From easy access to unforgettable sunsets — here’s what we loved (and what your clients will too).

We recently  had the chance to spend some time in Tamarindo with my family , and it reminded us why this vibrant beach town continues to be a top pick for travelers looking for something warm, and memorable.. Whether your clients are looking for a laid-back surf escape, an upscale wellness retreat, or a little of everything, Tamarindo delivers—with style.

One of its biggest advantages? Location. Tamarindo is just about 1 hour from Liberia International Airport (LIR), making it one of the most accessible beach destinations in the country. After a smooth international flight, you can be relaxing on the beach or enjoying a sunset cocktail in no time. 

Whether it’s families, couples, digital nomads, or adventure seekers, Tamarindo Costa Rica has something for everyone — from surfing and snorkeling to wildlife tours and great dining. It’s a destination that checks all the boxes.

The Beach 

Tamarindo Beach is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and accessible beaches—known for its golden sands, stunning sunsets, and laid-back surf vibe.

The beach stretches along a crescent-shaped bay, making it ideal for long walks, beginner surf lessons, and soaking up the sun. The mornings are  busy with  visitors and locals  walking the beach. 

 We split our stay between two standout properties —each offering a different side of Tamarindo, and both highly recommended.

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Located in the heart of town, Diria offers direct beach access, family-friendly pools, and those famous Tamarindo sunsets right outside your room. Tamarindo Diria tends to be more cost-effective, especially for families or travelers prioritizing location and amenities over luxury.  

Pros:

• Prime Beachfront Location: Situated directly on Tamarindo Beach, offering immediate access to the ocean and vibrant town life. This was  great for  our family ( adults and teens) as it was easy  to  walk to  dinner in the evenings and the town had a fun vibe  around sunset and dinner time.

   

• Multiple Pool Areas: Features three distinct pool zones, including an adults-only area and a large family-friendly pool with a swim-up bar.

   

• Diverse Dining Options: Variety of on-site restaurants and the proximity to local eateries. The breakfast buffet was  amazing with  a huge selection and  beachfront tables for a beautiful start to the day

   

• Family-Friendly Amenities: Offers a kids’ pool and easy access to activities like surfing and boogie boarding

   

Things to keep in mind:

• Street Crossing: Guests staying in the Lagoon or Tropicana sections need to cross Calle Central to access the beach, oceanfront pool, and main restaurant. While the hotel provides security personnel to assist with crossing, some guests have noted that the street can be busy and may pose a minor inconvenience, especially for families with young children or those with mobility concerns and in this case it is highly recommended to stay  in the Sunset Village  rooms.
  
  In our opinion crossing the street was not a significant issue due to the hotel’s assistance and the short distance, but it is something to consider or mention to guests staying there. While the street crossing at Tamarindo Diria is managed with hotel assistance and is relatively short, it remains a factor to consider when choosing your room location within the resort.
  
  Opting for a room in the Sunset Village can provide direct beach access and eliminate this concern, albeit at a higher cost 
• Room Variability: Some rooms, especially those facing the street, may experience noise and lack natural light. Not all rooms have balconies or terraces. 
• Busy Beach Area: The beachfront can be busy with vendors and activities, which might not appeal to those seeking tranquility.
  
  Best for families, first-timers, and clients who love being in the center of it all.

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas

A serene, upscale hideaway tucked just outside the main town—ideal for couples or travelers seeking a more intimate, wellness-focused stay. Cala Luna caters to guests seeking a more exclusive, boutique experience

Pros:

• Serene Environment: Located in a quieter area near Playa Langosta, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush gardens. QUieter off the beaten path and away from  the business of Tamarindo
• Wellness-Oriented: Offers daily yoga classes, spa treatments, and a focus on organic, sustainable dining. When  our family stayed there were classes like Functional Workout, Sound Bath (LOVED THIS), yoga and Complimentary Sunset Cocktail at the Beach. The beach  cocktail was a nice  touch as it was a place to gather with other guests to  sit and join the sunset.
• Wildlife Encounters: Guests often spot monkeys and other wildlife on the property, enhancing the nature-centric experience. During our stay  there were lots of monkeys poolside in the morning and afternoon  offering for close encounters
• Attentive Service: Staff are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a personalized stay. Also offers  the La Senda Farm to Table Dinner for additional cost

