Surfing in Tamarindo
Introduction
Tamarindo remains to be the most popular and well known, "surf mecca" on the northern pacific coast. This area is centrally located on the coast to offer easy access to a wide variety
of surf breaks for all abilities including beach, rivermouth and of course, reef breaks such as Witches Rock and Ollie's Point.
Tamarindo is a great place to use as home base to
explore many of the area breaks to the north and south. There are several breaks in town including the rivermouth of Tamarindo and the more challenging break at Langosta.
However, the real attraction of Tamarindo is its central location between the world famous break of Playa Negra (south) and Witches Rock (north). Logistically, Tamarindo provides the
easiest place to explore the most surf in the shortest time. Moreover, Tamarindo offers a wide variety of accommodations from beachfront hotels, condominiums to private house rentals. This is the
best place on the northern pacific coast to go for the perfect mix of a variety of waves, accommodations, restaurants and nightlife.
Tamarindo is a small beach community that draws beach lovers, scuba divers, nature lovers, fisherman, and of course, surfers. Tamarindo lies between two wildlife national parks
and consists of one main road upon which lie the variety of hotels, cabinas and restaurants that have arisen due to increased tourism in the area.
First time visitors to Costa Rica tend to fall in love with this tropical paradise although, many return visitors opt for quieter destinations such as Playa Grande or Nosara.
It's also very close to Playa Avellanes and Playa Negra.
Playa Grande
 Playa Grande is a good option for those
looking to avoid the crowds often found in Tamarindo and surf world class waves right out their front door.. Grande offers one of the area's most consistent waves and there are several private
house rentals located right on the beach. This offers surfers a more remote option than Tamarindo while still offering easy access (15 minute drive) to the amenities of the town. Grande has very
few services such as restaurants, shops,etc, however, all house rentals are equipped with full kitchens (so, if you are not feeling like cooking, ask about our private chefs or head to Tamarindo).
Getting There
Tamarindo is accessed by paved road all the way from San José (4½ hours) or by shuttle plane (no boards over 7 feet) into the local airport. Playa Grande is accessed by paved road
from San José and a 10 minute ride on the dirt road just outside of Tamarindo or by shuttle plane into the local Tamarindo airport (no boards over 7ft).
Breaks
 Best Time:
December ~ April
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Tamarindo is one of the best surf destinations as it is a great place to use as base to explore a wide variety of surf breaks within a short distance. Breaks
within walking distance include the rivermouth, Langosta, Pico Pequeño (to name a few) and within a short drive you can surf Grande, Avellanes, Negra and a boat trip away from Witches
Rock and Ollie's Point.
 Witches Rock - Access by boat only (North)
2 mile stretch of beach with hollow sand bottom beach breaks creating long lefts and rights. Take off can be steep, however offshores generally keep the wave open and easy to surf. Best
conditions with a west/southwest swell at incoming to high tide.
Ollie's Point - Access by boat only (North)
 Right point at the rivermouth with fast, hollow waves that roll on the beach endlessly breaking over a rocky bottom (hence, Endless Summer II). Take off at a series of rocks with slow entry.
Best conditions at outgoing to mid low tide and south/southwest swells.
Playa Grande
 Exposed beach break just north of Tamarindo with hollow peaks. Can get crowded at the main peak but there are plenty of fun lefts & rights on the outside ref. & beach break. Best
conditions at mid - high tide with offshore flow.
Rivermouth
 Solid right beachbreak with hollow waves as they hit the inside reef.. Best conditions on a due WEST swell with offshore flow and at mid-high tide.
Pico Pequeño
 A lava finger reef with a right that can be mushy to barrelling. Best conditions at a mid tide. Located south of the rivermouth.
Old's Man
Known as a classic longboard wave with a sweet shoulder offering high, noseriding lefts & rights. Best conditions at mid tide with offshores.
Playa Langosta
 Exposed beach break just north of Tamarindo with hollow peaks. Can get crowded at the main peak but there are plenty of fun lefts & rights on the outside reef & beach break. Best
conditions at mid - high tide with offshore flow.
Places to Stay
Tamarindo Vista Villas
A surfer friendly hotel that is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and only 25 meters from the beach. This hotel offers 17 rooms and 16 luxury, spacious villas.
more >
Hotel & Villas Cala Luna
Secluded at the southern end of Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. This enchanting hotel offers 21 luxury villas and 20 deluxe hotel rooms and by far stands in a class of its own. more >
Hotel Tamarindo Diriá
This hotel is ideal for couples, families or for those looking to be right on the beach, in the center of town. It's also a great jump off point for surfing in general. more >
Hotel Capitán Suizo
Located right on the beachfront in Tamarindo, is the ideal place to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. The hotel offers 8 private bungalows and 22 luxurious hotel
rooms. more >
Pueblo del Mar Condos
A Mediterranean style village offers 9 1-bedroom and 20 2-bedroom condominiums. Great for those longer stays. Centrally location
for all your vacation needs including restaurants, bars and shopping.
