Without uncertainty, the beaches of Tamarindo have a unique charm. If you want to discover the Costa Rican “Pura Vida” philosophy, here you will find an tempting blend of crystal clear waters, long stretches of sand, and spectacular sunsets viewing the Pacific Ocean.
Additionally, these beaches have warm waters throughout the year, so you won’t need to worry about the climate conditions in Costa Rica. There is a reason why Tamarindo is the primary beach destination in the region of Guanacaste, and in all of Costa Rica generally.
Well known for its thriving surf community and naturally beautiful setting, this town also boasts a wide array of shops, eateries, and some of the top-rated hotels in Costa Rica. I fell for this locale, especially the beaches around Tamarindo, which is why I consider it one of the highlight attractions in Costa Rica.
The Alhambra sees immense popularity, so if you want complete access to the Nasrid palaces, the Alcazaba, the Generalife gardens, and the Partal during your visit, I advise purchasing your ticket several months ahead, especially throughout peak season when same-day tickets are impossible to acquire.
Reliant on your travel manner, you may prefer one over the other, so this guide will introduce you to the 10 top beaches in the Tamarindo locale.
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1. Playa Tamarindo, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica
As I mentioned before, Tamarindo has long been a surfing destination in Costa Rica since the country’s first surf school opened there. Playa Tamarindo is the town’s main beach, and although it’s quite touristy, it remains indubitably stunning.
If you enjoy extended walks along the shoreline, here you’ll discover 2.2 miles of golden sand encircled by spectacular mountains. Additionally, it offers all kinds of amenities, so you can spend a comfortable day relaxing on the beach, absorbed in your favorite book, or taking a refreshing swim.
Now, if remaining physically active is a priority, this beach is truly one of the finest in Tamarindo. You can enroll in a surf lesson program or practice your skills on the gentle waves. I also strongly advise exploring its underwater terrain, which houses a stunning reef overflowing with colorful sea life. This boat ride, as an example, features a snorkeling session, and you’ll be able to watch the sunset on the return trip to shore.
Be sure to reserve some energy for after dark, as Playa Tamarindo has an lively nightlife. Check out one of the beach bars or nightclubs in the region and party the night away at one of the most frequented beaches in Costa Rica.
2. Playa Avellana, one of the beaches in Tamarindo for experienced surfers
In contrast, those preferring a tranquil setting can head south for about 17 kilometers to Playa Avellana, involving a 30-minute drive along a road with several turns while passing through nearby Tico towns. Upon arrival, travelers encounter shifting scenery as the beach in Tamarindo covers 2 kilometers of golden sand and an extensive area of mangroves reached through wooden walkways.
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If you enjoy surfing, you`re in luck, as this is one of the prime beaches in Guanacaste, where you can take advantage of impressive waves all year round. In fact, here you`ll find the famed “Little Hawaii”, a challenging break that can reach heights up to 5.5 meters (18 ft).
Beyond that, there are 8 distinct surf venues suitable for beginners and experts, so you have no reasons not to experience the waves. If you want to enroll in a class, you’ll have a good selection to choose from since there are multiple surf schools.
3. Playa Brasilito, one of the most beautiful beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Brasilito Beach is the main beach of the small town of Brasilito, half an hour north of Tamarindo. Here, you’ll find a prominent fishing culture, free from large hotel chains and tourist crowds.
The town has a rural feel, but there are numerous beach bars and local eateries where you can sample some typical Costa Rican dishes. Also, if you’re looking to travel economically and still deciding where to reside in Costa Rica, keep in mind that this place has much more affordable hotel choices. In addition, it’s home to one of the most popular beaches near Tamarindo for domestic tourism, so you can gain more knowledge about local life in Costa Rica.
As for the beach, it has nearly two kilometers (1.2 miles) of fine sand and gentle waves, so you can sunbathe and swim in total relaxation.
If you want an activity, I propose registering for a horseback ride along the coastline. Not only will it allow you to admire the beach from another angle, but it`s also one of the best excursions in Costa Rica for partners.
4. Playa Conchal, one of the most spectacular beaches in Tamarindo
Playa Conchal is directly next to Playa Brasilito and has become one of the most visited beaches in Tamarindo for individuals seeking a more rugged and wild setting. Here, you’ll find fewer services than in Brasilito, so I advise bringing everything you’ll need for a day by the sea.
As implied by its name, this shore is covered in millions of tiny shells (conchas) and crushed rocks, providing it a characteristic bright white coloring. While it’s one of the busier beaches, it stretches for 2 kilometers, so there’s ample space for all to enjoy the experience.
Additionally, one of the best actions to take on this Tamarindo beach is to go diving or snorkeling. The turquoise waters have wonderful visibility, particularly in the rocky region further east, bordering Playa Brasilito, so bring your goggles or rent some. We saw all varieties of fish and colorful corals. Another super fun activity is jet skiing, which will add some thrill to your visit.
Conversely, if water sports aren’t something you enjoy, you can sign up for this horseback riding excursion along the shore or go to the Reserva Conchal Golf Course, one of the best in Central America, just a few meters from the coast.
5. Playa Flamingo, one of the most famous beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Coastline Beach is a tropical paradise, featuring light blue waters and white sand. It’s one of the premiumseashores near Tamarindo for a family getaway, providing handy amenities like umbrella and lounge chair rentals, eateries, and shops. Moreover, the calmer waves ensure youngsters won’t need monitoring.
