Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are two amazing tourist spots in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is a lively surf town with beautiful beaches while Manuel Antonio is a tranquil National Park where you get to enjoy the walk on white-sand beaches, scenic views, lush tropical rainforest, and varied wildlife.
If you are looking for a place to party and engage in diverse activities while surfing the ocean or sitting on the beach to watch the incredible sunset, then Tamarindo is for you. However, if you want a tranquil and calm place to chill out while you enjoy the nation’s biodiversity, then Manuel Antonio is for you.
Whichever you choose, I will be guiding you through what to expect beyond the surface beauty of these distinct tourist towns. I will be sharing information I did not have access to when I first visited both tourist destinations with my wife ten years ago.
Most of the mistakes we made and the excessive money we spent when traveling could have been reduced if we had had access to the right information before we traveled, and that would have made us enjoy our tour even more. This is not an issue of money alone; it is the kind of experience you look forward to when touring both towns.
That is why I’ve taken the time to share detailed information in this article about all you need to know about Tamarindo and Manuel before visiting.
Key Takeaways
- Tamarindo is the happening surf town in Costa Rica.
- Manual Antonio is the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica.
- If you want to enjoy some surfing and beach sand, then Tamarindo is the place to go.
- If you want to see some wildlife and enjoy the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, then Manuel Antonio is the way to go.
- Liberia International Airport is the closest airport to Tamarindo, while San Jose International Airport is the closest to Manuel Antonio.
How To Get To Tamarindo Vs Manuel Antonio
TAMARINDO
Tamarindo is in the Santa Cruz district located on the Nicoya Peninsula of the Northwestern Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica.
To get to Tamarindo, you need to first land at the Daniel Oduber International Airport (also called Liberia International Airport) in Guanacaste Province and drive an hour and thirty minutes from the airport to Tamarindo.
Pro Tip: Going through the Liberia International Airport is the easiest route to Tamarindo. If you go through the San Jose International Airport, you will have to drive four hours before reaching Tamarindo.
MANUEL ANTONIO
Manual Antonio National Park is located south of Quepos City in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica.
To get to Manuel Antonio National Park, you first need to land at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (also called San Jose International Airport) and drive three hours from the airport to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Pro Tip: Going through San Jose International Airport is the easiest route to take to Manuel Antonio. If you go through Liberia International Airport, you will spend five hours plus driving to Manuel Antonio.
However, if you have your flight already booked before seeing this, you can just visit the tourist destination closest to the airport you’d be landing at without needing to cancel the flight and rebook again.
Here’s a table to help you make quick decisions:
| Route | Transportation Options | Road Condition | Time Considerations | Price Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SJO to Tamarindo | Car rental, shuttle bus, domestic flight | Generally good, some areas with potholes, mountainous terrain | Approx. 4-5 hours by car, 45 mins by flight + ground transfer | $50-$100 for car rental, $30-$50 for shuttle bus, $100-$150 for flight |
| Liberia Airport to Tamarindo | Car rental, shuttle bus, taxi | Generally good, well-paved roads | Approx. 1.5 hours by car | $30-$50 for car rental, $20-$30 for shuttle bus, $60-$80 for taxi |
| SJO to Manuel Antonio | Car rental, shuttle bus, domestic flight | Generally good, mountainous terrain, narrow roads | Approx. 3 hours by car, 25 mins by flight + ground transfer | $50-$100 for car rental, $30-$50 for shuttle bus, $80-$120 for flight |
| Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio | Car rental, shuttle bus, taxi | Generally good, well-paved roads, mountainous terrain | Approx. 5-6 hours by car | $30-$50 for car rental, $20-$30 for shuttle bus, $100-$150 for taxi |
Pro Tips:
- For Tamarindo:
- Easiest Route: Liberia International Airport (1.5 hours by car)
- Alternative: SJO (4-5 hours by car, 45 mins by flight + transfer)
- For Manuel Antonio:
- Easiest Route: San Jose International Airport (3 hours by car, 25 mins by flight + transfer)
- Alternative: Liberia International Airport (5-6 hours by car)
- Tamarindo: Opt for Liberia International Airport for a quicker and more direct route.
- Manuel Antonio: San Jose International Airport provides the most convenient access.
The Vibe
Both Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are crowded tourist attractions, always teeming with life and people all year round.
TAMARINDO is a booming town for surfers, so it is always lively from dusk to dawn. Tourists come to the beachfront from the early hours of the day to surf and engage in other fun activities like horseback riding, Kayaking, playing volleyball, lying down on beach chairs, ATV tours, etc, and in the evening, you can sit over chilled drinks to watch the incredible sunset.
Afterward, you can get into town to eat at a fancy restaurant, and if you feel you have the strength to party, you can go partying in one of the street parties or nightclubs until you are tired.
MANUEL ANTONIO
The gateway to one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica is a continuation Of the crowd you will find in Tamarindo. However, the upside of it is that by evening, the crowd will begin to recede, and you will find Manuel Antonio quiet on Tuesdays because the National is officially closed.
And the nightlife is not as rowdy as what you will find in Tamarindo. So you can relax in a cool town spot over drinks and food after a long day’s hike. However, if you want to party, you can visit some good nightclubs in Quepos, the nearest city.
Here’s a table comparing the vibe of Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio to help you quickly decide which destination suits your preferences:
| Feature | Tamarindo | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Atmosphere | Lively, vibrant surf town | Relaxed, nature-focused |
| Popular Activities | Surfing, beach parties, nightlife | Wildlife tours, hiking, beach relaxation |
| Crowd | Younger, mix of surfers and tourists | Diverse, families, nature enthusiasts |
| Top Attractions | Tamarindo Beach, surf schools, nightlife | Manuel Antonio National Park, pristine beaches, wildlife |
| Accommodation Options | Budget hostels, mid-range hotels, luxury resorts | Eco-lodges, mid-range hotels, upscale resorts |
| Dining and Cuisine | International cuisine, beach bars, seafood | Local Costa Rican cuisine, seafood, gourmet dining |
| Best Time to Visit | December to April (dry season, best waves) | December to April (dry season, optimal wildlife viewing) |
| Local Culture | Casual, laid-back, surfer culture | Eco-friendly, conservation-focused |
| Nature and Wildlife | Scenic beaches, occasional wildlife sightings | Rich biodiversity, frequent wildlife sightings |
| Accessibility | Easy access from Liberia Airport | Easy access from San Jose Airport |
Pro Tips:
- For a Lively Beach Scene:
- Choose Tamarindo: Ideal for surfing, beach parties, and vibrant nightlife.
- For Nature and Wildlife:
- Choose Manuel Antonio: Perfect for wildlife tours, hiking, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
- Tamarindo: Great for those looking for a lively, energetic atmosphere with plenty of activities.
- Manuel Antonio: Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a more relaxed, eco-friendly environment.
The Best Time To Visit
The climate for both towns is tropical, which means they both have two distinct seasons: the dry and rainy season.
The dry season, which is also considered the peak tourist season, starts from December through April and ushers in a lot of tourists into these tourist destinations, especially in Tamarindo because the weather feels hot and drier and the sky is clearer, so a lot of crowd troops into the Tamarindo beach front to surf in the ocean waves and relax by on the shoreline.
On the other hand, the rainy season starts from May through November, and it’s considered the low tourist season. The crowd tends to decrease in both tourist destinations; however, this is the period during which the Manuel Antonio rainforest becomes very lush, and the wildlife tends to dominate more, pulling in nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts into the National Park.
So the best time to visit depends on your personal preference. Sunny or wet, you have to choose which weather is suitable for you.
Here’s a detailed table for the best times to visit Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio:
| Feature | Tamarindo | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical, distinct dry and rainy seasons | Tropical, distinct dry and rainy seasons |
| Dry Season | December – April (hot, dry, clear skies) | December – April (hot, dry, clear skies) |
| Rainy Season | May – November (wet, occasional rains) | May – November (wet, lush rainforest) |
| Peak Tourist Season | December – April (surfing, beach activities) | December – April (wildlife viewing, hiking) |
| Low Tourist Season | May – November (fewer tourists, quiet) | May – November (lush vegetation, wildlife sightings) |
| Best For | Surfing, beach parties, vibrant nightlife | Wildlife tours, hiking, nature exploration |
| Visitor Tips | Book accommodations early during peak season; consider rainy season for fewer crowds and better deals | Visit during rainy season for lush scenery and active wildlife; pack rain gear if visiting in wet season |
Quick Tips:
- Dry Season (Dec-Apr):
- Tamarindo: Best for beach activities and surfing.
