Last updated on January 2nd, 2024 at 12:00 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Tamarindo, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, travel tips, and the best surf spots in Tamarindo.
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About Surfing in Tamarindo Costa Rica
Playa Tamarindo is one of the most popular surf beaches in Costa Rica. In fact, Tamarindo’s surf scene became famous in the 90s when the movie “Endless Summer 2” came out. This is what turned it from a small beach town into a tourist monster. Nowadays, thousands of people from all over the world come every year to surf in Tamarindo and enjoy the beautiful beach, the crazy nightlife, the activities, and life in general. With consistent swells and a wide selection of surf spots for all skill levels, Tamarindo is definitely a surf paradise.
Surf Spots in Tamarindo
Being such a famous surf destination comes with a price tag. So yes, you can expect massive crowds in the water every single day. Luckily, the Tamarindo area offers such a great variety of surf spots that you can always find some waves to ride on.
In general, all the surf spots in Tamarindo Bay require a big swell (at least 4 feet) to perform well. Therefore, if that’s not the case while you are there, and you want more than just beginner waves, you can simply take a short drive to some of the other beaches in the area, such as Playa Avellanas , Playa Negra, or any of the other surf spots in Costa Rica that don’t require a big swell to work. Moreover, from Tamarindo, you can book a boat trip to one of the most beautiful surf spots in the world, Witch’s Rock.
If you get lucky and the swell is big enough, these are the main surf spots in Tamarindo:
Tamarindo River Mouth:
On the northern part of Tamarindo Beach, right in front of the river, this right-hand wave breaks over a sandy bottom. On a good day, with the right swell, it produces incredibly long rides with some fantastic barreling sections. If big enough, it can easily be the highlight of your surf trip to Costa Rica. Due to its high quality, you will always see many surfers in the lineup. This spot usually works best on big swells at low tide.
Casitas:
To get to this spot, you need to cross the Tamarindo River. Just take a short ride with one of the taxi boats that are always there for $1 (unless you want to take your chances with the crocks). Then, walk for about 5 more minutes, and you are there. The reward for your short journey will be a beautiful A-frame peak with only a few people to share it with. Furthermore, if you keep walking for 20 minutes more, you will get to Playa Grande, a world-class surf spot.
Tamarindo Beach Break:
This is the perfect beginner spot, so if you want to take some surfing lessons or practice your new hobby, you can safely do it here. However, if you are more advanced than that, you will probably get bored on the small waves. If you keep walking south for about 30 minutes, you will get to a very good reef break, Playa Langosta.
Pico Grande:
Just next to the Tamarindo beach break, you will see a big rock pop up in the deep water. This rock creates this fast and barreling wave called Pico Grande. The waves here are powerful, and the locals always hang out in the lineup, so paddle out only if you know what you are doing.
Pico Pequeno:
This spot is Pico Grande’s little sister. The waves that break over the reef reform into an A-frame beach break very close to shore. This spot works well only on big days.
Isla Capitan:
This reef break is on the island in front of Tamarindo Bay. You can get there only by boat, so it’s almost always empty of surfers.
Surf Seasons in Tamarindo
Luckily, you can surf in Tamarindo all year long, as it doesn’t have a specific surf season. If the swell is big enough, Tamarindo produces great waves in both the dry and wet seasons.
Usually, the wet season, from May to October, produces bigger swells, but during the dry season, from November to April, the waves have a nicer shape, and the wind is lighter. Therefore, before going to surf in Tamarindo, simply check the wave forecast. If the swell is over 4-5 feet, the waves in Tamarindo will be great. If less, just go to the other spots in the area. Remember, this is the ocean, and we never really know what we will get.
Surf Camps in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is probably the perfect surf spot for beginners. That is why so many novice surfers choose to explore Tamarindo’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the leading surf camps in Tamarindo:
1. La Botella de Leche – For more details, please click here.
2. Iguana Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
3 . Mai Ke Kai Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
4. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
5. Dreamsea – For more details, please click here.
After a few days in one of Tamarindo’s surf camps, you will be surprised how fast you can learn to surf and how fun it really is.
Surf Hotels in Tamarindo
Since it is so popular, Tamarindo offers various luxury 5-star hotels, backpackers’ hostels, and everything in between. So, anyone can find a place that suits his budget. Remember to book in advance, though, especially if you go during the high season (December to April). So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Hotel Villa Amarilla– This property is situated right on the beach. Hotel Villa Amarilla offers pet-friendly accommodation, a tropical garden, and free WiFi.
2. Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort– Featuring three outdoor swimming pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort has a beautiful setting on Tamarindo Beach. This large resort has 4 restaurants, 4 bars, a spa, and a casino.
3. Hotel ZullyMar Aptos– Located in Tamarindo Beach, 4 km from the local airport, Cabinas Zullymar offers a garden and free WiFi in all areas. There is also a furnished terrace overlooking the garden.
4. Hotel Marielos– Cabinas Marielos is in the middle of Tamarindo Bay and offers Free WiFi, private parking, and clean rooms.
For more surf hotels in Tamarindo, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Can Beginners Surf in Tamarindo?
As mentioned, there are various surf spots in Tamarindo to suit all skill levels. Therefore, any surfer, from beginner to advanced, can have fun surfing in Tamarindo. For instance, the waves in Tamarindo Beach Break are beginner-friendly and perfect for surf lessons. In contrast, advanced surfers can ride steeper waves in Tamarindo River Mouth or Pico Grande. In short, just choose your preferred break, depending on your skill level.
How to get to Tamarindo?
Tamarindo is located on the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Therefore, if you come from the capital, San Jose, it will take you about a 5-hour drive. However, if you come from Liberia International Airport, it will take you only about one hour.
Tamarindo- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Costa Rican Colon.
Electricity– 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US
Population– over 7,000.
Calling code– +506.
Time zone– GMT -6.
Pros– a variety of surf breaks, great for beginners, warm water, a variety of hotels, shops, and restaurants, kicking nightlife.
Cons– over touristy, expensive, crowded as hell, requires a big swell to work.
Nightlife in Tamarindo
Of course, you came to surf Tamarindo, and that includes morning sessions. However, this town offers a pretty wild nightlife scene, probably the wildest one in Costa Rica. It is full of beach restaurants, sports bars, and nightclubs, which are open every night, all night long. These are the main places in town:
Sharky’s Sports bar– Nice music, every night something different.
El Garito– Dancing Club.
Pacifico Bar– Dancing club.
Other Fun Activities in Tamarindo
You will probably surf Tamarindo’s waves every single day of your vacation. And yet, in case you feel like doing something different, check out what this town can offer:
ATV Tour– You can book an amazing ATV tour at any tourist desk in town.
Kayaking or going on a motor boat on the Estuary River– You will witness many wild animals along the way.
Zip-line canopy tour– See the forest and mountains that surround Tamarindo from above.
Day Spa– get a nice massage at any of the spas in the center of town or even on the beach.
Play Golf– 2 great golf courses are within a short driving distance.
Horseback Riding– choose the right tour according to your riding level.
Diving and Snorkeling– The best water visibility is during the wet season, and you can rent the equipment at any of the diving centers in town.
Fishing– take a half-day fishing boat and catch dinner on your own.
Whitewater Rafting– The Colorado River is more mellow and suitable for beginners. However, if you want the real rush, go to Tenorio River, which is ideal for adrenaline seekers.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Tamarindo is the perfect place for those who like to surf, party, and enjoy the good life. Beginners can learn in a safe environment, and the experts can explore the surrounding surf spots. Either way, Tamarindo is definitely a place to consider for your next surf trip.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best surf spots in Tamarindo. Have a great surf trip!
