Best Beaches In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (For Surfing & The Views)

 This is probably the first beach town I’ve lived in for the longest time ever – 1 month. I didn’t intend to stay that long, but because of my unprecedented situation of being sent back from the US, 3 weeks in Tamarindo turned into a month and more.

Tamarindo is a tiny beach town with only a main road that you’ll be familiar with by the end of your visit, so much so that everyone almost knows everyone. 

I’ve walked the streets back and forth about a hundred times or so in the past 5 weeks I’ve stayed here. 9 out of 10 times I walk on the streets, I’ll end up striking a conversation with someone I know. 

I was in Tamarindo for 4.5 weeks and by the end of the second week, I’m known by the locals as “Singapur.” They were intrigued by me as it seemed as if no one from Singapore has ever visited the beaches of Tamarindo. I quite relished being one of the few Asians in this small beach town.

My favourite cafe bistro, Pico, probably knows what I’ll order when I show up (hint: mocha!).

One of my favorite moments of Tamarindo was when a local boy I befriended and I just took his panga boat out for a little rendezvous and decided to stop it in the middle of the ocean. We lay down and stared out into the big blue vast sky and the sea birds that fly across our vantage point. That was one moment in time I willed time to stop.

Or when I visited his village home built around a massive tree. With no WiFi, chickens cooing and laying eggs in the unlikeliest places (like his abandoned boat), his treehouse that’s a work in progress, and his pet cat who’s such a darling attention-seeker, I felt really content with life.

I remember fondly the simple days of coffee, people-watching, beach-hopping and surfing. My life revolved around simply watching the wave conditions from the moment I woke up to never miss a sunset, whether on the water or on a beach somewhere.

And so I’ve found it obligatory to at least share my insights and thoughts about visiting Tamarindo, a small beach town in Costa Rica where I’ve learned to live and love.

After all, this is also the one place I’ve surfed the longest for – more so than any other time in Bali or Hawaii.

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First Impressions of Costa Rica

My first impression of Costa Rica was how lush, raw, and untouched the country it is. Everywhere I go, it’s filled with lush greenery. It’s SO lush, literally hundreds of species of plants sprout in every corner.

Coming from the manicured state of California, I have to admit I was in for a little culture shock when I realized that roads are uneven, wild shrubs are overgrown on the sides of roads, cars run on manual mode here

There’s no escape from the wild, living creatures. You’ll find wildlife everywhere, from snakes to howler monkeys to iguanas and baby squirrels in the backyard of your accommodation, or when you’re walking on the streets. All you have to do is look up (or down). They’re never shy to hide. If you’re not careful, you might even get peed on by those mischievous monkeys!

Even the toads and frogs don’t spare me in my bathroom and when I sleep – one jumped on my forehead when I was sound asleep. Imagine my horror when I woke up to find it by my bedside! Of course, this can’t compare to having my valuables stolen from beside me when I was asleep in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, but a toad attack is another thing!

I didn’t mention this in my restaurant guide in Tamarindo that beans are a staple food in Costa Rica. They can have it for almost every meal – breakfasts, lunches or dinners. I did mention how casado is a staple food in Costa Rica, and beans are a core part of that meal. Speaking of which, I do miss that dish as we speak…

You can’t leave Costa Rica without having the phrase “Pura Vida” at the tip of your tongue. It’s used as a common phrase whenever you interact with the locals, such as when you greet or thank someone. It’s also used when you say bye.

Unlike being in a bustling city where everyone minds their own business trying to keep busy on their phones, everyone here is so incredibly friendly. It’s such a laidback atmosphere that it’s so easy to make friends in Tamarindo. People wave hi to one another on the streets. When I go work in a cafe on my own, I end up turning a stranger into a new friend.

Best Beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

North

Playa Grande 

As the name says, “grande” means big, and so the beach is composed of quite a large stretch of sand, though most of it is part of the national park Marino Las Baulas. Part of Tamarindo Bay, you can also get some nice surfing here. 

While it’s not the most common beach for turtles to nest their eggs, turtle nesting is sometimes (though rarely) spotted on this beach during mating season!

