I am planning a trip to Costa Rica for my boyfriend's 27th birthday early September. (Is this crazy? Will it rain the entire 5 days we are there?) He has always wanted to learn how to surf, and I'm eager to try it also.

Tamarindo appears to be a nicer beach. But I'm leaning towards Jaco since it is close to Manuel Anotnio and the airport. Also, would you recommend renting a car, or taking a bus/taxi for the duration of our five days?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

Depending on what time your flights arrive and depart, you may have to spend the first and/or last night(s) near the airport. I don't know if that's going to cut into your five days or not. If not you may be able to do both Tamarinda and MA (flying may be the best way to do them in that short amount of time). Otherwise, MA and Jaco would probably make more sense in your limited amount of time.

If you don't have your reservations yet you could fly into Liberia. I think Tamarindo is only 1 hour away. Also, I think, but am not sure in September, that it rains less in Guanacaste (Tamarindo) than the Jaco area.

What a nice present!

I know many people say disparaging things about Jaco, but I went to Tamarindo and wasn't all that impressed. I thought Jaco looked prettier (at least the water) as we drove through on our way to MA. We didn't stop there so I can't really compare, but there's my two cents!

tough call. manuel antonio and tamraindo are both great spots. if you are looking to surf, I would go to tamarindo. check out a site called tamarindo.com. i stayed in a house in playa grande (popular surf spot north of town), at a place called casa and casitas linda vista. Place is very reasonable, very clean, and a short walk from a great beach. the owner, craig, was very hospitable, the surf at playa grande is very good. feel free to ask questions. I enjoyed manuel antonio and tamarindo/p.grande.
dg

regarding the car, depends where you fly into. cars are expensive to rent in CR and you probably want a 4 wheel drive if you are their in the rainy season. - in M.Antonio, i took a bus (van) from san jose to the beach, and took cabs from there, very safe and economical

haven't been to Tamarindo but friends that were loved it--stopped in Jaco on way to Manuel Antonio and it was the only place in CR we didn't like--very much like a small version of daytona bch--lots of commercial activity on a main strip and not a great beach at all--not at all Costa Ricay if that is what you are looking for--much more Americanized than other places