Surf Travel Guide: Surfing Tamarindo Costa Rica

Surfing Tamarindo Costa Rica
Tamarindo Costa Rica From The Air

The Basics

A surf trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without a journey to west coast, where surfers can find some of the most consistent waves in the entire country.

[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded”]The region is called Guanacaste and it’s jam packed with beaches that bring the heat almost 365 days a year. [/box]

Depending on what type of atmosphere you’re looking for, a vacation to this part of the country can really turn your surf trip from mediocre to goddamn phenomenal.

There’s a party-heavy surf town called Tamarindo, where you can find perfect waves, rowdy nightclubs, and some of the best cuisine of the country.

Tamarindo is going to be perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, because the wave really is whatever you make it. There will be some days that the swell will reach overhead and only the badass local Ticos will hit the water, but most days it’s going to stick between 3-5 feet.

[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded”]It won’t be like your barrel days on the water, but I promise days on the water in Tama are some of the best I’ve ever had. [/box]

The town isn’t the cheapest (possibly one of the most expensive), but can easily be enjoyed by any surf dirtbag that’s strapped for cash.  From my experience in Tamarindo, I only really have positive things to say.  The town is bitchin’, the waves are consistent, and the spread of bikini babes is definitely the most impressive of all of Central America.

The Wave At Tamarindo

Surfing Tamarindo Costa Rica
Big Long Lines ~Photo courtesy of Samba to the Sea Photography

Tamarindo has its pros and definitely has its cons.  There will be waves just about every single day of the year, but you may have to share those waves with a few Chads from New Jersey (no disrespect to the NJ crowd).

As a vacation hotspot, there’s a ton of people trying to learn how to surf here, but if you head over towards the river mouth, you’ll find you have some space.

Tourists tend to stay away from the river mouth because the crocodile horror stories the Ticos, and myself, have been telling to tourists for years.  There hasn’t been a legitimate croc attack in that river for years, I use to swim across it to surf Playa Grande 5 times a week and haven’t been bothered. Derek says he used to do the same.

[box type=”alert” size=”large” style=”rounded”]But beware, there are crocodiles in there, I’ve seen them![/box]

Anyways, the wave in Tamarindo is going to be a solid beach break, with exposed rights and lefts, which gives you the option of choosing what you want to rip.

Personally, when the river mouth right is working, I’ll head there 9 times out of 10.  The wave in Tamarindo doesn’t generate the power of a Hawaiian powerhouse, but it’s going to be fun if you know what you’re doing.  These are definitely intermediate style waves, so don’t head there hunting for barrels, because you’re going to just be sent further north to Witch’s Rock—article coming soon here on Salt Water High so stay tuned.

Generally you’ll catch fun sized waves that you’ll be able to cut back, catch air, and bust those 3’s that you’ve been wanting to show off.  With a wave that isn’t going to crush you if you bunk a 3, Tamarindo is easily one of the best beaches to surf in Costa if you don’t mind forfeiting size for fun (that’s what she said).

The Town

1.1354299797.mahi-mahi-tacos

Tamarindo is without a doubt the best surf/party destination in all of Costa Rica.  The bars tend to close when the sun comes up, the Imperial beers are cheap, and you can get away with just about anything.

Every restaurant, hotel, and surf school knows every single language.  From English to Swedish, you’ll feel comfortable knowing that the locals actually understand what you’re talking about in your drunken stupor.

Though Tamarindo is made up of only about two strips of streets, there are dozens of restaurants in the town.  There’s so much to do in Tamarindo that even if you don’t surf, you’ll have the best vacation of your life.

If you’re there in December or April and a taxi driver offers to drive you “La Rodeo”, take him up on that.  The Rodeos in Villareal (town right outside Tamarindo) is one of the biggest Tico parties of the year.  Just imagine hundreds of Ticos taunting bulls, running for their lives, wasted beyond belief on rum; a straight party.

Regardless of what season or day of the week you’re in Tamarindo, I promise there will be something to do.  Whether you want to get blackout wasted, or sip sangria and watch the sunset, Tamarindo delivers an unforgettable beach vacation that tourists have been loving for decades.

Surf Camps in Tamarindo

If you’re a beginner surfer or you just want a refresher course, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is a great business to support.

Developed by surf legend Robert August, the surf staff here is the most knowledgeable and organized surf camp in the country.

Instructors know basically every language, teach in a concise manner, and prices are very affordable.

Witch’s Rock is named after the famed Witch’s Rock surf break near Playa Naranjo.  Though a very difficult spot to reach, Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s point are two of the most incredible surf destinations in all of Central America.

