Are you looking for a place where you can experience the best of Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle? Look no further than Tamarindo, where there’s sun, surf and an insane nightlife scene. Get ready for endless drinks and to party like a true Latino!
It’s the kind of place where you can spend your days catching waves or exploring nearby beaches, and your nights partying barefoot in the sand. With easy access to nature, affordable eats, and a vibrant traveller community, it’s no wonder Tamarindo has become a must-visit stop on the Costa Rica backpacking trail.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, the waves here are legendary, with beach breaks that make it easy to get started or step up your game. But with people flocking to Tamarindo all looking to find the perfect wave or the next party, hostel hunting can often feel like a mission here.
I’ve done LOTS of research both in the field and online so that you don’t have to (you’re welcome). My ultimate guide to the best hostels in Tamarindo will have you booking your perfect hostel in no time.
Get ready to sink your toes in the sand, you Tamarindo adventure starts here!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Tamarindo
- Best Overall Hostel in Tamarindo – Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel
- Best Hostel in Tamarindo for Solo Travelers – Tamarindo Backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Tamarindo – Coral Reef Surf Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Tamarindo – Selina Tamarindo
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tamarindo – La Botella de Leche
The 5 Best Hostels in Tamarindo
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Tamarindo’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into your best beach bum life without wasting time.
1. Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Tamarindo
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: Calle Langosta, 200m North from the beach, 20m North from ZEN Restaurant, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel has such a laid-back, cool vibe that you’ll want to stay longer than planned. Perfect for meeting people or staying close to the beach, it’s easily one of the best hostels in Costa Rica.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Tons of Games
- Outdoor Pool
- Unbeatable Social Vibe
The location is spot on—within walking distance of the beach, with a food truck market along the way (trust me, dinner there is non-negotiable). The beachside cafes and bars are also brill, giving you plenty of options to unwind. The kitchen’s fully equipped and ready for anyone looking to cook up a storm. And if you’re a digital nomad, the Wi-Fi’s solid and fast enough to keep you connected.
The staff is friendly, super helpful, and always making sure the place is spotless. What really sets Casa Pura Vida apart is the atmosphere—chill and social, which makes it ideal for travelers backpacking Costa Rica. The common areas are a blast, especially on rainy days, with a ping pong table, pool table, and foosball, so it doesn’t take long to get competitive and have a bit of fun.
2. Tamarindo Backpackers – Best Hostel in Tamarindo for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $52
- Address: 50 metros sur de Villa Verd, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Kick back in a hammock and watch as the monkeys pull off their acrobatics from tree to tree. Tamarindo Hostel’s got front-row seats to nature’s circus thanks to its prime spot next to the national park. With sprawling lounges and terraces, there’s no shortage of chill-out zones for soaking up the wild vibes. Whether you’re trekking through the jungle or catching waves with the hostel’s in-house surf instructor, there are a ton of places to visit to get your adventure fix.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill Vibes
- Tons of Monkeys
- Social Crowd
Tuba, the hostel dog, is an absolute sweetheart. Plus, you’re just a short stroll from town, and after a day of sun and sand, that pool is calling your name. Oh, and the shared kitchen’s got your back when you need a snack, so you’re never far from food or a splash in the pool.
\The owners are known for their warmth and even hand out cake for a sweet treat in the heat. The place is super social, making it a great spot to meet other solo travelers in Costa Rica.
3. Coral Reef Surf Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Tamarindo
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: Tamarindo, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Diagonal a Plaza Conchal, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
No hostel on this list matches Coral Reef Surf Hostel when it comes to chill vibes. With in-house surf instructors and even a skate ramp, you can spend half the day riding waves and the other half tearing it up right at the hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Skate Ramp
- Chill Vibes
- Surf Lessons
Not into skating or surfing? No worries— your Costa Rica itinerary can also involve just kicking back, relaxing, and grabbing a drink from the bar or a bite from the on-site BBQ joint. Playa Tamarindo is just a few steps away, so no time wasted getting your toes in the sand.
Smack bang in the heart of Tamarindo, this spot has a damn good location. Georgette at reception is a gem—super helpful and always ready to make your stay smoother. The facilities are laid-back and humble—not bougie, but you’ll get loads of value for what you pay. Considering how expensive the country is to travel, this is a sweet little spot to crash in Tamarindo.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Selina Tamarindo – Best Party Hostel in Tamarindo
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: Between Calle Cardinal and Calle Cruz, Tamarindo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Selina knocks this one out of the park for creating a hostel with a buzzing party scene that suits Tamarindo so damn well. There’s no shortage of chill communal spaces during the day, but when the sun goes down, the place really comes alive, making it easy to dive into the social vibe.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily Events Held
- Clean and Modern Amenities
- Buzzing Nightlife Scene
Kick things off with morning yoga, then hit the waves for a surf lesson, cool off with a dip in the pool, and cap it all off with salsa lessons at night. For solo travelers in Costa Rica, Selina Backpackers in Tamarindo is the spot—there’s always something happening, practically every hour of the day.
The common areas are made for socializing, with a pool, kitchen, and a playground that features live music and DJ sets on the weekends. Don’t miss out on the tasty creations from the restaurant and bar, either. With its own music venue bringing in local musicians, there’s no need to search for a place to dance the night away—it’s all happening right here.
5. La Botella de Leche – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tamarindo
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $56
- Address: 50mts east from Banco Nacional, Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
This nice hostel is ticking all the boxes, with hammocks and cozy areas that make it the perfect spot to kick back and meet fellow backpackers. After a day of exploring Costa Rica, nothing beats cooling off in the pool with a couple of beers. The staff always goes the extra mile to get everyone together for a night out, so you’re never short on company when hitting the Tamarindo nightlife. They’re also super helpful with booking tours; they’ll even hook you up with a great scuba diving instructor if you want to check out the underwater scene.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Coworking Space
- Great Location
- Social Vibes
The place comes fully loaded with amenities—Wi-Fi throughout, a pool for those lazy afternoons, an open kitchen, night security, and free coffee around the clock. There are also board games, a book exchange, a concierge service, and a gorgeous studio for yoga, stretching, or getting a bit of work done. This place is perfect for digital nomads as they even come kitted out with a coworking space for a bit of peace and quiet and that all-important air conditioning in the day.
As for the location, it’s hard to beat—right by groceries, restaurants, Tamarindo beach, and the night market. You’re just a short walk from bakeries, bars, shops, and the surf, and the hostel can hook you up with tours and surf lessons. The kitchen’s fully equipped and spacious enough for multiple people to cook without bumping elbows.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Tamarindo Hostels
So, now that I’ve talked about the best, let’s talk about the rest! (Of the best). These are some more picks from the top hostels to rest your weary head at when exploring Tamarindo.
Mai Ke Kai Surf House
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Address: Tamarindo, casa Mai Ke Kai, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Mai Ke Kai Surf House has the ideal location—right in the heart of town, close to all the action, yet just far enough away to offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It’s easy to walk everywhere while still enjoying a quiet retreat. Definitely book a surf lesson whilst you’re here; you’ll be catching waves before you know it.
Mai Ke Kai Surf House is spotless, with daily cleaning to keep everything in great shape. The high-quality sheets and towels add a nice touch, showing the hosts’ attention to detail. Speaking of the hosts, they’re always available and ready to help, making the stay even more enjoyable. The 10-bed dorm is surprisingly spacious with comfy beds, so it doesn’t feel cramped, and there’s air conditioning at night to keep things cool. Plus, Alfred the cat is the perfect little hostel buddy.
Casa Aura Beachfront Premium Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $128
- Address: Tamarindo, Right next to “Farmacia Tamarindo”, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
This charming little hostel has it all—ocean views and beach access to Playa Tamarindo just a short walk away. The décor embodies boho chic, creating a relaxed, stylish vibe throughout. For those looking to kick back for a few days, Casa Aura is the perfect home base.
Enjoy lounging in spacious areas with stunning beach views, and the outdoor covered patios are ideal for soaking up the sea breeze while embracing the laid-back atmosphere. There’s even night security so you can feel safe coming back from partying hard in the early hours of the morning.
The bunk beds are super comfy, and with A/C running day and night, it’s a great escape from the heat. Breakfast offers a tasty buffet spread, and the kitchen is well-equipped, perfect for whipping up your own meals and saving some cash.
La Oveja Negra Hostel
La Oveja Negra Hostel is probably one of the only Tamarindo hostels that goes down the list and checks every single box! You will get a splash of local surf culture with their surf lessons, a Mexican bar where you can drink and chow down, and even a pool where you can cool off from that scorching Costa Rican heat! They can help you book near enough anything; from transport and surf lessons to spiritual retreats in the area.
The fun doesn’t stop there, at La Oveja Negra Hostel you will also be blown away with live music, nightly games, and events that will have you out partying with other backpackers! From laidback surf culture to tearing up the dance floor, La Oveja Negra Hostel has it all!
Blue Trailz Hostel & Surf Camp
The real heart and soul of Tamarindo is not found on the dancefloor, but on the waves. Blue Trailz Hostel truly embraces Tamarindo’s beach culture with its very own surf shop, board rentals, and even surf lessons for those new to the surfing culture!
When you aren’t spending town laying out on the Playa Tamarindo or shredding it up in the water, Blue Trailz Hostel can show you a different side of Costa Rica with their very own tailored tours! From ATVs to ziplines, you will always find something to do at this Tamarindo hostel!
Tamarindo Hostel Resort
After weeks of sleeping elbow to elbow with other travel-worn backpackers, give yourself a break with a private room to recharge your batteries at this Tamarindo hotel. You will be given backpacker prices for one of the most comfortable single rooms on Tamarindo Beach!
It’s not just the added privacy which will have you sold on Tamarindo Hostel Resort, but you also will have access to their very own onsite bar! Grab a drink, kick back and relax, this is what tropical living is all about!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Tamarindo
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Tamarindo.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Tamarindo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Tamarindo hostels.
What to Pack for your Tamarindo Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Tamarindo?
The average price of Tamarindo hostels start from $19-23. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What is the best hostel with a surf camp in Tamarindo?
Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel is a pretty epic experience if you are looking for a hostel slash surf camp. Not only can you meet other like-minded people, and get incredible daily lessons but you’ll be shredding waves like a local in no time.
What are the best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
Tamarindo is a backpacker’s paradise with killer surfing, stunning beaches wild nightlife, and day trips like hiking Rincón de la Vieja or spotting wildlife in the estuary. Don’t miss the local food scene, from street empanadas to beachfront seafood, all while soaking in those unforgettable Costa Rican sunsets.
Final Thoughts on Tamarindo Hostels
Let your hair hang down and hang loose, the surf culture in Tamarindo is the stuff of legends. Whether you’re hitting the waves or lounging with a cold beer, this place is where chilled-out days collide with wild nights.
Want to surf? Party? Or just soak up some rays on the beach? Finding the right hostel depends on your vibe, but Casa Pura Vida Surf Hostel has you covered. It’s got surf, it’s social, and it’s the perfect launchpad for all your Tamarindo adventures.
So pack your bags and buckle up–you’re in for a wild ride. And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot on the coast. Happy travels!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Costa Rica for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Costa Rica covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Costa Rica if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Costa Rica before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Central America backpacking guide.
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