5 reviewed party hostels · from €12.64/night · Hostelworld rated
Tamarindo’s nightlife kicks off where the sand ends. By 10 p.m., the beachfront strip of bars along Avenida Central fills with backpackers, surfers, and holidaymakers nursing cold Imperials or rum punch. The music starts at places like Crazy Monkey Bar, where reggae covers spill onto the pavement, and doesn’t stop until sunrise at Mandala, a two-storey club with sticky floors and a dance floor that packs out by midnight.
Hostels here are as much about the party as they are about the surf. Tamarindo Backpackers sits five minutes from the beach and throws its own barbecues, while La Botella de Leche keeps the drinks flowing until 2 a.m. with a poolside bar that’s become a magnet for groups fresh off the waves. The vibe is less backpacker trail, more beach holiday with a side of chaos: expect flip-flops, not hiking boots.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Close to one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Tamahostel & Glamping is a great place to watch a beautiful sunset, enjoy the eternal summer lifestyle, swim and surf in one of the most popular surf spots of the country, meet with other surfers, backpackers and travellers while enjoying good food and making new friends from all around the world.
La Botella de Leche in Tamarindo is a cracking party hub, buzzing with salsa nights and surf-inspired bashes by the vibrant pool. Minutes from beach clubs like El Garito, it sparks electric vibes with open-air lounge gatherings. Friendly staff fuel wild nights with local nightlife tips, making it a top spot for an epic, party-packed adventure.
Epic social surf camp in Tamarindo's jungle with a fun, energetic atmosphere focused on human connection and global community vibes. This vibrant hostel brings together surf lessons, organized group meals, and countless activities that naturally create lasting friendships. Perfect for party-minded backpackers seeking adventure, socialising, and unforgettable moments in Costa Rica's wilderness.
Great party hostel with cool common areas and an amazing sound system. They organize daily group activities and events, like DJ sessions, themed parties, progressive flamenco and live painting events, etc. Tours and trips can be booked at the reception at any time. The hostel features a lovely tropical garden which enjoys frequent visits from iguanas and howler monkeys
Brilliant party hostel with a massive pool and vibrant outdoor lounge perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. The on-site bar-restaurant serves everything from wood-fired pizzas to cocktails, whilst the petanque court adds extra fun to evenings. Located perfectly between stunning Costa Rican beaches, it's your ideal base for adventures and epic pool parties.
Organised nights out with a local guide
A daytime crawl that visits three bars with pools or beachfront access. The price includes a welcome shot, one drink at each stop, and entry to a pool party. The crawl starts at 2 p.m. and finishes around 8 p.m., making it a good warm-up for the night ahead. Transport between bars is by party bus, and the crowd is mostly backpackers and holidaymakers in their 20s.
How Tamarindo's nightlife zones break down
The main drag in Tamarindo, running parallel to the beach. This is where you’ll find the bulk of the bars, hostels, and surf shops. The street is pedestrianised at night, and the beachfront bars set up tables on the sand. It’s loud, busy, and the heart of the nightlife.
A side street off Avenida Central, lined with cheaper eateries, sports bars, and hostels. It’s less touristy than the beachfront but still lively, especially around Sharky’s Sports Bar. The dirt road can get muddy after rain, so wear sandals.
The quieter end of the beach, where Pacifico Beach Club and a few beachfront hostels are located. By day, it’s all about surfing and sunbathing; by night, the beach clubs take over with DJs and daybeds. The sand is softer here, and the waves are gentler for beginner surfers.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A two-storey club that’s the loudest spot in town. Downstairs is a mix of reggaeton and EDM, while upstairs plays throwback pop and hip-hop. Entry is ₡5,000 (£6) after 11 p.m. and includes one drink. The dance floor gets packed by midnight, and the crowd is a mix of backpackers and holidaymakers in their 20s and 30s. Expect sticky floors and shots handed out by promoters.
A beachfront bar with sand underfoot and reggae covers on the speakers. Happy hour runs from 4–6 p.m., with ₡1,500 (£1.80) beers and ₡3,000 (£3.60) cocktails. By 10 p.m., the place is standing room only, and the crowd spills onto the pavement. Live bands play most nights, usually starting around 9 p.m. No cover charge.
The go-to spot for sports fans and cheap drinks. Happy hour from 4–6 p.m. offers ₡2,000 (£2.40) cocktails and ₡1,500 (£1.80) beers. There’s a pool table and a projector for football and UFC fights. The crowd is mostly expats and backpackers, and it’s a solid place to start the night before heading to the clubs.
A day-to-night venue with a pool and beachfront tables. Daybeds cost ₡20,000 (£24) and come with a bottle of rum or vodka. By night, it turns into a club with DJs playing house and techno. Entry is free before 11 p.m., but drinks are pricier at ₡5,000 (£6) for a cocktail. The crowd is a mix of holidaymakers and groups from the hostels.
The hostel’s poolside bar stays open until 2 a.m. and is a favourite for pre-drinks. Beers are ₡1,500 (£1.80), and shots of local guaro cost ₡1,000 (£1.20). The crowd is mostly hostel guests, so it’s easy to meet people before heading into town. They also serve burgers and tacos until midnight.
A smaller club that packs out on weekends. Music is a mix of salsa, reggaeton, and pop, and the dance floor is tight but lively. Entry is ₡3,000 (£3.60) after 10 p.m. and includes one drink. The crowd is mostly locals and backpackers, and it’s a good alternative if Mandala feels too chaotic.
A dive bar with a jukebox and cheap drinks. Beers are ₡1,500 (£1.80) all night, and the crowd is a mix of surfers and expats. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up playing drinking games with strangers. No frills, just cold beer and loud music.