| You're going on vacation to Costa Rica. You want | | | | Adventure activities abound here, with surfing and |
| to go to a place with a fun, laid-back vibe with | | | | fishing being two of the main draws. Tamarindo's |
| plenty of amenities and plenty more things to do. | | | | consistent but reasonably sized surf has made it |
| Where do you go? | | | | the mecca for surfers and would-be surfers alike. |
| Whenever I'm asked this question I always | | | | There are numerous surf shops offering lessons |
| answer the same way: Tamarindo. | | | | in the range of $25-30 for an hour to an hour and |
| Tamarindo Orientation | | | | a half. Surfboard rentals range from $10 to $25 |
| Tamarindo, Costa Rica is located at the start of | | | | per day with longboards costing more. |
| the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of | | | | Costa Rica fishing aficionados will be delighted by |
| Guanacaste. It faces the Pacific and offers a long | | | | all the possibilities in Tamarindo. Species are varied |
| expanse of beach for sun worshipers and a | | | | and abundant, and the there are numerous |
| consistent swell for surfers. The sand is golden | | | | sportfishing charter boats for hire. Planning your |
| and sprinkled with gorgeous little spiraling shells. | | | | trip between the months of April and November |
| Directly to the north of Tamarindo beach is the | | | | is your best bet to avoid the seasonal high winds |
| Palo Seco river mouth and then Playa Grande, a | | | | off the coast of Guanacaste. Despite this, the |
| long scimitar of beach that is also a protected | | | | waters are teeming with billfish, dorado (mahi mahi |
| park. This park, Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, | | | | dolphinfish), and tuna year round. For marlin, the |
| is a breeding ground of the enormous and | | | | best months are June and July -- same for tuna. |
| endangered leatherback turtle, which on average | | | | Dorado is best from June to October. |
| weighs 1000lbs (455kg) and measures over six | | | | Other activity options include jungle canopy tours |
| feet in length (2m). Leatherbacks' nesting season | | | | on zip lines, atv tours, horseback riding, and |
| is from October to March and most eggs are laid | | | | mangrove tours in the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge. |
| at night. This miracle of nature can be seen | | | | A variety of companies in town can arrange |
| nightly, but you'll need to hire a guide in order to | | | | tours, including your hotel in most cases. |
| legally access the park past dusk. During the day | | | | Getting to Tamarindo, Costa Rica |
| the river-mouth between Playa Grande and Playa | | | | Tamarindo's proximity to an international airport |
| Tamarindo can be crossed at low tide, or you can | | | | makes it very appealing, especially since you don't |
| hop on a small boat and be ferried across for a | | | | have to pass through Costa Rica's congested |
| nominal fee. | | | | capital, San Jose. Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia |
| Many Options for Lodging and Food | | | | (code: LIR), serviced by American Airlines, Delta, |
| Being one of the most developed beach resort | | | | and US Airways et al, is about an hour to an |
| towns in Costa Rica, Tamarindo offers an array | | | | hour-and-a-half drive from Tamarindo beach by |
| of accommodations from luxury resorts to simple | | | | rental car or taxi. |
| cabins. There are also numerous dining options and | | | | A Great Destination |
| international cuisine, including some familiar fast | | | | In sum, Tamarindo is a great, fun destination for |
| food chains in case you're in need of comfort | | | | your Costa Rica vacation - the nightlife is great |
| food. Despite the town's growth it is still small and | | | | too. Perhaps it's not as 'authentic' as some other |
| accessible, without of any of the overdeveloped | | | | towns, but the range of amenities and activities |
| feel of the Mayan Riviera and other parts of | | | | certainly create an appealing locale to relax, sip a |
| coastal Mexico. But don't worry, there's still plenty | | | | cold cocktail, and watch a beautiful sunset while |
| of partying and a vibrant, unpretentious nightlife. | | | | planning out your next adventure. |
| Adventures Galore | | | | |