Costa Rica Beaches

Tamarindo Beach

By Patrick Brunelle ⋅ June 15, 2009 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Tamarindo Beach is one of the most visited beaches in all of Costa Rica. Famous for its surfing and nightlife, this beach destination is truly a one of a kind. Tamarindo beach also serves as a place that seems to divide people, between those that love it, and those that don’t. Bellow and the pros and cons from each group:

Pros of Tamarindo Beach

There are very few places in Costa Rica that can offer year round quality surfing. Tamarindo Beach also offers people countless surf shops, and has one of the coolest surfer vibes in the country. Tamarindo is what I pictured in my head Costa Rica would be. The development means that there is a lot of security and the new condos offer people who want to live in Costa Rica lots of options.

Another pro is the fact that locals still have an impact on the city. Costa Ricans still visit Tamarindo Beach, especially during Samana Santa. The other big pro about Tamarindo is the awesome nightlife. They just recently opened up a new club that matches the urban quality of the Central Valley and actually are starting to receive some top notch acts.

Cons of Tamarindo Beach

OK, I will admit, I am a bit of a Tamarindo hater. I did just bring my best friend and his wedding group there, so I must not hate it that much, but there are a few things that I am not too crazy about. The first of which is the my disgust of the rampant prostitution that can be seen at time once 9pm passes. It’s obvious Tamarindo has been making an effort to tone down on the prostitution, but it is still a little too obvious for my liking.

The other big con, is the fact that staying here now that I know what the real Costa Rica is all about, is always a disappointment for me. Had I gone there first, I would have loved it, but it just can’t compare to Costa Rica’s other magnificent beaches.