Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tamarindo?

Q: Is 3 days enough time in Tamarindo?

Three days is usually not enough time to experience the laid back town of Tamarindo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around three to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tamarindo?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Tamarindo, Costa Rica? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Tamarindo during their visit. After all, the laid back town will let you swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Tamarindo is a popular beach town in the Guanacaste Province. It has beautiful golden beaches that attract surfers and vacationers. The town is also near Playa Grande Beach, which is where you'll find hatching leatherback turtles during the right season.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Tamarindo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Tamarindo?

Three days is usually not enough time to experience the laid back town of Tamarindo, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the nightlife, the cuisine, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around three to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend 3 days in Tamarindo

Don't miss Las Baulas National Marine Park during your trip to Tamarindo, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Tamarindo is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

The beautiful beaches await you in Tamarindo, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

A few tour suggestions include:

BEST Surf Lessons in Tamarindo and Surf funcional, Surf skate, Video Analisis ($65)
ATV Beach and Mountain Tour ($99)
ATV & Canopy Tour From Flamingo Beach ($130)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Public transit in Tamarindo is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are three public bus lines through town.

Shopping in Tamarindo is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Tamarindo is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

A few tour suggestions include:

Small Group Sunset Sail for the Sophisticated Traveler ($149)
PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK ( Boat Safari, 1/2 day ) ($149)
CoralDreams Tamarind-Snorkel Sailing Catamaran Sunset Experience ($103)

Is 4 days enough time in Tamarindo?

Many visitors choose to spend around four days in Tamarindo. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities such as the beaches, the nightlife, and the cuisine. Also, you'd have some time to relax at the beach, too. Since many visitors prefer to spend around three to five days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the laid back town.

Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica

How to spend 4 days in Tamarindo

Having 4 days in Tamarindo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

After you've explored most of Tamarindo, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Tamarindo?

With five days you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Tamarindo has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Tamarindo as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the nightlife, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend 5 days in Tamarindo

With 5 days in Tamarindo, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Tamarindo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.