Tamarindo

As of June 2026, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Flamingo have 4,355 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 2% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Tamarindo generates CRC22.4M per year. High-performing properties earn CRC78.2M/year, while low-performing properties earn CRC7.0M/year. With supply growth outpacing revenue decline and occupancy at 30%, the market shows modest new competition entering a contracting revenue environment. The wide gap between high and average performers suggests significant performance variance despite flat long-term supply levels.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Tamarindo. Average annual revenue is CRC22.4M with 30% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CRC78.2M/year. Despite minimal supply growth, revenue declined year-over-year while occupancy remained flat, suggesting demand softening in a stable competitive landscape. The 3.5x performance gap between high and average earners indicates significant differentiation among properties rather than market-wide constraints.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Tamarindo is 30%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CRC205K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CRC48K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Tamarindo, with annual revenue of CRC54.2M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Tamarindo market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Tamarindo area. Tamarindo: Lenient. No specific STR permits required, general business license needed. Minimal enforcement, widespread informal operations common. Playa Grande: Lenient. Basic municipal permits theoretically required. Very limited enforcement, most rentals operate informally without issues. Playa Flamingo: Lenient. General business registration suggested, no STR-specific rules. Minimal oversight, enforcement practically non-existent for tourist rentals. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Tamarindo Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The wide gap between average ($22.4M) and high revenue ($78.2M) properties suggests significant performance stratification, while the 30% occupancy rate reflects competitive pressure as supply growth outpaces demand recovery.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak winter season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -33% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (August-October) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Tamarindo listings include: Air Conditioning (98%), Kitchen (95%), Pool (87%), Washing Machine (83%), Tv (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Hot Tub, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 87% more (CRC42.5M/year vs CRC22.7M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Tamarindo over the last 12 months: May: CRC931K, June: CRC1.0M, July: CRC1.4M, August: CRC861K, September: CRC473K, October: CRC480K, November: CRC920K, December: CRC2.4M, January: CRC2.2M, February: CRC1.8M, March: CRC2.8M, April: CRC1.9M. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Tamarindo is CRC205K, up 4% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CRC71K/night, 2-bedroom properties average CRC123K/night, 3-bedroom properties average CRC192K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CRC486K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in September.

Guests in Tamarindo book an average of 42 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 43 days, 4+ bedroom: 60 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Tamarindo Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 2%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 6%, average nightly rates increased 4%, and lead time decreased 18%. The combination of rising supply, falling occupancy, and compressed booking windows signals intensifying competition, while the substantial gap between average and high-performing listings suggests market bifurcation favoring differentiated properties.

In Tamarindo, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Thursday and are lowest on Saturday. Weekends show 15% higher occupancy than weekdays.