Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Red-Eyed Tree Frog gazing a watch over the rainforest – ‘Wish I had a surfboard’
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo is located on the north western coast of beautiful Costa Rica in the Province of Guanacaste. This lush tropical paradise is home to some absolutely stunning beauty and spectacular wildlife. In fact just about twenty five percent of Costa Rica’s entire land mass is contained in protected national parks and protected land masses. Costa is also called home to four distinct mountain ranges or Cordillera’s as they are known in Costa Rica’s native tongue. Costa Rica lies at the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on mother earth called the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Pacific Ring of Fire is made up of four hundred and fifty two volcanoes and is and is home to seventy five percent of the worlds active and dormant volcanoes. Costa Rica is a tropical water lover’s paradise with many different activities to choose from during your stay. It’s all awesome but the best part in my book is that you will get your pick from a variety of different waves to suit all skill levels, and never have to change out of your board shorts while surfing under the warm Costa Rican sun. As they say in Costa, “Pura Vida”!
Visit the Wildlife Refuge of Diria
Black Boa Constrictor, Costa Rica’s largest snake
When you’re in or around Tamarindo, Costa Rica stop by and see the Wildlife Refuge of Diria. Once you’re inside this natural wonderland you will find an abundance of Mother Nature living and prospering in its splendid natural form. As you chillax and relax and do whatever else it is that you may be doing, you will encounter over one hundred and thirty three different known species of birds, along with Howler Monkeys, deer, ant eaters and tons of shrubs and greenery ( not the greenery that you may have been doing ). The Wildlife Refuge of Diria is an absolute nature lover’s paradise. So during your stay if the ocean goes flat or your all “surfed out “, (if that’s even possible) then stop by and visit The Wildlife Refuge of Diria.
Get Home Safe
Costa Rica as a whole is generally a lush tropical place filled with scenic beauty. When traveling in Costa Rica, one should take all of the normal traveling precautions when visiting any place where you are foreign or a tourist. Costa Ricans are happy vibrant people who love their country and enjoy life but, as is the case everywhere you have your fill of “bad seeds “. Tourists are always popular “easy” targets, at least in thieves’ minds. People with these types of mind frame are predators of opportunity, so be smart and don’t give them opportunity whenever possible. Watch you belongings carefully, do not flash large amounts of cash and be mindful and secure your valuables. Vehicle thefts are common so hide your valuables and ALWAYS lock your doors when you exit your vehicle. Every time and anytime you travel be vigilant when using public transportation, always be on point, watch your back and enjoy your trip on this beautiful piece of Central America.
Hot sunset on Playa Flamingo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica
Hazards & Health
Costa Rica for the most part is a beautiful water lover’s tropical paradise, full of activity, adventure, lush landscape and golden beaches. Costa Rica ranks #1 among all the Latin-American countries in the quality of life index and the overall attitude of the people reflects just that. Pura Vida as they say in Costa translates to Pure life, and you will hear and feel it throughout their country – a warm, kind and friendly culture.
Costa Ricans are happy people who are proud of what they have. In Costa the health care system is excellent and sanitary standards are high, especially in the highly competitive restaurant and hotel sectors.
Your risk of exposure to any serious disease is slim to none. There are currently no vaccinations required to enter the country, but as always when travelling do your own due dilligence and check for current status and updates prior to your trip. You can find up to date travel health information at MD Travel Health.
Airports
In Costa Rica as far as international flights go, there are a total of four international airports, but really only two are served by major airlines. The San Jose Airport otherwise known as the Juan Santamaria International Airport is Costa Rica’s main airport. It is located in the province of Alajuela approximately twenty Kilometers from the capital of Costa Rica which is San Jose. The other option which may be a better one for you when travelling to Tamarindo is the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, or Liberia International, as it is commonly known. Liberia is located in the North Western part of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. When travelling to Tamarindo, Liberia International will definitely be your fastest route. Whatever path you may choose, enjoy yourself and be sure to be safe.
