Surf: General: The bay of Tamarindo stretches for about four miles. There are at least four distinct surf breaks along that stretch, from north to south:

1. Playa Grande is probably the most consistent of all Tamarindo's spots. It's a cooking beachbreak, especially on a good S swell. It's a somewhat flat beach, so it has the tendency to close out at low tide, but at mid-high tide, it's all near-shore, A-frame tubes. Playa Grande is always bigger than in Tamarindo, and if it's flat everywhere else, Grande will still have something to ride. It's especially good when an off-season S combines with wintertime offshores;

2. El Estero (Tamarindo Rivermouth) isn't a classic rivermouth setup, but it's a good wave when the sand settles just right, which it can for weeks at a time. It's split between rights on the south side and lefts on the north;

3. Tamarindo Beachbreak is an average beachbreak that's never as good as Playa Grande, but it has the advantage of being right in town. There are lots of beginners here;

4. Pico Pequeno is a right lava reefbreak that can get really good -- it seems to favor a SW swell and a mid-high tide (low tide is sketchy and shallow). It's also a one-peak sort of wave, so the crowd is especially difficult. Tides: Mid-high for all Tamarindo spots. Size: Head high to a couple feet overhead Wind: E Swell: S, SW, W Bottom: Sand, rock. Paddling: All spots are relatively easy paddles. Spot Rating: Fun. Access: Tamarindo spots are all in town; Playa Grande is a drive or hike north. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Very crowded at all spots. Local Vibe: Generally mellow in Tamarindo; a little more intense at Grande. Environment: Fair Hazards: Heavy crowds. Season: Year-round but biggest April-September.