Tamarindo

Tamarindo is in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. With spectacular beaches and rainforests, Tamarindo is the epitome of everything that Costa Rica prides itself on. However, if you are expecting to experience the real Costa Rica then Tamarindo is probably not for you - it's something of a tourist trap geared towards people from the US, on short vacations, and prices are high (comparable to US and Europe) with rarely the quality to match.

Get in
It is recommended to fly into Liberia International Airport and take a taxi from there which lasts approximately 1¼ hour. Or you can arrange a private transfer or shared shuttle. There are several companies like Xplore Costa Rica that do this service. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles.

Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45-minute flight from San José. There are several domestic airlines that offer daily flights to and from Tamarindo (Skyway Airlines, Aerobell Airlines, Sansa Airlines). The bus ride from the San José costs US$14 leaving Alfaro Station. The bus stops frequently and the trip takes 6-7 hours but there is much to see throughout Costa Rica. Purchase 2 hours or more in advance as buses in CR often sell out. If coming from Liberia, there are buses every couple of hours, fare is a couple of U.S. dollars. Not the world's most comfortable buses, they stop everywhere and take many detours off the main road into villages. The journey takes about 2½ hours, but it's a good way to see the Costa Rican countryside.

Get around
The town is nice and small, a sort of miniature tropical paradise. You can find taxis, rent cars, bicycles, and a few scooters. There are two legal taxis in Tamarindo, available for local or airport transfers or for hire to anywhere within the country. You will find many "pirate" taxis that you can negotiate your ride, but they are probably not insured in case of accident.

Street addresses throughout Costa Rica are difficult for foreigners to navigate, but even more so in Tamarindo, where Google Maps sometimes shows street names that are no longer used. When in doubt, ask.

See
Numerous lagoons in the area are filled with wonderful wildlife. Incredible sunsets and sunrises on beautiful beaches add to the overall experience.

Rainforests are a short ride away, as are volcanoes and other aspects of nature unique to this region of Costa Rica.

Do
Tamarindo has become a magnet for surfers and blue water sport fishermen, with a sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains who are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Their record catches of marlin, sailfish, giant tuna and other species have become legendary. Whether you want deep bluewater fishing, or reef or shoreline fishing, the fleet can accommodate you. Surf casting and handlining in front of your villa for snook and jack are also popular. Any way you do it you can be sure to have your fresh catch cooked up for you at one of the friendly beachfront restaurants.


 * Amagi Adventures - Custom guided surf trips including photography & videography of your sessions.

Warm water surfing is enjoyed year 'round and families find this area offers opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the coast. Tamarindo was the first stop on an epic worldwide surf journey in the popular movie Endless Summer II. The beaches are very crowded with amateur surfers these days. It can be hard to catch waves without running into another tourist. The crowds do start to thin out as evening approaches though.

Visitors also can choose to scuba dive, snorkel, go on beach cruises, water ski, jet ski, go ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores.

In addition, there are only a few places in the world where the Giant Leatherback Turtle comes to lay her eggs, and National Park Las Baulas is one of them. A short ride from Tamarindo, watching this beautiful part of nature is a once in a lifetime event.

There are a few great places to go at night. La Barra is a great bar where everyone goes for some salsa dancing, watch out though, the locals are all very good at it. There is another place called Pacifica playing mostly Top 40 music for the younger crowd at the end of the main street in Tamarindo. At the other end, you can find a relative new place, Agua. Pretty nice interior compared to the other bars, but it has a tendency to be a little empty at times. Be careful about pickpockets around Agua, especially of those men dressed as women.



Buy
Many local vendors offer authentic Costa Rican jewelry. For children, inexpensive souvenirs are to be found everywhere.



Supermarkets
There are 5 supermarkets in the area.
 * SuperCompro (Well Hidden from the general public, next to the Park).
 * Super 2001 (on main road near intersection, almost at the end of tamarindo).
 * Supermercado Las Palmeras (upon entering Tamarindo, on the other side of Aqua).
 * Automercado, very upscale and air-conditioned, on the road towards Tamarindo.
 * Vindi Tamarindo, modern (just past the Super 2001, left onto Central Avenue)

Farmers Markets
There is a fair-sized farmers market between the beginning of the road to Langosta every Saturday morning, which has a variety of items for sale, not just food. You will usually find at least a few dozen vendors there. There is also a smaller farmers market in Villareal, at the corner of the soccer field, every Friday morning, but it only has fruits and vegetables.

Banks
There are 3 banks in Tamarindo.
 * Banco Nacional de Costa Rica on the road from the center of town, has parking, 2 ATMs and Security. It closes at 3:45pm.
 * Another two are in Plaza Conchal Commercial Center, below Expertis Law firm, and at very end/back of the shops. These are open later hours than Banco Nacional. Both have ATMs.
 * There are two ATMs, in front of Subway and another inside Super Compro.

Retail shops and restaurants love the American dollar. However, as a rule of thumb, don't use anything over a $20 bill... forget using a $100. You will get change in colons.

Surf Shops
There are several shops in Tamarindo that sell and rent surf boards. They also sell related equipment and clothing.

Eat
Tamarindo offers an amazing selection of international and typical Costa Rican restaurants. Tamarindo has a French and German bakery, as well as restaurants catering to health-conscious and vegetarian. There is an abundant supply of fresh local seafood, fruits and vegetables. Most restaurants face the beach, so while waiting for food, one can play in the sand or admire the beautiful sunset.

However, most restaurant food is not cheap by Central American standards. Expect to pay US$10 for a starter, $15-20 for a main dish, $3-4 for a juice or smoothie, $6-7 for a sandwich.

Tamarindo also has grocery stores, fresh produce and fruit juice stands, and internet cafes.

Locals will come daily during lunchtime with food in the back of their truck and sell to local Costa Ricans for about ₡2000 you get a full plate, it's a great way to try local cuisine.



Drink
Any tropical drink is recommended. Fresh papaya, mango, pineapple, and bananas are Tamarindo's specialty.

When in Tamarindo, definitely try a Tamarind and Ginger agua fresca if you find it.

Camping

 * Eco Camping Tamarindo - Nice camping place, a bit pricey, yet still cheapest option around Tamarindo. Kitchen, bathrooms, showers, slow wifi. A bit far from the beach but Tamarindo is not such a big town. US$8 per person.

Laundry
There are no public coin operated machines in the city. It's 2,000-2,500 colons per kilo at some wash and fold places. You'll likely see signs when walking around, but there is a place in the same row of buildings as Tierra Bendita (or where Corona St and Central Ave intersect).

Go next
No one really wants to leave Tamarindo, but when the time comes, buses to San José or to Liberia are the best option.

Public bus to Montezuma: Journey takes about 8-10 hours to Montezuma. Catch the bus at 08:00 in Tamarindo to Santa Cruz (₡ 1200). From Santa Cruz take the bus to Nicoya (₡400). From there you have to wait 2 hours to take the bus to Playa Naranjo for ₡1700. After arriving in Playa Naranjo, you have 2 options: hitchhike from there to Montezuma or go on the ferry to Puntarenas, take another ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and take a public bus from Paquera to Cobano and then to Montezuma.