Things to keep in mind:

• Distance from Town Center: Approximately a 20-minute walk or a short drive to downtown Tamarindo, which might be inconvenient for some. We did love the  onsite  bikes that are included in the price  and took them to town frequently.
• Beach Access: The nearby beach is rocky and not ideal for swimming, especially during low tide. There are  some  pools that form in low tide that are  good for soaking, but  the waves and rocks  do not make it the best  swimming beach area. It was  great for exploring.
• Limited On-Site Facilities: No fitness center on the premises, and does have more limited breakfast options. There are no ocean view rooms at this hotel 

Ideal for couples, wellness seekers, and luxury clients wanting a private escape

Activities That Made the Trip

Tamarindo is the kind of place where no two days feel the same—and that’s the beauty of it.

Our Family highlights:

– Surf lessons on Tamarindo Beach—gentle, friendly, and fun.
– A Catamaran Cruise with snorkeling and sunset cocktails.
– The Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour—great for spotting wildlife like monkeys, birds, and even crocodiles.
– A diving trip to the Catalinas Islands—a must for certified divers.

If you are not  going to  other areas in Costa Rica and only  staying in Tamarindo  you might want to break up the beach stay  with  some full day tours  –  Our favorites are:

• Palo Verde River safari for wildlife.
• Hacienda Guachipelín for ziplining, rappelling, and horseback riding.
• La Leona Waterfall for breathtaking nature, this place really packs a punch for adventure and beauty. 
• Nicaragua day tour for a unique border-crossing cultural experience  for  anyone looking to get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s neighbor country 

Last  – the Sunset – Finding a spot to watch the sunset   is its own  activity.

Everyone gathers at the beach  or viewpoints  for  the last hour of sunlight to relax and catch the beautiful Pacific sunsets.

This was the perfect way to end each day.

Tamarindo’s culinary scene was a standout. A few of our favorite spots included:

• Pangas Beach Club – perfect for dinner with your toes in the sand
• Mercadito de Tamarindo – trendy food court with something for everyone
• Green Papagayo Taco Bar or Little Lucha Taqueria – Street Tacos with lively  atmosphere
• Dragonfly Bar & Grill – seasonal menus and a refined but welcoming atmosphere
• El Chiringuito (Beach Bar) – relaxed beachfront lunch spot with fresh seafood and cold drinks – Great for sunset 
• The Roof – Pizzeria with  breathtaking view of the whole town and ocean views. Great for sunset
• Nogui’s: Beachfront classic serving up a mix of Costa Rican favorites and international fare. Known for its laid-back vibe, ocean views.
• Noi or Costa Juice is great for fresh local juices  and breakfasts. Costa Juice has air conditioning so nice for a quick stop on a hot afternoon or morning to cool off inside witha cold tropical juice. 
  

Tamarindo is a vibrant beach town with something for everyone—from rowdy surf nights to relaxing family vacations. Its mix of visitors includes solo adventurers, backpackers, surfers, and plenty of families and couples.While the overall vibe is welcoming and safe, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings, especially after dark. The town’s nightlife is centered around the main bar strip, which gets particularly busy from Thursday through Sunday. If you’re traveling with children or prefer a calmer scene, consider avoiding those areas late at night.

Keep your personal items close, don’t leave valuables in your car, and never leave belongings unattended on the beach—even for a quick swim. Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter (Semana Santa) bring in larger crowds and, unfortunately, a higher risk of theft. Be extra cautious during these peak times to keep your things safe.

Tamarindo remains a favorite destination for travelers of all ages—but like any popular tourist town, a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring a smooth, enjoyable trip.

Overall vibe? Tamarindo is lively, walkable, and full of charm. It strikes a great balance between laid-back beach life and plenty of activity—perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a flexible coastal base with great access to excursions, dining, and wellness all wrapped up in a lively  beach  town.

 We offer custom packages that combine beach time, surf, diving, adventure, and top-rated stays.