With sunny days on the sand and pulsing party nights, holidays to Playa Tamarindo are a beach lover's dream.
Tropical treat
You'll find Playa Tamarindo in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. With the North Pacific lapping at its sandy white shores and lush palm trees waving in the balmy breeze, it's the poster child for tropical. The beauty of this bay attracts beach lovers, partygoers, yachters and surfers in equal measure.
Surfer's spot
This bay's a favourite for surfers – and no wonder, with decent swells for beginners and pros alike. Playa Tamarindo, as well as neighbouring Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, all have well-established surf schools to get you riding the waves in no time.
Mangroves and turtles
Tamarindo's crown is Las Baulas National Park, a protected mangrove estuary that's dripping in Mother Nature's jewels. Leatherback turtles are the main attraction here – especially during nesting season from March to May – and visitors stay on through 'til evening for the breathtaking sunsets.