- Manuel Antonio: Ideal for wildlife viewing and hiking.
- Rainy Season (May-Nov):
- Tamarindo: Quieter, fewer tourists, good deals on accommodations.
- Manuel Antonio: Lush vegetation, abundant wildlife sightings, fewer crowds.
Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Tamarindo is arguably the winner. I don’t think any tourist town comes close to it in the entire country. Tamarindo is always buzzing; there is no sleepy hour.
People are always outside partying, drinking, dancing, or doing one thing or the other for fun. Which is what you will hardly get to see in Manuel Antonio.
However, if you want to enjoy some nightlife and clubbing after hiking the jungle, visit Quepos, the nearest city to Manuel Antonio.
here’s a table comparing the nightlife in Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio to help you make quick decisions:
| Feature | Tamarindo | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Nightlife Scene | Lively, vibrant | More relaxed, laid-back |
| Popular Night Spots | Bars, clubs, beachfront parties | Lounges, bars, live music venues |
| Music and Entertainment | DJ sets, live bands, beach parties | Live music, local bands, relaxed bar scenes |
| Crowd | Younger, mix of surfers, tourists, and locals | Diverse, including families and nature lovers |
| Opening Hours | Late-night (often until 2-3 AM) | Earlier closing times (usually around midnight) |
| Dress Code | Casual, beachwear acceptable | Casual, but slightly more refined |
| Best Nights to Go Out | Friday and Saturday nights, weeknights also busy | Friday and Saturday nights, quieter on weeknights |
| Atmosphere | Energetic, party-centric | Chill, more intimate and relaxed |
| Safety Tips | Stay in groups, watch your belongings | Stay in well-lit areas, be aware of surroundings |
Quick Tips:
- For a Lively Nightlife:
- Choose Tamarindo: Ideal for those seeking a vibrant, party atmosphere with beachside fun.
- For a Relaxed Evening:
- Choose Manuel Antonio: Perfect for those looking for a more laid-back, intimate setting with live music and local bands.
- Tamarindo: Great for those who love to dance, meet new people, and enjoy beach parties.
- Manuel Antonio: Ideal for those who prefer a quieter evening with good music and a relaxed vibe.
Beaches
Tamarindo Golden Sand Beach is a favorite spot for surf enthusiasts with a dynamic water wave that caters to all levels, from beginner to advanced surfers.
Aside from being a choice destination for surfers, other fun activities like horseback riding, snorkeling, volleyball, swimming, barbecue grilling, partying, and others take place on Tamarindo Beach, which pulls a lot of crowd to it and makes it lively.
In Manuel Antonio, there are many beautiful white sand beaches inside and outside the National Park that are calmer and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and a little bit of surfing.
The Tamarindo beaches are perfect for backpackers, youngsters in their 20s or 30s, and solo travelers, while Manuel Antonio beaches are perfect for families because of the calm and serene nature of the beaches.
here’s a table comparing the beaches in Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio to help readers make quick decisions:
| Feature | Tamarindo | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Quality | Long sandy beaches, great for surfing | Smaller, picturesque beaches, clear waters |
| Water Activities | Surfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling, fishing | Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing |
| Crowd | Lively, popular with surfers and tourists | More serene, frequented by families and nature lovers |
| Beach Vibe | Energetic, party-centric | Tranquil, nature-focused |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible from town, lots of amenities | Some beaches require a hike, fewer amenities |
| Wildlife | Occasional sightings (e.g., turtles) | Abundant wildlife, frequent monkey sightings |
| Facilities | Numerous bars, restaurants, surf shops | Limited facilities, but close to National Park |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season (Dec-Apr) for best waves | Dry season (Dec-Apr) for clear skies and wildlife |
| Safety | Lifeguards present, some strong currents | Lifeguards in some areas are generally safer waters |
| Special Attractions | Tamarindo Beach, Playa Grande | Playa Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Beach |
Quick Tips:
- For Surfing and Activities:
- Choose Tamarindo: Ideal for those looking for energetic beach activities and a lively atmosphere.
- For Relaxation and Nature:
- Choose Manuel Antonio: Perfect for those seeking tranquil beaches with rich wildlife and scenic beauty.
- Tamarindo: Great for active beachgoers who enjoy surfing and beach parties. Plenty of amenities and easy access.
- Manuel Antonio: Ideal for families and nature lovers who prefer a more serene environment with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
This table should help readers quickly compare the b
Wildlife
If you are a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast, then Manuel Antonio is a perfect tourist destination compared to Tamarindo. It offers you one of the best nature reserves in Costa Rica, where you can find an array of various species of wildlife, ranging from sloths, monkeys, birds, and so on.
However, Tamarindo still offers rarer opportunities to see wildlife. The most common wildlife sighting that I know of in Tamarindo is the nesting of sea turtles.
During this period, three species of sea turtles come to the shorelines to lay their eggs in the sand. It is always a beautiful experience to witness.
Aside from that, Manuel Antonio is the winner in this case.
Cost
The cost of living and prices of things are similar in Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. However, Manuel Antonio’s is more expensive.
In Tamarindo, there’s a lot of competition amongst vendors and hotel owners, while Manuel Antonio caters to family and luxury. So, there is not much competition because tourists who love luxury will go for it.
Here’s a table comparing the cost of visiting Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio to help you make quick decisions:
| Feature | Tamarindo | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Budget hostels: $15-$30/night | Budget hostels: $15-$30/night |
| Mid-range hotels: $60-$150/night | Mid-range hotels: $70-$160/night | |
| Luxury resorts: $200-$500+/night | Luxury resorts: $250-$600+/night | |
| Dining | Budget meals: $5-$10/meal | Budget meals: $5-$10/meal |
| Mid-range meals: $10-$25/meal | Mid-range meals: $10-$25/meal | |
| Fine dining: $30-$70/meal | Fine dining: $30-$70/meal | |
| Transportation | Car rental: $30-$50/day | Car rental: $30-$50/day |
| Shuttle bus: $30-$50/ride | Shuttle bus: $30-$50/ride | |
| Taxi: $60-$80/ride | Taxi: $100-$150/ride | |
| Activities | Surf lessons: $30-$60/session | Wildlife tours: $50-$100/tour |
| Beach gear rental: $10–$30/day | Park entrance fee: $16/person | |
| Nightlife: $5-$20/entry | Kayaking/snorkeling: $40-$80/tour | |
| Total Daily Budget | Budget: $50-$100/day | Budget: $50-$100/day |
| Mid-range: $150-$300/day | Mid-range: $150-$350/day | |
| Luxury: $400+/day | Luxury: $450+/day |
Quick Tips:
- For Budget Travelers:
- Both Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio offer affordable hostels and budget meal options.
- For mid-range travelers:
- Both destinations have similar costs for mid-range accommodations and dining.
- For luxury travelers:
- Manuel Antonio: Slightly higher cost for luxury resorts and transportation.
- Tamarindo: Great for those looking to combine budget and mid-range options with plenty of surfing activities.
- Manuel Antonio: Ideal for those willing to spend a bit more for unique wildlife experiences and scenic beauty.
Accommodation
TAMARINDO
Tamarindo has a lot of accommodation options that suit all levels of budget and lifestyle. However, the only downside is that the accommodation options, from hotels to Airbnb, are always fully booked, especially during the peak tourist season (December to April)
So I would advise you to book in advance, probably two to three months before you arrive. Rooms are around $30 to $150 per night.
Here are some of the hotels in Tamarindo:
Hotel Diria is one of the top hotels in Tamarindo, located at its center, and offers well-suited rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant, amongst others.
Hotel Capitán Suizo: If you need an ocean view, this hotel is for you. It is located on the Langosta beach, offering well-suited rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Hotel Arco Iris is 500 meters from the Tamarindo beach and offers gourmet dishes, an outdoor swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, free wifi, and a minibar. A night costs $112
Ten North Hotel is a three-minute walk from the Tamarindo beach. It offers various accommodation types that suit different travelers, mini refrigerators in the rooms, a living room and kitchen section, free wifi, arranged boat cruises, an outdoor swimming pool, and many more. A night cost $89
Villas Macondo is a 3-minute walk from the Tamarindo beach and offers an outdoor swimming pool, fully air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, free parking, and tropical garden views.
Best Western is a five-minute walk from the Tamarindo beachfront and offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, breakfast, ocean views, and a nightly rate of $99.
MANUEL ANTONIO
Manuel Antonio’s accommodation options are a mixture of luxury hotels and nature’s caress.
What I love about the accommodations in Manuel Antonio is that most of the hotels and villas are on the hilltop, giving you a spectacular ocean view that leaves you breathless.
Imagine waking up to the beauty of a lush tropical rainforest and calls of exotic wildlife. Mind-blowing, right?
Well, without further ado, here are some accommodation options in Manuel Antonio that give you a panoramic view that will leave you amazed:
Gaia Hotel and Reserve: This luxury hotel is surrounded by mesmerizing rainforests and wildlife. It offers a luxury spa, exclusive access to a three-level infinity pool, an airport shuttle, sauna, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a day tour, breakfast, an outdoor pool, and varying types of luxury rooms starting from $217 per night.
Hotel Plaza Yara: It is a five-minute drive from Manuel Antonio National Park and offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and jungle views, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. A room starts from $140 per night.
Shana Hotel: It’s a 10-minute walk from the Manuel Antonio National Park Beach and offers an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, a luxurious spa with a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a furnished balcony with ocean and garden views, breakfast, and free private parking. A room starts from $193 per night.
Hotel Makanda: This is a world-class hotel that offers spectacular views of the sixty miles of coastline, gourmet cuisines, a private balcony, an outdoor pool, a private beach, a minibar, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, a spa, yoga and wellness center, breakfast, and a fitness center. A room starts from $480 per night.
Fun Activities To Do
Sunset Watching
If there’s any activity you should look forward to and participate in, both towns have spectacular sunsets.
In Tamarindo, sunset watching is usually done on the beach amidst drinks, music, and light partying, while in Manuel Antonio, you can stay at any of the luxury hotels on the hilltops to watch the sunset.
However, if your hotel does not offer you that view, you can visit the Playa Espadilla Norte or some restaurants in the area to get a magical view.
Fishing
Both Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are excellent fishing hubs. If you are interested, you can get a fishing charter to any of the closest marinas ( I know of Quepos marina near Manuel Antonio) near you to explore some inshore and offshore fishing expeditions.
Ziplining
One of the fun things to do to spice up your vacation in either Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio is to go ziplining!
You will glide through the rainforest canopy, hills, rivers, waterfalls, and so on for miles, viewing the entire region from as far as your eyes can see.
Nighties
If you are a nocturnal person, then both Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio have what you need
In Tamarindo, you can enjoy the nightlife of wild street parties, clubbing, drinking, and so on, while in Manuel Antonio, you can enjoy the night walk to see more wildlife and nocturnal creatures in the jungle, such as frogs, insects, snakes, birds, lizards and so on.
Either way, you can never get bored of what to do at night.
Enjoy The Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in both tourist spots to enjoy while on vacation.
Both beaches offer so many fun activities like surfing, swimming, horseback riding, parasailing (mainly in Manuel Antonio), volleyball playing, and others.
Wildlife Tours
Enjoying a wildlife tour is a must if you are in Manuel Antonio. There are so many species of birds, monkeys, sloths, and so on that you cannot find them anywhere else in Costa Rica except in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Tamarindo is not left out, though there is not much to see except for the gorgeous nesting of turtles. This is when their different species cone out to the shoreline to lay their eggs in the beach sand.
Surf Lessons
Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio offer excellent surf lessons on the beachfront for all skill levels. What I love most about the lessons in both towns are the instructors.
They are very patient, friendly, and knowledgeable, and encourage you to become better while surfing at your own pace. Because of this lecture method, I have seen people, including myself, go from novice levels to riding the waves like pros in just one week!
I would encourage you to participate and have the time of your life.
If you’re trying to make up your mind about visiting Tamarindo or another Costa Rican city, our guide on Nosara vs. Tamarindo will help you decide.
Conclusion
Both Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio are top tourist spots in Costa Rica. They are both lively and attract a lot of crowd each year. However, the only slight difference is that Tamarindo offers a lively nightlife, while Manuel Antonio does not.
So, the decision to choose which town you want to visit is based on your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle.
As for me, I love both towns, and I hope you enjoy it like I did
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation! Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
