- Join for free
- Sign In
Latest Tamarindo hotel reviews
I took a surf lesson from Secret Spot Surf Division and was really pleased not only with my lesson (I can surf now!!!), but with the content inside the shop. It wasn't just a "Surf Shop" with boards you can rent and such, but a really cool clothing and accessory store. They had brands from all over the world, including Hurley, Redley, Vans, Sanuk, etc, and a wide variety of beach clothes for men and women. I was especially impressed with the variety of girls' (and boys') swimming suits made in Latin America (while they also sold swimming suits from popular brands like Puma, Hurley, etc). The suits from Brazil and Venezuela are especially cute--all unique and one of a kind--and made to flatter all sorts of body styles. They were very unlike the cookie cutter swimming suits you can buy in the states.
If you want to learn how to surf, I would highly recommend getting lessons from this shop/surf school. I took my lesson with Rafael Rodriguez, and was really surprised to learn that he and his co-worker are the only NSSIA (National Surf School and Instructor's Association) certified instructors in Tamarindo, and their shop is the ONLY NSSIA certified surf school in all of Costa Rica. I felt like I was in really good and safe hands, as I know that in order to get the certification the instructor has to go through a rigorous training session in the US, pass CPR and safety training, as well as have at least 10 or some odd years of surf experience.
What to buy: If you are shopping for a swimming suit in the states especially for this trip, I would suggest putting it off until you get here. The prices are about the same, but the suits here (especially at Secret Spot) are really unique and will be a great reminder of your trip to Tamarindo. You'll be the envy of all your friends.
You should also buy your surf lesson from this shop...and if you want to go out on your own (which I don't recommend, you'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle by learning with an instructor first) you can rent a 'tabla' (surf board) from this shop as well.
What to pay: Less than you'll spend for high quality suits in the states: about $45-70.
Updated Apr 27, 2009
Address: Centro Commercial Sunrise, Local 2
Phone: (506) 2653 0734
Website: www.sstamarindosurf.com
Visit the studio and gallery of porcelain potter, Martha Cooper Mays.
Located on Playa Junquillal, next to Hotel Iguanazul, producing functional tableware and home decorating items. All are made on the potter's wheel, each is unique, "one of a kind" and all related in brilliant colors a flowing hand painted theme.
All made from durable, chip resistant, microwave and dishwasher safe, porcelain clay.
See the work being made and browse the gallery full of both Cooper Mays wares, and other Costa Rican artwork in pottery, wood and fabric.
What to buy: Dinnerware and functional home decorating items.
What to pay: $12.00 and up. But there a big sales events all the time. Now 50% off all Cooper Mays porcelain.
Written Jan 9, 2009
Address: Playa Junquillal, next to Hotel Iguanazul
Phone: 506-8872-2819
Website: http://coopermays.blogspot.com
Helpfulness
With the exception of the Alegria handmade soap shop, there is nothing in Tamarindo that cannot be bought at the airport or at home for less. The prices here are outrageous.
We stopped at grocery store in San Jose on our way home and bought the same coffee and salsas being sold in Tamarindo for 70% less. For example, one pound of coffee in Tamarindo was $7, in San Jose it was less than $1.
Updated Mar 30, 2005
Helpfulness
Your choices are limited in Tamarindo. There are three small grocery stores. Our favorite was the southern most store in Playa Langosta about 1/4 mile from our B&B. It is owned by an Italian family and their selection of wine was surprising. This market also offered the freshest meats of the three.
What to pay: Prices are comparable to the US
Written Mar 30, 2005
Helpfulness
shopping?.. absolutely not a problem, just walk on the main street and you can find from the local craft to the silliest souvenir... and my best liked was the Galeria Paseo de las Estrellas, a big tent protecting the stalls and a nice, very patient lady who dusted any of my choice before inserting it in a white envelope protecting it with a piece of adhesive tape...
Written Jan 24, 2003
Helpfulness
What to buy: You're going to pay more in Tamarindo for all types of shopping because its a tourist town through and through. Buy your souvenirs in San Jose.
Updated Dec 13, 2007
1 - 6 of 6
Sponsored Links
4 Reviews and 250 Opinions Having stayed at the Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, I considered Capitan Suizo in...
1 Review and 140 Opinions Awesome accomadations and excellent surf instruction. The place has about 10 rooms, all a/c (a must)...
Tamarindo Diria Beach And Golf Resort
3 Reviews and 541 Opinions I would definitely recommend this resort to people of all ages and from all places. I think it is...
Reviews and photos of Tamarindo attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Tamarindo sightseeing.
You're going to pay more in Tamarindo for all types of shopping because its a tourist town through and through. Buy your souvenirs in San Jose.
11 members live in Tamarindo
Q: Hello, my boyfriend and I are flying into Liberia from Houston, and staying in Tamarindo at the end of June. We are wondering if...
A: Thank you so much for the info:) I'll look into that definitely
Read 3 Replies
1
I think I was most struck with how rural this country was. Most of my travels have been to urban places and as we drove the 4 hours between Tamarindo from San Jose I kept wondering when I would see......
2
playa Tamarindo y playa Grande
Playa Tamarindo is a touristic place, even if it's also the destination of the local tourism but definitely it's crowded around Christmas time and its restaurants and shops are the typical touristic...
3
I'm not sure about the rest of the world but in the US people always talk so good about Costa Rica like its a definate must see destination. They say its a great place to vacation and a great time to...
4
Most days in Tamarindo we were surfing as the sun was beginning to set. What a fabulous way to spend the afternoon / early evening. We spent four lovely days in Tamarindo and would have liked to...
5
Tamarino has changed a LOT in the past year. Lots of construction and new buildings – mostly 5-6 story condominiums, a pizza hut, subway sandwiches, TCBY yogurt and a Burger King! We saw a billboard...
Build your own Tamarindo page
Sponsored Links
