Tamarindo is a popular resort beach town located in the northwest of Costa Rica. The area is famous for its surfing and is filled with adventure tour operators, luxurious ocean-side resorts, and laid-back surf shops.
While there are a few budget options here, the region is generally more expensive than other parts of the country due to all the resorts.
I think Tamarindo makes for a good stop before you head to other parts of the Nicoya peninsula, which are often less crowded and cheaper. It has some nice beaches, luxury clubs and bars, and lots of natural beauty — but I didn’t find myself drawn to this place.
If you have more money to spend and are looking for a resort-style trip, this is a good region to spend time in. However, backpackers and budget travelers can likely just spend a night or two before moving on.
This travel guide to Tamarindo gives you the low down on everything you need to know to plan your visit, stay safe, and save money!
Table of Contents
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Tamarindo
1. Visit Las Baulas National Marine Park
Baulas are leatherback turtles, and this national park is the nesting spot for hundreds of females. Nesting season is October through March; the hatchlings usually emerge in April. There’s also a mangrove in the park with lots of other wildlife too, such as iguanas, dolphins, monkeys, and crocodiles. Entry is free. Boat tours are around $80 USD.
2. Go surfing
Surfers travel here to hit up Playa Negra, Witch’s Rock, and Ollie’s Point. If you want to try your hand at surfing, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp offers a 7-day all-inclusive camp for $1,852 USD. Group lessons at Iguana Surf are usually $45 USD per person, while board rentals are $20 USD per day.
3. Go rafting or tubing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try whitewater rafting. Class III/IV rapids can be found on the Tenorio River and make for a fun day trip. If you want something more laid-back, you can catch Class I/II rapids on the Corobici River. Prices vary but expect to pay upwards of $120 USD per person for a full-day excursion (lunch included).
4. Hit the beach
Playa Tamarindo is the best choice for a day of relaxation and some fun in the sun. Sunbathe, read, swim, relax in a hammock, and unwind with a view. If this beach is too crowded for you, nearby Playa Avellanas is a quieter option (although all the surfers hang out there).
5. Go fishing
For anglers, fishing tours are available in half-day (four hours), 3/4 (six hours), or full-day (9 hours) packages. They include snorkeling and fishing equipment, light snacks, and drinks. Popular catches include Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper, Yellowfin Tuna, and more. Tours cost $450-1,000 USD for a half-day charter (for 4-6 people).
Other Things to See and Do in Tamarindo
1. Catch some live music
When the sun goes down, Tamarindo comes to life. The Crazy Monkey Bar is usually packed with locals and tourists alike, making for an excellent atmosphere. But there are lots of places to hang out and there is usually something going on every night of the week. Ask your hotel/hostel staff where the best spots are.
2. Go sunset sailing
Head out on a catamaran for a sunset sailing trip. Boats have stocked bars and provide snacks as you take in the amazing North Pacific sunset. Tour companies like Iguana Surf can even take you to a secluded bay area for some snorkeling before the sun sets. Expect to pay around $85 USD per person for a classic sunset cruise, or $105 USD for a cruise like this one that includes snorkeling and an open bar.
3. Take an ATV tour
There are a few ATV tour operators in town where you can hop on a four-wheeler and ride into the hills above town. There are various routes, including mountainous terrain, beaches, and forests, as well as that all-important sunset tour. Expect to see plenty of wildlife. Action Tours offers tours that cost $70 USD for a two-hour tour and $150 USD for a six-hour tour. Rates are cheaper per person when booking a double ATV vs a single.
4. Go zip-lining
Ziplining is popular all around Costa Rica, but if you haven’t had a chance to go on one yet, head to Monkey Jungle. Their zipline and canopy tour is located in a tropical forest where you can catapult down seven cables in the mountainside through the treetop canopy. You have the chance to see monkeys, lizards, armadillos, and even small deer. Tours start at $65 USD.
5. Take a kayaking tour
The same company that does ATV tours (Action Tours) also runs scenic 2.5-hour kayaking trips. You can paddle peacefully through the estuary separating Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande, where you’re likely to spot crocodiles, tropical birds, and even monkeys. Tours cost $45 USD per person.
For more information on other destinations in the country, check out these guides:
Tamarindo Travel Costs
Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm costs around $20-35 USD per night, no matter how big the room. Private rooms with a shared bathroom cost $50-75 USD (rooms with private bathrooms are upwards of $100 USD). Prices are about the same no matter the season (some hostels close in the off-season though).
Free Wi-Fi is standard and several hostels here also have pools. A few include free breakfast as well and have self-catering facilities.
There’s nowhere to really camp in Tamarindo and it’s forbidden on the beaches due to the delicate turtle habitats.
Budget hotel prices – Budget two- and three-star hotels start at $75 USD per night in peak season. In the off-season, prices are around the same, dropping a bit to $60 USD.
Tamarindo also has lots of Airbnb options. A private room costs around $50 USD per night while entire homes/apartments start at $125 USD and go up from there (you can find some very luxurious Airbnbs here if you’re interested).
Food – Costa Rican cuisine is centered around rice and beans, which are usually eaten for every meal. Potatoes, plantain, pork, and beef are also popular. Gallo pinto (rice and bean stir-fry) is the national dish. You’ll find it mixed with eggs for breakfast. Other popular meals include fried plantain and chicken and rice.
