Goldberg

The surfing mecca of Playa Tamarindo put Costa Rica on the map for tourism and is consequently its most frequented beach town. With year-round surfing for all levels, comfortable accommodations, accessible roads, and a plethora of tours, it is well established for even travel novices.

However, there is much more to Playa Tamarindo than the crowded beaches, high-rise hotels, and all-night parties that cause some travelers to avoid it altogether. In fact the popular beach town is bordered by two estuaries and is teeming with wildlife.

The long wide bay of Tamarindo is split by Central America’s largest mangrove forest, the Estero de Tamarindo. This protected park is known for the giant leatherback turtles who come here to lay their eggs which nest between December and April. These endangered creatures grow up to seven feet long and over two thousand pounds.

The popular Playa Tamarindo sits on the South side with Playa Grande, a much less populated strip of sand, to the North. South of Playa Tamarindo lies another estuary called Estero de San Francisco, which along with the Estero de Tamarindo creates Las Baulas National Park. Further South beyond the Estero de San Francisco is another beach, Playa Langosta which has excellent surfing and beautiful tide pools. Let’s take a look at some of the beaches of Tamarindo.

Playa Tamarindo

The long, wide bay of Playa Tamarindo has soft sand, warm water, and lush jungle. This is where cult surf films like Endless Summer popularized Costa Rica. Surfers of all levels can find waves, with experts often paddling to nearby Playa Grande or Playa Langosta. Near the mouth of Estero de Tamarindo the waves are excellent with a rocky point break and a rivermouth break but better suited to advanced surfers, while the beach breaks are perfect for learning. During November and December waves can get up to twelve feet.

Currents can be strong but many sections of the bay have no waves at all and are perfect for swimming. Fishing charters leave from here and take participants deep sea fishing. With its proximity to the two estuaries you will likely spot howler monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife.

The town of Tamarindo is lively with many bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops. Many of the restaurants offer world class dining with fresh seafood prepared by chefs from all over the world. A variety of accommodations are available from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. For those looking to relocate, the town boasts luxury condos, private homes, and view lots. The many establishments make Playa Tamarindo a great base for those looking to explore the surrounding beaches and wilderness.

Mike Vondran

Playa Grande

While it may be next door to Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande feels like another world. Travelers tend to consist of eco-tourists and dedicated surfers who wish to avoid the crowds of Tamarindo and enjoy the peace, nature, and surfing instead. This beach is known as one of the best surf spots in all of Costa Rica with the most consistent surf in Tamarindo.

The beach itself is a long, pale sand, jungle-backed beach with few people and big waves. It belongs to Las Baulas National Park and the upper part of the beach is covered in turtle egg layings during nesting season. Because of nestings, no visitors are allowed on the beach at night unless they are with a tour guide. One can explore the estuary along the Rio Matapalo by kayak, spotting the many water birds and mangrove species.

For those hoping to swim instead of surf, there is a trail on the northern end of the beach that leads to Playa Ventanas which has a small bay with tide pools for bathing. At low tide it is possible to head further to the next cove, a black sand beach called Playa Carbon with dramatic beach wilderness and caves. Further north is the wooded promontory of Cabo Velas which is the most Western point of the entire Nicoya Peninsula.

Playa Langosta

Just south of Tamarindo along the Estero de San Francisco, this small beach town is a quiet relaxing place for those looking for exceptional surf. At the south end of the beach there is an excellent break at the mouth of the estuary. The waves here are short and fast, perfect for experienced surfers. The beach has both right and left breaks which peak at the same place, but coral and rocks do present a threat. Most of the coral is exposed during low tide and sits just below the surface during high tide, making it easy to spot.

Accommodations tend to be upscale resorts and eco-lodges.

Michael McDonough

The Beaches of Tamarindo

The diverse beaches of Tamarindo offer something for all kinds of travelers. It is possible to find relaxation, deserted beaches, nature, exploration, epic surfing, world class dining, luxury resorts, and the nightlife that Tamarindo is known for.