In the north of Guanacaste lies Tamarindo, a long, beautiful beach of almost white sand, much sought-after by tourists. It owes its name to the many fruit trees called tamarind trees that line it. Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most developed areas, and in the space of a few years, this small town has been transformed into a seaside resort renowned for its fiestas, and has also become very Americanized. It is the destination par excellence for American tourists visiting Costa Rica on vacation. There are plenty of places to shop, from small craft stores to luxury boutiques. There's something for every budget. The infrastructure is very modern and new buildings continue to spring up: hotels, shops, bars and nightclubs, but fortunately, the beach remains unspoiled.
Tamarindo beach is an ideal spot for surfing and windsurfing. The currents are perfect for these sports. You can also swim at certain points, while remaining cautious, or simply relax on the beach. Other activities include waterskiing, kayaking, horseback riding, sport fishing - another local specialty - scuba diving, snorkeling, mangrove excursions and more. The region has a tropical climate and plenty of sunshine, so you can enjoy these activities at any time of year.
What's more, if you visit Tamarindo between October and January, you may be lucky enough to witness the exceptional spectacle of turtles laying their eggs. Indeed, this region of northern Guanacaste is home to the world's largest population of Baulas turtles. Baulas are sea turtles that can measure up to 2 meters in length and weigh up to 700kg. Turtles are not the only species to seek refuge in this region. As you stroll around, you may come across other animals such as crocodiles in the mangroves, monkeys swinging from tree to tree or numerous migratory birds taking a break from their travels.