Location

Playa Zapotilla/ Minas

A 40-minute drive from Tamarindo, it’s not a beach popularly visited because some parts of the roads are unpaved and might be hidden, though not impossible if you use Google Maps. Thus, you’ll mostly find locals here. However, once you get there, you’ll know it’s worth it. 

It has a hiking/ lookout point in the south called Mirador de Playa Mina that’s worth a shot if you’re into good views.

Location

Playa Conchal 

30 minutes North from Tamarindo, you can find clear waters and gentle waves. As the name suggests, it used to be a beach full of shells. The beach is pleasant to spend the day at, with its soft sand and abundant shaded spots. 

With large chain hotels like W and The Westin, tourist activities abound, such as snorkelling, jet-ski rental, horseback riding and more.

Location

Playa Flamingo 

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Composed of 2 beaches, the first one you’ll arrive at from the main road is at Potrero Bay. It’s a marine, filled with boats that offer tours like sailing, snorkelling, diving, surfing, sunset tour, fishing and more. 

If you take the small road West, you’ll arrive at the second one which overlooks Brasilito Bay. I’ll suggest you skip the first beach you see and come here instead. Not only is it nicer, but you can also find some restaurants and hotels by the beach.

Location

Playa Danta (Las Catalinas) 

A 45-minute drive from Tamarindo, Las Catalinas would have been a nice little town to visit except that it’s currently under a lot of construction as big infrastructure projects are underway. This blocks the access to the main beach, but next to it you can enter Playa Dantita. 

Some hotels have direct access to Playa Danta, but for the most part, it’s blocked due to road construction. 

Las Catalinas is still a nice, little tourist town to walk around in. It resembles Spanish architecture very much with its cobblestone streets.

Location

Playa Grande (by Isla Caracas) 

Looking for a private, nude beach? 

1 hour 10 minutes from Tamarindo, we only chanced upon this beach when we asked a local for a nice, private beach around Las Catalinas. Getting there hadn’t been easy and was met with a lot of second-guessing. However, sure enough, the beach was so private we could tan nude there. The waters were so clear we could see fishes swimming and jumping alongside us.

The road conditions getting there had us contemplating between turning back or going forward. From Playa Danta, you’ll have to go through steep dirt roads. I wouldn’t recommend going if you don’t have a 4×4, Because of that, not many people go and you can almost have this beautiful, private beach all to yourself. 

Location

South

Playa Langosta

5 minutes drive from Tamarindo, this is where you’ll see all the surfers who’ve advanced from beginner waves. The waves here are crazy during high tide, and it’s nice to surfer-watch even if you’re not here to surf.

There’s a big river mouth separating the beach in the middle, following which the beach goes on for a long while. 

I wouldn’t spend more time here after sunset, as the sandflies are relentless!

Location

Playa Avellana 

30 minutes from Tamarindo, very good for beginners and intermediate surfers. There’s a big parking lot at the entrance to the main beach part, with a great restaurant called Lolas in front of the beach.

Usually, there’s a big pig that likes to go in the sand called Lola that the restaurant takes care of.

Location

Playa Negra

40 minutes from Tamarindo and 10 minutes from Avellanas, the beach is a long and flat one. You can find advanced surfers surfing out here.

There’s only one entrance into Playa Negra with Hotel Playa Negra and a restaurant in front of the vast beach with a volleyball net. 

Location

Playa Callejones 

10 minutes from Playa Negra, Playa Callejones is a secret spot for surfers, where you’ll find intermediate to advanced surfing. It’s also a pretty rocky beach.

This is also the beach to camp overnight as there’s a campground, Camping Pescador.

Getting here involves driving through quite a number of dirt roads. I’d recommend a 4×4 if you really want to visit.

Location

Playa Blanca Sunset Point

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Not the easiest to get to, it’s a great lookout point that’s worth a brief stop if only just to snap a picture if you’re already around the area. We only made it because we were on a bike. At low tide, you’ll see that the seabed is full of rocks, forming little pools. You do get a panoramic view of the whole Pacific Ocean though.

Location

Playa Junquillal

If you get this far from Tamarindo, well done, good on you! It’s a really private beach with new private properties being set up from across the beach, though it still looks uninhabited. Everywhere surrounding this beach is in its untamed, raw nature style, and you’ll find zero tourist activity here.

