“Tamarindo: The second largest beach town in Costa Rica.”

Now that you know the best ways to travel to Costa Rica and how to get to Tamarindo, what is Tamarindo actually like??

Tamarindo is the second largest beach town in Costa Rica, but don’t let that statement lead you astray. In contrast to Jaco, the largest beach town in CR, Tamarindo is quite a bit smaller. Smaller as in there is one road in, and one road out of town. According to Wikipedia, Jaco is twice the size of Tamarindo in population.

However, there is plenty to do in Tamarindo, and the town certainly caters to a wide variety of tourists, from those that seek adventure to those that want to just relax, and the backpacker hostels to the luxury hotels and homes. Here are some of your basic questions answered:

Where should I stay?

• Budget: Oveja Negra Hostel, Botella de Leche Hostel, Tamarindo Backpacker’s Hostel (+ many more!)
• Mid-Range: Pasatiempo, Diria Hotel (this is the largest hotel in town), Tamarindo Yam, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Hotel Laguna del Cocodrillo, Tamarindo Bay. There are also a plethora of VRBO/ AirBnB/ HomeAway options that may give a very affordable option, like Casa Andalucia and Casa de las Olas.
• Boutique: Cala Luna, Jardin del Eden, Esplendor, Capitan Suizo, and a good number of luxury homes like Casa Bali and Ventana del Mar.

Where should I eat?

• You will not go hungry in Tamarindo, I promise. Some of my favorite restaurants are: Green Papaya, La Baula Pizzeria, Nogui’s, Panga’s, Patagonia, FT’s, Cafe Tico, Matty’s Deli, Bamboo Sushi Club, Shrimp Hole, Surf Shack…and not to mention the street food!

What should I do?

• Surf and/or take surf lessons, ATV tour, horseback ride on the beach, canopy zip line tour, go to the spa, go fishing, practice yoga, take an estuary tour, hit the Tamarindo Feria on Saturday’s, or just relax on the beach! There are many tourist kiosks waiting to help book your next Costa Rican adventure.

What is the nightlife like?

• You can go out any day of the week. Check out: Aqua Disco, Monkey Bar, Sharky’s, El B, Garito, Pacifico.

What are the basic amenities in town?

• Since Tamarindo is a tourist town, if you forgot to pack something or need assistance, there is most likely someone in town that can help. Tamarindo has:  American style supermarket (called Automercado) plus several other small food stores, Jaime Peligro bookstore, three pharmacies, several doctor’s, rental car agencies, hair salon, internet cafe, etc.

Any other questions? Leave a comment below!