Iguana Surf’s Top Picks Tamarindo Activities for Everyone

Tamarindo is a world-renowned destination for a Costa Rica surf camp, and you are bound to have a blast catching waves and rays on the beach. You can easily get some surfing in every day of your trip, depending on the tide and when the best surfing is. If you are a beginner, Iguana Surf offers surf lessons at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm every day of the week. These are a great way to get started and then once you get the hang of it, you can check out the tide chart and head out on your own! There is information about everything offered at Iguana Surf at www.iguanasurf.net.

Although surfing is one of the main reasons many people visit Tamarindo, there is so much more going on. From yoga classes to futsal games, there is always something to do. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. After a gorgeous sunset and some dinner, there is something going on every night in Tamarindo. From relaxed family friendly fun to wild dancing, there is something for everyone! Here is a handy guide of some of the typical events and special deals so that you don’t miss out on any of it.

Open Games @ Fut Sala Tama

Kick a soccer ball around with locals and visitors alike in a super fun, relaxed atmosphere! Getting some cardio in will help with your surfing endurance too. Depending on the day of the week, there are different tournaments for men, women, or co-ed! It is a great way to get your sweat on and meet some new friends.

Special Brunch Menu @ Grinds: Every Sunday, 6am – 1pm

Head over to Breakfast Grinds, the restaurant located right out on the balcony of the Iguana Surf Beach Hotel for their special brunch menu every Sunday! Affordable and delicious.

Beer Pong tournament @ Sharky’s: Every Sunday, 9pm

Grab a partner and sign up to compete in a beer pong tournament that will take you back to your college days. Always lively and a great place to talk to people from all over the world!

Villareal Farmers Market: Every Monday, 9am – 6pm

Get a feel for more authentic Costa Rica by taking a trip to the next little town over, Villareal. Smaller and more oriented around locals, it is a great way to get away from the tourists for a bit. This farmers market goes all day long!

Margarita Monday @ Sharkys: Every Monday, all day

$4 margaritas all day and free champagne, mimosas, and mai tais for ladies!

Open mic @ Oveja Negra: Every Monday, 8pm – 11pm  

Got a little diddy in your back pocket? Bring it out at this relaxed open mic night that is fun for the whole family. Max, who leads the open mic, will even let you use his guitar. La Oveja Negra is a hostel, restaurant, and bar so come and enjoy some dinner and drinks while listening to awesome music!

Taco Tuesday @ Longboards: Every Tuesday, all day

Two tacos and beer for just $8.50!

Trivia Night @ Bar Jolly Roger: Every Tuesday, 6:30pm

Challenge your knowledge right out on the balcony of the Iguana Surf Beach Hotel!

Karaoke Night @ Sharky’s: Every Tuesday, 9pm

If you were a little too shy to sing at open mic night, karaoke night at Sharky’s is the perfect place to let it out. Doesn’t matter that it is Tuesday; this place always fills up.

Wild Wing Wednesday @ Bar Jolly Roger: Every Wednesday, all day!

Also right out on the balcony of the Iguana Surf Beach Hotel, Bar Jolly Roger offers awesome specials all day every Wednesday. 75 cent wings or a full order for just $7.50 and $2 national beers! This is definitely the place to be to watch the sunset on Wednsdays. There is also often live music!

Open Mic @ Longboards: Every Wednesday, 7:30pm

If you missed your chance to get to the open mic on Monday, you get another shot! Hang out with Max again at Longboards to hear local talent or share your own.

Tamarindo Night Market: Every Thursday, 6pm

The Tamarindo Night Market is a must see during your visit. There are tons of vendors selling food, drinks, jewelry, and other handmade goods from all over the world. In one evening you could check out traditional art from the Czech Republic, try an authentic Spanish sandwich, and finish it off with a signature drink from Brazil! Live music and friendly faces all around.

Free Fry Friday @ Surf Shack: All day

Get free fries with the purchase of an entrée!

Crazy Monkey: Every Friday, 9pm

On Fridays if you want to go out, Crazy Monkey is the place to be. With free drinks for everyone from 9-11pm, it is bound to be a fun evening. The bar is split into two sides, one with a DJ and one with a live salsa band. Come get your dance on!

Tamarindo Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday, 8am – 1pm

This is one of my personal favorite things that Tamarindo has to offer. Visit the farmers market for your morning coffee and a fresh pastry, to buy awesome handmade goods to bring home as souvenirs, or do some grocery shopping from local farmers that bring their goods to Tamarindo every Saturday. You can find everything from farm fresh eggs, to produce, to incredible cheese!

Live Music @ El Vaquero: Every Day, 4pm – 7pm

After your afternoon surf session, walk up the beach to El Vaquero, a local beachfront restaurant and bar. Enjoy live music, happy hour specials, and undoubtedly a killer sunset. This is where you will find a lot of the locals hanging out, and Robert August has been known to enjoy this spot pretty often as well!

There are also a number of super fun classes and activities to keep you busy, help you get some exercise, and maybe even try some new skills! There are all different kinds of yoga from vinyasa to slow flow at various studios around town. Yoga is a great pre or post surf activity to build strength and keep your muscles loose and warmed up. There are also a number of dance classes offered around town that are a super fun way to spend an evening or start your day. You could learn traditional salsa with your partner or try out a hip hop or Zumba class to get energized and get your heart rate up a little bit. Balance and timing are key in surfing, and these types of supplemental activities really help with that! There are also classes like karate or tumbling for kids which are great for getting their energy out and challenge them with a new skill.

This is just a snapshot of the endless fun always going on in Tamarindo. Whether you are a group of best friends, a couple, or a family, you will certainly never be bored on your Costa Rica surf trip! All of the activities on this list happen regularly but check out http://theswelldealer.com for an updated day by day calendar during the time you will be visiting Tamarindo. If you are staying at the Iguana Surf Beach Hotel, you will definitely find the most recent Swell Dealer in your room upon arrival, but they also have a full calendar that is easily accessible online. Of course, every day should end with either a sunset surf session or grabbing some friends to head to the beach to watch the sun go down. The sunsets in Tamarindo are truly one of a kind. We can’t wait to see you at the beach!