Costa Rican Culture and Surfing in Tamarindo — What You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Joining us for surfing in Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Before you grab your board bag and toss in your flip-flops, read our guide to the Tamarindo way of life!
If you’ve booked a Costa Rica luxury surf camp in Tamarindo—or are still daydreaming about it—you’re probably picturing waves, sunsets, and sandy feet. While that picture is absolutely true, we’d love to highlight the one amazing aspect that really makes this town unforgettable: its culture. Warm, laid-back, and genuinely friendly, the local culture sets the town apart. And we don’t say that only because we live here!
From experience, we know that knowing a bit about what to expect and how to interact with locals can really help elevate your experience. So here are a few things you should know before you travel.
Living the Spirit of Pura Vida
You’ll hear “pura vida” everywhere in Costa Rica, especially in laid-back towns like Tamarindo. It rolls off the tongue as a greeting and a thank you, and even a goodbye. While the expression literally means “pure life,” it is really more of a philosophy and a way of seeing life than a simple translation.
In Tamarindo, pura vida means taking things as they come, good or bad. It’s about smiling when the rain starts and when the sun re-emerges, about enjoying a surf session no matter the size of the waves, and savoring the little details of everyday life. Once you settle in, you’ll notice time feels softer, worries feel lighter, and suddenly that cup of coffee after a morning paddle out feels like pure bliss.
Enjoying a sunset with a pup and stick?
That is all pura vida in a nutshell.
You’ll Find a Community That Welcomes You In
Tamarindo may look like a bustling beach town, but deep down it feels more like a village. There’s a close-knit community here where connections happen naturally. Your barista may turn into your salsa dance teacher, your surf instructor might invite you to join a beach cleanup, and strangers who start the surf camp on the same day as you quickly become friends.
As our intern Ayesha once shared: “Tamarindo is the kind of place where I felt safe walking alone at night and never once felt like I didn’t belong. People went out of their way to make me feel welcome.”
Surfing in Guanacaste Costa Rica is a BIG Deal
Surfing is another huge part of local culture here in Guanacaste. The Pacific waves are famous worldwide and attract some of the best pros in the business. Playa Tamarindo, our home beach, offers sandy-bottom breaks that are ideal for beginners, while nearby Playa Grande challenges advanced surfers with more powerful waves. No matter your level, you’ll find your place in the lineup here, guaranteed.
At Iguana, one of the best Costa Rica luxury surf camps, we see daily how surfing brings people together. From sunrise paddles to sunset rides, the ocean becomes a meeting and melting point for stories, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
“***** Best surf experience!
I spent a week at Iguanas and enjoying the vibes of Tamarindo. I had done a handful of lessons in the past, but this topped them all. My instructor, Manrique, was amazing! He was helpful, supportive, encouraging, and very focused on helping me progress and learn. I would highly recommend requesting Manrique for your lesson!
The overall package was a wonderful experience. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean, conveniently located, and a joy to stay in. If you are considering a trip to Tamarindo, please check out Iguanas – you won’t be disappointed!”
Nikki, TripAdvisor Reviewer
Consistent waves, year-round balmy conditions, and expert coaching make Tamarindo the #1 spot in Guanacaste to learn how to surf.
Respect Is A Given
Costa Ricans, or Ticos, place a high value on kindness and courtesy, and are often dubbed the “Canadians of the South”. Simple greetings like “buenos días” go a long way, and people appreciate even small gestures of respect.
This respect extends to the environment, too, which is why Tamarindo is part of a region that takes sustainability seriously. Recycling bins are common, community beach cleanups are frequent (join in!), and many businesses—including ours—support eco-friendly practices. At Iguana, our instructors make sure guests learn about ocean etiquette and ways to help keep the beaches beautiful.
> Top 10 Things to Do in Tamarindo
Embracing a Slower Pace of Life
Time in Tamarindo beats to a different drum and everything takes a little longer than you might imagine. If you’re used to being on the go all the time and being super-productive, it might take you a couple of days to slow down to match the town’s pace. Actually, make that Costa Rica’s pace.
