Tamarindo, Costa Rica, began as a modest fishing community but is now one of the most visited places in the Guanacaste province. A typical day in Tamarindo will see about 500 people strolling its streets. Nonetheless, during the peak tourist season, the population might rise to almost 5,000.
Tamarindo has a wide variety of places to stay, eat, and drink, and the main street, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, is an entertaining must-visit. Yet the town’s most attractive feature is its stunning beach, widely regarded as one of the world’s finest spots for surfers and other athletic beachgoers. Factoring in the golden beach, breathtaking sunsets, and lively atmosphere, it’s clear that Tamarindo is the ideal destination for vacationers.
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What To Know Before Going To Tamarindo
Tamarindo, conveniently located just 45 minutes from Liberia International Airport, makes the journey stress-free and promises a wealth of adventure. It’s no surprise that Tamarindo, located in Guanacaste, has plenty of dining options serving local specialties. A terrific time to visit is during one of the many festivals held throughout the year, such as the BPM Festival, when the streets come alive with music, dancing, and delicious food.
Weather-wise, mid-November through August is a prime time to explore Tamarindo. From November to April, when leatherback and green sea turtles nest in the area around Playa Grande, it becomes a popular tourist destination. It’s peak surfing season from June through October, and the Surf n’ Turf, a surf and golf charity tournament, has been held in Tamarindo every August for the past 13 years. The Tamarindo Marathon, held annually in September, is another significant tourist draw for the town.
Tamarindo’s Beautiful Beaches And The Fun Things To Do There
One of Tamarindo’s biggest draws is its abundance of beautiful beaches. Visitors can reach beautiful beaches like these in a matter of minutes from the city center, and they are just as good as any of the other Northern Pacific Coast beaches in Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo, or Tamarindo Beach, is a popular destination due to its beautiful scenery and the relative calmness of its waters during low tide, making it a great place to go swimming. This beach is also a popular spot for surfers, as it has waves suitable for novices. Other popular activities that are enjoyable for both adults and children are snorkeling and people-watching.
Playa Grande, located north of Tamarindo and within the confines of Marino Las Baulas National Park, is exceptionally picturesque and spotless, thanks to the strict regulations. The public can access the beach during the day. However, leatherback turtles nest there; thus, visitors should be cautious. Playa Grande is an excellent place for those interested in seeing any of these elusive animals, but it might not be the best area for beach volleyball or a stroll at midnight.
The Town Is An Excellent Spot For Sport-Fishing
In addition to the stunning beaches, this area is a fishing mecca due to the high quality of the inshore fishing and the ease of access to world-class deep sea fishing. Located at Costa Rica’s westernmost tip, travelers can reach the country’s continental shelf and deep waters in just half an hour’s boat ride. During the green season, offshore fishing is excellent only from June to October.
The rugged, volcanic shoreline and rich marine life of the islands near Tamarindo make it an ideal location for inshore fishing. Between May and September, yellowfin tuna are the most common and significant species in the waters of Tamarindo, with some individuals weighing them in at over 250 pounds. Whether one is fishing for snapper and grouper at “The Coral,” a submerged volcanic reef, or for wahoo and roosterfish off the coast of the Catalina Islands, the action never ceases.
There Are Several Costa Rican National Parks Near Tamarindo
The region’s national parks and animal refuges are other major draws. The Marino Las Baulas National Park in Playa Grande is ideal for kayaking and hiking and features a mangrove swamp and coastline. Numerous endangered species call this national park home, including over 150 kinds of birds and a population of leatherback sea turtles that utilize the area’s beaches to lay their eggs. The famous Monkey Park in Portegolpe is only a half-hour drive from the city. The park is run by a non-profit organization that has made itself available to the native species of Costa Rica to meet their needs for rehabilitation and eventual release.
- Flying to Tamarindo: Those who want to fly to Tamarindo may do so via several airlines. While Guanacaste Airport (GUA) is just about an hour away from Tamarindo, some tourists fly to the much-distant San José International Airport (SJO), which is a little over a four-hour journey away. Guests can also take a domestic flight to Tamarindo Airport, which will get them there faster but will cost more.
- Where to stay in Tamarindo: There are numerous dining and entertainment options available at the expansive Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, including four restaurants, four bars, a casino, and a spa. The beach bar and nearby pizzeria are great options if you’re looking for somewhere to eat or grab a drink. Guests will appreciate the resort’s proximity to the Marino Las Baulas National Park, which is less than a mile away.
