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Without a doubt, the beaches of Tamarindo have a special charm. If you want to discover the Costa Rican “Pura Vida” philosophy, here you will find a tempting combination of crystal clear waters, long stretches of sand, and spectacular sunsets overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Additionally, these beaches have warm waters all year round, so you won’t have to worry about the weather in Costa Rica. There is a reason why Tamarindo is the main beach destination in the province of Guanacaste, and in all of Costa Rica in general.
Known for its prevalent surfing culture and beautiful natural environment, this town also has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and some of the best hotels in Costa Rica. I fell in love with this place, especially the beaches of Tamarindo, which is why I consider it one of the top attractions in Costa Rica.
Now, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, there are other nearby beaches worth visiting. Some of the best national parks in Costa Rica are in the surrounding area, offering gorgeous coastlines, so they’re a great alternative if you need a day to disconnect and escape the crowds.
Depending on your travel style, you may prefer one over the other, so this guide will introduce you to the 10 best beaches in the Tamarindo area.
1. Playa Tamarindo, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica
As I mentioned before, Tamarindo has been a surfing mecca in Costa Rica since the country’s first surf school opened here. Playa Tamarindo is the town’s main beach, and although it’s quite touristy, it is unmistakably stunning.
If you like long walks along the coast, here you’ll find 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) of golden sand surrounded by spectacular mountains. In addition, it has all kinds of services, so you can spend a comfortable day resting on the beach, reading your favorite book, or taking a refreshing swim.
1. Playa Tamarindo, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica
Now, if you prefer to stay active, this is one of the best beaches in Tamarindo. You can sign up for a surf class or practice your skills on the gentle waves. I also highly recommend exploring its seabed, which is home to a beautiful reef full of colorful fish. This catamaran ride, for example, includes a snorkeling session, and you’ll be able to watch the sunset on the way back to shore.
Just remember to save some energy for after dark, as Playa Tamarindo has a vibrant nightlife. Check out one of the beach bars or nightclubs in the area and party the night away at one of the most visited beaches in Costa Rica.
2. Playa Avellana, one of the beaches in Tamarindo for experienced surfers
On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter environment, you can head to Playa Avellana, which is 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) south of the town center. The road has quite a few curves and passes through different Tico towns, so it will take you around 30 minutes to get there. The landscape changes quite a bit, and this beach in Tamarindo features 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of golden sand and an extensive area of mangroves that are accessible via wooden bridges.
While swimming is discouraged here, the beach has a relaxed atmosphere, so it’s perfect for lying in the sun or resting in the shade of its abundant vegetation. Also, if you get hungry, you can go to Lola’s, one of the legendary restaurants in Costa Rica. It’s just a few steps from the shore and has wooden tables and chairs so you can eat under the palm trees.
2. Playa Avellana, one of the beaches in Tamarindo for experienced surfers
If you’re a fan of surfing, you’re in luck, as this is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste, where you can enjoy big waves all year round. In fact, this is where you’ll find the famous “Little Hawaii”, a challenging break that can reach up to 5.5 meters (18 ft).
Beyond that, there are 8 different surf spots suitable for beginners and pros, so you have no excuses not to hit the waves. If you want to sign up for a class, you’ll have a great selection to choose from since there are several 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 predominant fishing culture, free from large hotel chains and tourist crowds.
The town has a rural atmosphere, but there are plenty of beach bars and local restaurants where you can try some typical Costa Rican dishes. Also, if you’re looking to travel cheaply and still deciding where to stay in Costa Rica, keep in mind that this place has much cheaper hotel options. In addition, it’s home to one of the most popular beaches near Tamarindo for national tourism, so you can learn more about local life in Costa Rica.
3. Playa Brasilito, one of the most beautiful beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
As for the beach, it has nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of fine sand and gentle waves, so you can sunbathe and swim in total relaxation.
Now, if you’re looking for something to do, I recommend signing up for a horseback ride along the coast. Not only will it allow you to admire the beach from another perspective, but it’s also one of the best excursions in Costa Rica for couples.
4. Playa Conchal, one of the most spectacular beaches in Tamarindo
Playa Conchal is right next to Playa Brasilito and has become one of the most popular beaches in Tamarindo for those seeking a wilder, more rugged environment. Here, you’ll find fewer services than in Brasilito, so I recommend bringing everything you’ll need for a day by the sea.
As its name suggests, this beach is covered in millions of small shells (conchas) and crushed rocks, giving it a characteristic bright white color. While it’s one of the busier beaches, it extends for 2 kilometers, so there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy.
4. Playa Conchal, one of the most spectacular beaches in Tamarindo
In addition to admiring the scenery, one of the best things to do on this Tamarindo beach is diving or snorkeling. The turquoise waters have incredible visibility, especially in the rocky area further east, bordering Playa Brasilito, so bring your goggles or rent some. We saw all kinds of fish and colorful corals. Another super fun activity is jet skiing, which will add some adrenaline to your visit.
On the other hand, if water sports aren’t your thing, you can sign up for this horseback riding excursion along the beach or go to the Reserva Conchal Golf Course, one of the best in Central America, just a few meters from the beach.
