Tamarindo

Travel Guide

Tamarindo showing shopping and street scenes
Tamarindo featuring a sandy beach as well as an individual male
Tamarindo which includes a sandy beach
Tamarindo
Tamarindo featuring a sandy 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-kilometre) 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” revellers 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-kilometre) 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 S$694 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
S$694
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (711 reviews)
"We had minor issues with AC being always on, and the thermostats not kicking in. There was also a clog in the AC unit and cause leaking from the ceiling. The road to the resort needs work. There is a 10 minute stretch that’s really nerve wracking if you are coming in for the first time when it’s ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug, 2025

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is S$292 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
S$292
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Tamarindo Diria is a dream! My family enjoyed every moment and I’m so thankful for the memories. Kind and helpful staff, beautiful grounds, and delicious food! 10 out of 10 definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 23 Aug, 2025

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Wyndham Tamarindo

Wyndham Tamarindo

3.5 out of 5
200m Al E Y 800m Al N Del, Bco, Ncal. De Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Fully refundable
The price is S$168 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
S$168
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Hotel was accommodating, clean, good restaurants, breakfast was delicious, and the view amazing. Rooms need a little renovation. Noticed that since my last visit the building structure need a little uplift. Aside from that, a great hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Aug, 2025

Wyndham Tamarindo
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! (22 reviews)
"Amazing property. Will definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 16 Aug, 2025

The mVillas with Exclusive Beach Club Access
Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals

Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals

4 out of 5
2 KM west of Hernandez intersection, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course and Tamarindo ...
Hacienda Pinilla Vacation Rentals
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do