Things to do in Playa Tamarindo
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Jaime Peligro
A local spot for new and used foreign-language books and the best Central American CDs and DVDs.
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Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
Playa Grande is considered to be one of most important nesting sites in the entire world for the baula or leatherback turtle. In 1991, the entirety of the beach and adjacent lands (379 ha) along with 22,000 ha of ocean was designated as Marino Las Baulas National Park.
The ecology of the park is primarily composed of mangrove swamp, and it's possible to find all of the six mangrove species native to Costa Rica here. This habitat is ideal for caimans and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species, including the beautiful roseate spoonbill. Other creatures to look for when visiting are howler monkeys, raccoons, coatis, otters and a variety of crabs. But, as is to be expec…
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Playa Grande
Playa Grande is an undeveloped wilderness beach that's equally famous amongst conservationists and surfers alike. By day, the offshore winds create steep and powerful waves, especially at high tide and in front of the Hotel Las Tortugas. By night, an ancient cycle continues to unfurl as leatherback sea turtles bearing clutches of eggs follow the ocean currents back to their birthplace.
Since 1991, Playa Grande has been part of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, which prevents beachfront development and ensures that one of the most important leatherback nesting areas in the world is preserved for future generations.
Although there are a few accommodation options near t…
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Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. The name comes from the billions of conchas (shells) that wash up on the beach, which are gradually crushed by tourists' flip-flops into a fine powder. The ocean water is also an intense, turquoise blue, which is indeed a rarity on the Pacific coast.
The beach is bounded on the north by an expansive resort that can make beach access frustratingly difficult. However, it's easy enough to stay in nearby Brasilito and then simply walk south along the road for 2km (1.2mi).
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Lazy Wave
Dine at a table if you must, but the best place to enjoy your meal and glass of wine is on the covered pavilion, where you can curl up amid pillows in cushy lounge chairs. If you're out to woo that hot thing you met last night, this hip nightspot, built around a huge tree, is a good place to start the evening. There's a solid wine list, good mix of cocktails and Asian- and Euro-influenced bocas as well as a full menu.
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Dragonfly Bar & Grill
Dragonfly is a local favorite, probably not just for its refined menu, but also for its lovely atmosphere in the festive tent-like structure of the dining room. The menu has a Californian bent, featuring fresh items such as pork chop with chipotle-apple chutney and the Thai-style crispy fish cake with curried corn. Linger a while over your wine and perhaps you can also find room for a divine dessert.
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Pachanga
Don't leave town without eating here - it may be the best meal you have in Costa Rica. The Israeli chef, Shlomy, serves innovative dishes with Mediterranean accents that change daily depending on the availability of local ingredients. The restaurant is understated yet elegant, which focuses your attention on the perfection of Shlomy's cuisine.
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Monkey Bar
In Tamarindo, all you really have to do is follow the scene wherever it happens to be on that night. On weekends especially, cruising the main drag has the festive feel of a mini Mardi Gras or spring break. But, for a start, the Monkey Bar inside the Tamarindo Vista Villas is usually a good bet, and it has a ladies' night on Fridays.
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Carolina's Fine Dining
This is one place worth the splurge. Sophisticated continental cuisine highlights skillfully prepared sauces, tender cuts of meat, delectable fish and an impressive selection of imported wines. To truly appreciate the culinary experience, opt for the five-course tasting menu with a full wine tasting (₡ 38,000).
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Wok & Roll
Korean-American owner Kandice routinely inspires fear in local fishermen throughout the Nicoya. She is famous for scrutinizing daily tuna and mahi-mahi catches, and will only buy the freshest of fish. The result: some of the best sushi we've ever eaten. Her woks and Vietnamese spring rolls are also popular.
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Nibbana
One of the nicest beachfront dining areas in town, Nibbana has tables scattered underneath the palms. It serves great pizza at lunch, and Tico-flavored continental cuisine, such as shrimp, lemon and basil risotto, or grilled tuna with a fresh mint-and-tomato compote. It also has free wi-fi access.
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Grinds/Kahiki
In the mornings, you can get breakfast grinds like giant pancakes and bottomless cups of coffee. Dinner is another story, with good Hawaiian-influenced fusion dishes emphasizing the local catch. The bar is a cool place to hang if you don't feel like eating, with a long and intriguing cocktail menu.
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Brisa del Mar
A true man of the sea, Pit (pronounced Pete) runs personalized tours emphasizing fishing, surfing, snorkeling and coastline cruising. He also speak English, Spanish and Italian, and is a true entertainer in any language - drop him an email a few days before arriving in town for a good time!
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Bar Nogui
This beachside restaurant offers upscale casados (set meals) with grilled fish, mixed meats and unbelievable shrimp and lobster. It’s consistently popular with locals and tourists alike, so come early for dinner or be prepared to wait at the bar for a couple of Imperiales with the rowdy regulars.
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Hacienda Pinilla
Just outside Tamarindo, near the village of San José de Pinilla, lies a residential development project that boasts one of the finest golf courses in Central America. Hacienda Pinilla has a 7500-yard par-72 course that was designed by noted architect Mike Young.
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Capullo Sportfishing
Has a 10.8m custom Topaz and a 6.6m Boston Whaler; both inshore and offshore trips are available for half-day and full-day charters. There's no office, so you'll have to book excursions by phone or online. Practices catch-and-release policies on billfish.
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Olga's Coffee Shop
In a new corner location with floor-to-ceiling windows, this sleek Russian-owned café serves up organic Costa Rican coffee and homemade pastries - the outside terrace is the perfect place to hang in the morning as you let the caffeine do its thing.
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Lone Star Sportfishing
Bilingual captains Juan Mungia and Alonso Gonzalez run trips aboard a 9m Palm Beach boat available for half-day/full-day charters. There's no office, so you'll have to book excursions by phone or online. Practices catch-and-release policies on billfish.
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El Coconut
Another recommended choice for seafood and pasta dishes. You can get a special dinner at this Norwegian-owned restaurant without having to get formal about it. The ambience is laid-back but elegant, with a tropical flair and a dessert menu that begs you to save room.
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Tantrum Sportfishing
Captain Philip Leman has a 7.8m Boca Grande custom sportfisherman available for half-day/full-day charters. There's no office, so you'll have to book excursions by phone or online. Practices catch-and-release policies on billfish.
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Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Board rentals, surf camps, lessons and regular excursions to Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point are available, though they're pricey. There are beachside accommodations for surfers who sign up for multiday packages.
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Eat@Joe's
The best snack in town is at this US-run surf camp, where you can order the famous ‘nachos as big as your ass’ (or sushi rolls) while sucking down cold ones on the outdoor deck until 2am.
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Banana Surf
This Argentinean-run outfit has the fairest prices in town on new and used boards, and is reminiscent of the way surf shops used to be (ie before they rented space in shopping malls).
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Blue Trax
The local expert on mountain biking, distance cycling and repairs is Blue Trax. And if multiday mountain-biking tours are not your thing, it can also rent you a beach cruiser.
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Smilin' Dog Taco Stop
Those hankering for Mexican grub will appreciate the quality of offerings at this popular eatery, while shoestringers will revel in the generous portions and low prices.
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