Meals are never rushed here but savored slowly, and in good company. Tours might start a little late, transfers always take longer than expected, and surf lessons always follow the tide. Once you stop looking at the clock, we promise you’ll find life just feels easier and infinitely more enjoyable.
Our intern, Cara, learn pretty quickly: “Once I stopped trying to plan every minute, I started enjoying everything more. I learned to just roll with it, and that made the whole experience feel more real.”
So let the slower Tico rhythm guide you, and you’ll soon discover that the most memorable experiences come from totally unplanned moments.
Blending In While Being Yourself
Here’s something that we know many visitors worry about: the lost-in-translation moments. You don’t need perfect Spanish or local knowledge to feel at home here. Tamarindo is a friendly international town, and English is widely spoken (that’s not the case in the whole country, but it is here). A few pleasant words like gracias and por favor are always appreciated, and a smile works wonders. To feel comfortable here, wear casual, beach-friendly clothes, always offer a hello when you enter shops, and don’t forget to tip your servers. That’s the Tico way of life and simple gestures like these can really make you feel like you are part of the community.
Here are the answers to the 10 top FAQs we regularly field here at Iguana:
- Yes, you can use USD in shops and restaurants
- Yes, you can drink the tap water (but we have filtered water dispensers to fill your reusable bottle)
- Yes, Costa Rica, and Tamarindo in particular, are very safe for solo travelers (and solo female travelers, specifically)
- Yes, you can learn to surf in Tamarindo all year round – the waves are gentle and consistent here, and we don’t get the crazy climate fluctuations of other regions (no hurricanes to worry about here usually!)
- Yes, Tamarindo offers a bevy of cuisines – not just local sodas but lots and lots of international options too
- The closest airport to Tamarindo is Liberia International Airport – transfers take about an hour and a half. We can arrange a return shuttle ride for you, no worries!
- NO, we don’t normally get sloths walking down the main street in Tamarindo (sorry to disappoint!). They are actually super hard to spot in Guanacaste BUT there are a few special spots you can visit to see them. Drop in and ask our crew at the shop, and we’ll share our pointers
- But YES, we do get crocodiles on SOME Costa Rican beaches. NOT Tamarindo, mind you, but if you plan on exploring the region, check in with us at the shop for local tips on the ones to avoid
- Always let someone at camp know if you plan to head out to surf solo, but keep in mind that…
- We ALWAYS recommend you surf in company. It is about the easiest and most enjoyable surfing safety tip we can dish out!
Stay, Surf, and Soak Up the Culture
Want the best way to connect with Costa Rican culture? Join us at Iguana Surf Camp. Our Costa Rica luxury surf camp offers so much more than surf lessons; it gives you a home base right on the beach, surrounded by friends you haven’t met yet.
Here, your mornings begin with waves, your afternoons might hold yoga or a tour to see turtles or waterfalls, and your evenings end with sunsets that never get old. You’ll learn from local instructors, eat well, rest comfortably, and feel part of the Tamarindo story from day one.
“***** The BEST Surf Coach You Will Ever Have
Francisco is the best surf coach I’ve ever had. I’m 62 and have been surfing about once a year on vacations for the last 18 years. Surf teachers all over: Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal. Francisco is a real pro. Age 29, he has the best qualities in a coach, empathetic, and coaches to your level to build your confidence. He is patient but passionate. Your small wins are his wins. He is focused and determined to see you improve. I can now catch green waves consistently on my own. No more white water!”
Peter, TripAdvisor Reviewer
So come on down and join us in Tamarindo, and who knows…by the time you leave, you may find yourself saying pura vida without even thinking about it!
OH!! And stay tuned: we’ll have some amazing news to share with you coming soon to the surf camp, so make sure to keep up to date with us on Insta!
