Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Like a gift from the surf gods, Tamarindo is often at its best when neighboring Playa
Grande is flat. The most popular wave is a medium-sized right that breaks directly in front
of the Tamarindo Diria hotel. The waters here are full of virgin surfers learning to pop up.
There is a good left that's fed by the river mouth, though be advised that crocodiles are oc-
casionally sighted here, particularly when the tide is rising (which is, coincidentally, the
best time to surf). There can be head-high waves in front of the rocks near Le Beach Club.
More advanced surfers will appreciate the bigger, faster and less crowded waves at
Playa Langosta (on the other side of the point); Playas Avellanas, Negra and Junquillal to
the south; and Playa Grande to the north.
A number of surf schools and tour operators line the main road in Tamarindo. Surf les-
sons hover at around US$45 for 1½ to two hours, and most operators will let you keep the
board for a few hours beyond that to practice.
Kelly's Surf Shop
SURFING
120, group/private lesson US$50/90; 9am-6pm)
One of the very best surf shops in the area, it has a terrific selection of newish boards that
it rents by the day or week. Premium boards cost a bit more.
Matos Surf Shop
SURFING
Center; 8am-8pm, lessons 9-11am & 2-4pm)
The granddaddy of local surf shops is owned by a Uruguyan DJ-photo-entrepreneur. It of-
fer lessons, and rents and sells boards at the cheapest rates in town. There is another outlet
in Playa Grande.
Blue Trailz
SURFING, CYCLING
private surf lesson US$45/80, bike rental per day US$20, bike tours US$55-75; 7am-7pm Mon-Sat)
Blue Trailz offers surf lessons, board rental and other more comprehensive surf packages.
Lodging is at the same-named hostel, just across the street from the beach. This is also the
local expert on mountain biking, distance cycling, bike tours and repairs.
