Tamarindo, Costa Rica Travel Guide

This video is sponsored by us. For more detailed insights and to navigate Tamarindo like a pro, download our curated tourist guide. It’s your ultimate resource for finding the best restaurants, cafes, and even our favorite drivers and shuttle services. Link in the description below!
www.thatch.co/guide/31y83lyzo...
🌊 Welcome to 'Tamarindo Explained' by Their Happy Trails! In this comprehensive guide, we're diving deep into the heart of Tamarindo, Costa Rica - revealing hidden gems, local favorites, and must-try activities that go beyond just sun and surf. 🌞🌴
Our Recommendations
Play Tide Catamaran - www.playtidecharters.com/
Tamarindo Diving - www.tamarindodiving.net/
Surf Shack - / surfshacktama
Dragonfly Bar and Grill - www.dragonflybarandgrill.com/
Nordico Coffee - nordico.coffee/
Have any questions or want to partner with us?
[e-mail]
🏄‍♂️ As long-term residents of Tamarindo, we've experienced the best of what this vibrant town has to offer. From the bustling markets to serene beach spots, we're sharing insider tips to make your visit truly special.
🍽️ Hungry for local flavors? We've got you covered with our top picks for dining in Tamarindo, whether you're craving traditional Costa Rican dishes or international cuisine.
🌴 Looking for adventure? Discover the best spots for surfing, whether you're a beginner or a pro. Plus, don't miss our favorite local activities that capture the essence of Pura Vida!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travelers: Check out our recommendations for kid-friendly spots and activities that everyone will love.
👍 Like and Subscribe for more travel guides and insider tips from Their Happy Trails. Visit our blog for detailed travel stories:
theirhappytrails.com/
📸 Follow us on Instagram for daily updates: / theirhappytrails
#TamarindoCostaRica #CostaRicaTravel #SurfingParadise #LocalCuisine #FamilyTravel #MarketDays #TamarindoBeach #CostaRicanAdventure #TravelVlog #TheirHappyTrails #BeachTownExploration #CostaRicaLife #PuraVida #TravelGuide #InsiderTips #ExploreTamarindo"
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Tamarindo Layout
05:30 Money Talk
06:05 Tamarindo Night Market
07:37 Things todo in Tamarindo
09:23 Surfing
10:54 Favorite Places to Eat in Tamarindo
13:37 Gyms and working out

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Know where everything thing in Tamarindo is!! Buy our fully interactive map that includes info like the drivers we trust and use and all of our favorite recommendations! www.thatch.co/guide/31y83lyzo787d/view?s=d54c5df1-144b-488d-9077-9317efc0113f&s_f=e&s_t=c_l&s_b=y This video took a lot of effort to create for you guys! If you find it helpful, buy us a coffee to show your appreciation! buymeacoffee.com/Theirhappytrails

[@johnmcallan3980]

'Great Video, one of the best on Tamarindo. I'm a really, really old guy, haven't been there for the past four years. Convinced myself that I was way too old for Tam. and my wife sadly has passed on. Your video convinced me that I may have at least one or more visit in me. However I think I'll spend most of my time in the quieter less rambunctious Langosta area, guess I can call it a reminiscence therapy trip. You guys did an excellent job, not quite what it was like 30 years ago. Keep up the good work.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Glad the video was helpful!! Yes I would definitely recommend Langosta!

[@boogieman_destinations]

Love the detailed information of your video. Really helps with the planning. Thank you!!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! Thank you for commenting and letting us know! If you have any other questions we will do our best to help. Thanks!

[@laripreibisch]

Loved this videooo! Thank you guys

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Awesome!! Thank you so much for letting us know!

[@AgeWellNowMensHealthover40]

Great video guys. My wife & I just sat and watched it as we're preparing to visit with our 3 teenagers in March. Not a lot of people break down details like this, so gave us a great idea of where to go.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Awesome! Thanks for commenting and letting us know it was helpful to you! We really appreciate it

[@RobJagerPlumProductions]

This was a great video. Watched it from start to finish. I can't wait to visit in a few weeks and hopefully we'll run into you. :) Thanks for the insights and suggestions. Keep up the great work!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey Rob! We also have a fun interactive map we created! People are appreciating seeing exactly where everything is on the map and even more recommendations, like our personal drivers and such! Here is the link :) www.thatch.co/guide/31y83lyzo787d

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Also thank you for tuning in! We are glad the video is helpful!

