Surfing Guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica

 

 

Summary

Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is another very popular surfing destination for its tropical weather, clean surfing conditions and wide sandy beaches. Tamarindo is a good spot for beginners trying to stand up for the first time while being in a festive traveling environment. There is a decent amount of bars, restaurants and many other activities to chose from.

 

Costa Rica is also very popular for its wildlife, flora and kind population as well as being politically more stable than El Salvador or Nicaragua. Costa Rica is arguably the safest country to travel in Central America.

 

While Tamarindo is known as a tourist hot-spot, we also recommend heading down the coast to discover Nosara and Santa Teresa to get away from the heavy crowds. These two little towns offer a bit more of a laid back atmosphere while still having a nice buzz and social life.  

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Tamarindo, Costa Rica depends on your skill level. The country has a rainy season, from May to October, that will offer more consistent and bigger swells. From November to April, Costa Rica goes through its dry season which will have smaller waves. Either way, there is decent surf all year round in Costa Rica. 

 

 

Surf spots in Tamarindo

Tamarindo beach break

The main break in Tamarindo is suitable for all skill levels and perfect for beginners. It has a sandy bottom and many different peaks to chose from. Hiring a surf school is always advised to make your first steps in the ocean…

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Rivermouth

Right in front of the river that separates Tamarindo and Playa Grande is a solid and hollow right that should be kept for more advanced surfers. Crowds are usually not too bad…

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Casitas

First spot after the river on the way to Playa Grande, Casitas is not as powerful as Rivermouth but could be a good intermediate wave to get away from the heavy crowds of Tamarindo.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : High
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Playa Grande

Quite popular surf spot located north of Tamarindo, Playa Grande has a good reputation in the area for being a high-quality beach break. Playa Grande’s waves are more powerful and not as beginner-friendly as what you will find down at Tamarindo beach break.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : N/A
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

 

Surf Camps in Tamarindo

Find the perfect Surf Camp in Tamarindo, starting at US$300

4, 6 or 8-day Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Starts at US$390, including:

• 1 stunning snorkeling trip
• 1 USB stick of your surfing photos
• Surf lessons (2-hours each)
• Located just a 5-minute walk from Tamarindo beach
• Daily typical Costa Rican breakfast
• Full accommodation
• Free use of surfboards
• 1 Yoga lesson

 

 

Where to stay in Tamarindo

On a Budget : Selina Tamarindo or Downtown Sunset Hostel

Best Value : Hotel Flores or La Ramona Charming Hotel

Luxury : Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel or JW Marriott

 

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Tamarindo is to fly into Liberia or San Jose and head west via public transportation, taxi or with a rented car. Driving on your own in Costa Rica is relatively safe.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-Quite touristy. For more tranquility, Mal Pais/Santa Teresa is a good option. 

-Crowds can get pretty heavy.