Category: Where to go

A four hour trek north west of San Jose, lives the famous surf town, Tamarindo. With beaches, beaches, and more beaches, surfers flock year round to experience the idyllic waves, hoping to find the perfect swell. Even if the beach is what Tamarindo is known for, they stay for laxed lifestyle and hidden adventures surrounding Tamarindo. 

What is Tamarindo Known For? 

Tamarindo is known in Costa Rica for its many sunny beaches and relaxed surf culture. Playa Tamarindo, or Tamarindo beach, is a beautiful stretch of beach located at the focal point of Tamarindo. People flock to this beach as Tamarindo is known for the consistent waves, which make it perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s comforting to know that this beach is very safe to swim in, especially on the south end. Just be aware there are rocks on the northern end, which is why almost everyone swims and surfs on the south end. During the peak season Tamarindo beach is populated with guests from all over the world hoping to chase the perfect wave, as it is one of the best things to do in Tamarindo! However, many other beaches boast great surf spots! You can also check out Playa Grande and Playa Langosta for beaches with great waves but less people, proving that Tamarindo is one of the best places to be in Costa Rica. 

Things to do in Tamarindo?

Still wondering what to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica? Well there’s more than just the beach in this relaxed yet vibrant town! 

Estuary Boat Ride

Mangrove filled estuaries are native to the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica, so it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Tamarindo is take a boat ride through the local estuary to see the beautiful mangrove trees and native wildlife. Look out for monkeys and crocodiles, just make sure to keep your hands inside the boat at all times! Fun for the whole family, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Tamarindo. 

Ziplining

Another quintessential Costa Rican activity is ziplining, it’s one of the more thrilling and exciting things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica. Fly from canopy to canopy as you make your way through the zipline course in the middle of the rainforest. You can admire the view of the Guanacaste province, spot birds, and the native wildlife amongst the trees while you soar like superman! The best way to go ziplining is to book a tour through one of Tamarindo’s many zipline parks, all provide amazing views and stunning surroundings of the Guanacaste province, making this a great thing to do in Tamarindo! 

Turtle Nesting Tours

All nature lovers are bound to head to Tamarindo to see the annual turtle nesting events. From May to August you can take a tour to one of Tamarindo’s beaches to witness nature at its best. During this event, the mother turtle returns to shore to dig a hole big enough to hold about 90 eggs to be buried before hatching. Truly one of the more humbling and interesting things to do in Tamarindo, it is a must see if you are visiting in the prime nesting months. Playa grande is a beautiful setting to witness this natural event, and it is advised to book a tour and ensure you adhere to all guidelines for the safety of the turtles. 

Sport Fishing

Tamarindo has become one of the leading towns in Costa Rica for sport fishing, making it one of the more popular things to do in Tamarindo. Hire a guide and boat to take you to the best spots where you could catch marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and many more! Relaxing on the waving ocean is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, just before you get that big bite! These plentiful fishing opportunities is just another trait of what Tamarindo is known for!

Nightlife

Once the sun goes down, the locals come out ready to party! Join them at one of the many bars or discotheques, where you can have good drinks and great time in Tamarindo’s town center. One of the more unique aspects of Tamarindo’s nightlife is the night market, where vendors and shoppers can mingle, sample food, and buy locally made gifts. Taking place on Thursdays from 6pm-9pm, you’ll also encounter live performances and artists urging to share their craft with you. Tamarindo’s night market is truly one of the more lively and unique things to do in Tamarindo. 

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo is known for its many sunny beaches and relaxed surf culture. Playa Tamarindo, or Tamarindo beach, is a beautiful stretch of beach located at the focal point of Tamarindo. People flock to this beach as Tamarindo is known for the consistent waves, which make it perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s comforting to know that this beach is very safe to swim in, especially on the south end. Just be aware there are rocks on the northern end, which is why almost everyone swims and surfs on the south end. During the peak season Tamarindo beach is populated with guests from all over the world hoping to chase the perfect wave, as it is one of the best things to do in Tamarindo! Maybe Tamarindo beach is too touristy for some, but this is for good reason. The warm sun, the bright beaches, and beautiful ocean provide the perfect escape for anyone looking to relax, either lying on the beach or catching the perfect wave. 