I loved walking on this giant beach with beautiful waters. It’s very quiet so it’s nice to chill, except that there aren’t shady spots. If you do stay overnight around here, there’s a lot of turtle activity at night!

Location

Best Beaches for Surfing in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

One of the main things to do in Tamarindo that people come here to do is SURF!

I’d almost forgotten what it feels like to be so excited about learning a new sport. It seems the last time I’ve been so passionate about a sport was in 2010, when I first joined rock climbing in my junior college (a sport which I still love and partake in today!). I guess you really know it when you think about it in the minutes between sleeping.

This might sound sadistic but the more bruises I got from surfing (including a black eye), the more accomplished I feel. I was actually surprised how toned my back muscles look from all the surfing I’ve done!

There’s just something about surfing (or any sport for that matter) that makes you want to try over and over again each time you crash and fall. It doesn’t matter how often you fall or how much you have to paddle, that one wave that you catch means more than anything. That one wave is what turns your entire day around.

Where to hire a good surf instructor?

I get this question a lot from people looking to visit Tamarindo. Honestly, I’ve been asking the same when I first arrived. I scouted the beach looking for a good instructor, and every metre I pass, there would be someone touting, offering surf classes.

I believe I’ve experienced the whole spectrum of good to bad instructors, some who give you a discount but are looking for something else, others who’re genuinely decent.

Everyone had a different style of teaching, and I learned a little from everyone. Ultimately, my favourite instructor turned out to be a friend I made while I was on a snorkelling tour.

He was born and bred in Guanacaste, so everyone practically knows him in Tamarindo and he has surfed since he was a baby. In the 10 days that I rented the board, he’s been so diligent in taking me around different beaches to surf. Because every day is a different wave condition, there’s always something to learn.

We’ve turned into such bosom friends that I even took him to Mexico to visit me! In any case, if you want a surf instructor contact when you’re in Tamarindo, drop me an email or reach out on Instagram and I can send you Selassie’s Whatsapp.

He’s been working in boats since he was a child and conducts dive and snorkelling tours during his school breaks, so he’s a great contact to have if you need any tour recommendations as well. 🙂

Beginner surfing

Playa Tamarindo/ Tamarindo Beach 

It goes without saying that Tamarindo Beach is where you’ll begin your induction to surfing. This is the beach where the most number of offers for surf lessons.

Of the whole beach, the easiest waves for beginners are at the Northernmost tip of the beach.

The main area/ middle part of the beach boasts big waves close to the rocks, so unless you’ve been in Tamarindo for awhile and are familiar with the conditions or you’re following a seasoned surfer or an instructor, I’d advise avoiding the middle section.

Location

Capitan Suizo 

Situated at the southmost point of Tamarindo beach, the waves are also smaller and gentler since it’s protected from the swell by Isla Capitan which is the island in front of Tamarindo, making it perfect for beginner surfers. You can even take your own board there without a need for instructors; that’s how gentle waves are there. 

Do note that since it’s a small bay, it gets crowded quickly, especially when the perfect wave conditions hit!

Location

Intermediate surfing

Playa Grande 

Playa Grande is a little more advanced for surfers, since it’s not as protected as Tamarindo from the South swells, making the waves a little bigger and harder. The best time to surf it is during high tide since during low tide, the waves are smaller and they break faster. 

This beach is located within a national park so no buildings are allowed on the beach, making it really tranquil to spend a beach vacation at. 

Because of that, there are only a few board rental shops, and you’re sometimes better off renting it at the town of Tamarindo. There are also surf companies that conduct surfing lessons in Playa Grande and provide transport there too.

That said, it can be a little tricky to go to Playa Grande from Tamarindo even though it’s just a river apart. If travelling by car, you’ll need at least a 35-minute car ride. Other ways to get here include going through the estuary that separates Tamarindo and Playa Grande. There’ll be local boats that transfer people to the other side of the estuary for USD 1 or 2. Alternatively, you can arrange for a tour on a boat that will take you around the mangroves of Playa Grande. 

