The Best Beach Clubs, Surfing Spots, and Eco Hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Since the 1960s, surfing has been the main draw to Costa Rica’s Tamarindo—or “Tama,” as it’s known among locals (and, increasingly, expats and tourists). Once a small fishing village, this town with a population of 6,000 has become one of the most renowned surf destinations in the Americas, and is ideal for beginners and veterans alike. But to make the most of a trip to Tamarindo (and Costa Rica more broadly), it’s worth zooming out to the whole Guanacaste Province, whose Pacific-facing northwestern stretch has been affectionately dubbed the country’s Gold Coast.
Beyond the waves, which are also stellar in the towns of Nosara and Santa Teresa, Guanacaste is a bonafide ecotourism paradise boasting easily accessible national parks, wildlife refuges, marine reserves, and volcanoes—not to mention the 500,000 species of fauna found throughout Costa Rica. And while this unspoiled environment and unmatched biodiversity means mountainous hikes and rainforest adventures aplenty, there is likewise no shortage of attractions for those who tend towards relaxation, from wellness retreats to thermal spas.