Matt Britt

From its quaint city center to its sparkling turquoise waters, Tamarindo Costa Rica, is the epitome of the “pura vida” for which this Central American country is known.  Translated as “pure life,” it well describes the natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere that’s long attracted expats and tourists alike to this Latin hotspot.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region, along the country’s northwest Pacific coast.  Reachable by paved roads, and less than an hour away from an airport, Tamarindo is not only Costa Rica’s most accessible city, it’s also its most developed.

Once a sleepy little fishing village, Tamarindo is now abuzz with activity. Yet it still maintains the same relaxed, bohemian vibe that its inhabitants prefer. Health and happiness are crucial to its visitors and residents, which include hundreds of expats from all over the world.

Tamarindo Culture

The people of Tamarindo Costa Rica, are made up of a great mix of Ticos, as the locals are called, and immigrants from all over the globe.  Decades of expat influence have given the city a very North American feel.  But it’s still authentic in many ways.

Trendy modern restaurants are nicely juxtaposed among outdoor markets and traditional bakeries.  It’s really the best of both worlds.  Tamarindo offers some of Costa Rica’s best dining, with dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from.  It also has a vibrant nightlife.

Because it’s a well-developed city, it has an assortment of supermarkets and specialty shops.  There are also plenty of banks, beauty parlors, and health services.  Not to mention a whole slew of surf shops.  There’s also an art gallery and a spa.

And the people are the friendliest you could ever hope to meet.  Residents and tourists alike greet each other warmly and “pura vida” is exchanged, much like “aloha,” as a valid response to almost anything.  “Pura vida.”…”Pura vida.”  “How are you?”…”Pura vida.”  “Your shirt’s on fire!”…”Pura vida.”

Expat Community in Tamarindo Costa Rica

Tamarindo is home to several hundred long-term expats, who moved to this tropical haven in search of better weather, a slower pace of life, or even a better atmosphere for raising a family.  They cite opportunities for adventure, quality education systems, affordable health care, and rich culture among their reasons for choosing Tamarindo.

Tamarindo Climate

Tamarindo has a tropical climate with high heat and humidity year-round.  It has a wet and dry season.  However, due to its location on the Pacific coast, it does receive significantly less rainfall than its Caribbean counterparts.  The humidity is lower during the dry season, November to April.  The high winds that peak around February can be great for sailing and windsurfing.

During the wet season of May to October, temperatures are cooler.  The highest amount of rain falls in June, September, and October, with a more moderate period in between.  The wet season is when Costa Rica’s flora and fauna look their best.  It also provides the most attractive conditions for surfers, although storms can often pop up quite quickly.  Since Tamarindo lies on the Pacific coast, hurricanes are not a threat.

Tamarindo Cost of Living

While the cost of living in Tamarindo is less than in North America or Europe, it’s not by much.  So, for those on a tight budget or whose motivation for relocating is to live on less, Tamarindo might not be the best option.  Since it’s part of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Tamarindo has long been a top tourist destination.  Its prices reflect that.

A one-bedroom apartment will run between $500-$800 per month, depending on the location.  While you can find a house or condo for under $100k, the ones near the beach or with a view will run much higher.  Things like food and utilities cost more than in other parts of the country.  A loaf of fresh bread or head of lettuce costs $1.  You can sit down and enjoy a pint of domestic beer for $2.

Tamarindo Beaches

One of the largest draws of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is its beaches.  There’s Playa Tamarindo, a wide sandy beach that is centrally located and bordered by an abundance of beach-side restaurants and bars.  It’s a great place for swimming and surfing.

To the north is Playa Grande, a white sand beach that lies just across the Rio Matapalo where the river empties into the bay.  This estuary hosts a large mangrove forest that is home to waterfowl and other animals.  It’s also home to some of the world’s best surfing and the host city for several international surfing competitions.

Just south of Tamarindo is Playa Langosta, which is home to another white sand beach and a rocky outcropping.  There more mangroves and wildlife are present in the brackish waters where the Rio San Francisco meets the Pacific.  These beaches and estuaries comprise Las Baulas National Park–named for the world’s largest reptile, the leatherback turtle, which comes ashore to lay its eggs.

