Photo: James Hertan · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Tamarindo
The default Costa Rican beginner town. Long sandy beach with a wave for every level — mellow inside, more shape outside, river-mouth peak on the north end.
Surf outlook
We don't have a forecast outlook for Tamarindo yet. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on this week.
Live conditions
We don't have a current forecast for Tamarindo. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on today.
Surf Snapshot
Estimated seasonal guidance — not a live forecast.
When to surf Tamarindo, month by month
Estimated from our authored seasonality — not a live forecast.
Peak season: Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Oct (All-time).
| Month | Surf consistency | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
| Feb | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
| Mar | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
| Apr | Moderate | Boardshorts |
| May | High | Boardshorts |
| Junpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Julypeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Augpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Septpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Octpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Nov | Moderate | Boardshorts |
| Dec | Inconsistent | Boardshorts |
Does this wave fit your level?
Rated for Levels 1-5 · Best at Level 3.
Take the 2-minute quiz to see if Tamarindo fits you today.
Find my Level →Beginner notes
Avoid the river mouth (it's called "estuario" — crocodiles do appear). Surf in front of the lifeguard tower. Lessons everywhere.
Hazards
- crocodile at river mouth
- crowd
Camps near Tamarindo
Nearby spots
The closest graded spots to Tamarindo, straight-line distance.
- Playa Grande~4 km · Levels 4-6
- Playa Avellanas~9 km · Levels 2-6
- Nosara (Playa Guiones)~42 km · Levels 3-6
- Santa Teresa~103 km · Levels 4-6
- Playa Remanso~103 km · Levels 1-4
Best months to surf here
In-season months for Costa Rica, from our editors’ season calendar.