Thinking about booking a trip to Costa Rica? Just do it. But where will you stay? What you’re interested in doing while you’re there plays a big part in where to stay in Tamarindo. Located on the Pacific side in Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, Playa Tamarindo is a super magical place that became a well-known surfing destination after Robert August and his friends made the spot famous with the surfing movie Endless Summer. But Tamarindo has much more to offer than surfing (although the surfing is super dreamy), and it’s developed into a really cute, safe bit of paradise for tourists to experience. Check out a few of these places to stay in Playa Tamarindo and see what suits you.
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Do you want to learn how to surf? We stayed at Witch’s Rock during our trip to Tamarindo, and it was perfect for the two of us since our skill levels are so different. Every day Chris and I would walk out of our room and into the water. I would have beginner lessons on the beach break, and Chris would paddle out to a boat or take a bus with his intermediate group to wherever the waves were best that day, usually in Playa Grande or Avellanas, which means “hazelnuts” (my favorite nut). After surfing, we would have complimentary breakfast and visit with the many other friendly vacationers spending their time there. In the evenings, there are video analysis or surfing seminars to help you learn. The surf instruction here is really great – I improved so much in just a week!
BFit Retreat
Looking for a healthy, active, and restful vacation? BFit Retreat has similarly amazing surf lessons and surf tours to Witch’s Rock, plus training and yoga classes. I can vouch for Rafa Sandoval as a surf instructor, who gave me some tips that really helped me on the board. You’ll stay at a cute ocean view bed ‘n breakfast (breakfast included, of course) and have the option to experience a range of activities and excursions.
Pasa Tiempo
Looking to relax in paradise? My friend who recently visited Tamarindo stayed at Pasa Tiempo with her husband for a few days, and vouches that it’s one of her favorite places in the five years or so that she’s been visiting Costa Rica. It’s a quiet luxury bed ‘n breakfast experience in Tamarindo if you are looking to enjoy the atmosphere.
Airbnb It!
Interested in something more intimate? If you’re looking for a cute room for rent and want something a little more personal than a hotel, check out Airbnb. I saw loads of cool spaces on there, including a super affordable one rented out by the person who owns Sprouts. The food at Sprouts is great and pretty healthy, and if you rent a room from them it comes with a discount in the restaurant. We would totally go for a more personal airbnb if we weren’t traveling to Costa Rica primarily for surf lessons. A surf package works better for us.
Playa Grande
Want to get away from the people? We’ve had a number of friends visit Costa Rica and stay in Playa Grande, which has a reputation for being way more chill than Tamarindo for tourists. Tamarindo has tons of people and gets a little expensive at times. There aren’t as many places to eat or go in Playa Grande, but if you like peace and quiet, bodegas, a board and waves, then renting a house or room in Playa Grande may be a good choice. It’s especially fun to get a group of people together and rent a house for the weekend or something.
Still looking? Head over to TripAdvisor to find other ideas and check out reviews that may give you a more thorough idea of what your experience will be like at different places that you can stay at in Tamarindo. Let me know if you’ve stayed anywhere really cool! We’re always looking for recommendations.