This town also contains some of the finest lodging establishments in Costa Rica, so a lot of visitors opt to remain here and use it as a base to explore the rest of the other Tamarindo beaches. To provide you a sense, it’s 35 minutes north of Tamarindo and only 10 minutes from Brasilito and Conchal. This makes the area pretty busy, but there’s usually enough space to enjoy a relaxing day by the shore.
While pursuits catering to all interests exist, one of the most well-liked is exploring the depths of the ocean. As I stated previously, the water lacks strong currents, rendering it ideal for swimming and using a snorkel. If venturing out solo does not appeal to you, this catamaran excursion is perfect. After some time using a snorkel, sip on a refreshing beverage while admiring the sunset from the boat.
On the other hand, if you’re a qualified diver, don’t miss the chance to register for this dive in the Catalina Islands, one of the prime diving sites in Costa Rica, situated directly off the coastline
6. Playa Grande, another beach near Tamarindo that I recommend
Playa Grande is a quiet Tamarindo beach with a main street lined by a few restaurants, small markets, surf shops, and eco-lodges in close proximity. It’s separated from Tamarindo Beach by an estuary that measures just 30 meters (98 ft) wide at low tide. Even so, crossing it is not recommended since there are crocodiles present, and it wouldn`t be the first incident in the area. Instead, one can drive approximately 30-40 minutes from Tamarindo or take a boat for $1 that will transport across the estuary.
In any case, this seaside is worth a visit, as it lies within Las Baulas National Marine Park, one of the most beautifully scenic national parks in Costa Rica. This region is particularly critical since it serves as the nesting location for leatherback sea turtles, one of the species of ocean turtles found in Costa Rica.
Of course, to promote the conservation of this species, visitors are only permitted here until 6:00 p.m. The turtles lay their eggs at night, so any disturbance can cause them to return to the sea prematurely and lose their eggs.
On the other hand, this beach is also a popular area for surfing. The currents here are rather strong, so if wanting to swim, it’s preferable to head to one of the other beaches in Tamarindo.
7. Playa Ventanas, another beach in Tamarindo you should visit
Playa Ventanas is another one of the top beaches in Tamarindo, and its name refers to the “windows” (ventanas) that form in the rocky walls at either end of the beach. As one of the pristine havens of Las Baulas National Marine Park, visitors are only permitted during daylight hours, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
If you’re looking for a more private and secluded environment, this Tamarindo beach is the perfect spot. While it’s free of surf schools and crowds, there are usually local fishermen on the coast, a nod to the area’s traditional culture.
If choosing to arrive by vehicle, leave your transportation at the entrance parking area. Alternatively, you can take the boat from Playa Grande across the estuary. Along the route, keep an eye out for some of the common wildlife of Costa Rica.
8. Playa Carbón, another lovely beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Playa Carbón is a relatively isolated beach located next to Playa Ventanas within the confines of Las Baulas National Marine Park in Tamarindo. For those interested in hiking, I`d recommend first visiting here and traversing the jungle path leading to Playa Carbón. Access to this location is a bit more difficult than other beaches in the Tamarindo area, so you likely won`t find many, if any, other visitors.
At initial glance, you may assume this is a black sand shoreline. However, Playa Carbón is made up of several strata, and you’ll notice that, in some regions, the bright white color of the lower layer is visible. This is because of the strong ocean currents in the area, which deposit high concentrations of magnetite and magnetic iron oxide on the coast. The minerals originate from volcanic rocks that have been eroded by the sea and traveled hundreds of kilometers to end up on the beach.
While swimming is not advised here, when the tide goes out you can find pools of water formed between the rocks. It`s worth exploring this natural environment and its unique appearance, but remember there aren`t any services here, so bring all necessities. I suggest packing an umbrella, plenty of water, and sunscreen since the black sand gets hot quickly, and the heat can be overwhelming.
9. Playa Langosta, one of the best beaches in Tamarindo for families
Playa Langosta is another beach situated near Tamarindo, just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the town center. It offers a relaxed environment where you can unwind, relax, and experience a more leisurely pace of life.
Unlike Tamarindo, Playa Langosta has a relaxed vibe. It`s mostly surrounded by small hotels and houses, though there are also some pleasant hiking spots nearby. You can also enjoy a nice picnic here and spend the day with friends and family while awaiting the sunset.
If you’re searching for a spot to swim, I propose opting for one of the other beaches in Tamarindo highlighted in this list. The ocean currents here can be rather intense, which explains its frequent patronage by expert surfers.
It is also worth noting that this beach is within the Las Baulas National Marine Park boundaries, so you can only stay here until 6:00 p.m.
10. Playa Minas, another beach in Tamarindo where you can see turtles
Finally, Playa Minas is a picturesque beach located in Tamarindo with an almost pristine environment, boasting towering mountains and brilliant white sand. Thanks to its mellow waves, swimming is permitted, so you can snorkel and appreciate its crystal-clear waters.
However, note that some of the most significant places for sea turtles to lay their eggs in Costa Rica can be found here, so your likelihood of witnessing this natural phenomenon is pretty high.
While the shore is not inside the Las Baulas National Marine Preserve, it borders the northern perimeter of the reserve. Interestingly, more reptiles visit here to lay eggs than on other coastlines inside the park, so if observing this phenomenon (respectfully!) interests you, I recommend this evening sighting tour.
Map of the best beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Below is a map highlighting some of the best beaches close to Tamarindo that I`d recommend checking out:
I also suggest checking our map of Costa Rica when planning your trip. It contains all the most important attractions, making it a tremendously helpful resource.
Of course, if you have any queries or want to propose any other beaches in Tamarindo to consider, please share your thoughts. I’d love to hear your perspectives!
Pura Vida!