Location

Advanced surfing

Playa Langosta

5 minutes from Tamarindo to the South, this beach is full of rocks, making it more dangerous with bigger and stronger waves unless you cross to the other side of the river further down South, where the beach breaks and the waves could be a little smaller but still strong. In any case, surf with others and always be careful!

On the side of Langosta that’s closer to Tamarindo, there are some hotels and houses, but once you go further South to the surf area it’s a national park, National Park Marino Las Baulas, making it a no-building zone, perfect for some nature appreciation while you’re out here surfing! 

Location

What to Pack for Costa Rica – Must-Have Items for Tamarindo

Having lived in Tamarindo for almost 6 weeks with nothing but a carry-on, there are some items that, in hindsight, absolutely had to be on the list of packing items for Tamarindo. 

Tamarindo is a small beach town, so most of the supplies are limited. For instance, you won’t be able to find bottled soaps – they only sell bar soaps. There’s possibly only 1 or 2 pharmacies that sell contact lens solution that are travel-sized. It’s impossible to find a tube of aloe vera that’s travel-sized, so I was forced to get a big tube.

I’m thus writing this must-bring list for Tamarindo, in the hopes that you don’t have to scramble to find essential items like I did when I was there.

Sunscreen

This goes without saying. If you’re in a beach town like Tamarindo where the sun is harsh, sunscreen is an absolute must. I made that mistake of going on an impromptu surf session in the late morning on one of my first days in Tamarindo, and boy did I suffer in the days after.

Not only did I experience hot, painful and red skin, I also suffered a condition worse than death – hell’s itch. And I’m not exaggerating. It’s when one’s skin gets so burnt that it feels like red ants are biting your skin at every moment, so much so that I get awoken by it in the middle of sleep, tossing and turning for many hours, with no way of getting rid of the horrible feeling.

Aloe vera

Unless you’re a hermit at the beach, it’s impossible not to get tanned in a beach town. Some days you may get the right amount of tan, other days you might overdo it.

On days you burn your skin, you want immediate relief. That’s why it’s handy to have a tube of aloe vera to soothe burnt skin. 

Bug spray

– Even though we visited during the dry season in December, we sometimes get bitten by mosquitoes. After all, it’s a tropical country Come night, you wouldn’t want to hang around on the beach without coating yourself with bug sprays or without staying close by to a bonfire. The sandflies are relentless.

Hair oil/ conditioner

This was something I thought I could do without, but found myself succumbing to it because of the horrible state of condition that my hair was in.

Saltwater and prolonged exposure to the sun made my hair rough, tangled, brittle and frizzy after every wash. It was impossible to comb through my hair without wanting to cut it all off.

Therefore, I recommend getting either a conditioner, post-shower hair oil or a hair mask to care for your hair for days at the beach.

Quick-dry towel

Living close to a beach means that you’re privy to saltwater, and you most probably might even shower more than once a day. Sure, you may have towels provided by your hotel, but in the case you’re living in a hostel, sometimes they might not provide it.

Or, you may go beach-hopping and want to have a quick-dry towel handy to dry off after jumping in the ocean. Depending on where you are at, sometimes there might not be a bathroom accessible for you to shower or change, so a lightweight, quick-dry towel will always come in handy.

I love my Matador quick-dry towel, more so than the common Decathlon ones. It’s thinner, odour-free, packs smaller, comes in a waterproof rubber bag (so you don’t have to worry about getting it dirty) and dries in an instant (not exaggerating). It’s one of my must-bring items in every travel packing list.

eSIM for Costa Rica

Wi-Fi in Tamarindo is decent, but if you’re planning day trips, working remotely, or just want to stay connected without relying on café signals, getting an eSIM is a smart move.

I used what I’d now call the best eSIM for Costa Rica and activated it as soon as I landed. No SIM card swaps, no airport kiosks, no drama. Even a basic data plan was enough to get me through Google Maps, WhatsApp, and last-minute surf lesson bookings with local guides.

If you’re heading off the main road or into more remote areas, a reliable eSIM is a game-changer.

For a full list of what to pack for the beach, you can reference my Hawaii packing list, which equips you with everything you need for a beach vacation!