The Perfect 7-Day Holiday Vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Looking to get away from the cold for the holidays? Look no further! Tamarindo, Costa Rica is the perfect holiday destination whether you want to bring the whole family, a group of friends, or just yourself! With limitless activities, incredible weather, and breathtaking sunsets, there is no better place to spend the holiday season. Spend the holidays in Costa Rica and give the gift that keeps on giving with a tropical trip you will never forget! 

The easiest one-stop package is Iguana Surf’s Tamarindo surf camp, which includes the best of everything Tamarindo has to offer so you can experience the town to the fullest without having to worry about anything! There are a number of different options depending on how long you would like to stay, and there are a bunch of add-ons so that you can personalize your package. The best-selling ultimate surf camp option includes 7 nights stay in the beachfront hotel, airport transportation, breakfast at the balcony restaurant, 5 surf lessons, a surf trip, surf photos, and a video analysis, and more. All you have to do is reserve the surf camp, and everything else is taken care of! No stressing about your hotel or finding a shuttle to and from the airport. You will be all set! 

Check out more deals and all of the add on options from yoga, to Spanish classes, to meditation with the link below!

Day 1: 

You arrive in Liberia, Costa Rica and are greeted by one of our drivers at the airport. You hop in the van and get to enjoy the scenic one hour drive to Tamarindo. You will then be greeted by one of our hosts (regardless of your arrival time!) and shown to your beautiful, beachfront room. Bask in the AC and get a little rest, or head out to the balcony restaurant for a nice cold beer to get your vacation started! Once you are settled, you can head downstairs to the surf shop to meet your instructors, get acquainted with some of the other people staying in the hotel, and plan out some activities for your stay in Tamarindo! You get free board rentals whenever you want during your time at the surf camp, so feel free to grab a board and take to the ocean if you can’t wait to get started. 

Check out one of Tamarindo’s many delicious restaurants for happy hour and dinner. La Baula has world-class Italian pizza, Green Papaya has incredible Mexican flavors, and Patagonia is a very popular Argentinian grill. Everything is within just a short walk so just decide what sounds good and head over. 

Day 2: 

Start your day off right with your complimentary breakfast at Breakfast Grinds, the balcony ocean-view restaurant connected to the hotel. You get to order anything off the menu, along with a coffee or fresh juice! The food is amazing and the views are even better. Fuel up for the day and check out the waves you will be surfing later!

It is time for your first surf lesson! The best time for surfing depends on the tide, so your lesson will be scheduled either in the morning or the afternoon based on the best waves. You will head out with your instructor and start with some safety and technique basics on the beach, and he will tell you all about the specifics of surfing at Tamarindo beach. Depending on your level, your instructor will make sure you are well equipped to surf successfully and have a blast. When you’re ready, you will head out into the water and catch some waves! Lessons are about 2 hours long in total, and by the end, you are sure to be tired (but in the best way of course). 

After your lesson, try out some typical Costa Rican cuisine at a local favorite, Wrap Soda. Just about a block away from the surf shop, this joint is popular with our instructors and surf campers alike! For about $6, you can get a huge plate of Casado, which includes rice, beans, your choice of meat, salad, and some plantains. It is beyond delicious and hands down the best meal to eat post-surf. The place is very casual, so you can even just rock up still in your swimsuit. Make sure you get a “fresco” or juice with it as well… I recommend passionfruit or “maracuya.” The perfect tropical thirst quencher! 

You still have time to try one of Tamarindo’s awesome tours in the afternoon! Let’s say you want to try zip lining, for example. You will be picked up right in front of the hotel and driven to the location, which is just about 25 minutes into the jungle from Tamarindo. Your tour guide will get you all set up with all of the gear you’ll need, and you’ll be off! Our zip-lining tour features 11 lines, with plenty of height and speed and some absolutely gorgeous views. Experience Costa Rica from a new perspective and have a blast at the same time! When you have reached the end of the course, there will be water and some fresh waiting for you. And when you’re ready to head home, your driver will drop you back off again right in front of the hotel. So easy, and so fun! 

Dinner time! Try out another one of Tamarindo’s awesome dinner spots. If you need recommendations, anyone at Iguana will be ready to help you find something you’ll love! 

