Tamarindo

Travel Guide

Tamarindo showing shopping and street scenes
Tamarindo which includes a sandy beach as well as an individual male
Tamarindo which includes a beach
Tamarindo
Tamarindo featuring 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-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.

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 RM477 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
RM477
RM539 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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! (1,003 reviews)
Excellent hotel

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Wyndham Tamarindo
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The price is RM755 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM755
RM853 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,002 reviews)
Great location. Centrally located in town. Great staff, clean rooms, would stay here again.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
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 RM1,614 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
RM1,614
RM1,968 total
28 Oct - 29 Oct
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! (716 reviews)
The property was very clean and the staff were very respectful and professional. It was an amazing experience overall.

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa
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 onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (79 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
Muna Tamarindo

Muna Tamarindo

3 out of 5
62 Esperanza, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tamarindo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Tamarindo Beach and Hacienda Pinilla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
Great Villa Very well located Could walk everywhere with multiple food options around The lodging was Inpeccable with everything to cook The pool was cleaned multiple times during our stay The staff was very nice and caring Highly recommend

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

Muna 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! (23 reviews)
Excellent customer service, spotless, super clean, VERY Cozy. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2025

The mVillas with Exclusive Beach Club Access
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

Reviews of Tamarindo

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

An Americanised surf town. If you like surfing and drinking it’s great - if you don’t, then this may not be the place for you.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The hotel operates a regular shuttle service to the town centre and the beach club throughout the day, last drop off in to town 8pm. There are limited sunbeds, and no entertainment or activities. Can get bored staying there all day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lot of night live, plenty of restaurants to eat or drink, nice shops with lots of art crafts. A bit noisy at night depending of your location. There was a local night market on Thursday, with local food and art crafts.