Folks traveling to Tamarindo often do their research online before leaving home, but the internet is a wild place. Between strong opinions and the winds of change, making the right choice is a challenge.
The first battle is figuring out where you want to go in country and what you want to see. Then you gotta figure out how to get there.
Starting with the cheapest options, I’m going to work up through the bigger investments and talk about why you might want to consider one over the other, deepening where you want to go. I’ll also cover why you might not choose one of these options.
Bus
The buses in Costa Rica are great. In Tamarindo, we have several private lines to take you to surf spots, airports, even the border of Nicaragua.
The private busses, versus the municipal buses, offer more comfort, air-conditioning and sometimes wifi. They’ll also more often than not take you to the door of your destination rather than a city center.
If you want to go super cheap, you can ride from coast-to-coast in Costa Rica on one of the big buses for less than a can across midtown Manhattan at rush hour.
The only downside to the big cheap busses is, you’d better speak Spanish or know clearly where you are going, which bus you are on. Getting lost can be a long hot day of waiting.
Bicycle
Around Tamarindo, you can rent bikes from many surf shops. Bike options include beach cruisers, mountain bikes, fat tire bikes, skinny tire bikes, and even old beat up bikes for cheap.
Like any town, bikes can disappear, so make sure you have a lock or can keep on eye on your bike if you stop for a beer.
Scooter
You’ll need a license to rent a scooter, but not to operate a motorcycle. Scooters aren’t powerful enough, and you can’t take them out on the Autopista or ‘pista (pee-stah) as the Ticos call it. Why would you want to?
These nimble rides are best for beach hopping or getting around town. Don’t rent one if you’re nervous. There is an art to scooting, one that mandates you’re comfortable separating the rear from the front brake. Mix them up and you could eat road.
Also, during the rainy season (April-November) be prepared to get wet on a scooter.
Golf Cart
No, you cannot off-road in a golf cart, not a traditional one. There is an outfit in town that sells offload golf carts, a sort quad-cart hybrid thingy. They look fun.
Golf carts come in different lengths, offering a comfortable and quiet ride for even families if you get a big enough cart. They are quiet too, cheap on gas because they don’t use it. They’re electric.
That means they’ve got some pep from 0-15 or whatever speed they go.
While golf carts come with a roof, there are no doors, so during the rainy season, you may get some splashes from the side.
Quad
There are two types of quads in Tamarindo, the traditional quad that you ride like a horse. They’re funny, go-anywhere toys, which you can really take anywhere but the pista.
There is also a new type of quad in town, a covered buggy-style quad. With a windshield, those versions offer some rain protection while also getting you over rough terrain.
Both quads are good for single or double travelers who want to access tough beaches or just like the outdoor experience. They are noisy, though and require gasoline.
Car
Most travelers can get by with a car, even an economy car if they aren’t toting a bunch of luggage. The main roads in and out of Tamarindo are paved.
Where roads are not paved, they are usually still passable in a car. That said, if you plan to drive to remote beaches south of Tamarindo, you will struggle in a small car.
You don’t necessarily need 4WD unless you plan to cross waterways, but a car with clearance will help. If you aren’t sure, go 4WD.
Although unlikely if you pay attention, getting stuck in mud or a river could be dangerous.
4WD Truck or SUV
The solve-all is something with clearance and 4WD. That said, it’s no longer absolutely necessary in Costa Rica. Most Costa Ricans get by with a car. But, if you want to go exploring, go this route.
There will be few limitations to your trip in an SUV or truck with 4WD. You will spend a good deal of your budget on gas, even if you rent something fuel efficient. Gas in Costa is as much as twice what you pay at home.
There you go. Happy planning. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help booking any of these options.
Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Offering vacation rentals, property management, long-term rentals, as well as a complete concierge service. Providing you with a local contact during your stay, Horizon Pacific is a company you can trust, with the experience you need.