Tamarindo Surfing

One of the most famous surf spots in Central America, Tamarindo has more than just nice waves.

Quick Facts

One of the best beginner-friendly surf spots

Plenty of classes, schools, and surf camps

Many different breaks for different levels

A bit of a party town at night

Surf Season in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Guanacaste really can be surfed year-round, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the winter months can get quite windy and chilly. Many surfers will be seen in wetsuits! July and August tend to be best for those chest-high waves for intermediates. For beginner surfers, there’s really no wrong time. Whitewash flows in freely all year long in Tamarindo. For the best conditions regardless, summer is the time to be there. You’ll get warmer waters, a chance to see or surf some bigger but not huge waves, and there will be more surfers in town than vacationers.

 

Where to Surf in Tamarindo

There are plenty of places to surf in Tamarindo, all within walking distance. The main beach break is right in town at Playa Tamarindo. Because it faces NW, it is a bit protected from the strong SW swells building deep in the pacific. It’s the primary location you’ll find beginners and loggers, surf schools, and surf camps in Tamarindo. Wherever you stay in town, you’re walking distance to this beach and seriously ideal beginner breaks.

  • Crowds - Somewhat crowded

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - SW/NW

  • Ideal Wind - SE/NE, Light

  • Break Type - Sandbar beach break

  • Consistency - 90%

  • Be Aware: Lots of beginners

Surf Camps and Classes in Tamarindo

I don’t know if I’ve ever been somewhere with more surf schools and surf camps. This part of Costa Rica gives you plenty of opportunity to find the right surf instruction.

  • Iguana Surf Camp - If you’re in Tamarindo and looking for surf options, Iguana will surely pop on your radar. They have a legit surf shop and our favorite surf school in the area. They offer 6 day and 7 day surf camps. If you just want classes, Iguana also offers a surf school for kids and adults.

  • Mai Ke Kai - This is a traditional surf camp in Tamarindo, complete with dorms, breakfast, security, and common areas. They offer plenty of options for surf lessons including camps that last 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days.

  • WAYRA Spanish & Surf Camp - WAYRA offers something a bit unique, starting with the fact that their offering is a full month long. You can stay at a beautiful casita they have and spend plenty of time with a local tico family. This is for those who wish to really immerse in Costa Rican culture, learn or improve Spanish, and get some surf time in every day.

  • Iguana (again) - Even if you don’t do a surf camp with them and commit to that much time surfing, that’s the place to go for classes!

Nearby Surf Spots

Witch’s Rock

About 55km north of Tamarindo, Witch’s Rock is a very well-known wave in the surfing community.

  • Crowds - Some

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate+

  • Ideal Swell - SW-NW

  • Ideal Wind - NE-SE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Can be dangerously strong!

Palmeras

At the north end of Tamarindo bay, Palmeras is super chill. This is one of the best spots for beginners. Not super consistent, and sometimes without surfable swells, but a fun place to be when there are waves to surf.

  • Crowds - Medium

  • Surfer Level - Beginner+

  • Ideal Swell - W/SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Sandbar beach

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Beginners everywhere

About a half hour from the town of Tamarindo, Playa Grande is a bit quieter than the main beach. My favorite intermediate wave in Tamarindo personally, as produces a nice A-frame wave to ride either way.

Playa Grande

  • Crowds - Medium

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - SW

  • Ideal Wind - E/NE

  • Break Type - Reef and Beach

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Rocks and reef, crocodile sightings

Pico Grande

A solid break that produces both lefts and rights breaking off the rock. Fairly reliable as it doesn’t need much groundswell. Can have a steep drop in summer, but also produce super fast barrels and shoulders.

  • Crowds - Small

  • Surfer Level - Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - SW/NW

  • Ideal Wind - NE/SE

  • Break Type - Reef (rock)

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Rock reef below

Other Things to Do in Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a popular tourist destination and one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica, but it’s not just for surfers. There’s plenty of other activities to do in and around town that are definitely worth checking out!

  • Ocean Wildlife - Tamarindo is a truly amazing place to check out the sea life. You can find plenty of dive shops if you’re PADI-certified. You can also take a Discover SCUBA course or find a snorkeling tour.

  • La Leona Waterfall - A beautiful spot to take in the surroundings and swim, you can find private waterfall tours and tours like this one that include rafting and cliff jumping for a bit more adventure.

  • Zip-Lining - One of the most popular activities for tourists in general in Costa Rica, and with reason. See the jungle from the canopy, get the chance to see several different types of monkey, and get your adrenaline pumping a bit!

  • See the Sloths! - Costa Rica is one of the few places you can see sloths in their natural habitats. Take a tour to a sloth habitat to see these beauties in real life!

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