Tamarindo
Population: 600
With its pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, superb natural surroundings, and near perfect weather, it is no wonder that Tamarindo is among the most popular vacation destinations in Costa Rica. A former fishing village in the northern regions of Guanacaste province on the North Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is the area’s most well developed tourist town with plenty of accommodations to suit every pocket. With much to enjoy & even more to do, this multi-cultural community is the ideal place to have some fun in the sun!
The beaches here are first-rate, and the entire town has a relaxed laidback feel to it, making it a fabulous place for anyone looking to have a good time. With the surfing and windsurfing conditions here near perfect for the experienced as well as novice surfers, Tamarindo is probably the most accessible beach town on the country’s entire northern Pacific Coast. Besides surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, boogie boarding, horseback riding and scuba diving, visit the nearby wildlife refuge of Diria, as well as the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where leatherback turtles come every summer to nest and breed.
The beach at Tamarindo is large enough for those who are looking to find some peace and quiet to get some. But for those who want to be where the action is, another favorite past time here is sportfishing, with record marlin, tuna and sailfish catches off the coast. For the land loving traveler, golf is a popular option at the Hacienda Pinilla, one of the finest golf courses in Central America.
It is important to keep in mind that Playa Tamarindo has strong rip currents and barely submerged rocks, so be careful swimming here. Also the estuaries to the north and south are very dangerous to cross at medium to high tide. The estuary to the north that separates Tamarindo from Playa Grande is quite big and canoes can be rented to view the wildlife here. To the south is the beautiful but upscale beach of Playa Langosta, with its excellent Bed & Breakfasts. Most of the high-end expensive hotels and B&B’s are spread out along Playa Langosta & south of Tamarindo.
Tamarindo town itself is quite colorful with plenty of local Tico flavor. Here you can find several bakeries, an outdoor vegetable market, an art gallery, pottery stores, a beauty spa and more than 40 restaurants, bars and discos with cuisines to suit every palette. Easily accessible by bus, the best way to get to Tamarindo is to fly into the Liberia International Airport or if you are already in San Jose take the domestic flight to Tamarindo Domestic Airport which is just outside of town.
Warning: Recent years have seen a growth in tourist robberies, while rental car break-ins are of particular concern.