Tips for getting around the Tamarindo area

Many have asked whether it is easy to get around the Tamarindo area or to travel between the beach towns if you have not rented a car. Unfortunately, it is NOT. Keep on reading to learn why and explore some options for getting around.

Taxi – In the town of Tamarindo it is possible to flag a taxi and there are always taxis parked in front of Tamarindo’s central plaza. Some have meters, with a controlled fare, but others will prefer to negotiate rates. Discuss the rate in advance so they don't pull a fast one on you. Also note that taxi rides outside of town will be pricey, for example, a taxi ride from Tamarindo to Conchal or Playa Grande could cost about $40-60 one way.

Need a local taxi recommendation? My personal driver when I lived there with my kids was Henry from Trip-N-Taxi. He has a regular sized car, a 12 and 15 passenger van and has often provided rides for our families in years past. If he is not personally available he has other trusted drivers that he can send to your aid. Call or message him on What's App at +506 8631 1727.

Walking - If you are staying in Tamarindo proper it is easy to walk around town and access restaurants and small corner stores. The larger grocery stores are going to be about a 5-10 minute drive out of town and would require a taxi. Each of the other towns also have walking distance / accessible restaurants and shops (Flamingo, Playa Grande, Langosta) but getting from one beach town to the next is where it gets tricky and will require transportation.

Bus – There are a few local buses that run between Tamarindo and the beaches. They run very infrequently and leave at times that are great for workers looking to get into town, but do not help for tourists (e.g. the bus from Playa Grande to Tamarindo leaves at 6am and 1pm and returns at 12pm and 5pm - but don't quote me because this sometimes changes). If you can manage to catch the bus, expect to pay around $3/ride for a ticket. But don't be fooled by the folks sitting at the bus stop, I have learned that there is a whole underground taxi system where you hop into personal people's cars and folks wait for them at the bus stop, but the bus won't come unless it is the designated time of the day, and I would not recommend that you get into random cars.

Bicycle – Tamarindo is easy to explore on bike. There are several bicycle rental shops around town that rent bikes for 5,000-12,000 CRC per day.

Golf Carts – If you can get a few people to pitch in, golf carts are an affordable way to get around. Tamarindo Golf Cart Rentals has four-seaters available for 31,000 CRC per day (check prices when you contact them as they may have changed). Plus, they’re electric, so no need to buy gas!

Uber - Although the Uber service is technically in play in Tamarindo, there are little to no cars available and I have had 0% success calling an Uber here, so please do not rely on it. They DO however, run consistently in San Jose for those visiting the big city and also have Uber Eats :-)