5. Playa Flamingo, one of the most famous beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Flamingo Beach is a tropical paradise, featuring turquoise waters and white sand. It’s one of the best beaches near Tamarindo for a family vacation, offering convenient amenities like umbrella and beach chair rentals, restaurants, and shops. Plus, the calmer waves ensure you won’t have to worry about the little ones.
This town also has some of the best hotels in Costa Rica, so many visitors decide to stay here and use it as a base to explore the rest of Tamarindo’s beaches. To give you an idea, it’s 35 minutes north of Tamarindo and only 10 minutes from Brasilito and Conchal. This makes the area pretty crowded, but there’s usually enough space to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.
5. Playa Flamingo, one of the most famous beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
While there are activities for all interests, one of the most popular is exploring the depths of the ocean. As I mentioned before, the water doesn’t have strong currents, so it’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you don’t want to go it alone, this catamaran tour is perfect. After a snorkeling session, sip on a refreshing drink while watching the sunset from the boat.
On the other hand, if you’re a certified diver, don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for this dive in the Catalina Islands, one of the best diving spots in Costa Rica, located right off the coast.
6. Playa Grande, another beach near Tamarindo that I recommend
Playa Grande is a quiet Tamarindo beach with a main street dotted with a few restaurants, small markets, surf shops, and eco-lodges. It’s separated from Tamarindo Beach by an estuary that measures just 30 meters (98 ft) wide at low tide. Even so, I don’t recommend trying to swim across it since there are crocodiles, and it wouldn’t be the first accident in the area. Instead, you can drive about 30-40 minutes from Tamarindo or take a boat for $1 that will take you across the estuary.
Either way, this beach is worth visiting, as it lies within Las Baulas National Marine Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica. This area is especially important since it’s the nesting spot for leatherback turtles, one of the species of sea turtles in Costa Rica.
6. Playa Grande, another beach near Tamarindo that I recommend
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 surfing spot. The currents here are quite strong, so if you want to go swimming, it’s better 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 best beaches in Tamarindo, and its name is a reference to the “windows” (ventanas) that form in the rock walls at either end of the beach. As one of the virgin paradises of Las Baulas National Marine Park, visitors are only allowed during the day, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
7. Playa Ventanas, another beach in Tamarindo you should 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 you choose to get here by car, leave your vehicle at the entrance parking lot. Alternatively, you can hop on the boat in Playa Grande to cross the estuary. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for some of the common animals of Costa Rica.
8. Playa Carbón, another lovely beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Playa Carbón is a fairly isolated beach in Tamarindo, right next to Playa Ventanas in Las Baulas National Marine Park. If you like hiking, I recommend coming here first and crossing the jungle path to Playa Carbón. This place is a bit more difficult to access than other beaches in Tamarindo, so you won’t find many tourists, if any.
8. Playa Carbón, another lovely beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
At first glance, you may think this is a black sand beach. However, Playa Carbón is made up of several layers, and you’ll notice that, in some areas, the bright white color of the lower layer is visible. This is due to the strong sea currents in the area, which deposit high concentrations of magnetite and magnetic iron oxide on the coast. The minerals come from volcanic rocks that have been eroded by the sea and traveled hundreds of kilometers to end up on the beach.
While swimming isn’t recommended here, when the tide goes out you can find pools of water that form between the rocks. It’s worth exploring this natural environment and its peculiar appearance, but keep in mind that there aren’t any services here, so bring all the 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 near Tamarindo, just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the town center. It has a quiet environment where you can rest, relax, and savor a slower pace of life.
Unlike Tamarindo, Playa Langosta has a laid-back vibe. It’s mostly surrounded by small hotels and houses, but there are also some nice hiking spots nearby. You can also have a nice picnic here and spend the day with friends and family while waiting for the sunset.
9. Playa Langosta, one of the best beaches in Tamarindo for families
If you’re looking for a place to go swimming, I suggest opting for one of the other Tamarindo beaches on this list. The ocean currents here can be quite intense, which is why it’s usually frequented by expert surfers.
It’s also worth noting that this beach is within Las Baulas National Marine Park, 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 beach in Tamarindo with an almost virgin environment, boasting huge mountains and bright white sand. Thanks to its gentle waves, swimming is allowed, so you can snorkel and enjoy its crystal-clear waters.
10. Playa Minas, another beach in Tamarindo where you can see turtles
However, remember that the most important sea turtle nesting points in Costa Rica are located here, so your chances of spotting this phenomenon are quite high.
While the beach isn’t in Las Baulas National Marine Park, it borders the park’s northern edge. Interestingly, more turtles come to nest here than on other beaches within the park, so, if you’re interested in observing this phenomenon (respectfully!), I recommend this night-sighting tour.
Map of the best beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Below, you will find a map with the best beaches near Tamarindo that I recommend:
I also suggest consulting our map of Costa Rica when planning your trip. It contains all the most important attractions, making it a super useful resource.
Of course, if you have any questions or want to suggest any other beaches in Tamarindo, please leave a comment. I’d love to hear what you think!
Pura Vida!
