Occidental Tamarindo
All-InclusiveTamarindo
Costa Rica
From Toronto (YYZ)Air Canada Vacations · Direct flightDeparts jeu. 12 nov.
- 7 nights
- Superior Room
- Flights incl.
From
1 529 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 127 $/mowith FlexPay
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
All-inclusive beach resorts · Direct flights from Canada
4.6 · 2,900+ Costa Rica vacations booked by Canadians
All-Inclusive · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Tamarindo
7-night Guanacaste beach resort packages with return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Tamarindo
Tamarindo is Costa Rica's most beloved beach town — a surf-and-sand hub on the Guanacaste coast where warm Pacific breaks roll onto golden Playa Tamarindo and the pura vida pace runs from sunrise longboard sessions to sunset catamaran sails. It sits in Costa Rica's driest, sunniest region, an easy drive from Liberia airport, and makes a perfect base for turtle beaches, volcanic hot springs, and offshore snorkelling.
Tamarindo, GuanacasteClimate
Climate
26–33°C · dry-forest sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's sunniest region — a long dry season (Dec–Apr) and a lush green season (May–Nov).
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
1 CAD ≈ 370 CRC · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Passport + proof of onward travel
Top Experiences in Tamarindo
On the beachLearn to Surf at Playa Tamarindo
Gentle, consistent beach breaks and dozens of surf schools make Tamarindo one of the world's best places to catch your first wave.
By boatSunset Catamaran & Snorkel
Sail the Pacific with a snorkel stop, open bar, and Guanacaste's legendary sunset over the water.
WildlifeLeatherback Turtles at Playa Grande
Across the estuary, Las Baulas National Marine Park protects the nesting beach of giant leatherback turtles (Nov–Feb).
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: Canadians can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for the length of your stay.
Proof of onward travel: Costa Rican immigration can ask for a return or onward ticket, so keep your itinerary handy at check-in and arrival.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Costa Rica. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Costa Rica uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so no adapter or converter is needed.
Time zone: Costa Rica runs on Central Standard Time (CST) year-round — one hour behind Toronto in winter and two in summer.
Best time to visit Tamarindo
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry season — endless sun, clear skies, and the liveliest beach scene. Busiest and priciest.
May – AugGreen season
Lush and warm with brief afternoon showers and great value; July often brings a mini-dry spell.
Sep – OctWettest months
Heaviest rains of the year — jungle at its greenest but some dirt roads turn muddy. Lowest prices.
NovGreen-to-dry
Rains ease and crowds are thin — the countryside is still vivid green before high season.
Where to stay
Tamarindo zones & nearby beaches
From the buzzing surf-town centre to quiet upscale coves and turtle beaches across the estuary, here's how to choose your base around Tamarindo.
Tamarindo Town
Beach centre
The lively heart of the action — surf shops, beach bars, and restaurants steps from the main break at Playa Tamarindo.
Best for
- Surfers
- Nightlife
- First-timers
Playa Langosta
Just south
A calmer, greener enclave a few minutes from town with tide pools, smart resorts, and an uncrowded beach.
Best for
- Couples
- Relaxation
- Resorts
Playa Grande
Across the estuary
A long, undeveloped surf beach protected as a turtle-nesting park — peaceful, natural, and great for advanced waves.
Best for
- Surfers
- Wildlife
- Privacy
Flamingo & Conchal
North coast
Upscale marina town and the crushed-shell sands of Playa Conchal, a short drive north for calmer swimming and snorkelling.
Best for
- Families
- Snorkelling
- Luxury
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a great launch point for Guanacaste's volcanoes, wildlife, and offshore reefs. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
National ParkRincón de la Vieja Volcano & Hot Springs
Full day · 9 hrsNortheast · ~2 hrs by coach
Hike the active volcano's trails to waterfalls and bubbling mud pots, then soak in natural hot springs.
Insider tips
- Bring hiking shoes and swimwear
- Park closed Mondays
Ocean DayCatalina Islands Snorkel & Sail
Half day · 5 hrsOffshore · By catamaran
Sail out to the Catalina Islands to snorkel with rays, turtles, and tropical fish over volcanic reef.
Insider tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Best visibility in dry season
Beach DayPlaya Conchal & Flamingo Beach Day
Full day · 7 hrsNorth coast · ~45 min by car
Swim and snorkel at the crushed-shell sands of Conchal, then browse Flamingo's marina and beach bars.
Insider tips
- Bring water shoes for the shell beach
- Calmer water than Tamarindo
WildlifePalo Verde Jungle River Safari
Full day · 8 hrsRío Tempisque · ~1.5 hrs by coach
Cruise the Tempisque River through Palo Verde National Park to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and wading birds.
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars and a hat
- Mornings are best for wildlife
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Good to know
Tamarindo travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Costa Rica?
No. Canadians can stay up to 90 days visa-free — just carry a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.
How long is the flight from Canada to Tamarindo?
Seasonal direct flights are about 5h 15m from Toronto to Liberia (LIR), the closest airport to Tamarindo.
Which airport do I fly into for Tamarindo?
Fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International in Liberia (LIR) — Tamarindo is roughly a 75-minute drive southwest.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
The dry season from December to April brings the most reliable sun; May to November is greener, quieter, and better value.
Is Tamarindo good for surfing?
Yes — its gentle, consistent beach breaks make it one of the best places in the world to learn, with plenty of schools and board rentals.
What currency should I bring?
The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is official, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Bring small bills for tips and taxis.
Can I see sea turtles near Tamarindo?
Yes. Playa Grande, across the estuary, is a protected leatherback nesting beach — guided night tours run roughly November to February.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add excursions like the Rincón de la Vieja volcano tour and Catalina Islands snorkel sail to your trip at checkout.