Tamarindo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty, and I’ve got the lowdown for Tamarindo, right here on the Pacific side. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead, but it’s not a straight shot of perfection. The first few days are a bit of a tease, but there are some real gems waiting for us if you’re patient.

Kicking off Friday, August 28th, the swell is there but a bit lackluster. We’re looking at a 3ft swell from the SW with a very long 19-second period, and a combined energy of 654 (moderate). The water is sitting at 86°, feeling a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. The morning has a fresh cross-offshore breeze, making things clean, but the score is low. It’s a bit of a wait-and-see day.

Saturday, August 29th, we get a jump in size. The morning has 5ft SW swell with a 16-second period, combined energy jumping to 1230 (strong). Still clean with a moderate cross-offshore breeze. The afternoon sees the wind shift to a cross-onshore, making it choppier, so the morning is your window.

Sunday, August 30th, holds the promise. The morning is a decent 5ft from the SW, but the real standout is the afternoon. The wind goes light offshore from the East at just 6 mph, leaving it glassy. The swell holds at 5ft from the SW, energy is 857 (moderate), and the conditions are described as “very good.” This is one of the top windows – light winds, clean lines, and a solid swell. Take the afternoon off.

Moving into the week of August 31st, Monday morning has 4ft SW swell with a light cross-offshore breeze. The real magic is Monday afternoon: the wind goes glassy, calm as can be. At 4ft from the SW, it’s a treat for smooth rides. Tuesday morning is clean again with 3ft SW swell, but the afternoon turns to a poor cross-onshore. Not worth it.

Wednesday, September 2nd, and Thursday, September 3rd, are mostly small and messy. The mornings are clean but the swell is only 2ft to 3ft, and the afternoons are blown out. A gap for a few days.

Now, here’s the big one. Friday, September 4th, morning session. The swell jumps to 5ft from the SW with a 17-second period, energy is a hefty 1458 (strong). The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the ENE. This is described as excellent for experienced surfers. The size is getting up there, over 5ft, so beginners be cautious. This is the window for the crew that knows what they’re doing.

Saturday, September 5th, morning keeps it going. 6ft SW swell, 16-second period, energy at 1448 (strong). The wind goes light offshore from the ENE, making it clean again. Another top-tier morning for experienced surfers. The afternoons are generally a write-off with the cross-onshore wind and risk of storms.

The second week, from September 6th through the 12th, keeps a steady pulse of swell, mostly in the 3ft to 4ft range from the SW. The mornings are consistently clean or glassy, with the afternoons getting choppy. Sunday, September 6th, morning is a standout with 5ft SW swell and a light offshore breeze. Tuesday, September 8th, morning is glassy with 3ft from the SW, and a very long 18-second period – perfect for the river mouth. Thursday, September 10th, morning is absolute glass with 4ft SW swell, no wind. Friday, September 11th, morning is clean with 4ft from the SW.

Overall, the best of the best is the afternoon of Sunday, August 30th, for its glassy, clean conditions on a fun 5ft swell. For bigger, more powerful waves for the experienced crowd, the mornings of Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th are the ones to circle on your calendar. The river mouth here is consistent, and with these long-period SW swells, it will set up nicely. Remember, those long-period swells can make beach breaks close out, but the river mouth at Tamarindo can handle it. Crowds can be around, especially on the weekends, so get in early.

Alright, that’s the look. Stay stoked.

Rusty

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