Tamarindo

Tamarindo's main bay contains multiple peaks along a two-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, breaking both left and right with a soft bottom that makes for easy falls. The break functions best on west-northwest groundswell in the 2 to 7-foot range, with east to east-southeast winds providing offshore conditions and mid to high tide generally producing the most reliable shape. The beach setup makes it naturally beginner-friendly, though the spot attracts enough surfers that the lineup can feel crowded, especially during peak season.

Robert August, the legendary figure from the original Endless Summer documentary, brought international attention to Tamarindo in the early 1990s when Endless Summer II featured the town's breaks. August later relocated to Costa Rica full-time in 2011 and became closely associated with the area's development as a surf destination. Tamarindo now hosts competitions through the Costa Rican Federation of Surf's national circuit and has an established international film festival that draws visitors beyond the surf community.

The town sits on the central Pacific coast between Playa Grande and Playa Langosta in Guanacaste, with a defined beginner area in the central beach where the water temperature hovers around 29°C year-round, eliminating the need for wetsuits. Access is straightforward, with numerous surf schools operating in the area and lessons available for around fifty dollars, allowing visitors to paddle out without venturing far from the beach.