Tamarindo Beach, Surfing beach in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Tamarindo Beach is a Pacific coastline with light sand and clear water that suits both surfers seeking moderate waves and swimmers looking for calmer spots. The shoreline stretches for several kilometers and is bordered by restaurants, bars, and lodges that define its character.
In the 1970s this was a small fishing village with few buildings and minimal infrastructure. Tourism growth transformed it significantly, reshaping how the local community lived and how the land was used.
Surfers and tourists now fill the beach, yet local fishermen still work the waters and bring in their daily catch. Fresh seafood from these boats appears on restaurant tables throughout town, prepared using regional recipes passed down through families.
The best time to visit is December through April, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures feel warm and comfortable. Water conditions during these months work well for both swimming and surfing activities.
Behind the beach spreads a large mangrove wetland crossed by rivers, home to crocodiles, monkeys, and many bird species. Organized boat tours allow visitors to watch wildlife and experience the untouched nature in this ecosystem.
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