[@mikejespersen2028]

Great video! And thank you for adding the little map insets. They may it so much easier to orientate yourself.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely! That’s exactly why we added the map inserts so I’m glad it helped you!

[@tammyhellier9547]

Thanks for posting , heading to Occidental in 5 days for the first time. You guys are great !

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! So glad this video was helpful to you!! Thank you for commenting and letting us know :)

[@diegorojas681]

Awesome content, I stayed there 3 weeks ago and it was my thid time in Tamarindo, Party, Skate, Surf, and Great Restaurants, I love it.Best vibes for you guys, thanks for share your experience.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey man! Thanks for commenting! Yes Tamarindo is perfect for all those reasons! We appreciate your positive feed back!

[@malimish]

Thanks for this vdeo. We are staying in the Tamarindo area for a month and it is good to get this quick overview of the town.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Awesome! We might see you guys around then!

[@malimish]

@@TheirHappyTrails Perhaps! Actually we are up the coast a bit at Playa Real but since there is nothing here to do we hope to come into Tamarindo for a few day trips.

[@off-roadskys4250]

We will be there last week in November. Looking forward to visiting Tamarindo and the surrounding towns. Will definitely check out the charter cruise. Great information for a first time visitor

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey!! Thank you for commenting and letting us know the video was valuable to you!

[@Getmoney326]

Great info Thanks!!!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely! Thanks for commenting, and letting us know!

[@heatpitch101]

Great video !!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thank you! Are you planning a trip to Tamarindo?!

[@angelahryniuk763]

Great over view of a wonderful town… it’s all here! Hopefully you’ll head south to discover other amazing beaches, cafes and vibes at Playa Negra, Juanquillal, Avellanes… and the adventure continues!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely!! The adventure continues! Thanks for tuning in Angela!

[@katyoakum7643]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely! Thanks for tuning as always!! We really appreciate you :)

[@nadavzvulun6510]

Miss you guys a lot! You’re the best we’ve seen❤ From Dana and Nadav

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey guys!!! So glad you reached out!!!! Hope you’re doing great!

[@tammycruz8189]

Thanks for sharing this journey with me it means the world to me. God Bless Ya'll Mucho Love from your friend in Michigan Tam ❤️ ♥️ 💕 p.s. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thank you!!! We appreciate you always checking in!!! Happy thanksgiving to you also!

[@BakkerfeelingAdventures]

Nicely done, great footage too. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷👍

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thanks guys! Good seeing you at Surf Shack the other day!

[@BakkerfeelingAdventures]

@@TheirHappyTrails Absolutely! 😊 Great place too.

[@JacePerry]

Very informative thank you!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

You’re welcome! Thank you for tuning in and I’m glad the video was helpful!

[@surf01er66]

Excellent !! I'm thinking of going back next year.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thank you! Did you come here to surf?? If so where did you normally go?!

[@surf01er66]

@TheirHappyTrails Stayed in Jaco, surfed south, Hermosa, and other breaks ....

[@genevievetblair]

Thank you, nice video

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thank you very much for letting us know! Hopefully it was helpful

[@filipesoares01]

Really nice video! And the name of the red car lady is “mama coche” ❤ 😋

[@TheirHappyTrails]

So amazing!! Thank you for telling us this! Pinning this comment.

[@ebwork3729]

Signed a 3 month lease with my fiance and our new baby in tamarindo starting June can’t wait! This location will determine if we’re going to stay in CR or go back home to California and gameplan… we are definitely more boujee Americans even though my grandmother is a tica lol

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! Well tamarindo is a good place for that being the boujee American! lol! Check out this some more of our videos! We have a day in life video and this one for our honest opinion “ Why we moved to Costa Rica and Why We're Leaving. Pros and Cons List of living in Costa Rica.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZnIqIFrh71njdU

[@bevyg5635]

Wow I have a vaca home in Tamarindo for a few years now, didn’t even know about some of these places, stores, Thurs night market for instance…thanks!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely!! Nice place for a vacation home!!