Is it Safe to Swim in Tamarindo?

Beaches in Tamarindo are known to be very safe when practicing common sense habits while swimming. This is why so many people return every year to swim in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the waves while surfing. It’s comforting to know that Tamarindo beach is very safe to swim in, especially on the south end. Just be aware there are rocks on the northern end, which is why almost everyone swims and surfs on the south end. 

Is Tamarindo Too Touristy? 

Like any peak season in Costa Rica, the beaches will be filled during the months of December to April. While some may consider this time too touristy in Tamarindo, this dry season makes it the perfect time to head out to the beach and catch that perfect wave. If you are finding the most popular places to be too crowded, there are always beaches that are off the beaten path where you can find more solitude. As the best things to do in Tamarindo are visiting the beaches, it makes sense as to why so many visitors flock to the beach during this time of year. 

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, simply known as Puerto Viejo, is a postcard-perfect beach town on the Caribbean coast. Its stretches of salty shores are lined with palm trees and quiet hideaways, making it the perfect holiday getaway. The streets are filled with colorful buildings that are filled with reggae bars, beach shops and more. 

Maybe you’ve already visited Jaco on the Pacific coast and want to see what bluer waters have to offer. More and more people are beginning to choose Puerto Viejo when they decide where to go in Costa Rica. Once a quiet fishing village, you’ll find amazing things to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. 

Check out the information below to see what Puerto Viejo has to offer and learn more about what to eat, see and do in this charming coastal retreat. 

Is Puerto Viejo worth visiting?

Puerto Viejo is a must-see for those looking for rest and relaxation. The compact beach town is very walkable and has far more to offer than just pristine beaches and perfect weather. Stroll the shores of popular Playa Negra and feel the black sand between your toes. If you grow tired of the beach, you’ll find many things to do near Puerto Viejo as well. The natural landscape extends for miles and is home to exotic flora and fauna and is perfect in the dry or rainy season.

What to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Savor the Salsa Brava surf break

Little Puerto Viejo is hugely famous for top-notch waves. The notorious Salsa Brava surf break is one of the most challenging and dangerous surf breaks in the world, so it, of course, draws surfers from across oceans. The sharp reef bottom produces hard and fast waves that range from 5 to 15 feet. Less experienced surfers can find tamer waves down the beach but will have to wait patiently for their chance at a wave. Weekends see the most crowds as Salsa Brava is one of the most popular things to do in Puerto Viejo. 

Eat and drink in Puerto Viejo 

Puerto Viejo is a blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous Bribri cultures so there is no shortage of great food. Stashu’s con Fusion combines Caribbean, Indian, Mexican and thai cuisine and the perfect place to get a taste of Puerto Viejo. For travellers on a budget, the Old Harbour Supermarket is a great grocery store with a wide variety of options. 

Take advantage of the nightlife

If you’re thinking, is Puerto Viejo safe at night? It’s certainly safe to say you’ll find a great meal and a dance partner. The sleepy town comes alive at night! It’s not recommended to walk the beaches when it’s dark but there’s no need if you’re listening to reggae or jazz at a music bar nearby. Make sure to stay hydrated and know you can drink the water in Puerto Viejo. 

What to do in Puerto Viejo when it rains

May to mid-November is typically the rainy, or “green,” season in Costa Rica. While the scenery and temperature remain beautiful, the afternoons might see some sprinkles. There’s no need to worry as these will blow through and you can enjoy a horseback ride on the beach or exploring the Jaguar Rescue Center and see the rehabilitated wildcats and other animals.  

San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 

Travelling from the capital San Jose to Puerto Viejo is quite easy with buses leaving during the day and chugging through the mountains and finally along the Caribbean coast. The 5-hour journey can be a bit stressful at the start. Buses go to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca as well as Puerto de Sarapiqui in Heredia which is around 3 hours away from this Puerto Viejo. This might not seem like an issue, but the bus station usually displays both as San Jose to Puerto Viejo so be sure to double-check the destination before boarding. Of course, travelling from Puerto Viejo to San Jose won’t be as confusing. You can always try a private door-to-door transfer with a company like Daytrip.