Costa Rica Poes Volcano…sightseeing worth seeing
Dolphins playing in Costa Rica hot tropical sunset
Marlin Del Rey Sailing Tours - The Marlin Del Rey Is a BIG catamaran with plenty of open space where you can lounge under the sun and catch some rays or find some shade and gaze at the tranquil blue ocean. Let the tropical breeze kiss you from head to toe while you relax and enjoy a frosty libation. They are located in Tamarindo and operate tours daily that include an open bar, snacks and snorkel equipment. Oh and did I mention the open bar? ; -)
Tamarindo Bay, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Tel: (506) 653-0700
Are you looking for some adventure but not exactly sure what you want to do? Well then stop by Hightide Adventures and you will definitely find something that interests you. They offer all sorts of different rentals (surfboards, dirt bikes, ATV’s, kayaks etc.) They also offer many different tour packages and customized surf trips to cater to your individual needs. Definitely worth a look.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica Tel: (506) 653-0180
Leatherback Turtle Nesting Tours
If you are fortunate enough to be in Costa Rica from mid October to mid February you should arrange a Giant Leatherback Turtle watching tour. These awe inspiring creatures are over sixty five million years old and have been around to witness both the fall of Dinosaurs and the rise of man. The Leatherback is currently an endangered species and many different organizations and governments are working closely to protect these gentle giants from extinction. This is truly an awe inspiring spectacle that I would recommend to anyone fortunate enough to be able to witness it. Tours during the season can be arranged by most any hotel in Tamarindo.
Costa Rica stone statue
Good Eat’s Restaurant’s & Pubs
One thing is for sure when you are visiting Tamarindo, and that is that you most definitely will not have any shortage of different choices when it comes to places to eat. There is an abundance of restaurants and eateries ranging from fancy restaurants to street side vendors that add to that Central American flavor. There is a lot of competition in Tamarindo in the service and hospitality industry and that sets the quality standards pretty high as far as restaurants and hotels go. Another perk you will find when you arrive here in Costa is the many different types of ethnic foods ranging from Indian food to Italian cuisine and almost anything in between. Whatever you may be looking for, you will surely find something to suit your taste buds. For you’re convenience we have listed some of our favorites below. As far as traditional pubs go they are slim to none. Do not worry there are plenty restaurant-bars for you to find a cold refreshing cocktail and take a break from the tropical sun.
Bruno’s Restaurant – They boast a great menu full of variety, and they do all their cooking with bottled water. They also make a mean thin crust pie cooked the right way in a brick oven. You will find Bruno’s on the Main Road, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Media Naranja – This place is beautiful and has an open air thatched roof. Nice for a night time meal, after you stuff your face you can lean back and gaze at the stars while you wait for your java. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the menu offers a wide range of entrees, appetizers and desserts. Tel: (506) 653-0082. This is the telephone number to Hotel Luna Llena where the restaurant is located.
Sloth lounging in shady forest hanging around in Costa Rica
Tamarindo Diria – A beautiful open air atmosphere with views of the tropical gardens, the beach as well as the pool. On their menu you will find some gorgeous seafood dishes as well as national and international cuisine. Located at the Tamarindo Diria Hotel, Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Tel: (506) 2653-0031
Surf Shops & Surf Schools- so what’s nearby?
In Costa Rica surfing is big news nowadays form the tourists to the locals alike, especially in Tamarindo. The surfing industry is a major revenue provider and many people are trying to cash in on the growing trend from the souvenir shops claiming to be surf shops (you will not find much more than wax or a leash here if you’re lucky) to surf schools, surf charters and hotels catering to surfers. We have searched out some of the real deal surf shops and surf schools for your convenience. As always when all else fails ask the locals.
Costa Rica Surf Club - The Costa Rica surf club can be considered one of the few true full service one stop shops. They offer services such as surf lessons, surf trips and a full service surf shop. They rent surfboards as well, and with over one hundred and fifty boards to choose from you should be able to find something to suit your needs. They will also fix a ding in your board or help you set up transportation to another break if you’re not rollin on your own set of wheels. Tel: (506) 2653 1270
Surfer in Costa Rica catches big air, awesome waves!
