Three distinct surf breaks on one beach, with a beginner-friendly zone at Pico Pequeno.
Blue Flag beach
Playa Tamarindo is a 2.5 kilometer tan sand beach that runs from the estuary at Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas in the north to the point that separates it from Playa Langosta in the south. It is the main beach of Tamarindo town, backed by hotels, surf shops, and restaurants, and holds three surf breaks known as Pico Pequeno, the beach break by Witch's Rock Surf Camp, and the point by Hotel Capitan Suizo. The calmest swimming water is at the south end near Capitan Suizo, partly sheltered by an offshore island.
Paved roads lead directly into Tamarindo town; the main beach access and parking lot are next to Witch's Rock Surf Camp, with restrooms and showers for a small fee.
Featured
Tamarindo
Beachfront surf camp in Tamarindo operating since 2001, with ISA-certified instructors and a quiver of 250-plus boards. Packages combine daily lessons or guided surf tours with video coaching, breakfast and airport transfers. Also runs a hotel and restaurant on the same beachfront property.
Tamarindo
A 20-hectare wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary in Portegolpe, a short drive from Tamarindo, caring for injured and rescued animals from Costa Rica and abroad. Guided and self-guided tours run daily and cover each animal's rescue story alongside the center's conservation and release work. A beekeeping tour was added as a newer add-on experience for visitors 14 and older.
Tamarindo
ATV and UTV tours that depart directly from Plaza Avenida Tamarindo, in front of Banco Nacional in the center of town. Routes run one to six hours through tropical dry forest, river crossings, and beaches, including stops at Puerto Viejo, Playa Real, and Playa Minas. Each driver must show a driver's license and a credit card security deposit is required.