Note: While you can easily pay for tours and entrance fees with USD, in smaller places such as local restaurants, you’ll need colones (CRC). Prices in this section are in CRC to reflect this.
Sandwiches cost around 4,500 CRC and burritos are around 3,000 CRC. A fast food combo meal is about 5,300 CRC. Traditional casado (rice, beans, veggies, and meat) from a soda (small local restaurant) is usually about 5,000 CRC.
At mid-range restaurants, main dishes cost around 9,000-12,000 CRC, while seafood entrees start from 14,000-17,000 CRC. Expect to pay around 20,000-25,000 CRC for a higher-end meal with a drink.
Beer is around 2,000 CRC, a cocktail is 3,000-4,500, and lattes/cappuccinos cost 2,000 CRC. Bottled water is 1,100 CRC.
If you cook for yourself, expect to spend between 20,000-30,000 CRC per week on groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, veggies, fruit, and some meat.
Backpacking Tamarindo Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking Tamarindo, expect to spend about $55 USD per day. This covers a hostel dorm, taking the public bus, cooking most of your meals, eating some street food, and free activities (like the beach and the national park).
A mid-range budget of about $140 per day covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating out for all your meals at local sodas, taking some tours, having a few drinks, renting a bike each day, and taking the occasional taxi to get around.
On a “luxury” budget of about $260 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you’d like, drink more, take more private tours (like rafting or fishing trips), and take taxis everywhere or rent a car/scooter. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
Tamarindo Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Tamarindo is one of the more expensive destinations in Costa Rica, so it’s easy to overspend if you’re doing a lot of tours and excursions. Here are some suggested ways to save money in Tamarindo:
- Take advantage of happy hours – There are lots of happy hours in town with 2-for-1 beer deals. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for recommendations.
- Avoid tour activities – There are a lot of great (but expensive) group tours in the area. Skip them and do the free activities such as hitting up the beach and hiking.
- Eat at the sodas – “Sodas” are small family-run restaurants which specialize in inexpensive local meals, usually costing around 5,000 CRC. These hole-in-the-wall restaurants offer the best value in the country.
- Combine tours – You can often get discounted rates for activities if you are combining two tours in one day. This is especially true for activities like zip-lining and ATVing.
- Shop around – Because there are so many places offering surf lessons, shop around for the best price in town (especially if you’re doing a multi-day surf camp).
- Pack a water bottle – A reusable water bottle with a filter can help you save money (and thousands of plastic bottles) by purifying the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it ensures your water is always clean and safe.
- Visit in the off-season – Accommodation is often cheaper if you don’t visit during the busy peak months. Just make sure to book early to find the best deals!
Where to Stay in Tamarindo
There are plenty of beachside budget accommodations in Tamarindo. As it does get busy during peak season, you’ll want to book in advance. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:
How to Get Around Tamarindo
Bus – There are a few local buses that run between Tamarindo and the beaches. Expect to pay around 1,300 CRC for a ticket (you’ll need cash in colones).
Bicycle – Tamarindo is easy to explore by bike. There are several bicycle rental shops around town (including Kelly’s Surf Shop and Bike Shop Tamarindo) where it costs $15 USD per day to rent a beach cruiser bicycle.
Golf Carts – If you can get a few people to pitch in, golf carts are an affordable way to get around. Tamarindo Golf Cart Rentals has four-seaters available for $60 USD per day or $420 USD per week. Plus, they’re electric, so no need to buy gas!
Taxi – There are always taxis parked in front of Tamarindo’s central plaza. Some have meters, but others will prefer to negotiate rates. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for approximate rates so you don’t get ripped off.
Ride sharing – Tamarindo also has Uber but there are just not that many rides available so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time if you’d prefer to use Uber.
Car Rentals – Renting a car costs around $50 USD per day for a multi-day rental. The roads around Costa Rica can be a little rough, however, so drive carefully and watch out for aggressive drivers.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.
When to Go to Tamarindo
Tamarindo is at its busiest (and most expensive) when the giant leatherback turtles come to nest between October and March. Book your accommodations and tours well in advance if you’re visiting during this time.
It’s typically hot and humid all year in Tamarindo, with temperatures staying pretty consistent. April is the warmest month, with temperatures hovering around 36°C (97°F).
The dry season here runs from December to April, while May to November is the rainy season. Rainfall is at its heaviest in September and October. If you want lower prices and fewer crowds, come during the rainy season.
How to Stay Safe in Tamarindo
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for traveling and backpacking in Central America.
That said, you’ll still want to exercise caution here. Petty theft like bag snatching is one of the most common types of crime here. Don’t flash your valuables around in public, and don’t bring them to the beach.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).
If you go out at night, only bring the cash that you need. Leave the rest of your money and credit cards at your accommodation.
Don’t roam around town or on the beach alone after dark. Avoid doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism.
If you’re taking a taxi, negotiate the fare with your driver before getting into the cab. Otherwise, you’re at risk of getting ripped off. Always ask your hostel/hotel staff how much you should expect to pay so you know when you’re getting ripped off.
If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.
If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Costa Rica, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.
And be sure to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
Tamarindo Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Tamarindo Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Costa Rica travel and continue planning your trip:
