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 holiday makers 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.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
Playa Mansita, Hacienda Pinilla, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is €506 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€506
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Tamarindo. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (703 reviews)
"We stayed in a garden view suite with a private pool. The room was excellent!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa
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 €120 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€120
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"The view was absolutely beautiful! I would sit on my balcony for hours. I love the fact that they provided shuttle services to/from the town and langoste beach. The food wasnt the best but the alcoholic beverages were delicious."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Wyndham Tamarindo
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is €205 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€205
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"The hotel location and amenities can’t be beat. However, our ocean view room was a bit dated."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
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

4.5 out of 5
Av Central, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (77 reviews)
"Nice property with a great little pool and room has all the space you need. Walking distance from beach and downtown area. Staff were friendly."

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

Casa Nahua Hotel in Tamarindo
The mVillas with Exclusive Beach Club Access

The mVillas with Exclusive Beach Club Access

5 out of 5
Marisol, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Hacienda Pinilla Golf ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The villa was wonderful!! It was quite modern with many amenities, including everything needed to cook in the kitchen, plenty of towels for the private pool & bathing, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, washer/dryer, and more. It was close to town & the beach but still felt like you were surrounded ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

The mVillas with Exclusive Beach Club Access
Private, Stunning Ocean Views, Close to Everything, Breakfast Prep Included

Private, Stunning Ocean Views, Close to Everything, Breakfast Prep Included

Tamarindo
Stay at this vacation home in Tamarindo. Enjoy private pools, a rooftop terrace, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Our stay at Casa Cielo Vista was amazing. Jairo and Johana were so good to us and made sure everything was taken care of. Our excursions and private chef meals were all perfect and we can’t say enough kind things about our stay. We were here for my 30th birthday celebration and it’ll always be one ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Private, Stunning Ocean Views, Close to Everything, Breakfast Prep Included
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.

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