Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Playa Tamarindo is a long, rocky beach with excellent waves near the mouth of the estuary. Currents can be strong, especially on a falling tide. Tamarindo has two main breaks for advanced surfers: Pico Pequeño a rocky point to the right of the Hotel Tamarindo Diriá and the excellent river mouth break across from Cabinas Tsunami called El Estero. The biggest waves can reach a height of up to 12 feet, although this is a rare occurrence and is only seen during June, July and August.

The beaches in the area are generally clean and recent efforts by the government and local business organizations are proving themselves. While the beach has not regained its Blue Flag Status,[3] in September 2008 it did get a clean bill of health from the Costa Rican Government. The town is trying to regain its Blue Flag Status.[4]

The nearby town of Villareal has a both a public Elementary school and a public High-school, two full size soccer fields, multiple restaurants, two large stores, multiple hardware stores, a police station, a church, several car repair shops and a fuel station.

Just east of the centre of Tamarindo, there is a 3-way intersection. To the left is the road that leads to the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, and also a secondary exit from Tamarindo. To the right is the road that leads to Langosta.

A branch office of the regional law firm Expertis Legal is located in Tamarindo center.

There are 5 supermarkets in the area.

• SuperCompro (Well Hidden from the general public, next to the Park).
• Super 2001 (on main road near intersection, almost at the end of tamarindo).
• Supermercado Las Palmeras (upon entering Tamarindo, on the other side of Aqua).
• Automercado, very upscale and air-conditioned, on the road towards Tamarindo.
• Vindi Tamarindo, modern (just past the Super 2001, left onto Central Avenue)

There is a fair-sized farmers market between the beginning of the road to Langosta every Saturday morning, which has a variety of items for sale, not just food. You will usually find at least a few dozen vendors there. There is also a smaller farmers market in Villareal, at the corner of the soccer field, every Friday morning, but it only has fruits and vegetables.

There are 3 banks in Tamarindo.

• Banco Nacional de Costa Rica on the road from the center of town, has parking, 2 ATMs and Security. It closes at 3:45pm.
• Another two are in Plaza Conchal Commercial Center, below Expertis Law firm, and at very end/back of the shops. These are open later hours than Banco Nacional. Both have ATMs.
• There are two ATMs,in front of Subway and another inside Super Compro.

Retail shops and restaurants love the American dollar. However, as a rule of thumb, don't use anything over a $20 bill...forget using a $100. You will get change in colons.

There are several shops in Tamarindo that sell and rent surf boards. They also sell related equipment and clothing.