Tamarindo Nightlife: 9 Best Bars & Clubs in Tamarindo

Tamarindo’s nightlife offers something for all, from beachfront hotspots to energetic dance floors. Hit Pacifico Bar for wild dance nights, Crazy Monkey for salsa vibes, or Sharky’s to catch the game before it transforms for late-night fun. Don’t miss El Garito‘s rustic setting, the party bus Sunday Funday experience, or CATA’s craft cocktails. Remember to secure your belongings while enjoying the vibrant scene that lights up after sunset. Discover what makes each venue uniquely worth your night out.

Key Points

• Tamarindo offers diverse nightlife from beachfront venues like Pacifico Bar to sports-focused Sharky’s with 15+ TVs broadcasting major games.
• El Garito features house music and outdoor dancing Wednesday-Saturday, while Crazy Monkey combines salsa and club vibes inside Best Western Hotel.
• The Sunday Funday Beach & Pool Crawl provides an 8-hour party experience with a bus connecting multiple venues and beach bonfire finale.
• CATA Agave Bar serves over 50 tequilas and mezcals with expert mixologists, while El Be Beach Club transforms from daytime relaxation to nighttime entertainment.
• Visitors should arrive early for seating at popular venues and remain alert to potential pickpocketing in crowded nightlife areas.

Pacifico Bar: Wild Dance Nights Under the Stars

When the sun dips below Tamarindo’s horizon, Pacifico Bar emerges as a hotspot in Costa Rica’s vibrant Guanacaste Province. This beachfront gem offers you the perfect blend of scenic views and lively atmosphere while you sip on crafted cocktails.

You’ll find Pacifico centrally located in Tamarindo, making it an easy stop during your evening adventures. The bar features a friendly bartender named Alex who enhances the overall experience with excellent service. The bar’s relaxed vibe makes it ideal for socializing with locals and fellow travelers alike.

While specific dance events aren’t advertised, you’ll likely encounter the rhythmic influence of nearby reggae nights that permeate the entire strip. Pacifico is known for hosting wild dance nights under the starlit Costa Rican sky.

Do keep your belongings secure, as some visitors have reported pickpocketing incidents. Despite mixed reviews, Pacifico remains worth experiencing as part of Tamarindo’s diverse nightlife scene.

Crazy Monkey: Dual Zones for Salsa and Club Vibes

Tucked inside the Best Western Hotel, Crazy Monkey offers you a distinctive dual-experience nightlife venue that’s exclusively open to the public on Friday nights from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM. During these evenings, you’ll enjoy live Latin bands performing salsa music while DJs spin tracks on the terrace, creating two distinct yet complementary atmospheres.

The colorful, open-air setting provides stunning beach views and comfortable seating for when you need a break from dancing. While Tamarindo delivers vibrant nightlife, many travelers combine their visit with a trip to eco-friendly Monteverde for a complete Costa Rican experience. You’ll find an impressive menu featuring both local and international dishes, creative cocktails, and a solid selection of local beers served by attentive staff. You can follow their @crazymonkeytamarindo Instagram account to see photos and videos of their vibrant events and atmosphere.

While hotel guests can access the swim-up bar daily, Friday nights transform Crazy Monkey into Tamarindo’s vibrant nightlife hotspot. The venue is also available for private events and celebrations.

Sharky’s Sports Bar: From Game Day to Late Night Entertainment

Whether you’re looking to catch the big game or seeking late-night entertainment, Sharky’s Sports Bar delivers the ultimate sports viewing experience in Tamarindo. With over 15 TVs and projectors broadcasting everything from NFL and NBA to UFC and soccer, you’ll never miss a play.

Experience Tamarindo sports paradise where every game lights up on multiple screens for your viewing pleasure.

Located on Avenida Central next to Pacific Park, this expat favorite stays open until 2 AM most nights, making it perfect for post-beach revelry. Unlike Nosara’s surf scene, Tamarindo offers vibrant nightlife options that cater to all types of visitors.

The menu features American classics like wings and burgers alongside Costa Rican dishes and fresh seafood. Guests can also enjoy innovative dishes from the Chalk Board Menu created by visiting guest chefs.

Happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers add to the appeal, while the spacious indoor layout accommodates groups of all sizes.

For prime seating during popular games, arrive early—this high-energy spot fills up fast with travelers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Rumors: Techno Haven With Industrial-Chic Atmosphere

For true electronic music enthusiasts, Rumors stands as Tamarindo’s premier underground techno destination where industrial aesthetics meet cutting-edge sound. You’ll find yourself immersed in raw concrete surroundings and dynamic LED lighting as international and local DJs deliver bass-heavy mixes through a professionally curated sound system.

• Expect high-energy late-night sessions that peak after midnight, drawing a crowd of techno purists, expats, and travelers seeking authentic underground vibes.
• Sip craft cocktails and local brews while experiencing synchronized laser shows and rotating visual projections.
• Enjoy the open-air dancefloor setup that provides the perfect flow between indoor industrial-chic spaces and outdoor areas. After a night of dancing, many visitors take day trips to beginner surf beaches just minutes from Tamarindo for a refreshing morning activity. While Rumors delivers intense electronic beats, those seeking more diverse entertainment options might enjoy the Sunday Funday beach and pool crawl experience that’s highly rated among travelers.

Located centrally in Tamarindo’s nightlife district, Rumors offers an experience distinctly different from the town’s sports bars and mainstream clubs.

El Garito: Intimate Acoustic Sessions in Rustic Setting

While its name might suggest Spanish tavern traditions, El Garito delivers a surprisingly eclectic nightlife experience centered around house music and DJ performances in a uniquely rustic setting.

You’ll find yourself dancing under the stars on their outdoor patio dancefloor, surrounded by tropical foliage that enhances the venue’s underground vibe.

Open Wednesday through Saturday from around 9:30 PM until 2:30 AM, this intimate space draws a mixed crowd of travelers and locals.

The high-quality sound system pumps house beats from international and national DJs, while Pablo Picante keeps the energy flowing on featured nights.

You’ll appreciate the affordable drinks, friendly bartenders, and relaxed atmosphere compared to Tamarindo’s higher-energy clubs. Recently relocated to a larger location, El Garito now offers even more space for dancing and socializing.

El Garito has established itself as one of the top party destinations in Costa Rica’s vibrant nightlife scene, particularly for those seeking authentic local experiences.

For current events, check their active social media channels.

Sunday Funday: Beach & Pool Crawl Party Bus Experience

When Sunday rolls around in Tamarindo, party-seekers flock to the legendary Sunday Funday Beach & Pool Crawl, an 8-hour mobile celebration that’s become a must-do experience for visitors. You’ll hop aboard a party bus that transforms into a mobile dance floor as you journey between three different venues, each offering welcome drinks, music, and unforgettable vibes.

• Dance to live DJs and music while participating in pool games and activities designed to break the ice with fellow travelers.
• Enjoy food and drink specials at each location, with the day often concluding around a magical beach bonfire under the stars.
• Check in at El Be Tamarindo Beach Club at noon, with the party bus departing at 1:00 PM for up to 52 revelers aged 18-75.

The Crawler Hauler Party Bus features a stellar sound system that keeps the energy high as you travel between beautiful beach and pool destinations. While enjoying the vibrant nightlife, remember to practice travel safety just as you would in San Jose, the capital city.

El Be Beach Club: VIP Cabanas and Fire Dancers

On the lookout for the ultimate beachfront party experience in Tamarindo? El Be Beach Club delivers with its prime location just 50 meters from Hotel Diria. This kaleidoscope-colored venue offers the perfect mix of daytime relaxation and nighttime excitement.

By day, lounge in VIP cabanas or hammocks while enjoying fresh seafood with a gourmet twist. Their menu covers everything from Latin to Costa Rican cuisine, with options for vegetarians and vegans. Take advantage of their Happy Hour from 4-7 pm featuring $5 special deals on drinks and appetizers. The beachfront setting provides a stunning backdrop similar to what you’d find in Costa Rica’s gems, though with Tamarindo’s unique local flavor.

As sunset approaches, don’t miss their happy hour specials.

When night falls, El Be transforms into Tamarindo’s hottest party spot. Live music plays every evening, while fire dancers perform spectacular beach shows. The DJ-equipped terrace keeps you dancing until late.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a large gathering, El Be’s beachfront setting won’t disappoint.

CATA Agave Bar: Craft Cocktail Masterpieces

For true agave aficionados or those curious about Mexico’s beloved spirits, CATA Agave Bar stands as Tamarindo’s premier destination for exceptional craft cocktails. Perched on the second floor above Nogui’s restaurant, you’ll enjoy stunning sunset views over Tamarindo Beach while exploring their impressive collection of over 50 tequilas, mezcals, and artisanal agave spirits.

• Expert mixologists craft signature drinks highlighting agave’s natural sweetness and smokiness using fresh tropical ingredients.
• Join structured tastings led by multilingual experts who educate you on regional distinctions and production processes.
• Experience the perfect blend of educational and social atmosphere with occasional live music, themed cocktail nights, and salsa classes.

CATA operates daily from 4-11 PM, offering an ideal setting for conversations with locals and fellow travelers in a stylish space featuring minimalist décor with rustic agave-themed touches. Many visitors appreciate the sophistication CATA brings to Tamarindo’s beach town atmosphere, which offers a distinct alternative to the party scenes found in other Costa Rican destinations. You can easily reach out via their dedicated email at [email protected] for reservations or special event inquiries.

Late Night Hotspots: Where to Go After Midnight

As midnight approaches in Tamarindo, the coastal town’s nightlife truly comes alive with a vibrant array of late-night venues catering to night owls and party-seekers.

El El Garito stands out as Costa Rica’s “hot spot” with multiple music zones featuring salsa, merengue, and reggaeton.

Step into El Garito and experience the rhythm of Costa Rica through its vibrant dance floors and infectious Latin beats.

For beachfront dancing, head to Pacifico Bar’s “Wild Nights” on Wednesdays and Saturdays where DJs keep the energy high past midnight. While enjoying the nightlife, visitors should remain alert as Brazilian wandering spiders sometimes frequent tropical nightlife areas, especially during rainy season.

The Crazy Monkey Bar at Best Western attracts travelers with live bands, while Sharky’s transforms from sports bar to dance venue with themed nights like karaoke and beer pong tournaments. Located approximately 5-6 km outside the town center, The Crazy Monkey offers a more casual and welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a break from downtown’s intensity.

For the ultimate late-night experience, join the Sunday Funday Beach & Pool Crawl via party bus, where you’ll hop between venues offering extended happy hours, live music, and poolside parties until the early hours.

The Sum Up

Tamarindo’s nightlife hits like a perfect tropical wave—exhilarating and unforgettable. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Pacifico, sipping craft cocktails at CATA, or joining Sunday Funday’s beach crawl, you’ll find your vibe in this coastal paradise. Don’t overthink it—just follow the music, make friends with locals, and let your hair down. The perfect night awaits in Tamarindo.