Tamarindo is Costa Rica's most famous surf town—a once-sleepy fishing village transformed into an international beach destination where surf schools outnumber restaurants and the lineup can resemble a lesson plan. The wave itself is a friendly beach break perfect for beginners, with year-round warmth and consistent small to medium swells. The crowds are real, but so is the infrastructure: quality rentals, professional instruction, and a vibrant nightlife that makes this the most complete surf town experience in Central America. For first-time visitors to Costa Rica, Tamarindo provides a soft landing.
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Main tourist surf town. Easy access everywhere.
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round waves. Rainy season bigger.
Verified by Costa Rica surf schools
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions