Is Tamarindo safe in Costa Rica?
“Don’t go out after dark”…. “Watch your stuff on the beach”… “It’s a party town—be careful.”
Before I ever stepped foot in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, I read all the forums, scanned the Facebook groups, and asked in travel subreddits. And over and over, I kept seeing the same question: Is Tamarindo safe?
Either way I was going to find out for myself!
So I headed over to the Pacific coast from the jungle town of La Fortuna.
After spending a decent amount of time in the surf town, testing out the waves, sampling the nightlife, and chatting to locals, I can give you the honest breakdown of what Tamarindo is like.
Including natural hazards, crime potential, and even the risk of a tsunami!
Here’s the real deal: Tamarindo felt safe on my trip, and it is a slice of paradise with a few rough edges.
However, in this guide, I will break down what’s worth worrying about and what’s not.
Police patrolling the beach.
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What is the general vibe like in Tamarindo?
Tamarindo was everything I expected it to be… Surf crazy locals, a cosmopolitan food scene, and some epic adventures.
The “pura vida’ energy runs deep in this small surf town, making it a laid back vibe throughout, from quirky breakfast spots to the Instagram worthy nature.
But of course, that kind of chill can come with risks!
Too relaxed can lead to trouble, leaving visitors open to scams, accidents, and situations where they let their guard down without even realising it.
So that begs the question:
A child vibe at sunset.
Are there any major safety concerns?
From what I saw, Tamarindo isn’t exactly dangerous, but it’s definitely the kind of place where it’s easy to let your guard down… Sun, surf, and good vibes can do that
A few people I met got caught out by stuff that’s pretty avoidable if you know what to look for.
So here’s what you should be vigilant about:
Petty theft.
This is a pretty standard risk in many parts of the world, especially Central American countries. Although Tamarindo didn’t feel as risky as my time in San Jose, it is easy to wander into the ocean and forget about your belongings.
Scams & tourist traps.
Overpriced taxis, shady surf rentals, and pushy street vendors can all occur in Tamarindo, so do your prior research and stay firm with your negotiations. The quieter seasons in Costa Rica may be easier to navigate in terms of scams.
If you are a solo traveller as I was, just act confident and don’t accept ‘high costs’.
Wildlife & nature risks.
Throughout Costa Rica, there is always a risk when encountering wildlife and certain nature spots. Crocodiles and monkeys are in and around the estuary in Tamarindo.
Drinking & nightlife risks.
Although Tamarindo isn’t the craziest party scene, there are plenty of popular bars which offer ‘crazy’ happy hour deals, so it is easy to end up very drunk, which increases the chances of problems.
There is creative energy in Tamarindo.
Is Tamarindo safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Tamarindo is safe for solo travellers, with many social hostels, surf camps, and activities targeting individual visitors.
The social backpacking vibe is a big draw to Costa Rica for many people.
I had no issues at all on my solo trip, and actually met some pretty awesome people in the crazy surf town!
Is Tamarindo at risk of tsunamis?
Yes, Tamarindo, as with other coastal towns in Costa Rica, is at risk of tsunamis due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active area.
While the risk is relatively low compared to regions like Japan or Indonesia, it is still important to be aware of the potential, and the signs dotted around Tamarindo, and during my time in Montezuma, were definitely reminders!
It is very unlikely that you would experience this situation, and Tamarindo is very well prepared, however, if you are anxious, maybe a trip to La Fortuna is a better option!
Tsunami ready sign.
Are there rip currents in Tamarindo?
Rip currents are a big risk in all of the popular places in Costa Rica, with hundreds of swimmers losing their life each year, and this small Pacific town is no different.
With many of the fun things to do in Tamarindo being ocean based activities, the risks are very much there.
Tamarindo isn’t the most dangerous beach in Costa Rica for rips, but they do happen, particularly during:
During high tide.
On windy days.
Or when there's a swell rolling in.
What to know:
There’ not always lifeguards on duty year-round, so you’re mostly on your own.
Locals and surf instructors know the safer spots, so if you're unsure, ask before jumping in.
If you do get caught in a rip, don’t panic. Swim parallel to the shore, not against the current.
Rip current warning sign in Tamarindo.
Is surfing safe in Tamarindo?
Make no mistake, there are some dangerous waves in Tamarindo!
However, there are plenty of places which are perfect for beginner surfers.
I rocked up as a complete novice, but survived to tell the tale!
With such a strong surfing culture across the coastal town, it is no surprise that there are many very experienced surf instructors, which cater for all levels.
I booked a surf lesson during my solo trip to Costa Rica, and it was awesome!
After an awesome surf lesson.
Paddle board lesson.
A colourful vibe across town.
Are there dangerous areas in Tamarindo?
Tamarindo isn’t a dangerous town overall, but like anywhere that attracts a mix of tourists, partiers, and opportunists, there are a few spots where you’ll want to be more cautious, especially at night.
Behind the Main Strip (Backstreets off Calle Central or near the river) - At night these streets can be poorly lit and quiet, so an incident is more likely to occur.
Near the Estuary - As above, a quiet and remote area in the evening.
Outskirts - There are no paths to certain spots, so traffic can be dangerous in the dark.
As I have already mentioned, it is a rare occurrence for incidents, but some that do happen are usually in these sorts of areas.
