a group of people standing on top of a sandy beach
a body of water with trees and a bird flying in the sky
a group of people riding surfboards on top of a wave
red and white bird on tree branch
A beach with a lot of people on it

Holiday in Tamarindo

Beach in Costa Rica — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇷

Country

Costa Rica

Type

Beach

Best time to travel

December to April (dry season)

Budget/day

90-140€: Boutique hotel, restaurant evenings, surf course

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Liberia (approx. 13-15h with a layover), then a 1.5h transfer or shuttle

What makes Tamarindo special as a destination?

Tamarindo on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste is Costa Rica's most popular surf and beach destination. The golden sandy beach stretches for miles and offers perfect waves for beginners and advanced surfers. In the evenings, the lively village with its beach bars, restaurants, and boutiques transforms into a relaxed meeting point. The nearby sea turtle refuge Playa Grande and the Rincon de la Vieja volcano provide variety beyond beach life.

Beach
90
Winter
85
Safety
80
Relaxation
75
Romance
75

What are the top highlights in Tamarindo?

The top highlights in Tamarindo include Surfing at Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande Turtles, Sunset Sailing Tour, Estuary Boat Tour.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Surfing at Playa Tamarindo

Consistent waves year-round make Tamarindo one of the best surf spots in Central America.

2

Playa Grande Turtles

Leatherback turtles — the largest sea turtles in the world — nest in the nearby national park.

3

Sunset Sailing Tour

Catamaran tours at sunset with dolphin watching and snorkeling.

4

Estuary Boat Tour

Through the mangroves of the Tamarindo estuary with crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds.

Hotels in Tamarindo

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Reise-SIM für Tamarindo

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?

The best time to visit Tamarindo is December to April (dry season). Hot and dry, 30-35°C, little rain In winter: Warm, 28-32°C, rainy season May-November with short showers

Recommended travel time

December to April (dry season)

Summer

Hot and dry, 30-35°C, little rain

Winter

Warm, 28-32°C, rainy season May-November with short showers

How much does a holiday in Tamarindo cost?

Budget travellers: 40-60€: Hostel, sodas, own surfboard/day, mid-range: 90-140€: Boutique hotel, restaurant evenings, surf course/day, luxury: 250€+: Luxury resort, private sailing trip, spa/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

40-60€: Hostel, sodas, own surfboard

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

90-140€: Boutique hotel, restaurant evenings, surf course

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

250€+: Luxury resort, private sailing trip, spa

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Tamarindo?

Flight to Liberia (approx. 13-15h with a layover), then a 1.5h transfer or shuttle

Book a package holiday to Tamarindo

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What travel tips are there for Tamarindo?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The left side of the beach has the best waves for beginners

Surfboards can be rented everywhere for 10-15€/day

During the rainy season, the waves are bigger — ideal for experienced surfers

Playa Avellanas (15 min.) is the quieter alternative to the busy main beach

What should you eat in Tamarindo?

Typical specialities in Tamarindo: Ceviche Tico — Fresh fish in lime juice with cilantro and chili, Gallo Pinto — Rice and beans for breakfast, THE Costa Rican dish, Pipa Fría — Ice-cold coconut directly from the street vendor, Arroz con Mariscos — Seafood rice with Pacific shrimp and clams.

These specialties you must try!

Ceviche Tico — Fresh fish in lime juice with cilantro and chili
Gallo Pinto — Rice and beans for breakfast, THE Costa Rican dish
Pipa Fría — Ice-cold coconut directly from the street vendor
Arroz con Mariscos — Seafood rice with Pacific shrimp and clams
Suitable for:SurfingBeachCosta RicaPacificNightlifeTurtlesSunset

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