Costa Rica Vacation

Kick off your sandals, throw on your best swimsuit (or go purchase one from one of the many boutiques), and welcome yourself to the perfect beach town in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is Guanacaste’s top surfing town, and perhaps the most popular beach in the country. Walk on its broad, white sandy beaches, ride its dependable waves and bask in the Costa Rican sunshine.

While Tamarindo’s rapid development has caused some negative press, it has grown to represent its international community and can accommodate a variety of tastes and budgets. A large variety of international restaurants, boutique shops and lodging makes the town very convenient and full of life, especially at night. It also has a great location on the Guanacaste coast with the beach towns of Conchal, Flamingo and Ocotal situated directly northward making for great daytrips. There’s truly something for everyone here. From snorkeling to scuba diving, fishing to horseback riding, or surf lessons for two, in Tamarindo you’ll find just about anything your audacious little heart desires.

Things to Do:

1. Support your local sea turtles
Las Baulas Marine National Park hosts the world’s largest group of nesting Giant Leatherback Turtles October through April, with about 800 females coming to lay their eggs each year. The park protects the 50-meter maritime zone of playa Grande, Ventanas, Carbon and Langosta, which also makes for great surfing conditions. While at Playa Grande, visit the El Mundo de la Tortuga, a museum that educates its visitors about Leatherbacks. There are 20 minute interactive tours in English, Spanish, German and French. They also offer turtle tours that can last until early morning. There is a small admission fee to enter the museum.

2. Make some feathery friends!
Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge is a mangrove estuary with spectacular bird-watching.
Rio San Francisco is an estuary system full of wildlife and empty of noisy motorboats. Located just south of Tamarindo.

3. Get Wild and Costa RiCrazy!
Another beach town with a vibrant nightlife, while here, be sure to visit the Crazy Monkey Bar, located at the Tamarindo Vista Villas with fabulous views, a pool, and a bar. It’s the place to be on Friday for Ladies’ Night, but theme nights and live music or DJs continue through the week! (Also featured on Wild on E! Costa Rica a couple of years ago).

Babylon is another popular venue. The sprawling open-air bar turns into a dance party under the stars if you stay late enough. Reggae and reggaeton are the prominent music choices, and the place can get a bit crazy, and is therefore recommended for the partiers among you. Located behind the circle, set back 100m from the beach.

4. Knock a hole in one!
For those who want to hit the links, Tamarindo is located conveniently close to two of the country’s top golf courses! The Hacienda Pinilla is a par-72 championship course south of Tamarindo with ocean views and well-kept greens. The nearby Reserva Conchal also offers a beautiful course that runs right up to the ocean front. Come enjoy yet another day of golfing in paradise.

Related Stories

Filed under: Beach on December 10th, 2008