A more sketchy area of town.
Is Tamarindo safe after dark?
For the most part, yes, but you’ve got to be vigilant.
The town doesn’t shut down after sunset, as people are out grabbing dinner, hitting beach bars, or walking along the main strip.
I went out most nights and felt fine.
But once you get off the main roads or head toward the beach paths, it can get dark, quiet, and a bit sketchy.
If you aren’t sure, then use a taxi.
Some areas can be poorly lit.
Best neighbourhoods in Tamarindo for families.
If you're heading to Tamarindo with kids (or just want a quieter, safer base), not all parts of the town feel the same. The buzz of the town and beach area is fun…
However, there are several quieter options for you to consider:
Playa Langosta.
Only 5 minutes away from the main strip of Tamarindo, but way more chill.
Condos, boutique hotels, and fewer crowds.
Tamarindo Heights / Hilltop Area.
Close to the main beach with views overlooking the town.
Peaceful, well-lit, and close to the main beach by car or short walk.
Villareal (Just Outside Town)
15 minutes inland, with a more local feel, budget-friendly.
safer, quieter, and more affordable than beachfront areas.
Some places in Tamarindo are more kid friendly.
Are there crocodiles in Tamarindo?
Yep, there are definitely crocodiles in Tamarindo… And they are closer than you think!
They live up near the estuary at the north end of the beach, where the river meets the ocean. It’s all part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is packed with wildlife
On our estuary tour we spotted some small ones, however, our tour guide told us there are some very big crocs living in the unique environment.
You are only likely to spot a crocodile if on the estuary tour, as they stay well away from the ocean, and areas where tourists swim or surf.
I was still surprised by the presence of the intimidating reptiles being so close to the tourist areas, along with some of these other interesting Costa Rican facts.
As long as you stick to a guided tour you will 100% stay safe!
Crocodile warning sign.
Three common scams in Tamarindo to avoid.
Overpriced rentals:
Costa Rica is expensive enough without locals adding ‘hidden charges’. This does happen in Costa Rica, so you should also do some prior research on costs. Use official booking sites and tour companies to minimise the risks.
Beach horseback riding scams
You’ll probably get approached on the beach by someone offering horseback rides, but it is likely that they aren’t official tour guides, and the price will reflect this.
Prices are often completely made up on the spot, and if you don’t negotiate or clarify up front, you could be asked for more money mid-ride.
Currency confusion at shops or restaurants.
Again, this one isn’t new and is very common worldwide, when there are multiple currencies accepted.
With dollars and Colones accepted, it is easy to lose track of what costs should be.
Some shops, street vendors, and even restaurants will take advantage of tourists not double-checking the numbers, and you could end up overpaying by quite a bit.
Tourists can be overcharged for horse rides.
How to get around Tamarindo safely.
Walk (during the day): Tamarindo is small and walkable, you just need to just watch for uneven paths and hot temperatures.
Taxi (at night): Always take a registered taxi after dark, especially if you’re alone or heading outside town.
Scooters & ATVs: Fun but risky, so always wear a helmet, go slow, and only rent if you’re confident riding.
Bicycles: A great way to cruise around, but avoid riding at night due to poor lighting and fast traffic.
Shuttle services: For trips to/from the airport or nearby towns, stick to official shuttle companies.
Car rentals: Good for exploring nearby beaches, but parking in town can be tight.
Bikes are a great way to explore.
Are drugs legal in Tamarindo?
No drugs are not legal anywhere in Costa Rica even if you may spot some locals enjoying themselves.
Tourists still get stopped, fined, or even arrested for possession of weed or other substances.
Weed shop?
Tips for staying safe in Tamarindo.
Stay hydrated as Costa Rica is very humid.
Tamarindo gets hot, humid, and sweaty fast, especially if you’re surfing, hiking, or just walking around town midday. I struggled when I rented a bicycle one day, as the sun felt so hot.
Always carry a water bottle, especially if you're out during peak sun hours.
Stick to main roads at night.
This advice can be applied to many global destinations, especially Central American ones. If you get unlucky and become a target, the poorly lit and mostly empty streets will be the place where it happens.
Ask the locals for advice.
I got some of my best safety advice from surf instructors and café staff. Locals know which areas to avoid, where to park safely, and even where crocodiles are lurking. As a solo traveller I enjoyed learning about Tamarindo from the locals also.
Another example of the towns character.
What to avoid in Tamarindo.
Here are some pretty standard things to avoid in Tamarindo to minimise your risk of issues, and to make your Costa Rica itinerary more enjoyable:
Leaving your stuff unattended on the beach.
Walking alone late at night.
Crossing the estuary on foot.
Not asking prices upfront.
Taking unofficial tours.
Renting a scooter or ATV without experience.
Awesome vibes.
Current travel advisories for Costa Rica.
Before any trip, I always check what the official travel advisories say, just to make sure I’m not walking into something I should know about.
Costa Rica is generally considered safe for tourists
What Most Travel Advisories Say:
The U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Canada’s Travel Advice all rate Costa Rica as a Level 2 or ‘exercise increased caution’, which is pretty standard for travel-heavy countries.
You can check the most up-to-date advice here:
Costa Rica flag flying proud.