Tamarindo, Costa Rica


Once a sleepy little beach town, an influx of expats and word of mouth catapulted Tamarindo into the spotlight. Luring surf nomads and thrill seekers alike, today Tamarindo is a lively, bustling beach town and a must-see Costa Rican destination packed with hotels, bars and some of the best restaurants in the country.

A great stop for first time visitors, Tamarindo’s central location is the perfect home base to explore the northern peninsula and Guanacaste’s gorgeous coastline. Located an hour drive from the international airport in Liberia, this surf mecca is easy to get to and has something for everyone. Besides surfing, the first thing you’ll hear about Tamarindo is the jam packed food & restaurant scene. Playa Tamarindo’s mile-long crescent beach is flanked with restaurants and lounge bars, with front row views of the surf and stunning sunsets. And Tamarindo has a great nightlife so bring your dancing shoes!

One of Tamarindo’s many claims to fame is its proximity to the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge, 1,000 acres of protected forests including scenic estuaries, where the river and ocean meet. Dotted with huge stands of mangroves, the estuaries are a great place to see countless water birds, crabs and other wildlife.

Despite its lively reputation, Tamarindo has something to offer everyone. In addition to surfing, Tamarindo has a host of activities including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, sport fishing, zip lining, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving and shallow water ideal for swimming. Whether you’re looking for high end spas, a family-friendly adventure, or want to experience the local culture, this bustling beautiful city has got you covered.

You’ll find a little bit of everything in Tamarindo. Its nightlife and surf town, world class restaurants and beautiful natural preserves teeming with wildlife mean there are a million adventures to choose from. It’s up to you to decide what you want your Tamarindo, Costa Rica trip to be.

When you get back at the end of a long day hiking, you’ll need somewhere to rest. At Grande Vacation Rentals, we have several vacation rental properties right in Tamarindo. Take a look at the listings here.