10 Reasons to Vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica Right Now

Right now, I want to feel soft sand between my toes. I want to breathe in the salty sea air and feel the Costa Rican sunshine warming up my skin. I want to relax, sip fruity drinks, and munch on fried plantains. I want to explore the lush jungle, zip line, swim in the ocean, and watch monkeys swing from tree branches and vines. So in other words, I want to take a vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

If you’re daydreaming about this same potential reality, then your head’s in the right place.

Now, it’s time to kick back, relax, and soak up that Pura Vida lifestyle.

Here are 10 reasons to take a vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica right now!

#1 A vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is affordable.

We spent an entire week in Tamarindo in a ginormous 3-bedroom beach house. Between 9 friends, we each paid just over $270 each. That’s nothing.

With all kinds of resorts, hotels, hostels, rental condos, and beach houses on offer, you can easily find a place to stay that fits your price range. Here’s the beach house we rented and loved.

And the deals don’t stop at accommodation. My favorite deal of the trip was a 1-hour, $20 massage on Playa Conchal. Heaven. Or, maybe it was the incredible feast of lobster, gallo pinto, fried plantains, and more, which we devoured at a roadside soda for less than $10.

#2 All kinds of wildlife thrive in, and around, Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

As you explore Tamarindo and surrounding areas, exotic animal sightings will become commonplace, but you’ll never get tired of them.

Howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys, crocodiles, screech owls, iguanas, long-nosed bats, poison-dart frogs, and coatis are just a few of the animals we encountered during our trip.

Oh, yeah, and we also watched in awe, under the full moon, as baby sea turtles hatched and made their way, clumsily, to the ocean.

#3 The sunsets in Tamarindo, Costa Rica are unreal.

Every. Single. Night.

During your vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, you should make a point of savoring every sunset, on the beach, with an Imperial in hand. You won’t see sunsets like these anywhere else.

Mari+Naissa~EveningSurf 065/Mike

#4 Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a surfer’s haven.

Tamarindo is the mecca of surfing. It’s a total hotspot: a place any serious surfer would do anything to visit.

If you’re a beginner or a pro, it doesn’t matter. The waves in Tamarindo are consistent and there are plenty of different beaches whose waves will fit your skill level!

Zip Lining/christophwarner

#5 Crazy adventures are aplenty nearby Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

From zip-lining through dense jungle, rafting over crazy river rapids, and hiking up volcanoes, to snorkeling with bright-colored fish and sea turtles, embarking on river safaris in search of native animals, and horseback riding at deserted beaches, Costa Rica has a wealth of unforgettable activities to offer.

Days spent exploring this beautiful country will stick with you forever.

Playa Conchal/x@ray

#6 The beaches are absolutely breathtaking.

In Costa Rica thick, dense jungle gives way to white, soft sand and varying shades of blue. But sometimes, the beaches are filled with shells and lined with thriving tide pools. And sometimes — no, often — there’s no one else in sight; it’s just you, your amigos, and the deep blue sea.

I don’t know about you, but that works for me.

Flickr/Mike

#7 Everything, everywhere is lush, green, and full of life.

They don’t call the country Costa Rica for nothing. The direct English translation is “rich coast,” which could not be a truer statement. Everywhere you look, you will see endless greenery, exotic flowers, bright-colored butterflies, thriving ecosystems; you’ll feel like you’re stuck in an eternal spring where the birds are always singing and the sun is always shining. And what could be bad about that?

#8 The guaro is strong and the parties never end.

But let me reiterate, the guaro is strong. And the photo above tells a true story: 1 guaro, 2 guaro, 3 guaro, floor.

Hit the town for a few nights of dancing and drinking during your vacation in Tamarindo, meet some locals, let loose, and have a great time.

#9 The people of Tamarindo are welcoming, friendly, and so laid back.

And that includes the animals, too. (As long as you keep a comfortable distance.)

But really, Costa Ricans, or Ticos for short, are some of the warmest, most beautiful people you’ll encounter. Generally speaking, you can tell that Costa Ricans love their country and they want you to love it, too. They want to make you feel welcome and show you everything that their beautiful country can offer. They exude happy, relaxed vibrations and they carry infectious smiles. And they’re always down to party.

If there were only one thing to leave a mark on you, much after your vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica has ended, it would be the kindness and love each local shared with you.

End of Day/Wendy

#10 During a vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, you’ll experience the pura vida lifestyle.

Pura vida directly translates to pure life, but it means so much more than that.

It’s a greeting and a farewell, it’s a way to say life is good, everything is good, take it easy, and it is what it is, among many other things.

But the deeper meaning is the idea that there are countless reasons to be happy. Be grateful for your life and everything you have, because it could always be worse. Just enjoy life and take it as it comes. Pura vida.

This is the essence of the Costa Rican lifestyle. It’s their motto. And it’s a good one. Get on board.

Important Information for a Vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Arriving in Tamarindo, Costa Rica:

• Most people fly into San Juan Airport (SJO). This is NOT where you want to fly into, as it’s a 4-hour drive to Tamarindo.
• You should fly into Liberia (LIB), which is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
• If you’re visiting from elsewhere in Costa Rica, this website offers several bookable routes to/from Tamarindo. Whether you want to take the bus, a private van, or a shared shuttle, you can check out your Tamarindo transportation options here!

When to Vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica:

• December to April is the dry season, so this is the best time to visit Costa Rica.
  • However, be aware that prices will be higher and attractions will be more crowded during this time.
  • Make sure to make reservations well in advance.
• The region of Guanacaste is famous for having warm weather year-round, even during the rainy season. So if you don’t mind getting wet in the afternoons, a visit during May through November may be worth it for lower rates and less crowds.
  • During this time, the country is lush, green, and great for all eco-activities.
  • But be aware that roads can be muddy and dangerous, making car travel take longer.

Are you going to take a vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica soon? Have you been already? Did you love it as much as we did? Let us know in the comments below!