If you’re heading to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, get ready for more than just a quick stop. This lively beach town has a way of pulling you in. What started as a three-day visit quickly turned into a full week for me. Between the surf, sunsets, and spontaneous adventures, there was always something to do. Whether you’re catching waves, soaking up the sun, or spotting wildlife in the nearby parks, Tamarindo has a mix of laid-back charm and nonstop energy that’s hard to resist.
When to visit Tamarindo: a choice between dry and green season
Dry Season also known as High Season
The dry season in Costa Rica typically runs from late November to April. Expect clear skies, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall. This is the ideal time for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The dry season is perfect for exploring Costa Rica’s stunning beaches, enjoying water activities like snorkeling and surfing, and embarking on rainforest hikes. Wildlife watching is also excellent during this time, as animals are more active in the drier conditions.
Green Season as known as Low Season
The green season occurs from May to November. This period is characterized by increased rainfall. Rainfall is more prevalent in the afternoons and evenings, with mornings often being sunny.While you may encounter occasional rain showers, the green season has its own charm. The landscape is vibrant and teeming with life, making it a fantastic time for nature lovers and bird watchers. The rainforests come alive, and waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Additionally, this season is less crowded, and you may find more budget-friendly travel options. It rained every day when I was in Costa Rica, but it didn’t bother me personally. If I was already on the beach or doing a water activity then I was already wet to begin with so a rain drop wouldn’t make a difference.
How to get to Tamarindo
The closest airport to Tamarindo is Daniel Oduber International Airport located in Liberia.
Uber/Taxi
Bus: The public bus doesn’t go directly from the airport into Tamarindo. You can take the bus from Llano Grande to Tamarindo via Guardia. It’s around $3 USD.
Car Rental: I do recommend if possible, to commute in the morning as there’s a one way road into Tamarindo that gets backed up by traffic. Normally, it will take 2.5 hours.
Relax on the beach
One of the most popular things to do here is to hit the beach. Tamarindo Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that’s perfect for swimming, walking along the shore, and soaking up the sun. The best time for a relaxing walk is early in the morning before the vendors set up their shops.
Learn to surf
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a surfing lesson or rent a board and try to catch some waves on your own. The Pacific Ocean hugs the coast of Tamarindo making it a good spot to surf. I took a beginners course at Iguanas Surf Shop. You can ask them beforehand and you could have a photographer take photos of your surfing experience. At the time, it was the place that was the most fairly price at $35. There are a lot of surf shops in town. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price especially if you are going to be renting a surfboard multiple times.
Beach yoga & Meditation
Nothings more relaxing than practicing meditation as you listen to the rhythm of the ocean waves. You can choose between morning and sunset yoga classes.
Visit Las Baulas National Marine Park
If you’re interested in wildlife, you won’t want to miss the Las Baulas National Marine Park. This protected area is home to a wide variety of sea creatures, including sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales during certain times of the year. You can take a guided tour of the park to learn more about the local ecosystem and see some of these amazing animals up close.
Party! Party! Party!
Party on an American School Bus
Start the party early in an old American school bus. Meet your fellow travelers at a local bar in town before boarding the bus that’s decked out in lights and speakers fully blasting music. The American school bus will take you outside of town to 3 new destinations located north of Tamarindo in the Brasilito, Flamingo, and Potrero areas. Explore an infinity pool nestled in the rain forest and discover new beaches with your new group of friends. Tamarindo is a walkable small town and the amazing people that I met here, I saw for the following week in various parts of town.
Party in town
Tamarindo is known as a party place. There will be many bars in town that blast music from Monday to Sunday. These were my personal favorites:
- Sharky’s Bar and Grill
- Pacifico Resto
- Chiquita’s
- El Be!
Tamarindo Bar Crawl by Selina
Selina is a hostel chain that spans around the world. There’s always something going on there from live music to dance classes. It’s also very common to find locals hanging out here too especially by the pool tables. However, if you are in Tamarindo on a Friday night I definitely recommend participating in their bar crawl – it’s huge. When I went on the bar crawl there was well over 100 people signed up.
Watch the sunset from a rooftop
I always try to catch a good spot for the sunset as it is so much harder for me to wake up for sunrise. There’s a rooftop that’s not right on the beach called The Roof, but it gives the most panoramic view of the sunset. Plus, there’s friendly cats all around here waiting for you to drop your food.
Tamarindo’s Markets
Tap into Tamarindo’s tapestry with a part dining, part entertainment, and part market experience with the Tamarindo Night Market. It’s open every Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm
On Saturday morning, you will find so many fresh fruits lining the booths at the morning market. I recommend trying anything with the tamarindo fruit, after all you are in the town of Tamarindo. It’s open every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Watch out for the monkeys that are running around the treetops waiting for you to drop your food.
Help clean the beach
Trash is always ending up in the water and washing up on the beach. Join a group and help pick up trash. Every piece of trash that is taken away helps an unfortunate situation for a bird, turtle or other animal that finds it in their habitat.
Take a day trip to La Leona waterfall
I did this hiking adventure before I got into Tamarindo, but I think it is so worth it to back track. Truly this felt like an Indiana Jones episode to get to the waterfall that’s enclose in a cave, you had to cross the river where the water is reaching your knees, swim through a canyon and more. Check out my post La Leona Waterfall near Liberia
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Costa Rica
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Fly into Liberia or San Jose airport
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, boutique hotels, or eco-lodges, Costa Rica has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Consider staying in places like La Fortuna or Monteverde depending on your route.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
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