[@jbussmanful]

Super helpful video!! Did you guys have your kids attend any Spanish immersion program, by chance? We are looking for one that provides classes for our toddlers. Thanks!!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

She is in school here, but there are programs depending on your child's age!

[@emmafryday1913]

I totally think I saw you two walking on the beach today! Krabi pub crawl shirt?

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! I don’t think we own a pub crawl shirt, but it could have been us! We are in town :)

[@afriendofcheese]

I lived in the Central Valley back in 2007..Tamarindo isn't for me but the towns south of there, Nosara and Samara as well as Manzanillo to Mal Pais (big surfer destination) have a bit more authentic charm. Have you gotten a chance to head down the coast? Subscribed and would love to see videos of those places as it's now been so long since I explored those areas!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! Yeah, Tamarindo certainly doesn't have a super local Coast Rica Vibe. It is really built up now. We are planning a road trip pretty soon to take the proper time to explore those areas! We will be making videos along the way! Thank you for subscribing! -Matt

[@toddshopkins17]

Great video! thank you. We are flying into Libera on Friday (this week 3/29) and traveling to Tamarindo that same day. We reserved the cruise as you recommended! We would love to hit up a zipline and/or whitewater rafting. Can you recommend who to contact about that? Thanks!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey!! That awesome! You will have a great time on the cruise! And I would check on Natives Way for those other tours!

[@Jen-eb5dy]

Thinking about going to Tamarindo in July. Rainy season?

[@TheirHappyTrails]

There will be some rain but not rainy season in full. Check out our guide! We go over the seasons, provide our favorite driver’s info, and all of our top recommendations all on a interactive map :) www.thatch.co/guide/31y83lyzo787d/view

[@baldbarber4642]

Hola from Canada. I’ll be in Tamarindo February 12-20. Maybe I’ll see you!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Hey! Maybe so!

[@seanhogan6897]

Note - US dollars are accepted virtually everywhere in Costa Rica; you just might not get a very good exchange rate with your purchases (in Tamarindo or otherwise).

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yep, true. But it's safer to have to local because I have met businesses who do not accept US dollar.

[@seanhogan6897]

@@TheirHappyTrails I have only twice in 4 years of living and traveling all over the country.

[@gabrielrozier7485]

I plan on visiting in May but I booked a place in Pinilla. Should I consider moving my reservation to the actual town or do you think parking will be decent to where I could park, traverse the town, go to the beach, and leave later in the day?

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes, you could, but traffic gets really bad coming in and out of town sometimes. It is not really busy season here during May, so the traffic might not be as bad at that time. But if you plan to be in Tamarindo I would recommend staying in town.

[@tiffanyperez6930]

We are staying occidental in playa langosta. Traveling with our kid. Do we need a travel visa? Any tips on what to do with a kid

[@TheirHappyTrails]

If you’re American, you don’t need to apply for a visa :) just look online if not American. We love it down there! At low tides right outside the resort are beautiful tide pools for the kids to swim. But the water can be rough sometimes so heads up on that.

[@katerinavelichkina2735]

First of all, thumbs up, like and subscribe for this amazing informative video! Are you guys available to help planning and possibly give is a tour? I'm planning the first week of June 2024 and feeling like I could use some help.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Thank you for your feed back!! We won’t be living here when you’re here, but we could definitely help you if have any other questions! Also thank you for contributing to our channel by buying us 5 coffees!!!

[@Mkaela90]

Thinking of going next month for over a week but less than 2

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Nice! Hope you have a great trip!

[@KeyserSolze]

Parking is free, the Rasta collecting $10 to park at Tamarindo beach parking lot is hustling people. He got mad when I refused to pay him after a local told me the parking was free. Nov 2023

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely, it's all a hustle. I've made friends with some of the guys who do the parking, and they know I give them something sometimes, but not every time, lol. The main service they provide is "Watching your car", but there really isn't any need unless a person is in an empty parking lot with no one around. Next time tell rasta to smoke this joint and chill 😂

[@travelmanMN]

Would you say Tamarindo is a destination I would go to sun tan at? I have seen on other vid's that horses go up and down the beach and I don't see anyone every one the beach tanning.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes you can absolutely layout here

[@natebly2188]

The American markets seem to be wayyy more expensive. Is there a market that the locals shop at that is cheaper? We’re going to be at a condo and want to stock up on groceries