Kelly’s Surf Shop & Tour Center - Kelly’s offers surf rentals as well as local tours and is located directly across the street from the beach beside the Economy Rent-a- Car. Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Witches Rock Surf Camp - Witches Rock is another one of the true full service surf operations in Tamarindo. They offer lessons for beginners to experienced surfers as well as advanced surf tours. They are also a full service hotel with a restaurant on the premises. Joe’s restaurant is popular with surfers and a good spot to refuel and politic with fellow surfers about your day of fun in the sun. Tel: (506) 2653-1262 Toll free # 1888 318-SURF
Where to Stay
El Jardin Del Eden - This is a beautiful hotel located just a short walk away from the beach. They offer sweet one and three bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens. They also offer standard hotel rooms that may better suit your budget. The staff is very accommodating and will help you plan or find activities that may interest you. Tel: (506) 2653 0137
Estrellas Del Pacifico – They offer private villas and apartments with security, private parking and a pool conveniently located close to everything. Tel: (506) 2653 0875 Toll free 1877 623-3198
Tropical waterfalls cascading off cliff in beautiful Costa Rica
Casa Cook - They offer villa and apartment rentals as well. This is a nicely decorated and very “home like”, comfortable place to stay. Tel: (506) 2653 0125
Tamarindo Vista Villas - They offer a variety of different suites and rooms with most of them offering spectacular views of the bay, the ocean and the beautiful Costa Rican sunset.. They are located just across the street from the beach and offer an extensive selection of surfboards to rent in their onsite surf shop. Tel: (506) 2653 0114
Hotel Zullymar - Comfortable hotel with a nice location. Tel: (506) 2653 1040
Laguna De Cocodrilo - This is another comfortable place which is reasonably priced. The hotel faces an inland lagoon and even has its own resident crocodile. Tel: (506) 2653 0255
Tamarindo Village - This place offers gorgeous villas for rental and is located on a quaint hillside just a few steps to the beach. Tel: (506) 2653 0036
Hotel Luna Llena - They are a hotel and they also offer private residences. Tel: (506) 2653 0082
Hotel El Milagro - Hotel Milagro consists of 32 bungalows for rent and each unit has its own terrace. They are generally considered to be reasonably priced.
Capitan Suizo - This place is right on the beach and absolutely gorgeous. They offer rooms, an apartment, and a honeymoon suite as well. Tel: (506) 2653 0075
La Palapa Beach Hotel - This is a cozy hotel located directly on the beach. They have an outdoor restaurant and a bar for you to relax after you get your session on. They are very reasonable; take a look before you book.
Tree monkey in Costa Rica – ‘Wish they would take me surfing, I’ll go to the Crazy Monkey Bar and wait’
Nightlife after Dark-
Tamarindo is definitely the nightlife hot spot on the northern Pacific side of the country. You will find a lot of places worth checking out, but if you want to mingle with locals and tourists alike, follow the live bands. This generally will be the hottest place to be for that night. The place to be usually changes from one night to the next, and as always my advice to you would be to ask a few of the local’s what’s going on and you will have your answer.
Crazy Monkey Bar - The Monkey Bar is one of Tamarindo’s top night spots today. Stop by and order a drink from one of the smoking hot bartenders. You don’t even have to get out of your board shorts, and you can even take advantage of the swim up bar. Friday night is Ladies night. Tel: (506) 2653 0114
Yucca Bar – The Yucca bar is located at the Hotel Pasatiempo. Tuesday nights is usually one of the Yucca Bars most popular nights. Tel: (506) 2653 0096
Babylon – Is usually blasting some pumping reggae music, which is always a home run when you’re in the tropics. Thursday nights are popular as well as Saturdays. Tel: (506) 2653 0938
Tamarindo- Costa Rica,Guide
Hot balmy evenings and warm tropical sunsets await you in Costa Rica
Tamarindolife.com offers information of the best beaches of Costa Rica, hotels, hostels, restaurants, activities. Travel and Tourism Tamarindo.
Hotel California - Hotel California is located just off of the main strip. Ask anyone at your hotel or one of the locals how to get there from your current location. This is a bar that is nicely decorated with comfortable couches to lounge on.
Welcome Tamarindo Costa Rica - Where to go, restaurants, transportation, map included. El Pescador – Nice local bar located directly on the beach. They basically stay open until the party stops which definitely earned them some points in my book. After all when you’re in the zone on vacation, you don’t want your hot streak to be cut short do you? Also try their homemade Guacamole and chips, they’re excellent.
Always contact each individual country’s current Travel Advisory prior to your visit for more information.