If “Costa Rica Holy Week” is on your 2025 travel bingo card – and if it’s not, add it, stat! – then Tamarindo is the perfect destination to fill it with tropical Easter traditions, ocean adventures, and laid-back charm. Because Costa Rica Holy Week , alternately known as Easter week or Semana Santa, transforms this beach town into a lively, soul-filled escape – where the world comes together to celebrate in uniquely Costa Rican style.
So grab your virtual dabber (or download our bingo card and print it out, for real-life fun!) and get ready to mark off these unforgettable Tamarindo experiences. From surfing and sunsets to Easter processions and savory dishes, your 2025 bingo card is one you’ll actually want to mark off!
🟩 Bingo Square: Watch a Costa Rica Holy Week Procession
During Semana Santa, Tamarindo embraces the reverence of Costa Rica Holy Week with smaller-scale yet heartfelt religious observances. While the town itself might not host large processions, nearby villages like Villarreal or Santa Cruz invite the observant to witness reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
In these processions, locals don traditional costumes and bring the Easter story to life with music, prayers, and stunning alfombras – colorful street carpets made of flowers and sawdust, which are created for the procession to walk upon. This bingo square is all about soaking up the cultural heart of Easter in Costa Rica!
🟩 Bingo Square: Savor Traditional Holy Week Foods
Easter in Costa Rica isn’t just about the traditions – it’s also about the food! Of course it is! Local eateries in Tamarindo serve up Semana Santa staples that reflect the town’s coastal vibes.
- Miel de Chiverre: A sweet jam made from squash, often tucked into flaky empanadas.
- Arroz con Mariscos: Rice loaded with fresh seafood like shrimp and clams, seasoned with herbs and spices that evoke the ocean breeze.
- Picadillo de Palmito: Hearts of palm diced into a savory hash that’s as light as the Tamarindo breeze.
- Empanadas de Frijol y Queso: Bean and cheese-filled pastries perfect for a snack between beach strolls.
Many restaurants add their own flair to these dishes, so don’t be surprised if your seafood stew is spiced with a splash of Tamarindo’s unique personality.
🟩 Bingo Square: Visit a Local Church
Tamarindo’s charm isn’t limited to its beaches. Take a moment to visit one of the nearby historic churches to experience the spiritual side of Costa Rica Holy Week. The churches in Santa Cruz and Nicoya offer glimpses into the region’s colonial past with their beautiful architecture and serene courtyards.
Even if you’re not religious, these spaces invite quiet reflection and a chance to connect with Costa Rican culture on a deeper level. Or, take it a step further and follow the local tradition of visiting seven churches on Holy Thursday.
🟩 Bingo Square: Catch the Waves
What’s Easter week in Tamarindo without a little saltwater-sun-and-surf therapy? Tamarindo’s waves are legendary, offering options for everyone – from first-time surfers to seasoned pros. The Easter season often brings consistent swells, so it’s prime time to grab a board and paddle out.
For beginners, Tamarindo’s gentle breaks and friendly instructors make it easy to learn. More experienced surfers can head toward the river mouth for thrilling right-handers.
Bonus: Spot a local Easter tradition of beach picnics. Families flock to the sand with blankets, coolers, and kids splashing in the waves – a joyful scene that epitomizes the pura vida lifestyle.
🟩 Bingo Square: Sunrise or Sunset Yoga Session on the Beach
Tamarindo mornings and evenings are pure magic, and a beachfront yoga session is the best way to lean in to the Easter week. Imagine greeting the day with the sound of waves, a gentle breeze, and rays of sunlight painting the Pacific in gold or sunset watercolors.
Many yoga studios in Tamarindo offer classes right on the beach during Semana Santa. It’s a serene way to embrace the spiritual essence of Costa Rica Holy Week, even if your practice leans more toward stretching than meditation.
🟩 Bingo Square: Celebrate with a Tamarindo Sunset (and Maybe a Rainbow)
April is sunset and rainbow season in Costa Rica, making this square a two-for-one jackpot. Tamarindo’s sunsets are legendary – fiery explosions of orange, pink, and purple that light up the sky and reflect off the ocean.
And then there are the rainbows. After an afternoon rain shower, April skies often dazzle with these brilliant arcs of color – often, stretching wide over the Pacific. Whether you’re lounging at Playa Tamarindo or watching from a the quiet of your ocean-view pool terrace, don’t forget to keep your camera handy!
Pro tip: Make a reservation (or ask our concierge to do so on your behalf!) at one of Tamarindo’s oceanfront restaurants to pair your sunset viewing with a chilled cocktail and fresh seafood.
🟩 Bingo Square: Explore Neighboring Beaches
Tamarindo’s charm extends to its neighbors, and Easter week is a fantastic time to beach-hop. Walk down Tamarindo’s shoreline to Playa Langosta, a quieter stretch of sand perfect for tide-pooling and picnicking.
Feeling adventurous? Rent a paddleboard and explore the Pacific or the Tamarindo Estuary, where mangroves create a serene backdrop. You’ll likely spot tropical birds, howler monkeys, and even crocodiles – adding a dash of wildlife to your Easter bingo card.
🟩 Bingo Square: Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Easter celebrations meet ocean luxury on a Tamarindo sunset catamaran cruise. As Semana Santa unfolds onshore, the ocean offers a different kind of magic.
Picture yourself lounging on the deck of a sleek catamaran, sipping a tropical drink while the sun dips below the horizon and seemingly into the Pacific, sending its brilliant tendrils out into the water. Many cruises include snorkeling stops where you can swim among vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles. One thing is for sure: This bingo square guarantees pure relaxation and awe-inspiring views!
🟩 Bingo Square: Dance the Night Away in Tamarindo
After a day spent soaking in Tamarindo’s laid-back vibe, the town’s nightlife adds a lively twist to your Easter experience. Tamarindo’s bars and clubs pulse with energy during Semana Santa – one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, including for Costa Ricans! – blending international beats with local rhythms.
Start your night at the legendary Nogui’s for sunset drinks, then make your way to Sharky’s or Pacifico for dancing and cocktails. Easter week often brings live music, DJs, and themed parties that keep the celebration going well past midnight.
🟩 Bingo Square: Shop Tamarindo’s Easter Artisan Markets
During Semana Santa, Tamarindo’s artisan markets are bursting with vibrant energy. These pop-up markets and local mainstays showcase handmade goods, from colorful jewelry and beachwear to organic skincare products and locally made crafts.
Pick up a handwoven beach bag or a chiverre-filled empanada for a true taste of Costa Rican creativity. No matter how you slice it or what your market pleasure, supporting local artisans is an easy way to bring home a meaningful souvenir while ticking off another bingo square.
🟩 Bingo Square: Indulge in an Alfresco Seafood Feast
Fill your “indulgence” square by treating yourself to a seafood dinner under the stars, courtesy of your private chef. Tamarindo’s culinary scene is a foodie’s dream, with fresh catches prepared in creative ways – and pairing perfectly with the Easter Week tradition of abstaining from red meat.
Imagine sitting at a candlelit table, on your private ocean-view terrace, savoring dishes like grilled octopus, ceviche bursting with citrus, and whole red snapper cooked to perfection. Pair it all with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a craft cocktail infused with tropical fruits, and you’ve got a square worth savoring.
🟩 Bingo Square: Experience Tamarindo’s Beachside Easter Joy
Easter Sunday is a family affair in Costa Rica, and Tamarindo’s beach transforms into a hub of celebration. Families gather for picnics, kids fly kites, and the air buzzes with laughter and chatter.
Join in by setting up your own spot on the sand, complete with snacks from a local bakery and fresh coconut water straight from the shell. Bonus points if you spot locals preparing traditional Easter treats right on the beach!
Easter week in Tamarindo isn’t just a vacation – it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Costa Rica Holy Week traditions while enjoying the best of this tropical paradise. Mark your bingo card with unforgettable memories, and discover why Semana Santa in Tamarindo is the perfect blend of celebration, relaxation, and adventure.
Where to Stay
The holidays are here and our homes are booking fast!
Crystal Sands Penthouse 504
Playa Langosta | 3 Beds | 3 Baths | Sleeps 12
Look, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that sometimes, you just need your own penthouse. And when “sometimes” becomes “for this vacation,” Crystal Sands 504 delivers with a gorgeous penthouse, a spectacular Langosta Beach location, and Pacific Ocean views that stretch for as far as your eyes can see. Good thing you have that private balcony…
When you can drag yourself indoors – and, we admit, it can be a challenge, when you’re here! – you’ll love your penthouse’s private hot tub (on the balcony!), breezy interiors, and gourmet kitchen. Don’t want to cook? That’s what the full-sized gas grill is for! (Grilling isn’t cooking, right??). And everywhere – even from the bedrooms – you’ll be able to enjoy your private ocean panoramas. Welcome to paradise!
Casa Quebracho
5 Beds | 6 Baths | Sleeps 12
Welcome to Casa Quebracho, a little slice of paradise just waiting for you to make some unforgettable memories. One of the more unique vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, it boasts a main house and two separate “casitas,” already making for an incredible start: It’s the ideal setup for a surf vacation, family escape, or a group of friends wanting time together while still having their own chill space when needed.
There are so many reasons to love Casa Quebracho, but here are three: The property features two private casitas, perfect for families or friends seeking personal space and privacy. Casa Quebracho also boasts a prime location just minutes from Tamarindo town and its surfing beach – your tropical playground awaits! And to round it out, you’ll enjoy exceptional service (Monday to Saturday) with daily housekeeping, breakfast services in the morning, and a world-class concierge taking care of every detail, to ensure your stay is truly exceptional.
Casa Howler
Tamarindo | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | Sleeps 8
Impeccably designed to leave a lasting impression, Casa Howler stands as a luxurious vacation haven nestled within Tamarindo Park—a captivating new community gracing the hills around downtown Tamarindo.
In this idyllic setting where nature’s marvels unfold just beyond your doorstep, and every facet radiates the essence of modern tropical living, Casa Howler positions itself just a short 10-minute stroll from all the places you long to explore, from Playa Tamarindo itself to the town’s diverse array of restaurants, nightlife, tours, attractions, and more.
Step inside Casa Howler, where the allure of floor-to-ceiling glass beckons you to embrace forest views from every corner, seamlessly blending the indoors with Costa Rica’s exotic flora. Alternatively, bask in sun-drenched afternoons by your private pool, craft culinary delights in your chef’s kitchen, or unwind in the generously appointed king-sized bedrooms. Casa Howler delivers everything you desire and more for an opulent family retreat in the heart of Costa Rica.
Make Costa Rica Holy Week Memories in Tamarindo
Easter in Costa Rica is to be more than a vacation; it’s an experience you’ll remember forever. From surfing and processions to luxury villas and endless adventure, Tamarindo has everything you need for the perfect getaway. Whether you’re traveling with your family, a group of friends, or simply looking to escape on your own, we’re here to help make it happen.
We’re here to share all our planning know-how and to help you jump onto last-minute holiday travel. Whether you’re looking to narrow down your options for Tamarindo rentals or are looking for a few yes-they-still-have-availability suggestions, we’re here and we’re ready. Start planning today, and let’s make this Easter break your best one yet. Get in touch with us at Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo to book your dream vacation home and start building memories that will last a lifetime.
So please, get in touch! We love to chat about Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
