by Jim Osborn

Created on: April 05, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2008

Sometimes you just want to hang up your tie and suit and get away from the bustle, noise, and go somewhere exotic and new and someplace that has it all!

Unspoiled white sand beaches, clear blue waters, magnificent natural surroundings, fabulous wildlife and near perfect weather, makes Tamarindo the most popular vacation destination in Costa Rica.

Like most tropical climates you have only two seasons in Tamarindo, summer and spring. The summers are hot and sunny, but with low humidity and comfortable.

During the spring, a typical day is warm and sometimes overcast with warm showers in the evenings which help keep the surrounding areas lush and green.

Tamarindo is a former fishing village in the Guanacaste Province on the North Pacific Coast, and is a vacationers dream with plenty of things to do and endless places to see.

This whole part of Costa Rica is surrounded by beautiful national parks that are protected by the Costa Rican Government and set aside for tourism and conservation.

The Eco-system is abundant in wildlife such as birds, mammals and reptiles. Las Baulas National Park nearby is a major nesting habitat for Giant Leather-back Turtles.

The near perfect climate allows for endless outdoor activities. You can toast yourself on the beach, take a mountain bike ride, hike, or go deep sea fishing.

If snorkeling is your pleasure, the nearby coral reefs are home to exotic manta rays, dozens of varieties of tropical fish, and pacific bottle-nose dolphins.

Once a secret surfing Mecca, Tamarindo has become world famous for warm water surfing with six excellent surf breaks with consistent swells and off-shore conditions.

Tamarindo is also home to Iguana Surf School, which is a local surf academy teaching people how ride the board for over 12 years. They are known for their affordability, patients and professionalism.

Another exciting activity not to miss is the "Jungle Boat Excursion" in which small clusters of visitors are escorted aboard a locally constructed flotilla made of natural materials and taken deep within a Costa Rican mangrove forest.

If you enjoy speed and thrills, then the "Banana Boat" ride might be the ticket. Imagine an inflatable, banana shaped flotation device being pulled at high speed by a powerful speed boat through the choppy water while you are being drenched by warm sea water.

So whether you're a naturalist, a sports fisherman, surfer, diver, snorkeler or beach comber you will find Tamarindo the perfect choice for a pleasurable get away.

Learn more about this author, Jim Osborn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.