11 Best Beaches To Visit Near Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Are you seeking a fun and exciting experience while visiting Costa Rica? While relaxing on the beach is excellent, some travelers crave more adventure. If you’re one of those people, you’ve come to the right place!

Located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is about an hour and a half from the Liberia International Airport. On your way to Tamarindo, you can explore some amazing places. Tamarindo is renowned for its stunning beaches and sunsets, so it’s always a good idea to seek out new experiences. 

We have created a list of the finest beaches near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, to help you explore the area and make the most of your trip.

What beaches are near Tamarindo?

If you’re looking for the most popular beaches in the Tamarindo area, you’re in luck. We’ve got a list of the best beaches to visit in the Guanacaste Province. These beaches have everything you need for a fantastic getaway, from thrilling water sports to beautiful sunsets. Check the list and head to one of these beaches for a memorable experience.

Playa Tamarindo

Located right in the heart of this popular beach town, Playa Tamarindo is walking distance from the center of all the action. You will have a great time, especially during the dry season. 

Playa Tamarindo is an excellent spot for swimming and surfing, thanks to its low tide zone. It’s an ideal place to unwind and bask in the sun on lounge chairs. Horseback riding is also readily available as a leisurely activity for those who want to do more.

Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is the perfect place to add to your list, as it has the most beautiful dark sand you’ve ever seen. Many visitors come to this beach as it’s one of the best places divers go to swim with the sharks and turtles. 

Playa Negra 

This 45-minute drive is worth it; advanced surfers worldwide call Playa Negra their go-to. This beach has more of a relaxed vibe, allowing you to be immersed in the nature that surrounds it. 

Playa Junquillal

Playa Junquillal is a beautiful beach located about a 45-minute drive from Tamarindo. It’s a local favorite and worth a visit. The beach is known for its high tides, perfect for advanced surfers. But if you’re not a surfer, don’t worry! Bring a towel and a book and enjoy sunbathing on the sand.

Playa Pan De Azúcar 

If you’re planning to visit Tamarindo, we highly recommend adding Sugar Beach to your list. Locally known as one of the most popular beaches, it is also very secluded and offers an incredible natural paradise. You might even have the warm water and soft sands all to yourself with some luck.

The locals love it for a reason! Apart from the breathtaking views, you can spot some wildlife, such as iguanas and howler monkeys, and hear warbling bird songs. So, take the chance to experience this stunning beach that is a true gem of the area.

Playa Conchal 

This beach in the Tamarindo area is known for its beauty and is highly praised by many. It tends to get crowded due to its scenic views, but that should be fine as there are plenty of things to see and do there.

Playa Conchal, or Shell Beach, is beautiful with soft pink sand and pink shells, making it a perfect spot for taking pictures. The waters are calm, which makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling without any problems. If you’re a nature lover, this beach is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. 

Playa Grande

Surfers from all over the world flock to Playa Grande to catch some of the best waves in the country. Nestled within the protected boundaries of Las Baulas National Marine Park, this stunning beach is a surfer’s paradise and a crucial nesting site for endangered leatherback sea turtles. 

Playa Grande is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. Its peaceful atmosphere and long, sandy beaches will make you feel at ease. However, it’s essential to exercise caution during your visit. The river leading to the beach is home to a large crocodile population, so taking the lancha or driving around the estuary is essential to ensure your safety.

Playa Langosta 

Located in the south of Tamarindo, Playa Langosta is a perfect destination if you’re looking for a serene day at the beach. This area is quieter and promises a magnificent setting. The water is pristine, and the beach is not crowded, making it an ideal spot for those who seek solitude. 

You can find restaurants and surf shops nearby to cater to your needs. Playa Langosta is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to visit if you want to escape the crowds and spend a peaceful day at the beach.

Playa Avellanas

Our next destination is Playa Avellanas, considered one of Central America’s best beaches, spanning the entire spectrum of beach experiences. It’s an essential destination for any Tamarindo tourist because of its scenic and clean beaches. 

Playa Avellanas is an ideal destination for adventure-seekers, surfers, and those who want to relax and soak up the sun. It’s a highly-rated beach and an excellent place to spend a day. With its sandy beaches and calm, warm waters filled with tall waves, Playa Avellanas is the perfect spot for anyone to enjoy!

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo is an astounding destination you must visit in Tamarindo. The water there is gentle, and the sand is so fine that it almost feels like powder. The crystal clear water makes it easy to spot various fish species. You can also enjoy seeing other animals like parrots, sloths, monkeys, squirrels, etc.

As it is linked to one of the largest marinas in Costa Rica, this beach is a hub for sport fishing. It also serves as a base for various tours, including horseback riding, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. If you visit during sunset, you’ll capture the most stunning photos. It’s one of the best beaches near Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Playa San Juanillo

Last but not least, Playa San Juanillo is a beautiful and isolated beach that offers a unique experience. It is located at the intersection of two lovely beaches, and due to the lack of facilities, it is an extraordinary and secluded place. The beach has white sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it inviting for visitors. 

Despite its remote location, it has become one of the most popular beaches near Tamarindo. Although it is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Liberia International Airport, visiting it on your last day and making it to the airport on time for your flight home is still possible.

There is so much to discover and enjoy near the stunning town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The beaches in this area are fantastic and offer a wide range of activities. All you have to do is pack your bags and embark on your next adventure!

We are always here to assist you with your travels. If you wish to explore more destinations, look at our posts and find your next destination!