Tamarindo

The break.

Beach breakBeginnerTourist friendly

Guanacaste surf town

Pura vida in wave form. Tamarindo is Costa Rica's most famous surf town. Easygoing, tropical, and full of beginners discovering surfing for the first time. The beach break is forgiving, the sunsets are otherworldly, and howler monkeys soundtrack your morning session. It's not the most powerful wave in the world. It doesn't need to be.

When.

December to April

Northern winter for the Pacifica. The bay is sheltered and usually mellow.

Worth knowing.

1. 1. The wave breaks best at low to mid tide. High tide makes it fat and slow, good for absolute beginners.
2. 2. Playa Grande next door has stronger, emptier waves and one of the most important leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Go at dusk.
3. 3. Rent a board from a local shaper, not the hotel. Better quality, half the price, and the money stays in the community.

Go.

Costa Rica · Maps