Day 3: 

After another world-class breakfast, you know what time it is. Time to surf! Your instructor will continue right where you left off, and hopefully, you will catch even more waves than you did the first time. 

Try another tour! The Sunset Sail is one of our favorites. There is no better way to spend an afternoon than on a gorgeous catamaran cruise! This tour leaves right from Tamarindo at around 1 pm and takes you on a gorgeous ride out into the ocean. It eventually anchors down in a nearby cove where you can snorkel, swim, or just catch some rays on the boat. A delicious Costa Rican lunch is provided, and there is an open bar all afternoon. Cocktail waters will come to take your order! At the end of the day, the boat will bring you back to Tamarindo as the sun starts to go down, but not without stopping to get a good look at the sunset first. There are also often whale, turtle, and other wildlife sightings on this tour! It’s one you absolutely cannot miss. 

Day 4: 

Ever started your day off by snorkeling? Probably not, but you definitely should. Our snorkeling tour leaves in the morning and will take you out to the Catalina Islands, one of Costa Rica’s best snorkel spots rich in rock formations and marine life. With the help of expert guides, you will have the chance to see all sorts of incredible fish, turtles, manta rays, and maybe even some small sharks. If you want to get a little more extreme, you can do a discover scuba dive. Transportation, all of the gear, and some snacks and water are provided. Snorkeling is definitely something you can’t miss out on while in Costa Rica!

You will return back to Tamarindo early afternoon from snorkeling, and after eating some lunch and having a little downtime on the beach, it will be the perfect chance for a sunset surf. You can make sure that your surf lesson will be in the afternoon so you can head out and enjoy the waves until the sun goes down. This is definitely the most ideal end to any day! 

Day 5: 

As part of your Iguana Surf package, you will take a day trip to a nearby beach to experience a new spot and see some more of the sights around Tamarindo! One of the most popular options is Playa Avellanas which is about 45 minutes south of Tamarindo. It is a gorgeous beach with another awesome break that is perfect for intermediate surfers. Your instructor will load up the van with your surfboards and wax, and all you have to do is hop in and ready to go! Pack some snacks for a post-surf picnic,  or there is also a restaurant on the beach called Lola’s where you can refresh on food and drinks. Avellanas is also an incredible spot to watch the sunset! You will get to see a new place, get your surfing in, and enjoy some awesome libations. Pretty much the ideal day if you ask me! 

Day 6: 

By now, your surf lessons will be going pretty smoothly and hopefully, you will be feeling really confident on your board! Your instructor might take you to a new area of the beach to try another break, and you will be able to continue to learn new techniques. 

While you are in Tamarindo, there are two amazing markets that you can’t miss. On Thursday nights you will find the Tamarindo Night Market. The market runs from 6-9 pm and is located in a square behind the Tamarindo Gym. You will find food from all over the world, handmade jewelry and other goods, delicious drinks, live music, and often other fun pop up performances like a fire show or some magic. The night market is always a lively time and completely free to visit, but also a great stop for dinner or to get a few souvenirs if that is on your list. 

The Saturday morning farmers market is just as incredible. A few of the same vendors will likely be there, but with more options for fresh produce, spices and oils, amazing coffee, more handmade goods, and even a smoothie bowl truck. There is nothing better than starting off your morning with some acai and a fresh coffee and maybe a pastry, and supporting what the amazing artists in the area are selling. Make sure to check both out during your stay to grab some yummy food and stock up on souvenirs to bring back home!

Day 7: 

Somehow, it is already your last day in Tamarindo! You know what they say… time flies when you are having fun. Make sure to soak up your last Costa Rica waves by spending ample time at the beach. Grab your sunscreen and a cold beverage, and set up camp for a little while! Get a nice tan, maybe buy a coconut, and watch people surf or play soccer. 

Since it is the holiday season, after all, the perfect way to end your trip is a nice dinner with your family, friends, or the new friends you have met to reflect on the amazing time you have had and enjoy each others’ company. Pangas is one of the nicer beachfront restaurants in town and would be the perfect place to make a reservation to enjoy a final dinner Tamarindo and celebrate the holiday spirit. Exchange gifts, share stories and cheers to an unforgettable holiday experience. To book this epic vacation, simply visit us online and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! We can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you in Costa Rica!!