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Unfortunately not in Tamarindo. Your best bet is to go to the Mega Super in Villa Real just outside of tamarindo

[@BCAN7745]

Do you know much about "The Oaks"? Cheers

[@TheirHappyTrails]

The apartment complex?! A little bit! My buddy suggested we look in there to rent places because it’s really family friendly

[@BCAN7745]

@@TheirHappyTrails Thats good to know! Thanks for the quick response. Can't wait to return to CR 😎

[@christophermchale2971]

The exchange rate changes weekly. I understand the point you were trying to make but people should check the exchange regularly. It should also be noted that the burgers, hot dogs and wings do not come with fries so you pay separately for them, EXCEPT on Fridays when the fries are FREE with these 3 items.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

They do! And thanks for the extra notes!

[@backyardadvocate9377]

Minor.. Correction. but, “Witches Rock,” is actually NOT the surf spot, but the Company using that title.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes, that is correct

[@backyardadvocate9377]

@@TheirHappyTrails Really, a nice detailed breakdown of the area. DEF stay away from Jaco… Head further South if you’re looking for a muy tranquilo vibe & nice waves .

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@backyardadvocate9377 totally. We stopped in Jaco and definitely wasn’t our vibe. Thanks for commenting!!

[@backyardadvocate9377]

@@TheirHappyTrails I’ve some great memories & stories ‘bout T, that’ll wait for a pitcher of chilled Sangria. But, PLEASE treat yourself to the corkscrew ribbons of OlliesPt. Give ya miles of smiles . Not the size so much as the sweet peel off the wall.🤙🕉

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@backyardadvocate9377 awesome man!! Great to know! We sure will! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🙏🏼

[@nlo8329]

Golf courses in the area?

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes plenty.

[@doncoder13]

Why promote Costa Rica at this stage?

[@TheirHappyTrails]

What do you mean?

[@doncoder13]

I mean, is a county that have been promoted plenty, loads of American went there and made a lot more expensive, no need to tell anymore again, find somewhere else, thanks@@TheirHappyTrails

[@MusicClipsGlobal]

Nice video, but the country has no army. It could easily get invaded by neighbors as a whole.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

lol…

[@MusicClipsGlobal]

@@TheirHappyTrails I hope it doesn't happen, but I'm just scared for the people because neighbouring countries like Nicaragua are getting closer and closer to BRICS & allies.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@MusicClipsGlobal that is true, but I think it’s amazing what Costa Rica has done by not having a military. All that money going into the country and infrastructure

[@whistle208]

Just watch your wallet. The perfect town for the gringo/gringa. I got extorted by a nail salon owner there...BE CAUTIOUS!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes, some people here in Tamarindo try to take advantage of visitors. We have not had the same experience as you. But absolutely could happen to anyone!

[@roubikebrahimi5890]

AND ONE MORE THING TAKE YOUR BANK WITH YOU AND DO NOT EXPECT BIG PORCIONS EITHER. I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN CR FOR 30 YEARS. SO NO BS.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

😂 Well, most vacationers only spend a fraction of what's in their bank, so they need to bring it all. But good point, lol

[@rickygonzalez1545]

very expensive!

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yes, that is for true lol!! That’s the biggest downside! Have you been before?

[@rickygonzalez1545]

@@TheirHappyTrails yes gringorindo haha love that pizza place owned by Italians at the fork up the hill

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@rickygonzalez1545 yes, that place is bomb!! -Matt

[@ktara1033]

Do not come here unless you have a LOT OF money. Very expensive country.

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Yep lol

[@ebwork3729]

Expensive in what context? lol I just moved to Costa Rica from the Bay Area so I’m curious. Looking to visit here in July

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@ebwork3729 well, that is true if you’re comparing it to San Francisco, lol. But for being in central America, comparing it to this type of third world country it is very expensive.

[@ebwork3729]

Okay makes sense. Thats what I was thinking lol can’t wait to visit with my family when they come out here

[@TheirHappyTrails]

@@ebwork3729 it is certainly still a great place! It’s definitely popular for a reason and you guys have a great time

[@yungdaggerdick7336]

Loved tamarindo

[@TheirHappyTrails]

Absolutely! Great place to visit