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TravelTips24 : North America : Central America : Costa Rica : Central Pacific : Tamarindo

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 herself on.

Travel to Tamarindo & Visa Requirements

It is recommended to fly into Liberia (city in Costa Rica) international airport and take a Taxi from there which lasts a little over 45 minutes. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles. In addition, the bus ride from San Jose takes about 6 hours, costs $5 dollars, and is comfortable. Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45 minute flight from San Jose. For those looking to save money, flying into San Jose, and taking a bus the next day to Tamarindo is pretty cheap. The bus tickets run about $6, leaving from Alfaro Station, no purchase was needed in advance. The bus stops frequently and the trip takes around 6 or 7 hours but there is much to see throughout Costa Rica. Please see Liquiud Skills for more information.

Tours & Getting around Tamarindo

The town is nice and small, a sort of miniature tropical paradise. You can find taxis, rent cars, or scooters.

Tamarindo attractions and sightseeing

Numerous lagoons in the area are filled with wonderful wildlife. Incredible sunsets and sunrises on beautiful beaches add to the overall experience. Rainforests are just a short ride away, as well as volcanoes and other aspects of nature unique to this region of Costa Rica.

Tamarindo city tours

Tamarindo has become a mecca 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.

  • Banana Surf Club [1] , Learn how to surf in Tamarindo Costa Rica, Surf Tours, Surf Trips.
  • Tamarindo Surf School and Surf Camp,[2] Learn how to surf.

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. Be aware that the beaches are very crowded with amatuer 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.

Tamarindo souvenirs & shopping

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

Make sure to check out the surfing guidebook put out by Blue Planet Surf Maps every year[3]. It is full of local advice and detailed maps of where to surf for every level of surfing ability.

Tamarindo Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Tamarindo is proud to offer an amazing selection of fine international and typical Costa Rican restaurants. Tamarindo has a French and German bakery, as well as restaurants catering to health-conscious and vegetarian patrons. One will never tire of sampling the wonderful variations of uniquely prepared specialties featuring the 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.

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 Colones you get a full plate, it's a great way to try local cuisine.

Tamarindo nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

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.

Tamarindo cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Domus Kahuna(Tamarindo Hotel & Residence Domus Kahuna), Next to the children playgound, ☎ 26530648, [4]. checkin: 2.00 pm; checkout: 12.00 pm. Tamarindo Hotel & Residences Domus Kahuna. Fully Equipped apartments and hotel for rent in Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Vacation Rentals, Rent a house50.  edit
  • Hotel Mamiri, (Tamarindo Rooms & Hostel Mamiri), across the street from Pasatiempo Hotel, phone 2653-0079 [5]. "It's feel like home in Tamarindo", charming tropical gardens and very relaxed vibe, excelent morning coffe.
  • Tamarindo Village, [6]. A great option for folks visiting Tamarindo. Its hillside location has beautiful sunset views of the ocean and it's within walking distance of the beach. It's not a cookie-cutter hotel. Each of the cabins is private and charming. edit
  • Hotel Tatanka(Tatanka), Playa Junquillal(Frente al mar), ☎ 1(866)498-0824, [7]. checkin: 2:00; checkout: 12:00. A great surf hotel, with its own pizzeria, located about two blocks from the beach, it is clean and the service is good.$60 - $65.  edit

Get out

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

This page was last edited at 20:23, on 8 November 2008 by Ryan Holliday. Based on work by Peter Fitzgerald, Justin McCarter, David, Philipp Schäufele, Nick Roux and Diane Lungo, Wikitravel user(s) Ticoviajero, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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