Also nearby is Playa Conchal, which offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling in its crystal clear waters.

Jarle Naustvik

Tamarindo Nature

In addition to Las Baulas National Park, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is also home to the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge.  Its 1,000 acres of protected forest include mangroves and estuaries.  Canoe tours offer up close and personal views of all sorts of plant and animal life.

Tamarindo is rich in biodiversity, with many species of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and marine animals.  Also nearby are the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional and the Parque Nacional Barra Honda wildlife reserves.

Tamarindo Surfing

Tamarindo is one Costa Rica’s best known surfing hotspots.  Because of its central location it offers easy access for those who want to explore a variety of surf breaks.  It also offers beach, rivermouth, and reef breaks, making it a great destination for all skill levels.

Popular options close to town include the Rivermouth and the more challenging break at Playa Langosta.  World-famous Playa Negra lies just south of town and, like Playa Langosta, can become quite crowded during peak times.  To the north lie Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock.  These spots, both reachable only by boat, were made popular by the movie “Endless Summer II.”

Tamarindo Fishing

Not to be outdone by its surfing, the sport fishing in Tamarindo is among the best in the world.  Anglers can hope to hook a variety of fish, including marlin, tuna, sailfish, and wahoo.  Fishing tours in the area offer reef and shoreline fishing, as well as deep sea excursions.

Many local restaurants will even gladly cook your fresh catch for you once you bring it in off the boat.

Tamarindo Activities

In addition to surfing and fishing, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, boasts many other options for adventure and recreation.  Boat tours through the wildlife reserves offer opportunities to see all kinds of species, from capuchin monkeys overhead to crocodiles lurking in the water.  Adventurers can go with a guide or strike off on their own in a kayak.

Sailboat tours are another great aquatic option.  They’re a great way to see a sunset, view dolphins and whales, or find a great place to snorkel.  The beaches and jungles can be explored on horseback or ATV.  Eco-tours are available on almost any vehicle.  There are also canopy tours and zip-lining for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

There are two world-class golf courses near Tamarindo, as well as a professional tennis court.  It’s also home to great shopping.  And if that’s not enough, there’s always relaxing on an uncrowded beach while sipping something out of a hollowed out pineapple.

Tamarindo Negatives

With both tourism and real estate accounting for large chunks of the nation’s economy, Costa Rica was affected as much or more than anyone by the global financial crisis and the corresponding drop in tourist activity.  While things are on the upswing, Tamarindo still bears the scars of unfinished development projects and abandoned construction sites.

Another factor affecting the area was a temporary moratorium on new construction, put in place to protect the turtles of Las Baulas National Park.  While the ban has since been lifted, it combined with the economic downturn to take a major toll on Tamarindo, causing many people to pack up and leave.

While Costa Rica enjoys Central America’s second lowest violent crime rate (behind Nicaragua), it is not without its share of other offenses.  Burglaries, robberies, and home invasions are common and coastal communities, like Tamarindo, that have a high concentration of expats and tourists are among the most frequently targeted.

Since barbed wire fences and burglar bars aren’t among the more attractive features foreigners imagine in a vacation home, many expats fail to properly protect their homes.  Both local and national police forces are underfunded and understaffed.  These factors when combined do not fare well for tourists and expats, nor their high-tech electronics which burglars can easily steal to resell in San Jose.

Another less-than-perfect feature of Tamarindo is one that some, by contrast, might actually find to be ideal.  It’s Tamarindo’s status as a top tourist destination.  With such a large influx of visitors and a high concentration of expats, it’s not the right spot for someone who’s looking for secluded beaches and authentic culture.  On the other hand, for those who want more development and don’t mind weaving through a sea of blankets to find a place to put their umbrella…they won’t mind a bit.

It’s often said that a place has something for everybody, but it’s never more true than when it’s spoken about Tamarindo, Costa Rica.  From its beautiful scenery to its options for adventure, it’s the pure life with just the right amount of modern conveniences.  What more could you ask for?