Here is their video for a digital taste:

Where To Stay Tamarindo

Pura Vida Hostel:  This is a great place to stay if you’re looking to save money on accommodation and also want to meet a ton of rad people.  This place is safe, comfortable, cheap, and super fun.  They host reggae parties on Thursdays, have hammocks everywhere, and a really cool staff.  Bunks cost between 8-15$ per night, with private rooms ranging anywhere from 20-40$

http://www.puravidahostel.com

Hotel Diria: This is probably where you want to stay if you are vacationing with your family, or if you have a real job and can afford to stay at a hotel.  This place is right on the beach, the staff will hold your board, and the Diria owns nearly half of Tamarindo.  Rooms aren’t cheap though.  You’re going to spend between 300-600 per night, but the rooms are epic.

I stayed here when my Dad came down for Christmas and it was definitely the best hotel we stayed at during our little Costa Rica surf adventure.  They are one of the few bars that actually can make killer cocktails, but they won’t be cheap.

http://www.tamarindodiria.com

Barcelo LangostaBarcelo Langosta:  Though this resort style hotel isn’t actually in the heart of Tamarindo, it’s definitely one of the best all inclusive hotels in Costa Rica.  It’s right on Playa Langosta, which is the adjacent beach to Playa Tamarindo.

The swell works great here and the resort has private access to the river mouth break.  A stay here is going to cost you a hefty tab, but if you plan to vacation with your family, this is a great place to do so.

Hotel Barcelo Wesite

Where To Party Tamarindo

If you come to Tamarindo and don’t end up waking up on the beach with an empty bottle of rum, then you really didn’t party hard enough.  There’s a bar called Sharky’s (https://www.facebook.com/CostaRicaTamarindo), where everyone usually starts the night.

They have a great Ladies night on Saturday, which brings in a ton of, you guessed it—ladies.  Also, they have a great 2 for 1 cocktail hour that will get you right wasted after a day on the surf.

where to party in tamarindoAnother great spot to spend your night is at a bar at the end of the beach called Pacifico.  This place is where all the local Tico surfers hang out, drink brews, and pick up their nightly squeezes.

I spent the majority of my nights at Pacifico, stealing bottles of Flor de Caña and asking the DJ to play more rock n’ roll.

[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded”]Pacifico is a great spot with a lot happening. [/box]

They may charge you a 2$ cover, but most nights when it’s popping off, it’s totally worth it.  But the best of the best is a bar and grill called, Witch’s Rock.

Robert August, one of the legendary surfers from Endless Summer II, bought this plot of land way back in the 70s and has tuned this place into the best stretch of Tamarindo.

As apposed to Diria which has totally Americanized the beach, Robert August built a more Tico friendly spot for surfers to hang out.  Witch’s Rock is actually a brewery—they have an amazing Witch’s Rock Pale Ale, and a tasty Gato Malo dark ale.

There’s a band called Glass Eye that plays Witch’s Rock every Friday night from 5-8ish and they’re awesome.  If you only have one night in Tamarindo, I suggest you check out this spot, for it’s really the best that Tamarindo has to offer.

To Sum it Up: Trip To Tamarindo

tamarindo-costa-rica-surf-sunsetTamarindo is your most surf friendly, tourist packed town in all of Costa Rica.  Notoriously known as Tama Gringo, you’ll find more tourists than locals, making prices on food, drink, and stay more expensive than ever.

Though Tamarindo gets a bad reputation for housing so many tourists, it truly is one of the ore entertaining beach towns I’ve visited.

[box type=”info” size=”large” style=”rounded”]As a poor backpacking surfer, I lived in Tamarindo for 6 months and scraped by just fine. [/box]

If you avoid eating out every night, don’t break your surfboard, and drink the local rum, you’ll be able to have a nice cheap vacation in Tamarindo.

Overall, Tamarindo is a safe, colorful, lively town that is home to some of the most fun waves of the country.  Just remember to budget your funds and remember that everything is going to be a bit more expensive in Tamarindo.

Nearby Beaches (articles coming soon):

  • Playa Grande
  • Playa Langosta
  • Playa Avellana
  • Playa Flamingo

Jason Findling & Derek Dodds

Jason and Derek have teamed up to bring you awesome surf travel guides created free for Wave Tribe. Jason is currently living in Costa Rica and has joined the Wave Tribe staff as a surf travel writer and is documenting his journey through Central and South America. Derek, Wave Tribe Founder, has surfed most of the places researched by Jason and adds his editing touch along with some helpful insights, maps and fun into each article.

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Meet Surfer Derek Dodds

Derek Dodds | Surfer, Shaper, Traveler
I'm Derek Dodds, the guy behind Srfer.com.com. I love surfing, shaping, adventure travel, IPAs, useful gear, and all things related to the sea.