Playa Tamarindo

Tip

Claim a spot on the sand by 5 pm for sunset; at low tide walk to the rocky south end for tide pools and fewer people.

Be careful

Rip currents form near the river mouth and the rocky points — swim near lifeguards when they're on duty. Crocodiles live in the estuary at the north end: don't swim or cross there.

Places nearby

• Kayak Club TamarindoSurf, Boats & Diving · from $65Kayak shop on the beach by the Tamarindo roundabout running guided mangrove paddles and the kayak-and-snorkel trip to Isla Capitán, with patient guides and fruit breaks.
• Nogui'sFood & Coffee · from $4A beachfront seafood restaurant on the south side of the Tamarindo roundabout, known for sunset views over the bay and its homemade pies - the banana pie is the classic.
• Salty Smile SurfSurf, Boats & DivingSmall Tamarindo surf school with a perfect 5.0 on Google from over 500 reviews, praised for patient instructors and flexible lessons that follow the swell.
• Tamarindo Surf & ToursSurf, Boats & DivingOne-stop tour desk by the Tamarindo roundabout that sells surf lessons, fishing trips, estuary tours and day trips.
• Blue Dolphin SailingSurf, Boats & DivingSunset catamaran trips from the end of Calle Cruz with snorkel and swim stops, drinks and dinner; dolphins, whales and rays are sometimes spotted.
• El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail MarketFood & CoffeeOpen-air food court next to Patagonia with stalls for poke, tacos, pizza, burgers, Asian and Italian food, French pastries and cocktails, so a group can all find something.