlife and coastal scenery.

Tamarindo is the most lively and developed part of the picturesque Guanacaste province. Rolling surf breaks, miles of beaches and an array of restaurants and nightclubs make the town a hit among surfers, families and partygoers. Spend relaxing days at the beach and visit a stunning marine park to discover mangrove swamps and giant turtles.

Walk along the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) stretch of white sand on the beach. Take your board out on the rough ocean waves and hit the world-renowned surf. The city’s nickname is Tamagringo, in a playful reference to the “gringo” revelers and surfers who visit from overseas. Pico Pequeño and El Estero are two acclaimed surfing spots in the area.

Go on a daytrip to Las Baulas National Marine Park to see the gigantic endangered turtles that come ashore. Learn about the plight of the magnificent creatures in the site’s museum. Explore the mangrove swamps to see monkeys and other wildlife.

There are many activities in the area for families. Take the kids to Bolas Locas Mini Golf to play rounds on a creative course with volcano holes, tidal wave spirals and rocky mazes. Take in gorgeous beach views while riding a horse from the Painted Pony Guest Ranch. Visit the church, where locals hold mass and musical concerts in English.

Dine at one of the restaurants in the heart of the town and enjoy local delicacies, such as pork skins or shrimp and onions. There are also many bistros serving international cuisine. Dance at a salsa club or enjoy drinks at a sports bar until the early hours of the morning.

Fly to Liberia International Airport and take the 41.9-mile (67.5-kilometer) journey southwest to Tamarindo by taxi or airport shuttle. It is easy to get around the small beach town on foot or by taxis.

The lively vibe in the built-up town of Tamarindo offers a fun-filled contrast to the serene destinations in Guanacaste.

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is €218 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€218
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The Diria is an excellent place to stay if you want beachside accommodation. Lots of space in the gardens adjacent to the beach for sunbathing. The hotel is adjacent to the best part of the beach for safe swimming"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Playa Langosta, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is €203 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€203
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"Friendly staff Comfortable beds Good food Right on the beach"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Wyndham Tamarindo
Wyndham Tamarindo
3.5 out of 5
200m Al E Y 800m Al N Del, Bco, Ncal. De Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is €217 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€217
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great hotel with excellent staff.
"The room was spacious and clean with the features we like, comfortable bed and pillows, hairdryer, refrigerator, clean bedding and towels upon request. The hotel isn’t on the beach but the ocean view from our balcony was spectacular. There is an hourly shuttle to town and the beach club. The only ..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Wyndham Tamarindo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
4 out of 5
Av Central, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (59 reviews)
"Amazing owner and property manager. Close to everything but still feel like you’re in the middle of nature"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
Villas VR Beachwalk Avellanas
Villas VR Beachwalk Avellanas
3 out of 5
Playa Avellanas, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Stay at this 3-star villa in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
"It's actually a 20 minute walk to the beach. The property is new and clean."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Villas VR Beachwalk Avellanas
Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals
Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals
4 out of 5
2 KM west of Hernandez intersection, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Hacienda Pinilla ...
9/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"Great property, and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2024

Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tamarindo

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

An Americanised surf town. If you like surfing and drinking it’s great - if you don’t, then this may not be the place for you.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The hotel operates a regular shuttle service to the town centre and the beach club throughout the day, last drop off in to town 8pm. There are limited sunbeds, and no entertainment or activities. Can get bored staying there all day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lot of night live, plenty of restaurants to eat or drink, nice shops with lots of art crafts. A bit noisy at night depending of your location. There was a local night market on Thursday, with local food and art crafts.