Tamarindo Surf Report
Live Tamarindo Surf Report & Forecast Today
Live Tamarindo surf report: today’s swell, wind and tides on Playa Tamarindo, updated through the day. Tamarindo is Costa Rica’s best-known surf town for a reason. One beach gives you soft peaks for learning, a fast river mouth for shortboarders and reef breaks for experienced surfers. Searching for the old Magicseaweed Tamarindo forecast? This page covers the same spot, live.
Tamarindo Surf Report: Tide Times Today
Mid to high tide works best on most of the beach. The river mouth comes alive on a pushing (rising) tide, and longboarders often prefer mid tide on the main beach.
Reading the Tamarindo Surf Forecast: Best Conditions
| Swell direction | SSW, SW or WSW |
| Swell size | 3–6 ft, ideal for most levels |
| Swell period | 12–16 seconds for powerful, clean waves |
| Wind | Light offshore from the east (E/ENE) |
| Tide | Mid to high; river mouth on a pushing tide |
| Time of day | Sunrise to about 9 AM, and near sunset. Midday is often choppy |
| Season | May–Oct: bigger, more consistent SW swell. Nov–Apr: smaller waves, perfect for beginners and longboards |
Where to Surf on Playa Tamarindo
- Main beach: soft, forgiving peaks in front of town. The best place in Tamarindo to learn, and where most surf lessons run.
- River mouth (El Estero): at the north end by the estuary. A faster, hollower wave for shortboarders, best on a pushing tide. Crocodiles live in the estuary, so don’t surf here at dusk or after heavy rain.
- Pico Pequeño & Pico Grande: reef breaks toward the south end, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Is Tamarindo Good for Beginners?
Yes. Tamarindo is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn to surf. Go at mid to high tide, and surf early before the wind picks up. The dry season (November to April) brings the smallest, friendliest waves.
Want to stand up on your first day?
Take a lesson with a local instructor.
Tamarindo Surf Report FAQ
What is the best time to surf Tamarindo?
Early morning, from sunrise to about 9 AM, when the wind is light and offshore.
What tide is best for Tamarindo?
Mid to high tide for most of the beach, and a pushing tide for the river mouth.
Are there crocodiles in Tamarindo?
Crocodiles live in the Tamarindo estuary. Avoid surfing the river mouth at dawn, dusk or after heavy rain.
What happened to Magicseaweed?
Magicseaweed shut down in 2023. This page gives you today’s Tamarindo surf report and forecast for free.
Do I need my own board?
No. Surf shops in town rent boards by the hour or day, and lessons include one.
Things to Do After Surfing in Tamarindo
Breakfast, coffee and happy hour are all steps from the beach. See our Tamarindo restaurants guide, or book a sunset catamaran cruise for the afternoon when the wind comes up.
- Surf Captain forecasts are updated 4 times per day every 6 hours.
- To make the forecast simple, we break the surf conditions into 3 simple categories of clean (green), fair (blue), and choppy (red)