Villa Alegre Bed and
Breakfast
 This Spanish style bed and breakfast offers a peaceful and tranquil environment with the Pacific Ocean as your front yard. Creative interiors from around the world
offer a unique experience for the guests. more >
Villa Langosta Condos
Villas Langosta Condominiums are the ultimate in vacation rentals. Located directly on the beach of Playa Langosta more >
El Jardin del Eden Hotel
Every room and apartment features an enticing view of the ocean and the magnificent tropical sunset. On site amenities include 2 pools with swim up bar,
international restaurant and jacuzzi. more >
Hotel Tropicana
Tropicana Hotel is located only 150 meters from the beach of Tamarindo, in Guanacaste. Tropicana Hotel offers you peacefulness and comfort during your vacations
with a familiar, warm and safe atmosphere. more >
Places to Eat
Nogui Restaurant/Bar
Well priced, excellent local dishes, especially the fish and their famous desserts (banana pies, chocolate pie!). Located on the beach at the end of town in Tamarindo.
Lazy Wave
Excellent cuisine offering a new menu every day with steak, fish and chicken specials. Very unique dishes with excellent chef. Moderate prices ($10-$15 per person). Located on the road to Langosta
on the left hand side behind the Deli, across from the mini – market.
Las Palmas
Located right on the beach in the heart of Tamarindo offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes as well as other international cuisine. Excellent reviews!
Shark Bite Deli
Good option for lunch offering fresh deli sandwiches including chicken, steaks, fresh meats, cheeses and salads. Try the chicken philly!
Stellas
Excellent wood oven pizzas, fresh pastas, local dishes; great atmosphere under a large "rancho".
Taco Stop
Hearty tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Great option for lunch after an early morning session. Located on the road to Langosta.
Frutas Tropicales
Local restaurant located next to the Economy Rent a Car office offering local dishes (gallo pinto, casados, etc.) at a very cheap price. DO NOT expect the best service… be patient as all
good things come to those who wait!
Dragonfly Bar & Grill
eclectic menu ranging from sushi to chili rubbed pork chops, fresh fishes, steaks, etc. Located 100 meters behind the Hotel Pasatiempo
Alma Viva
elegant but casual dining in Langosta·
El Coconut
located next to Economy Rent a Car, this restaurant has been completely renovated and the food is excellent. Fresh fishes, steaks, pastas with nightly specials including fabulous desserts.
Playa Avellanes, Playa Negra are really close >
Things to Do
Tamarindo has a double portion of things to do around town - there is a nightlife, numerous restaurants, tours you can take.
Other Adventures
- Boat trip to Witches Rock/Ollie's Point - Experience the dreams of your endless summer! In order to get the best surfing in the area we leave from Tamarindo Beach on a small boat headed
towards the Potrero Beach . The boat is leaving early in the morning from Tamarindo Beach for the best surf spots around here, Witches Rock, Ollie's Point and other secret spots. Left and right,
tubes, the perfect waves. We have water and fruits on board an on the way back, we try to catch some fish for dinner. A must for everybody who came for surfing.
- Sunsets at the Monkey Bar at the Tamarindo Vista Villas. Simply a fun place to watch the surf and sun go down.
- Sunsets and drinks at the Bar La Palma located on the beach in Tamarindo just south of the Century 21 Office.
- Day trip to Playa Flamingo.
- Golf at Hacienda Pinilla or Playa Conchal.
- Deep Sea Fishing - You definitely will not want to miss the opportunity to fish in some of the world's best fishing waters. Catch mahi mahi, sailfish, tuna in an exciting and unforgettable
day long charter.
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park - An all day adventure tour to the active volcano Rincon de la Vieja. Mount horses and take a nature trail down to the famous hot springs and mud pots, created
by active volcanic activity underground. Optional canopy tour.
- Kayak Estuary Tour - If you enjoy nature, our kayak tours makes exploring Tamarindo's estuaries easy. This tour will take you meandering through the slow estuary waters shaded by the extensive
mangroves. Spotting birds, iguanas and crocodiles basking on the sun-drenched riverbanks are just a few of the highlights!
- Scuba Diving - In the waters of Tamarindo you will find many species and marine life such as: giant manta rays, stingrays, barracudas, sharks, sea turtles and a variety of tropical
fish! We can offer you any types of Certification, from the Open Water to Dive-Master. Our tip: try a Night dive where you can appreciate the beauties of shining plankton, unforgettable.
Things to Avoid
Avoid trying to enter by car the center of Tamarindo on a Friday night between 5 – 7. Due to increased traffic, this becomes a parking lot!
About Avellanes and Negra: Avoid parking at the beach with any valuables in the car. The remoteness which makes this area so attractive, also makes it an easy target for petty theft while you
are in the water!
Surf Shops and Surf Camps
More coming soon.
Travel Packages
Here are the surfing travel packages for the Tamarindo region:
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