Is Tamarindo, Costa Rica Safe? Everything Travelers Need to Know Before They Visit

Tamarindo is one of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica. It’s easy to get to, there’s a ton to do, and it has that classic beach town energy that a lot of people are looking for on their first trip.

We’ve spent quite a bit of time here over the years, and we actually chose Tamarindo as the place to get married. We had friends and family fly in from the U.S. and Germany, some who had never even traveled internationally before, and we felt completely comfortable having everyone here.

So yes, overall, Tamarindo is a secure place to visit.

That being said, because it’s such a busy tourist destination, it’s also one of the places where you need to be a bit more aware compared to smaller towns in Costa Rica.

The good news is that safety concerns here are usually not about anything serious. It’s more about things like petty theft, being aware at night, and understanding the ocean conditions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to stay safe so you can enjoy your time without any stress.

Ok, let’s go through each safety concern you need to be aware of.

Safety from The Sun

If we’re being honest, the sun is probably the thing most likely to be worried about here.

Tamarindo is hot, dry, and very sunny. And for some reason, it doesn’t always feel as intense as it actually is. Keep in mind, Costa Rica is not that far from equator. The UV index tends to be way higher than you are likely used to.

Our take:

• Wear SPF 50 (and reapply more than you think you need to)
• Bring a hat (I love this one because it’s lightweight, easily fits in luggage, and provides great coverage….although it is slightly nerdy haha)
• Don’t underestimate midday sun
• Wear UV protecting shirts when in the ocean, pool, etc. (here’s a good one for men and one for women)

If you get a very bad sunburn, head to the pharmacy. They sell after sun cream with aloe vera, can sell you painkillers, and assess how bad the situation is.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes in Tamarindo aren’t usually bad during the day.

But once the sun sets, they definitely come out, especially since most restaurants and bars are open-air.

We always bring bug spray with us to dinner and just apply it before sitting down.

This is important, especially since things like dengue and Zika do exist in Costa Rica (even if it’s not super common).

The Ocean

Tamarindo is a surf town, which means the ocean can be a bit unpredictable.

Rip currents are real here, and they’re probably the most serious safety risk for visitors.

Even if the water looks calm, don’t assume it is.

What we usually do:

• Watch where other people are swimming
• Pay attention to flags and signs
• Ask locals if we’re unsure

Also, there are crocodiles that live in the estuary at the north end of Tamarindo beach, and occasionally they can move into the ocean near that area.

It’s not like they’re cruising around the whole beach, but you do want to avoid the river mouth.

If you’re surfing or swimming:

• Stay in the main beach areas
• Ask your surf instructor where it’s safe
• Don’t wander too far north

Nightlife

Tamarindo has a really fun nightlife scene. We’ve gone out here plenty of times and never had an issue, but it is still good to be cautious.

A few things we always do:

• Stick with each other (especially at night)
• Keep an eye on our drinks
• Order bottled beers when possible and keep them covered

Our biggest concern isn’t the bars themselves, it’s more about being aware when you’re leaving.

If you’re walking back to your hotel late at night, always walk with another person you trust if possible. I also always turn my location on my phone and share it with someone back home so they can see where I am.

Petty Theft

Like most tourist towns, petty theft happens, but it’s usually avoidable.

We keep it simple:

• Don’t leave things unattended on the beach
• Don’t leave valuables in your car…ever! This is where most robberies happen.
• Keep an eye on your stuff in busy areas
• Don’t leave your cell phone on the table at restaurants
• Don’t leave your bag just thrown on the chair handle at restaurants where someone can easily access it
• Don’t dress like a target. Costa Rica is a relaxed country. Keep your style somewhat minimal and just try to blend in.

Activities and Tours

There are so many fun things to do in Tamarindo such as surfing, ATV tours, boat trips, etc.

Most companies here are great, but our general rule is: if something feels off, trust your gut.

You don’t need to overthink it, but you also don’t need to push through something that doesn’t feel right.

Healthcare and Emergency Services in Tamarindo

Overall, Tamarindo is an easy place to handle things if something goes wrong, but it’s always good to know what to do ahead of time.

Emergency number: Dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire. Operators typically speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Police: The local police are used to dealing with tourists and are generally helpful. You should be able to find someone who speaks English if needed.

Pharmacies: For minor issues, pharmacies are honestly your best friend in Costa Rica. Many pharmacists can actually prescribe a decent range of medications, so you often don’t need to see a doctor for small things.

Doctors and clinics: If you need something more serious, your hotel or Airbnb host is usually the best first point of contact. They can recommend a trusted local doctor or clinic nearby.

Hospitals: For anything more serious, you’ll likely need to go outside of Tamarindo. In a worst-case situation where you need advanced care or an airlift, ask to be taken to CIMA Hospital in San José. This is the most international private hospital in the country and where you’ll receive the highest level of care.

Lost or stolen passport: If this happens (hopefully not), you’ll need to go to the U.S. Embassy in San José. It’s a bit of a process, so it’s really helpful to have a copy of your passport saved (either printed or on your phone) to speed things up.

STEP registration (U.S. travelers): If you’re from the U.S., it’s worth registering your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It allows the embassy to contact you in case of emergencies and can make things easier if something goes wrong.

Things to Pack to Stay Safe

• SPF 50 Sunblock
• A Sun Hat: We love this one from Columbia.
• Insect Repellent
• Motion Sickness Pills: For boat trips and the sometimes crazy roads.
• A First Aid Kit: We have this travel first aid kit and it has been great to have for minor injuries.
• Blister Bandaids: If you plan on wearing new shoes while in Costa Rica, definitely get a pack of these blister bandaids. They have saved us on many occasions. Plus, I find the humidity here can make my shoes rub more than normal.
• A Head Lamp: This is great if the power goes out, but also helpful to see when walking around after dark.
• Money Belt: We don’t actually typically use one of these, but it can be helpful when walking around in the downtown area.
• Portable Charger: It is a good idea to always have your phone charged for directions, calling the police in case of emergency, etc. I love the Anker portable charger for that.
• Glasses Strap: If you plan to take on activities such as zip lining a glasses strap is great for keeping your glasses or sunglasses secure.
• LifeStraw Waterbottle: You can drink the tap water here, but we suggest buying bottled water just to be safe. If you opt to drink tap water Lifestraw filters out most bacteria for an added layer of protection.
• Electrolyte Powder: I find that I sometimes get very worn out from physical activity here. A big part of that is the high humidity. To combat that, electrolyte powder is always great for putting in your water.
• Waterproof Backpack: We have this waterproof daypack and we love it for all Costa Rican adventures. It will keep you protected from the rain during hikes or from the water during boat trips.
• Travel Insurance: We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica. This adds a layer of protection for travel days, canceled trips, medical treatments, and more. We like HeyMondo for Costa Rica travel insurance.
• E-Sim Card: It is so important to be able to stay connected while in Costa Rica. In the past year, we’ve started using e-sims from Airalo and they are awesome! Keep in mind that this is just data so you won’t be able to make calls. However, even without the ability to make regular calls you can still call emergency numbers such as 9-1-1.

Planning a trip to Tamarindo? Here is a good place to start: Tamarindo Beach Town Guide (with hotels, restaurants, best things to do, and more)

If you have any questions about safety in Tamarindo, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

You Might Also Like: