costa rica excursions from tamarindo

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10 Best Tamarindo Tours and Excursions You NEED to Check Out!

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

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One of Costa Rica’s top destinations , Tamarindo chalks up major points for its great beaches, cool surf scene , fun nightlife, and never-ending list of fun activities. Riding ATVs, white water rafting, waterfall chasing, or ziplining tours – you name it, they’ve got it. 

We traveled all over Costa Rica, but Tamarindo has some of the most diverse travel crowds – from the all-inclusive hotel stayers and backpackers to seasoned solo travelers and first-timers. This Pacific Coast town has so many tours and activities that you’re bound to find something awesome – no matter what kind of traveler you are. 

Sure, we’ll admit that good old “Tamagringo” has earned its nickname, but don’t strike it off the list just yet! We’ve rounded up all the details on Tamarindo’s top tours to give you an idea of just how adventurous, awesome, and diverse even Costa Rica’s busiest spots can be! 

What is the best time of year to do tours in Tamarindo?

If you’ve never traveled to the tropics, here’s a quick crash course on the seasons. Unlike their neighbors further north and south, tropical countries only have dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, then the rainy season kicks it into gear from May to November. 

No surprise here – the dry season is Tamarindo’s busiest. Sunny days and stable weather make it one of the best times to visit Costa Rica . It’s ideal for sunset cruises and pretty much all beach activities. This region gets pretty dusty during this time, though, even within the rainforests!  

Now, you might hear “wet season” and think gloom and doom, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to rain all day, every day. Visiting Tamarindo in the wet season has lots of advantages, including lower off-season prices and fewer crowds. It’s also the lushest, greenest time of year, making rainforest walks, ziplining, and ATV rides even more awesome! 

How many days do you need in Tamarindo?

Trust us, we’ve done the whole “cram every activity into two days” travel bit, but it’s way better to slow down and enjoy! To get a good feel for Tamarindo, it’s worth allocating at least four days to scope everything out. 

We like to arrive at a new place, have a day to find our bearings and explore at a chill pace. This is especially true here, as Tamarindo is a popular stop for those arriving from nearby Guanacaste Airport or traveling south from the Peñas Blancas border. So, give yourself a day to arrive and relax – it makes all the difference! 

For the other days, you’ll be spoiled for choice – we were surprised to find so many diverse activities! Even if you’re hesitant to visit” we urge you to give it a few days, check out some awesome tours, and get a taste of coastal life in Costa Rica. 

Our Top 3 Tours in Tamarindo

Picking activities to do or sights to see when you’re traveling can be tough work and a whole lotta research! Sometimes we just want to join in on all the tours, but realistically, everyone has budgets and timelines to stick to. It’s hard to decide on just three top tours in Tamarindo, but we narrowed it down to awesome picks that fit lots of different travel styles and priorities.  

Each of these tours showcases some of the best things to do in Tamarindo , and everyone should experience at least one when they visit. If you have limited travel time or space in your budget for tours, picking one of these will ensure that you still have a quintessential Tamarindo experience! 

Sunset sail

Tamarindo’s top draw is its beautiful Pacific Coast, so it’s no surprise that a  Sunset Sail  would be top of the list! It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon sailing up the coast to a secluded cove on a catamaran with drinks, music, and food! Ending with golden sunset views as you sail back to shore will give you a new appreciation for Tamarindo. 

The Famous Guachipelin Adventure 

The Famous Guachipelin Adventure  has a reputation for a reason, and you’ll more than likely hear people talking about it! It’s one of the best adventure tours we’ve encountered, jampacked with activities like ziplining, tubing, and horseback riding. You’ll get to have tons of fun while also experiencing one of Costa Rica’s stunning national parks – Rincon de la Vieja National Park. It’s also pretty great value, and is easily accessible from Tamarindo!  

Beginner Surf Lesson

We can’t round up the top 3 Tamarindo tours without giving this beginner surf lesson  a much-deserved spot! Surfing in Costa Rica is one of those can’t-miss experiences and it’s an essential part of Tamarindo life. You’ll also be able to learn more quickly in the beginner-friendly waters around here. It’s also budget-friendly and doesn’t involve traveling far, which are pretty solid reasons all on their own! 

10 Best Tamarindo Tours  

1. rio celeste, sloth sanctuary, and llanos de cortes waterfall.

After hearing stories from other backpackers, there was no way we would pass up visiting Rio Celeste ! We hopped on this full-day tour  to make the most of it, and even though it was a long (~12 hour!) day, seeing this stunning part of Costa Rica was so worth it. 

Pick-ups in Tamarindo (and from other areas around Guanacaste) start bright and early, around 6:30 am, for a 3-hour drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park with a few stops to break up the journey. We got to grab breakfast (and coffee!), and take a cool dip at Llanos de Cortes waterfall. It was a great appetizer before the main event – Rio Celeste!

You’ll hike for around 2 hours through the emerald green rainforest along the beautiful Rio Celeste as you follow the river to its powdery-blue waterfall. This waterfall is famous for its bright blue water that reminded me of blue Gatorade!

I took so many photos – this place was pretty unbelievable! The hike isn’t too strenuous, although it can be slippery in some sections and involves a lot of stairs, but our group found it manageable. Good shoes are a must!

After all that hiking, we had worked up an appetite, so the lunch at a local organic farm really hit the spot. We also got to explore the sloth and frog sanctuary, which we found to be one of the best spots to see sloths in Costa Rica ! There was also plenty of other wildlife including flowers, birds , cute frogs, and tropical plants galore.

This is a popular tour, so booking ahead online here is wise. It costs $135 USD per person for either a pick-up or self-drive option if you’re renting a car in Costa Rica and want to meet at Llanos Del Cortes or at Tenorio Volcano Park. The fee includes park admission, a guide, and lunch. Bring some extra cash – if only for that morning coffee! If you want to upgrade and turn this into a fully private tour, you also have that option for $250 USD per person.

Related Read: If seeing sloths is high on your bucket list, make sure to check out the best sloth-watching tours in La Fortuna ! We even saw baby sloths!

2. ATV or Buggy Tour in Tamarindo

You don’t have to go too deep into our blog to discover we love ATVs! These tours are a fantastic way to get off the beaten path while exploring Tamarindo. Most of our previous ATV tours were in groups, but this private tour  was only $90 USD each for two of us, so we opted for that instead! 

After pickup, your guide will take you to the ATVs (or a buggy for $10 USD cheaper, if you prefer), give you a safety demo, test ride, and fit you with helmets and goggles. We loved that this tour took us through many different spots, from the forest to some fantastic lookout points to having fun on the beach. If you go during the wet season, you can expect to have extra fun driving through the mud! 

We ended up at 3 beaches and had them pretty much to ourselves, which was awesome. You can also swim, but we were having a blast and opted to spend more time riding instead.

Tours run for about 2 hours and start every hour from 8 am to 3 pm, and your guide will also provide you with water and fresh fruit. Remember your swimsuit, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty! 

If this sounds like the tour for you, you can book online here ! If you’re traveling with kids or want to ride with someone, we suggest opting for a buggy or a two-seater ATV. Make sure you also have cash for tips and $5 USD to buy a bandana at the office before you leave – it can get dusty and muddy, so we really liked having ours!

3. Sunset sail 

Tamarindo is the perfect spot to explore Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast. Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica are around Tamarindo, which means they can get busy! Hopping on this sunset sail  is a super scenic way to escape the crowds.

This tour lasts about 5 hours and includes an amazing sunset on the water. You’ll also return to shore just in time for a late supper at one of the great restaurants in Tamarindo . If you’re not an early bird, this 1 pm start is perfect for you!  

We love a sunset cruise in Tamarindo that’s fun, has a little bit of partying, and lots of adventure, and this one easily ticked all the boxes. They include alcohol and light food such as fajitas, fruit platters, and yummy banana bread to fuel your sail north of Tamarindo to beautiful Playa Huevos.  

At Playa Huevos, you can kayak , paddleboard, snorkel, or just use a noodle and float around in the clear waters. We did some snorkeling along the rocky section of the beach, which had tons of coral, fish, and some rays. It’s common to catch sightings of whales , dolphins, and turtles along the way, although we didn’t luck out!  

Tours cost $90 USD per person, including food, drinks, equipment, and a sweet ride on a 40-foot/12-meter catamaran. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one and book a spot on the sunset cruise online with Viator !

4. The Famous Guachipelin Adventure

Some travel days are for chill sunset sails and wildlife sanctuaries , and others are for amped-up travel experiences. That’s where the  Guachipelin Adventure tour comes in! Easily some of the most fun we’ve packed into 10 hours, this is an awesome way to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying the natural surroundings Costa Rica is most known for .   

Pick-up starts around 6 am for the drive to Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, about 93 km (58 miles) northeast of Tamarindo. Named after one of Costa Rica’s famous volcanoes , the park is home to relaxing hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, and tons of Costa Rican wildlife. Our guide helped us navigate the park as we took on multiple ziplines, hanging bridges, Tarzan swings, rappelling, and rock climbing! We slowed things down a bit with a 45-minute horseback ride before jumping in the river to go river tubing over the (gentle!) rapids for about 5 km/3 miles.

All those activities are balanced out with a much-appreciated buffet lunch, the chance to slather healing volcanic mud on yourself and soak in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano before heading home. I slept like a baby after this one!  

There’s a max of 20 people per tour, and prices start at $135 USD per person if you do the self-drive option, or $149 USD each for a group of 2 with shared transport. For both, all entry tickets, guide, and lunch spread are included. It’s a pretty active day, so we recommend guests be moderately fit, wear sneakers and comfy clothes, and be ready for adventure! 

You can easily book your slot on this fun-filled day near Tamarindo with Viator . You can even use the reserve now, pay later option to guarantee your spot.

5. La Leona Waterfall

If there’s a waterfall around, count me in! Yup, I’m guilty of chasing waterfalls, and if you’re only going to see one around Tamarindo, this La Leona Waterfall tour delivers. Plus you can ONLY visit this waterfall on a tour.

Costa Rica has tons of waterfalls , but what makes La Leona Waterfall so special is that it’s in a canyon! For about 3 hours, you’ll weave through caves, cross rivers, swim, and climb canyons until you finally spy La Leona slicing her way through the rock.

There’s a beautiful powder-blue pool to float around so you can cool off and relax before heading back. You’ll also get to see smaller falls along the way, and the guides always have tons of tidbits about flora and fauna along the way! 

This tour starts around 7 am and lasts for about 6 hours, so eating a hearty breakfast and bringing snack money is your best move. Transport, guide, and water are included, and if you have a dry bag and water shoes, this is definitely a good time to whip those out! 

The tour is reasonable – especially if you’re traveling as a group as the price goes from $155 USD per person for a group of 2 or drops to $115 USD each for a group of 6.

Get a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful waterfalls around by booking a tour to La Leona Waterfall here !

Related Read: If you need a place to stay so you can take in some of these tours, some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica are around Tamarindo!

6. ATV Zipline Tour

A few tours on our list include longer drives, but if you’re looking for fun closer to Tamarindo, this ATV and zipline combo tour  is a great option. The starting point isn’t far from downtown, and the whole tour runs for about 3.5 hours, so you’ll have an adventure with time to spare! 

After safety demos, you’ll drive through forests, mountains, and even some small towns, with lots of opportunities to spot animals like howler monkeys, iguanas, and even a coati. When you arrive at the park, you’ll switch gears and get harnessed for a zipline course with 7 cables that weave you through the treetops with epic views of mountains in the distance! It’s definitely one of the best ziplining tours in Tamarindo for adventure seekers!

Afterward, you’ll get one more spin on the ATV as you return to the starting point.  

Departures are at 8:30 am and 12:30 pm, costing $145 USD per person for a single-driver ATV or $190 USD for a two-seater. The cost also includes safety gear, a guide, and transportation. There’s a max of 15 people per group, and kids as young as 5 can join in (but you must be 16 to drive!).

You can book this tour online here and make sure to bring along a bandana or mask for the ATV ride – remember how dusty we said it could get here! 

7. Tenorio River White Water Rafting

We’ve had a blast whitewater rafting around Costa Rica on other trips, and this was no exception! It’s a great way to get into nature, have adrenaline-filled fun, and meet new people. You don’t need prior experience to join this whitewater rafting tour  either – everyone is welcome! 

Starting in Tamarindo with a 7 am pickup, our trusty guide took us about a 2-hour drive east to Canas, where the company base is. After safety briefings and grabbing gear, we jumped in a 4X4 for another half-hour ride to the Tenorio River’s launch point. And from there, it just got more epic!

Over 2 hours, we rafted down 12 km/7.4 miles of the river through more than 20 Class III and IV rapids, plus calmer sections where we could appreciate the surrounding forest and see waterfalls. What really got my heart racing though was the 12-foot/3.6-meter waterfall drop over Cascabel Falls! What a rush!

After reaching the endpoint, we returned to base for a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch before heading back, arriving in Tamarindo just in time for sunset.

There’s a self-drive option for $103 USD where you meet the group in Canas, but we chose the return-transport option from Tamarindo for $136 USD per person. Both options include lunch, a guide, and gear, but judging by the naps we had on the way back, we made the best choice for us!  For an epic day on the water, book your spot on this whitewater rafting tour online here !

8. Beginner Surf Lesson

No matter what season you arrive in Tamarindo, one thing you’re gonna find is surfers! We’ve tried surfing all over Costa Rica and since we’re no pros, beginner-friendly Tamarindo was an excellent place to improve our skills with this surfing lesson .

Instructors will grab you a suitable board and teach you the basic movements on land first, like how to pop up on the board. After you’ve mastered that, you get to practice paddling out in the water, understanding the waves, and learning general surf etiquette. And yes, you can absolutely stand up and ride a wave on your first lesson!  

Surfing in Tamarindo has a few perks, starting with the fact that you don’t have to travel very far! It’s also pretty pocket-friendly at $50 USD a person for a shared 2-hour lesson, with time slots daily at 8 am, 11 am, and 3 pm. Shared lessons have a max of 15 people, but you’re guaranteed an instructor per 6 people. Or you can opt for a private surf lesson for only $75 USD which is worth it if it’s your first time on a board!

Instructors, surfboards, and even rashguards are included, but you can bring extra cash if you feel like tipping!  Check out all the options for surf lessons in Tamarindo online to book your spot .

Related Read: For even more affordable vacation plans, check out the best cheap and free things to do in Tamarindo !

9. Sloth Sanctuary Wildlife Hike

A wildlife hike is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica , and one of our favs is this sloth and waterfall hike  in near Spring Paradise Bijagua. You’ll see their most famous critters just hangin’ out – literally!

Sloths are pretty iconic in Costa Rica, and they’re one of my favorite animals to spot in the wild. The area covered in this tour is home to the sloths, who roam freely, albeit at a pretty chill, slow pace! We also spotted toucans and heard howler monkeys in the distance (but didn’t see them up close!). Our guide was super passionate about his job, and he gave us so many facts about the animals and Costa Rican nature in general. 

Plus after you’ll get to spend some time hiking through the forest to reach the Blue River Waterfall where you can cool off by cliff jumping.

At $185 USD per person for a 10-hour tour, it’s also a pretty reasonably-priced way to get immersed in nature and switch up the scenery for a day. Pick-up, transportation, and admission are included, but bringing snacks and water is a good call!

You can book this tour online and there’s a maximum of 20 people on the tour, so it’s still a relatively small crowd to enjoy the day with. 

10. Discover Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Costa Rica is one of our favorite activities, and the country is known for being a top dive destination. Tamarindo is a great place to scuba dive for beginners to kick off a new adventure with a  Discover Scuba Diving course , and maybe even get inspired to do a full certification!  

There isn’t any fancy prerequisite here, you just gotta be willing to give it a go! After the paperwork, you’ll learn the basics from a qualified (and bilingual) instructor, and then the real fun starts. The dive boat takes you out for two dives, where you can see beautiful multi-colored coral reefs teeming with marine life and maybe even rays, turtles, or larger fish hanging out. No two dives are ever the same; that’s why we love it so much! 

Pick-up is bright and early at 6:15 am, or you can also meet at the shop. Snacks, water, transport, and equipment are all included, but bring a hat and sunscreen! It costs $195 USD per person with a max of 8 people, but even if you’re solo, you’re bound to meet some cool, like-minded people.

Added bonus: if you end up loving it, you may be able to use your Discover Scuba dives toward your certification. Win-win! 

Book your scuba diving adventure near Tamarindo online here and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if your plans change.

Related Read: If these tours aren’t quite long enough or you’re looking to see more of the country, there are plenty of multi-day guided tours of Costa Rica to choose from!

Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

You have so many choices when it comes to  places to stay in Tamarindo . There are over 100 hotels and hostels in the downtown area catering to all needs and wants. To help you narrow it down, these are our favorites:

Selina Tamarindo – $

The Selina  is a good option for budget travelers, and I have personally stayed here. It’s an upper-market hostel with a great atmosphere and pool. The location is also right near the beach, and the dorm rooms and privates all have AC.

Rates for a private room start at $139 USD per night, and a bed in the dorm rooms starts at $71 USD per night. You can book Selina Tamarindo on  HostelWorld or Booking.com .

Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel – $$

If you’d prefer a little more luxury, the  Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel  comes with gorgeous rooms, a large pool, and a very modern and sleek design. However, the location is slightly back from the beach, and it’s not for families. 

The hotel’s terrace overlooks the property’s tropical gardens, and breakfast is served outside here from November 1 to April 30. Rates for a one-night stay begin at $160 USD. Reserve a room at Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel on Booking.com .

Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – $$$

Those with a luxury budget should check out  Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort . This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Tamarindo, and it’s not only located on the beach, but they also have a pool with ocean views. 

All of the rooms have a seating area and a mini-bar. Prices for a room start at $224 USD per night. You can book Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort  here on Booking.com .

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

I hope you found this list of the best tours in Tamarindo helpful as you plan your trip! There’s definitely a great variety of Tamarindo tours to take in whether you’re looking to chill on a sunset sail or amp up the adventure with ziplines, ATVs, or rafting!

You could honestly spend your whole vacation in Tamarindo, but if you’re looking to travel around the country, we’ve got you covered! Make sure to have a look at our other blogs including some popular ones below or drop us a line if you need personalized recommendations!

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Marlin del Rey

Catamaran sailing tours in guanacaste, costa rica, catamaran tours at three locations.

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 4 Hours
• Anchor Public Tour

Catamaran Tours – Playa Tamarindo

Start at Playa Tamarindo, glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, and take in the beautiful views of beaches, bays, and jungles.

Catamaran Tours – Playa Flamingo

Our newest departure location in Playa Flamingo is now available. Take in the beautiful views of beaches, bays, and jungles. Enjoy some time for snorkeling as well! This relaxing four-hour sail is the perfect addition to your tropical vacation.

Catamaran Tours – Playas del Coco

Start at Playa del Coco, glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, and take in the beautiful views of beaches, bays, and jungles.

• Users 25 - 30 People
• Anchor Private Tour

Half Day Private Catamaran Tours

Book your own private excursion for half the day along the northern pacific coast of Costa Rica, starting at 8 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

• Users 40 - 75 People
• Hour Glass 8 Hours

Full Day Private Catamaran Tours

Book your own private excursion for an entire day along the northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica starting at the time of your choice.

Marlin del Rey offers both open and private catamaran sailing tours in two locations—Playa Tamarindo and Playas del Coco in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Enjoy a unique experience along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast as you glide past beautiful bays, beaches, jungles, and more, with a tropical drink in one hand and a camera in the other. Then, take a break to snorkel in the bay, walk along a white sand beach, or enjoy a delicious meal. Whatever you want your vacation to be like, we can help!

5-Star Rating on TripAdvisor

We booked thru our hotel and had a shuttle to coco beach. They are very organized and friendly boat staff. Great music, food and drinks. We saw flying fish, dolphins and stingrays. Ended with a beautiful sunset. We went on a Sunday and had 28 ppl on catamaran...I would go again!

We had a great trip, from prompt pick up on the shore to viewing the beautiful sunset and return to Coco beach. The food was good, crew was attentive, vessel was spotless too. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone wanted to have a great day of beautiful scenery.

What an absolutely fantastic day. There were almost 50 of us on board plus the crew. There is so much space that it never felt crowded once. These amazing men took care of us better than we ever could have expected - felt like Queens and Kings on our ship. The food was delicious, drinks were non-stop and the sights were breathtaking. Could not have picked a better thing to do!

This was by far the best organized tour that I have ever been on. The crew was courteous and helpful; especially Johann Gutierrez. As a Master Diver, he gave me tips on where and how to maximize my snorkeling experience on his waters..EVERYONE was treated like family. Thank you Johann, for everything you did to make this a lifelong memory!!

If you like boats, you should do this!!! Free, premium brand drinks and lunch included on this trip. Just bring your towel, sunscreen and sail. The guys on this catamaran know what they are doing and add some extra fun. The service provided by these guys is top level. The sunset tour is amazing! Great fun for sure.

18 Best Things To Do In Tamarindo, Costa Rica + Family Friendly Tours 2024

Headed to Tamarindo and looking for the best things to do? I’ve got you covered. Tamarindo is the largest beach town in the Guanacaste region. It is known as a surfer town with a chill yet modern vibe.

There are plenty of options for activities in Tamarindo and if you only have a few days, I would say the top things to do are enjoy the beach, a day trip the La Leona waterfall hike, and turtle nesting/hatching tour are the must-dos while there.

We were in Tamarindo for about a month with 2 toddlers and loved how walkable the town is. We easily navigated the area and there was so much for the kids to see and do!

This town is a perfect mix of convenience, culture, and adventure and hopefully you will too!

Here is a list of popular and some offbeat/ unique activities to do. Let’s begin !

Best Things To Do In Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Guanacaste

1. take a surf lesson.

If you have ever thought about trying surfing, definitely take your first lesson in Tamarindo. The beach’s smooth, consistent beginner-friendly waves offer the perfect chance for anyone eager to catch their first wave.

My daughter, at 4 years old, bravely had her first ever surfing lesson here. She was nervous at first but her instructor was very patient and she loved it by the end of the lesson.

You can find surf instructors readily available on the beach usually with surfboards lined up and ready to go. Alternatively, for those who have already mastered the basics, numerous shops along the beachfront offer board rentals by the hour or per day if you would like.

⭐ Note: If you’re planning to grab a surfboard and hit the waves solo, make sure you’re aware of the surf etiquette . Trust me, you don’t want to be ‘that person’ who snags someone else’s wave and you don’t want any bad surf karma hanging over your session! ⭐ Tip: Witch’s Rock is a famous surf spot where you can watch seasoned surfers catching some waves.

2. Horseback Ride On The Beach

The beach provides a gorgeous backdrop for a nice leisure horseback ride. We did this with each child accompanied by an adult on the horse. We felt safe and it was so fun!

The guide even gave us an option to wade in the water while we rode but we chose to stay dry this time around. The highlight for the girls, however, was at the end of the ride when they had the chance to feed the horses apples.

⭐This is the tour we did and definitely recommend it. The horses were well-trained and seemed well taken care of. Our guide was very funny and engaging, and not to mention he took to most amazing photos of us with our phones. He was a pro and knew the best photo ops! Learn more

3. Make Pottery

Got a creative itch or on the hunt for that one-of-a-kind souvenir? Pottery making might be your thing! Head over to Guaitil Pottery Studio , where Arbin, the owner, creates beautiful pottery pieces with special clay from the famed pottery village of Guaitil. He doesn’t just show off his amazing work; he invites you into the pottery world with some really engaging classes.

Just a heads up, though – making your own pottery piece is kind of a mini adventure. You’ll need to be around Tamarindo for at least three days (about an hour each day. You can arrange the times with the owner who was very accommodating) to shape, dry, paint (using awesome traditional natural paints), and fire your piece.

My daughters and I totally loved getting our hands dirty on the pottery wheel and using those cool natural paints. It’s not just a pottery class; it’s like taking a piece of the local vibe home with you.

4. Boat ride in a nearby estuary

Hop on a boat or grab a kayak and cruise through the waters of the nearby estuary, through the mangroves.

So, we didn’t spot any monkeys on our boat trip, but we still saw some pretty cool wildlife. Get this – we saw basilisk lizards, the ones people call ‘Jesus Christ Lizards’ because they can sprint on water (how cool is that?).

Plus, there were iguanas chilling, alligators doing their thing, turtles just minding their business, a bunch of crabs, and loads of different birds. It was like a wildlife documentary but in real life.

5. Enjoy a Meal On the Beach

One of my favorite things about Tamarindo is the convenience of grabbing something to eat or drink. It’s pretty awesome – tons of restaurants have seating right in the sand! And the best part? Lots of these spots are super accommodating with their menus, so whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, have a picky toddler, or anything in between, you are golden.

Free Things  To Do In Tamarindo, Costa Rica

6. Have a Relaxing Beach Day

Tamarindo Beach is perfect for a day-long beach day. The waters are calm and inviting, making it an awesome spot for the kids to play in, and points along the beach where the surfers hang out on their boards waiting for the right wave. And when you’re feeling hungry, you’re in luck – there are loads of cool restaurants right along the beach. You can just kick back, enjoy some tasty bites, and soak in the beach vibes all day long.

It’s the kind of place where you show up in the morning, and before you know it, you’re watching the sunset, wondering where the day went – it’s just that beautiful and relaxing!

Definitely take some time to explore the beaches near Tamarindo. Sure, Tamarindo Beach is gorgeous, but you’ve got Playa Langosta and Playa Avellanas nearby and worth checking out for a more quiet vibe.

🥥 Don’t miss out on grabbing a fresh coconut from one of the vendors along the beach. Fresh coconut water is the ultimate beachside refreshment!

7. Visit the Farmers Market

If you’re feeling a little hungry and up for some tasty local treats, you’ve gotta check out the Tamarindo farmers market.

The market’s open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm , and it’s the perfect spot to try some local street food or maybe some fruits you’ve never even heard of before! We had the Pollo y Arroz (chicken and rice), empanadas, and homemade mango popsicles. and we were stuffed!

But hey, it’s not all about the food. You’ll also find vendors selling all kinds of cool, locally-made stuff, from handcrafted goodies to unique souvenirs. So, make sure to swing by, grab a bite, shop around, and soak in the local vibe.

📍 Located next to the Green Papaya restaurant . 📍Also check out the playground at Oneida Park right next to the farmers market if you have kids!

8. Watch the Sunset

The calm waters in Tamarindo are the ultimate spot for sunset watching. We hung around for three weeks and, seriously, these sunsets never get old.

It kinda turned into this cool community thing – every evening, it was like everyone in town just knew to hit the beach and just enjoy the epic sunsets. It’s not just about catching a great sunset; it’s like the whole beach becomes this big, laid-back hangout.

9. See A Fireshow

Here’s a little insider tip for after dinner- take a stroll along the beach and you might just stumble upon a fire show. It’s usually meant for folks dining at beachside restaurants, but the cool thing is, since they perform right on the beach, you can catch the show for free! Lots of other people walking along the beach take a seat and watch the show. It’s like a little bonus to your evening walk.

10. Walk around town

Strolling through Tamarindo is a must-do. The town is very walkable and we were able to navigate easily with a stroller. Check out the cool boutique shops and great places to grab a meal or snack! There is a variety of food available to fit any budget and sometimes there is live music. You will probably run into some local wildlife as you stroll around town, too. Right in front of our Airbnb, we found a couple of howler monkeys just napping in a tree enjoying that Pura Vida life.

11. Tamarindo Moonlight Market

In the Guanacaste area, October to March is the peak season for seeing turtle nesting and baby turtle hatching. It’s an absolutely amazing experience!

We went early in the morning to watch the baby turtles make their way to the ocean. While it was rough getting the family ready and out the door before the sun was even up, it was so worth it.

It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you just can’t miss. So, if you’re around during those months, make sure to add this to your must-do list. Trust me, it’s something you’ll be talking about for years!

Recommended Turtle Nesting/Hatching Tour: I recommend this tour because your guide is an expert naturalist. Having an expert guide makes such a huge difference in the experience with the information they provide and their passion. It is also convenient with transportation included and will pick you up at your hotel/rental in Tamarindo. Learn more .

14. Hike  La Leona Waterfall Public access to this waterfall is relatively new and has only been offered tours a few years ago. To get to this waterfall, you are required to have a guide as it is quite an adventure complete with hiking, swimming, and rappelling, set within a 1.5-mile trek each way (3 miles total).

The waterfall itself is very unique with its location and the aqua-blue color is absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunatly we had to cancel our tour when we were in Tamarindo but it was nice that even our 4 year old had the option to participate. It is definitely our number 1 on my list of things to do in Tamarindo for when we return.

✅ This tour has great reviews and provides transportation from Tamarindo and lunch. Tour runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn more . ✅ Looking for a Private Tour? This one operates daily and includes lunch and transportation from Tamarindo. Learn more

15. Sailing

Catamaran tours are a fantastic way to experience Costa Rica. It is not just a boat ride but a full day filled with unique experiences including snorkling! When we snorkled we were surrounded by yellow fish. My kids remember that part most aboout the trip.

This is a full-day tour and includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and a sunset cruise. Some reviews said they saw turtles, flying fish, and a chance to see dolphins! Learn more

16. Take a Cooking Class

A cooking class is the perfect thing to do in Tamarindo to get a real taste of Costa Rican cuisine and culture. Roll up your sleeves and learn how to whip up some local favorites from scratch, guided by the friendly, expert chefs.

You’ll chop, sauté, and simmer your way to a delicious meal, and the best part? You get to enjoy your culinary creation at the end of the class. Not only do you leave with a satisfied belly, but also with new cooking skills and recipes to take home. It’s a fun, flavorful way to make your trip more memorable!

Tamarindo’s not just about surf and sand, it’s also a fantastic spot to take a yoga class! With a bunch of cool studios around town, you’ve got plenty of choices to find your zen. Whether you’re into stretching it out in a cozy indoor studio or doing your tree pose on the beach with the waves as your soundtrack, Tamarindo’s got you covered.

18. Indulge In Self Care and visit a day spa

Alongside the beach scene, Tamarindo offers an array of day spas. After a day of adventure or a night of exploring the market, you can unwind and rejuvenate at one of the spas around town. Whether you’re in the mood for a soothing massage, a refreshing facial, or any pampering treatment, Tamarindo’s spas are your go-to spot for that blissful, vacation-mode relaxation. It’s the perfect way to round off your Tamarindo experience, balancing the vacation buzz with some serene self-care.

Wrap Up of Best Things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica

As we finish up this post, it’s clear that Tamarindo, Costa Rica has a great variety of things to do. Whether you’re up for adventure, beach, relaxation, or just soaking in the local culture, this place has got you covered with a ton of options. The area isn’t just beautiful; it’s also super safe and clean, making it a top pick for families. It’s that kind of spot where everyone, no matter their age, can find their slice of paradise. So, if you’re looking for a destination that’s as family-friendly as it is fun, Tamarindo should definitely be on your radar. It’s more than just a vacation spot; it’s a place where memories are made, and trust me, you’ll want to come back for more!

Visiting Tamarindo: FAQs

Is tamarindo, costa rica worth visiting.

Yes! This walkable and very modern town has something for everyone.

How Many Days Do You Need In Tamarindo?

In Tamarindo, your stay really depends on what activities you’re looking to do. Ideally, 5 days would be great if you have a few day trips planned but if you are limited on time I would say that 3 days would work as you can fit in some relaxing beach days and at least one half-day or full-day excursion.

Is Tamarindo a Party Town?

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a blend of relaxation and lively nightlife. While it’s not exclusively a party town, it does offer a vibrant nightlife scene that appeals to many visitors, especially surfers and tourists.

The town has a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to a diverse crowd, providing entertainment well into the night.

Is Tamarindo Safe?

Tamarindo is generally recognized as a safe destination with a low crime rate, making it a popular choice for families and travelers. My family, including two young kids, felt quite safe throughout our stay.

However, it’s essential to take standard safety precautions, as you would anywhere. We ensured we walked on well-lit main streets at night and stayed aware of our surroundings in crowded places to avoid pickpockets.

When it comes to driving or renting a car, it’s crucial to keep the car doors locked and ensure that no valuables are left visible inside the vehicle. These simple steps can significantly deter theft and ensure your possessions stay safe.

Is Tamarindo Too Touristy?

Tamarindo does have a more touristy vibe compared to some other spots in Costa Rica, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, it means you’ll be sharing the town with other travelers, but it also brings its own set of perks. For instance, I appreciated the convenience that comes with its tourist-friendly atmosphere.

The town is packed with a variety of restaurants, catering to all tastes and dietary needs, which means you’re never short of options for a great meal. Additionally, Tamarindo’s layout is super walkable. You can easily stroll from your accommodation to the beach, shops, and dining spots without the need for constant transportation.

While it might not offer the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience of less-visited areas, Tamarindo provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay, blending the charm of Costa Rica with the ease of tourist amenities.

So, while it’s true that Tamarindo feels more touristy, it strikes a balance, offering the best of both worlds – the vibrant culture of Costa Rica and the convenience of a traveler-friendly destination.

Is Tamarindo Family Friendly?

Absolutely! Tamarindo is super family-friendly! It’s like this perfect mix where everyone in the family, no matter their age, finds something cool to do.

The beaches are gorgeous and relatively calm for the little ones to splash around, and if you are into a bit of adventure, there are plenty of excursions and beach activities for you.

I also find that many restaurants are kid-friendly with coloring pages and even sometimes toys or a little play area. The restaurants on the beach too is nice because the kids can play nearby as long as you keep an eye on them.

What is Tamarindo Known For?

Tamarindo is known most for being a beach town, blending the laid-back charm of the Costa Rican coast with contemporary amenities and a cosmopolitan vibe. The town is known for its well-developed infrastructure, including chic accommodations, trendy restaurants, and a variety of shops that cater to every taste and need.

How to get around Tamarindo

The town is very walkable but there is also options like Uber for a quick ride or even renting a golf cart to zip around town. For day trips, many tours and excursions offer pick up

Tours in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

What was once a sleepy fishing village, Tamarindo is now one of the most popular beach areas in Guanacaste. With lots of shops, luxury hotels, restaurants and the classic pura vida feel, there is something for everyone. If you're looking to get down in the water, to surf, kayak, sailing, or sportfishing, Tamarindo is the place!

Just in case, If you want to arrange a personalized itinerary with several tours, please click the following button

About Tamarindo Tours

Tamarindo is one of the most popular and attractive tourist spots of Costa Rica. Tamarindo brings together a wide range and diversity and tourist elements to create a complete tourist destination in Central America. Currently known as one of the beaches with the highest commercial value in Costa Rica, Tamarindo has become a key area of Guanacaste. Here in Tamarindo you can find very high-quality hotels, restaurants, and a wide variety of tours and adventures, available to enjoy a wonderful vacation.

The beaches of Tamarindo are white sand and crystal waters. In addition, the beaches are surrounded by important habitats and ecosystems protecting many species, such as monkeys, sloths, raccoons, coatis, and many birds. The mangrove forest is one of the ecosystems which grow around the beaches of Tamarindo, where a huge number of reptiles and native or migratory birds live.

Among the tours that you can enjoy in Tamarindo, you will find options such as surf lessons, jet ski, ocean kayak, horseback riding, scuba diving, zip line canopy, among others ... Also, near Tamarindo we have Las Baulas National Park, which is one of the most important nesting wild corridors for sea turtles. Also, Tamarindo is an excellent option for sportfishing.

The Tamarindo experience and tours will give you an unforgettable vacation in Costa Rica!

Discovery pass Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Diamante's Animal Sanctuary is one of the finest Wildlife Education Centers in Costa Rica

Aerial Pass Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor Diamante's zip line course is Costa Rica's best and only ocean view dual zip line

Adventure pass Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

A Full Day to Experience Adventure, Nature & Culture

Horseback Riding Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Experience spectacular views, backcountry wildlife, and trails winding through a dry tropical forest

ATV Adventure Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

ATV Tours in Costa Rica are a great opportunity to explore the land, mountains, and dry rainforest

Vandara Hot Springs and Adventure Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

On this tour you can choose from horseback riding or a canopy tour before your visit to the Vandará Hot Springs

Miravalles Volcano Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Enjoy the most complete Volcano Experience in Costa Rica

Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

As you paddle, you can look around and see seafaring birds like brown pelicans, brown booby, magnificent frigate birds

Catalina Islands Diving Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Nudibranchs sharks, angelfish, jacks, snappers, grunts, octopi, and eels

Tenorio River Rafting Class III/IV in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

Tenorio River winds, churns, and flows for 15 scenic miles before merging with the Corobicí River

Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike Tour in Tamarindo & Guanacaste

This full day tour begins with a hike through a primary forest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Best Things to Do in Tamarindo and Tamarindo Tours

November 8, 2023 By Sammi 24 Comments

Are you pllanning to use Tamarindo as your home base in Costa Rica? This beach town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica has tons to offer for all travelers. Tamarindo’s convenient location, sweet surf breaks and laid back atmosphere is one not to miss.

For those who need a bit of help trip planning, here is a list of the best things to do in Tamarindo and Tamarindo tours. And if you want to do any day tours, click this link to get our Guanacaste tours discount!

What to Know About Tamarindo

• 1 hour and 25 minute drive from Guanacaste Airport. 4.5-5 hours from San Jose International Airp ort. Find out how to drive from San Jose to Tamarindo.
• Popular surfing beach town
• Has its own local airport 5 minutes outside town
• 4×4/4wd not required
• Yearly day time temperatures 80-95 F (26 – 35 C). Rainiest month is October. Hottest months are March and April. Driest month is February.

Map of Things to do in Tamarindo and Tamarindo Tours

Click here to go to our interactive map of tour operators, activities and other things to do in Tamarindo.

If you need ideas of an itinerary, here is our dedicated Tamarindo 5 days itinerary (7 days total).

Tamarindo is one of the premiere surfing beaches in Costa Rica, particularly for beginners. The beach has consistent waves so you can catch a wave every day. If you’ve never popped up on a board before, no worries. There are many surf shops in town that teach lessons and offer surf camps and vacations.

We did a surf vacation with Iguana Surf and it was a ton of fun. A group lesson costs around $55 USD per person for 2 hours. You can also book a private lesson. You can also rent boards for about $20 USD for 24 hours.

Since this beach is so great for beginners and there are waves nearly all year long, surfing is one of the must do things in Tamarindo!

If you’re an advanced surfer, you should take a surf trip to Witch’s Rock . When there’s a swell, waves get up to 6 feet, overhead with fast hollow tubes! On a small day, it’s perfect for longboarding.

Estuary Boat Ride

Tamarindo is not just the beach, there is actually a large mangrove and estuary as part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Locals have set up boat tours and kayak rentals so that visitors can explore the estuary and see monkeys, birds, crocodiles and more wildlife.

The estuary boat ride is one of the relatively cheaper things to do in Tamarindo and a great place to see wildlife in Tamarindo. It is around $40 USD per adult.

One of the best ziplining tours in Tamarindo is Black Stallion Estates. They have a fun zipline through the mountains right outside town. They also offer horseback riding and gourmet barbecue dinners, excellent for families and groups.

If you want to do a more exciting zipline, head to Diamante Eco Adventure Park , about 1 hour away. It has the longest ocean view superman zipline! Additionally, they have a wildlife sanctuary, botanical garden and cultural house for a full day of fun. (Get 10% off in the link). This is about a 1 hour drive from Tamarindo.

Sunset Sailing

What better way to experience the Pacific coast of Costa Rica than by going for a sailing trip? Head out on a catamaran to do a morning (better snorkeling conditions) or sunset tour to enjoy the open ocean.

On the way, you can may see dolphins, turtles or even whales during the right time of the year. Blue Dolphin and Marlin del Rey are two of the most popular sunset catamaran cruises in Tamarindo and cost around $95 USD per person for a sunset cruise.

A sunset sailing tour is one of the best things to do in Tamarindo for couples and families.

Scuba Diving

Just 30 minutes away from Tamarindo is the Flamingo marina, the launch point for scuba divers to go to the Las Catalinas islands .

You can get your scuba diving certification or if you don’t already have it, go on a discovery dive. They give you an hour of instruction before taking you for two tank dives and you have guides with you the whole time. At Las Catalinas islands, I saw whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, eels, dolphins and huge schools of fish. If you go in August or September, you may see humpback whales or turtles along the way!

Read more about my scuba diving experience here!

Tamarindo fishing is great nearly all year round and you can catch your dinner! Head out to the deep sea to catch fish like mahi mahi, wahoo and more.

Some companies to check out are Go Fish, CR Fishing Charters, Sea Breeze, Bluefishing Tours, Tamarindo Sport Fishing and Coyote Sport Fishing.

ATV tours are very popular in Tamarindo. They normally take you to back roads that lead to great viewpoints, through rivers and up the mountains. For anyone looking for an exciting adventure, an ATV tour is a must do thing in Tamarindo!

Watch the Sunset on the Beach

Last but not least, the one must do thing in Tamarindo is to watch the sunset on the beach. First, it’s completely free!

Second, Tamarindo’s sunsets are one of a kind and once you see one, you’ll be blown away!

When it hits around 5:30 PM, you’ll see everyone walk onto the beach with a camera in their hands. Rainy season sunsets are particularly intense as there are more clouds, turning the sky into rings of fire. Watching a sunset on the beach is one of the free things in Tamarindo!

Tamarindo Tours (Day Trips and Excursions)

There are many great day tours from Tamarindo that we highly recommend. Click here to get our Guanacaste tours discount for the following tours below!

Hacienda El Viejo

This private reserve and farm, Hacienda El Viejo Wetlands is right next to Palo Verde National Park and is perfect for a full day of culture, wildlife and nature. They offer safari boat rides, a cultural experience and rum tour.

The hacienda is about a 1.5 hour drive from Tamarindo one way. We offer a small discount for Hacienda El Viejo , click the link to request your tour!

Palo Verde National Park Boat

If you are traveling with seniors or anyone with limited mobility, this Tamarindo day trip is the best option for you to see wildlife! On this 1.5 hour safari boat ride in Palo Verde National Park in a covered motorized boat, you will be able to see all sorts of wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, bats, two types of monkeys, river birds and more.

This is also a great tour if you’re a birder as you can see lots of herons, kingfishers and other cool river birds.

If you have a car, we work with a guide that provides just the guide + boat + National park tickets + lunch (optional). It is a 1.5 hour drive one way from Tamarindo. If you need transportation, we also offer tours with transportation. If you like supporting local businesses in rural communities, this is a great tour to do so.

Rio Celeste

Hiking and nature lovers must visit Rio Celeste, the sky blue river in Tenorio Volcano National Park. It’s a 7 kilometers total hike (about 4 miles), 2.5 hour drive one way.

You’ll see the sky blue waterfall and river in the rainforest which is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! Click the link to read more about it and plan your trip to Rio Celeste!

Rio Celeste is a 2.5 hour drive from Tamarindo one way. You can perfectly do this as a self guided day trip if you rented a car. If you need transportation, there are tours with transportation, lunch and national park tickets included. Get a discount for this tour in the link !

Rainforest and Sloths

Hike through the primary rainforest and spot sloths on this one day rainforest tour in Bijagua. This is excellent for those staying in Tamarindo for their entire vacation and want to see something different. You will be able to experience primary rainforest and see sloths!

This day trip is a 2.5 hour drive one way from Tamarindo.

Turtle nesting

The months of May – December are the best times to see turtle nestings at the Ostional Wildlife Refuge , about 2 hours one way from Tamarindo. 4×4 required.

To visit the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, you must go with a guide and have a reservation. If you have a car, you can contact the Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional(AGLO)Costa Rica Facebook page for reservations. It costs about $20 USD per person for a turtle tour.

If you need transportation, you will have to book with a tour company who can arrange transportation and the tour for you. Visitors must be accompanied with a guide into the refuge.

Arenal Volcano one day

Want to see rainforest and volcano? This one day excursion is very long but worth it if you do not plan to return to Costa Rica and want to see the lush tropical rainforest. You’ll also get glimpses of the impressive Arenal Volcano and enjoy the famous hot springs.

Gulf of Papagayo boating trip

This Playas del Coco private beach hopping and snorkeling trip is our favorite thing to do in Guanacaste. On a private boating trip, you will visit hidden white sand beaches and amazing snorkeling spots that other tours don’t go to!

The boat launch is from Playas del Coco (1 hour drive one way from Tamarindo) and is so worth it because there aren’t little bays and white sand beaches like this out of Tamarindo!

If you don’t want to drive that far, there are many snorkeling, fishing and sunset sailing tours right out of Potrero, Tamarindo and Flamingo.

Visit different beaches and beach towns

With so many great beaches around, it’d be a shame not to visit other beaches while in Tamarindo. You can take a boat ride across the estuary to Playa Grande , bike or walk to neighboring Playa Langosta . If you have a car, you can drive to Conchal and Avellanas .

Additionally, if you want to keep exploring beaches, head down further south to lesser known beaches such as Playa San Juanillo and Playa Junquillal. You can even go further down south to Nosara or up north to the La Cruz to see beaches like Playa Rajada .

No matter what, you’ll find a beautiful beach to lay a towel down on and relax and this is a cheap thing to do in Tamarindo.

Hacienda Guachipelin one day adventure tour

Looking for a fun full day tour with adventure, fun and relaxation? Head to Hacienda Guachipelin and embark on their super fun one day adventure tour. It includes ziplining, horseback riding, lunch, white water tubing, hot springs and mud baths!

The park is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tamarindo and you can drive yourself to the park or book a tour if you don’t have transportation. Read more about the Guachipelin one day tour here and book your tickets!

Another nice option for volcano and forest is the Miravalles Volcano tour with horseback riding, hiking, lunch, hot springs and mud baths. This area has way less tourists than Rincon de la Vieja Volcano so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something less touristy.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

This national park offers a variety of excellent hikes from short easy paths to long more challenging trails. But each one offers excellent opportunites to see the dry tropical forest and nature!

Our favorite hike in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is the Catarata La Cangreja trail but for those who are looking for something less sweaty, the Las Pailas (boiling mud pots) one is better as it’s barely 1 mile on a flat path. But if you to put your hiking shoes to good use, La Cangreja rewards you with an incredible waterfall!

You can hike on your own or book a tour with transportation and a guide. Having a guide does enhance the experience since you’ll learn more about the unique ecosystem and the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Rincon de la Vieja is a 2.5 hour drive one way from Tamarindo.

Happy Hour and Nightlife

Being a touristic surf town, Tamarindo has a lively nightlife. Pacifico Bar and Crazy Monkey Bar are two popular places to drink and dance. Sharky’s Sport Bar always plays all the games and has live music, ladies night, karaoke, etc. during the week. There is a casino in town as well.

For a good time, you can also check out the Beach & Pool Crawl to party and drink with other young backpackers and surfers on Sundays.

For happy hour, check out Nogui’s (2 for 1 beer at 4 – 5 PM) or The Roof. El Be usually has live music, Barefoot Lounge has a nice happy hour by the pool.

Tamarindo Spas

Check out Coco Beauty Spa (nice massage) or Revive Wellness Center in Langosta Beach Club. For a more luxury experience, check out Los Altos de Eros spa (30 minute drive from Tamarindo). This hotel offers spa day packages, perfect for couples!

Things to Do in Tamarindo with Kids

Our recommended things to do in Tamarindo with kids is an estuary boat ride, surf lesson, boogie boarding, lots of beach and pool time and art classes at Paint Club.

Sample Itineraries

Some people stay in Tamarindo for their whole 1 week vacation, some just stay a few days. Thanks to Tamarindo’s excellent location, it would be perfectly fine to use it as your home base since it’s only 1 hour from Liberia International Airport and Tamarindo has its own local airport.

Hotel: If you are looking for a beach front luxury resort, check out our review of Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort . Feel free to contact us if you’d like to book a room!

Below are some sample itineraries. You can book tours or if you rented a car, go on your own.

Day 1: Surf Lesson , Happy Hour, Sunset

For your first day, take a surf lesson. The time will depend on the tide but lessons are 2 hours long. You can go shopping, walk on the beach and watch the sunset for the rest of the day. For lunch, we recommend the local restaurant Soda Estero to try Costa Rican food.

Then Witch’s Rock is a great spot for sunset happy hour and they have live music on some days. For dinner, you can eat at Witch’s Rock (Vaquero/Eat at Joe’s) or head to Mercadito or the Jardin Food Truck park.

If a surf lesson doesn’t peek your interest, check out an ATV tour.

Day 2: Ziplining All Day

Spend the full day on a fun all day adventure! You can either spend the whole day at Diamante Eco Adventure Park for ziplining, cultural tour, animal sanctuary and lunch or head to one of the adventure parks in Curubande de Liberia like Hacienda Guachipelin for ziplining, horseback riding, white water tubing, lunch, hot springs and mud baths.

For something closer, spend the day at Black Stallion Estates and go ziplining, horseback riding and enjoy their gourmet barbecue dinner (15 minutes driving).

Day 3: Relax, Pool, Beach Hop/Sunset Sail

Sleep in today, lounge by the pool, chill. You can go back to Tamarindo beach to swim and relax at the beach or check out Langosta beach. Then in the afternoon, you’ll go on a sunset sailing trip to watch the sunset, snorkel a bit and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.

For dinner, head to Dragonfly, Pangas or Aguas Saladas for a nice dining experience. We also like Green Papaya for tacos or Surf Shack for burgers.

Want to read about other things to do in Costa Rica? Check these posts out!

Things to do in Dominical/Uvita

10 Things to do in La Fortuna/Arenal

Things to do in Monteverde

Day Trips and things to do in Conchal

Things to do in Manuel Antonio

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Reader Interactions

January 26, 2024

Is it safe to drive from Tamarindo to Potrero in the dark? We’d like to stay for some night life then drive back to Potrero. Same for any area outside of Potrero, Coco, etc. Thanks!

February 1, 2024

Yes you can, it’s all on paved roads for Potrero-Tamarindo, a bit curvy but nothing treacherous.

Beth Jackson says

January 26, 2023

What months are the rainy season in the Tamarindo area and when is the best time to see whales?

You can check our Costa Rica weather post and Costa Rica whale watching post for information

Nancy Gulick says

February 14, 2020

Love this site . Family of 7 adults and 3 kids in CR over Christmas. I’ve rented a house on the beach and looking for a cook to do daily breakfast and maybe 3-4 dinners. Any thoughts would be appreciated

I have heard Tamarindo Sunset Catering is good.

Jackie says

November 3, 2019

I would like to do some snorkeling. Could you please explain more about where to go to rent equipment and the best areas to snorkel? Thank you!

yeison says

November 7, 2019

Hello Jackie,

Tamarindo is not the best area to do snorkeling (it’s more fir surfing) but there are many nice areas that you can go, if you want to access the best areas you can get a boat tour that leaves from Flamingo ( click here to find more information ) and get to know many areas that without a boat you will not see.

There are other good areas for snorkeling but they are located in the Papagayo Gulf 1 hour driving from Tamarindo where you will be able to rent the equipment right at beach (like in Playa Ocotal)

William Mack Brown says

July 16, 2019

Is there fishing in the esturary? How deep is it? Is all a national Park? I would like to bring a fishing kayak up there. Is that a good Idea? Thanks, Bill

July 17, 2019

Hi Bill, to be honest, I don’t believe you can go fishing in the estuary (never seen anyone fishing there). In Tamarindo the fishing is out on a fishing charter. You can go kayak fishing in Playas del Coco though straight from the beach, we used to do that.

DJ Densley says

January 26, 2019

Would you recommend doing the ATV tour in Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio?

January 27, 2019

We haven’t done them in Manuel Antonio so can’t compare, sorry. The Tamarindo one goes around the back of town up to some nice view points.

Deborah says

November 12, 2018

Hi, me and my family are planning a trip to Costa Rica because is my grandma dream, but we are lost because she is 86 years old and we don’t know how to do, she wants to see the greatness of Costa Rica but she can not be traveling in the car for far distances, so which place is the one that you recommend us the most so she can admire everything.

November 13, 2018

Hi Deborah, you can check this post out for best places in CR for first time visitors: Best places in Costa Rica

You will most likely find all the information you need in there to help you decide where to go (I break it down by distances from the airport, how tourist friendly it is, how to get there/around, things to do, hotels and more).

May 23, 2018

Are there any hot springs that aren’t too far for a say trip? Thanks!!

May 25, 2018

Hi Lizzy, the closest hot springs are up in Rincon de la Vieja like at Hacienda Guachipelin, Buena Vista and Rio Perdido, these are all adventure park hotels. We really like the Guachipelin hot springs and it is about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Tamarindo. They offer an all day adventure tour with hot springs which we highly recommend especially if you will be driving all the way up there anyways. It has ziplining, white water tubing, horseback riding, lunch, hot springs and mud baths. You can see what it’s like here: Hacienda Guachipelin combo adventure tour

For just the hot springs, I think the entrance is $20 or $25 per person.

March 24, 2018

What about food — any recommendations on where to eat?

March 25, 2018

Hi Naima! Yes we have a section for food recommendations in this post: Tamarindo Costa Rica guide.

February 5, 2018

Love your site. Staying in Brasilito till March 3. Do you know if leatherbacks are still nesting? Thanks for all the info.

Hi! No unfortunately they only had a handful last year 🙁 and the season is about to end and I don’t think they have seen very many either this season in Las Baulas.

Barbara Owens says

December 28, 2017

Can you suggest a favourite restaurant or soda for lunch in Tamarindo?

Hi Barbara, there aren’t many sodas in Tamarindo but there is one a little outside of town (I forget the name) a bit past the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp on the right hand side when driving out of Tamarindo. You can read more of our restaurant recommendations in this post: Playa Tamarindo

Miranda says

November 14, 2016

I like your suggestion surfing and Estuary Boat Ride, Thanks a lot for the tips.

November 15, 2016

You’re welcome!

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Tamarindo Tours

One of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica, Playa Tamarindo’s downtown streets are dotted with boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants and bars that run right along the beachfront. With a world-renowned surf break, surfers from around the world seek out the waves found here on the central Pacific Coast. There are plenty of options for surf lessons too, from beginners to experienced, with expert championship instructors. This bustling beach town offers an array of outdoor activities like ATV and horseback riding along the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, plus offshore sport fishing. Fun-filled day trips to the interior will take you to visit natural caves, geothermic hot springs, white water river rafting or rainforest ziplining above the forest canopy. Many guided nature hikes including excellent birdwatching opportunities abound, as well as combination tours giving you the ultimate action-packed experience all in one day!

ATV Adventure - Single

Adventure, Extreme, Beach, Atv, Snorkeling

Embark on a thrilling Tamarindo ATV Adventure - Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, our Tamarindo ATV tour promises an unforgettable off-road journey through the enchanting landscapes that surround Tamarindo. Costa Rica's natural beauty comes to life as you rev your ATV engine, offering a chance to witness the region's diverse and vibrant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for playful ...

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Suggested age range: 16+

Barra Honda Cave Spelunking

Adventure, Hiking

If you want to do something truly different, you’ll want to check out the caves in Barra Honda National Park. You’ll hike through a rare protected dry forest before reaching the entrance to the cave system. Secured by a harness, you’ll make several vertical descents into various chambers using a series of fixed ladders attached to the cavern wall. Your guide will point out many types of r ...

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Borinquen Adventure Day

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This full day awesome adventure allows you to experience the remote “real” Costa Rica via horseback and zip lines over and through jungle, waterfalls, mountains, plains, canyons and ranches before relaxing in natural hot spring pools and mud baths. It doesn’t get much better than this!To begin, you will be picked up from your lodging and transported into a magical forest with hidde ...

Buena Vista Mega Combo Adventure

This is a full day combination tour featuring zip-lines or hanging bridges, hot springs, waterslide, natural spa, and horseback ride. This fun filled day has something for everyone, adrenaline seekers or nature lovers. Come with us and enjoy gliding through the forest during the canopy tour, then slide down the 400 mts. (1200 ft.) water slide, after these two activities, a delicious lunch will ...

Canopy Zipline - Congo Trails

Congo Trails features a thrilling high flying zip lining experience you won’t want to miss. Located in a protected forest preserve with abundant plant and animal life, this well established company provides an authentic encounter with Nature as you zip through the tops of a giant tree canopy just like the monkeys who live there. Custom engineered cables and back up lines ensure your safety wh ...

Suggested age range: 2+

Catamaran and Snorkeling Cruise - Lazy Lizard Sailing

Adventure, Nature, Romance

Here’s the perfect opportunity to experience the laid back Costa Rican lifestyle aboard a comfortable catamaran sailboat with super attentive crew as you are sailed over to a private beach to swim, snorkel, kayak, and walk or play along the shore. With fresh fruit drinks flowing, both the adult kind as well as for kids, you’ll relax and enjoy cruising over to a secluded tropical cove before ...

Suggested age range: 1+

Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling - Blue Dolphin

Adventure, Nature, Romance, Learning Family

Let’s go sailing for the perfect mix of relaxation, recreation and Nature! Aboard a comfortable 40 foot catamaran, you’ll be wined and dined as you cruise the blue Pacific coastline before dropping anchor at a beautiful secluded bay. Here you’ll enjoy options to snorkel, kayak, paddle board, swim, beachcomb or just laze around on deck. With courteous crew, open bar and delicious meal and ...

Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling - Marlin Del Rey

Adventure, Nature, Beach

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Coastal Kayaking and Snorkeling

Adventure, Snorkeling

The warm dazzling waters in Tamarindo bay invite you to jump in a kayak and paddle to a small tropical island where you can enjoy a guided underwater snorkeling expedition and relax on the beach. The fluctuating tour times are determined by the tide tables and can be scheduled ahead. The certified, bilingual guide is sure to win your favor by pointing out the available marine life on the day of ...

Congo Trails Canopy Zipline and Congo Park

Adventure, Nature, Learning Family, Zipline

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Congo Trails Congo Park

Adventure, Nature, Learning Family

Congo Park is a small animal park with resident rescued monkeys and birds, a serpentarium and a petting zoo. Here you can see three different monkey species: Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys and White Face Capuchins. Typically there is a variety of birds in the bird sanctuary. And if you are fascinated by snakes, the Park showcases several different kinds of snakes endemic to Costa Rica.Ho ...

Early Bird Watching Tour

Nature, Learning Family, Birding, Wildlife Hike

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Suggested age range: 5+

Finca Verde Tour and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

Nature, Learning Family, Culture, Hiking, Waterfalls

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Nature, Romance, Zipline, Hot Springs, Canopy Bridges

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Adventure, Nature, Romance, Learning Family, Culture

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La Leona Waterfall

Adventure, Hiking, Waterfalls

Embarking on a journey to La Leona Waterfall in Costa Rica is an enchanting escapade into the heart of nature's magnificence. This expedition promises not only a visual feast of lush landscapes but also a physical and spiritual immersion in the country's rich biodiversity. The adventure typically commences with a moderate to challenging hike through tropical dry forests, an experience that itse ...

Suggested age range: 12+

Liberia City and Shopping Tour

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Nature, Learning Family, Culture

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Today you will enjoy a full day of offshore sport fishing on a 29 foot boat. You will be fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Roosterfish and Wahoo just to name a few. This full day, 8 hour tour includes transportation, boat captain, mate, bait, tackle, lunch, soft drinks and beer on board. Valid for up to 5 anglers. IMPORTANT! This service does not ...

Suggested age range: 8+

Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Tour at Night

Nature, Beach, Learning Family

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Palo Verde National Park and Lunch

Culture, Safari Cruise

Today you will go on the Palo Verde National Park tour. This tour starts off on a covered riverboat which will take you through the river in the national park. Palo Verde is a bird watchers paradise as it is home to the highest concentration of migratory birds in Central America. You will also have a great chance at viewing crocodiles, monkeys, and other wildlife. After the riverboat ride, you ...

Palo Verde National Park Tour

Nature, Learning Family, Safari Cruise

The Palo Verde National Park tour is a bird watcher’s paradise! Considered to be one of the most important wetlands in the world, this nature reserve with its seasonal flooding contains an abundance of migratory and native birds species alike. On this tour, you’ll journey down the Tempisque River on a covered sightseeing boat searching out a variety of wetland wildlife.Your trip will ...

PRIVATE Hacienda Guachipelin One Day Adventure Pass

Adventure, Nature

Today you can mix it up with some of the best adventures Costa Rica has to offer including: zip lining, a Tarzan swing, hanging bridges, rappelling, waterfalls, rock wall climbing, horseback riding, hot springs, sauna, mud bath and a delicious traditional hot meal. All in one amazing day! Arriving by the provided transportation, you will be met by your certified, professional bilingual g ...

PRIVATE Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Tour at Night

PRIVATE Snorkeling Boat Tour

Imagine opening your eyes underwater and discovering yourself surrounded by friendly fish displaying a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes. This private 3 hour guided tour will take you on a journey into the quiet magical kingdom of the Pacific Ocean where giant starfish dot the sandy bottom, curious pufferfish blow themselves into a ball at your arrival, and colorful angelfish dart all around ...

Rincon de la Vieja National Park Hike

Learning Family, Hiking, Waterfalls

This tour is designed for you to experience hiking at Rincon de la Vieja which is a national park surrounding the volcano of the same name. Translated, “The Old Woman’s Corner”, it stands well over a mile above sea level and last erupted in April of 2020. This is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica and is surrounded by fumaroles, or steam and gas vents in the earth’s crust, ...

Suggested age range: 6+

Rincon Waterfalls Experience

Adventure, Nature, Learning Family, Hiking, Wildlife Hike, Waterfalls

Prepare for a day filled with immersive natural beauty and exhilarating experiences that will leave you in awe! Your adventure begins with an enchanting horseback ride through a captivating forest, leading you to the mesmerizing Las Chorreras waterfalls nestled in the heart of Rincón de la Vieja. These pristine waterfalls offer a picture-perfect view, immersing you in a world of pure tra ...

Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park - Jacamar

Adventure, Nature, Romance, Learning Family, Hiking, Wildlife Hike, Waterfalls

The Rio Celeste Waterfall tour is a well sought-after hike that leads to a unique sky blue river and beautiful waterfall. You will see how the combination of two mineral-rich rivers creates the blue appearance of Rio Celeste. As an intermediate hike, it provides a good workout for people of most physical fitness levels.At the beginning of the tour, you will be picked up at your hotel and ...

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Tubing on the River

Adventure, Nature, Learning Family, Rafting, Hiking, Waterfalls

Embark on a captivating adventure in Costa Rica by hiking to the Rio Celeste waterfall and later enjoying a thrilling tubing experience downstream on the same river. The journey begins with a scenic hike through the lush tropical rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park. As you trek along well-maintained trails, you'll be enchanted by the diverse flora and fauna that call this pristine ecosy ...

Rio Perdido Adventure Retreat

Adventure, Zipline, Hot Springs, Hiking

The Rio Perdido Adventure Retreat tour is simply amazing! Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly blends nature's beauty with adrenaline-packed activities. Embark on a scenic hike, expertly guided, along one of our main trails, and relish the chance to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear river's refreshing waters. As you journey, the river's edge unveils multiple springs, turni ...

Safari Float Tour on Corobici River

Rafting, Safari Cruise

Today you will go on the Safari Float Tour on the Rio Corobici. This is a great tour for those that want the fun of whitewater rafting without the rapids. The safari float is done on a rafting boat, but at a much slower pace on a gently rolling river which creates a fun way to observe wildlife along the river edge. Please inform us if you weigh over 200 pounds as restrictions may apply. This 6 ...

Suggested age range: 4+

Santa Rosa National Park Tour

Nature, Learning Family

The Santa Rosa National Park tour is a great introduction to the history and amazing biodiversity that exists throughout Costa Rica. This National Park was founded in 1972 with the intention to preserve the largest remaining dry forest in the Neotropics. On this tour, you’ll go on a short guided hike of the forest, followed by a visit to Liberia, historically known as “The White City”, fo ...

Suggested age range: 3+

Scuba Diving Catalinas Islands

Scuba Diving Catalina Islands offshore coral and rock formations is the perfect way to capture colorful memories of your trip to Costa Rica. Whether it’s angel fish, octopus or eels you’re after, the spectacular array of marine life found living here is sure to catch your attention. Located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste province, this is one of the most popular destinations for both ad ...

Suggested age range: 11+

Scuba Diving PADI Discover Scuba

The PADI Discover Scuba Dive in Guanacaste is for those who are eager to know what it is like to scuba dive but have not yet taken the PADI certification course, which is mandatory for most diving tours. This tour provides a great introduction to scuba diving and allows you to go for an ocean dive on the same day.The tour will begin when you are picked up from your hotel and driven to th ...

Suggested age range: 10+

Sportfishing 27 Foot Dusky Outcast - Full Day

Today you will enjoy a full day of offshore fishing on a 27 foot boat. You will be fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Roosterfish and Wahoo just to name a few. This full day tour includes boat, captain, mate, bait, tackle, lunch, soft drinks and beer on board. Valid for up to 4 anglers. IMPORTANT! This service does not include the $17 USD fishing l ...

Sportfishing 27 Foot Dusky Outcast - Half Day

Today you will enjoy a half day of inshore fishing on a 27 foot boat. You will be fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Roosterfish and Wahoo just to name a few. This half day tour includes boat, captain, mate, bait, tackle, lunch, soft drinks and beer on board. Valid for up to 4 anglers. IMPORTANT! This service does not include the $17 USD fishing license which must b ...

Sportfishing 38 Foot Topaz-Talking Fish - Full Day

Today you will enjoy a full day of Offshore fishing on a 38 foot boat. You will be fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Roosterfish and Wahoo just to name a few. This full day tour includes transportation, boat, captain, mate, bait, tackle, lunch, soft drinks and beer on board. Valid for up to 6 to 7 anglers. IMPORTANT! This service does not include ...

Sportfishing 38 Foot Topaz-Talking Fish - Half Day

Today you will enjoy a half day of Inshore fishing on a 38 foot boat. You will be fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Roosterfish and Wahoo just to name a few. This half day tour includes boat, captain, mate, bait, tackle, lunch, soft drinks and beer on board. Valid for up to 6 to 7 anglers. IMPORTANT! This service does not include the $17 USD fishing license which m ...

Standup Paddle Boarding at Flamingo

Standup paddle boarding, aka SUP, is one of the coolest new sports on the hot beaches of Guanacaste!  The tour starts off with a pickup at your local area hotel and then you will be brought to the Flamingo Marina to start your adventure.  Your bilingual guide will teach you the basics if you are not experienced and then you will be off. The concept of standup paddle boarding is to ...

Surf Lesson - Arenas Adventure Tours

Surfing, Beach

Surf Lessons in Tamarindo are taught at an ideal Costa Rican beach with regular gentle wave action for learning how to surf. Surfing is an activity well-loved by people of all ages. All you need are good swimming skills and a sense of adventure.The tour will begin when you are picked up at your hotel in Tamarindo or the surrounding area. If you are staying in Tamarindo, you may get picke ...

Surf Lesson - PRIVATE

Adventure, Surfing, Beach

Private surf lessons in Tamarindo is a great idea if you would like to learn or enhance your surfing ability with the one-on-one support of a professional instructor.Taking a private surfing lesson gives you individual personalized attention from the instructor and allows participants to have a more intimate learning experience. It is a great option for singles, couples or families who w ...

Tubing at the Rio Celeste

Adventure, Rafting

Tubing at Rio Celeste in Costa Rica offers an exhilarating and unique adventure amid the breathtaking natural beauty of the country. Rio Celeste, known for its striking blue color, is a stunning river flowing through the lush rainforests of Tenorio Volcano National Park, and on through the rural countryside, in the northern region of Costa Rica. The park is renowned for its captivating landscap ...

Whitewater Rafting Rio Tenorio

Adventure, Extreme, Rafting

Whitewater rafting Rio Tenorio is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping river adventure that is not for the faint of heart. The Tenorio River has Class lll and Class lV rapids that will keep you busy paddling your oars as you splash your way downstream. Whitewater rafting in Guanacaste’s beautiful tropical forest terrain is an exquisite opportunity to explore the wild rivers and jungles of Costa Ri ...

What are the best tours in Tamarindo?

Here are some of the best tours in Tamarindo:

Surfing Lessons: Tamarindo is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, making it a perfect place to take surfing lessons. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are instructors available who can provide personalized guidance and help you catch some waves. Catamaran Cruise : Embark on a relaxing catamaran cruise along the coast of Tamarindo. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, spot marine life such as dolphins and turtles, and take in the breathtaking sunset views. Some cruises also include snorkeling opportunities and a delicious onboard meal. Kayaking : Explore the tranquil waters and hidden coves of Tamarindo on a kayaking tour. Paddle along the coastline, navigate through mangrove forests, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and iguanas. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy some peaceful moments on the water. Riverboat Safari at Palo Verde National Park : Take a riverboat safari at Palo Verde National Park. Cruise along the Tempisque River and discover the park's diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, mangroves, and dry forests. Spot a variety of bird species, crocodiles, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. Canopy Zipline : Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a canopy zipline tour. Zip from platform to platform, enjoying bird's-eye views of the surrounding forests and even glimpses of the ocean. This exhilarating activity offers a unique perspective of the tropical dry forest's natural beauty. Hacienda Guachipelin Day Pass : Visit Hacienda Guachipelin, a working ranch near Tamarindo, and enjoy a day pass that grants you access to a range of activities. You can go horseback riding, take a dip in natural hot springs, hike to waterfalls, go tubing down the river, and even try your hand at rock climbing or rappelling. Visit to Rio Celeste Waterfall : Take a day trip to the enchanting Rio Celeste Waterfall, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Hike through lush rainforest trails and witness the stunning turquoise waters of the waterfall, created by a unique chemical reaction in the river. It's a magical sight that will leave you in awe. ATV Riding : Explore the rugged terrain surrounding Tamarindo on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour. Ride through dirt trails, cross rivers, and navigate through forests, enjoying the thrill of off-road adventure while taking in the scenic landscapes. These tours offer a range of exciting activities and opportunities to explore the natural wonders of Tamarindo and its surrounding areas. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, wildlife encounters, or stunning landscapes, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal town.

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Top Tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo tours.

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• Night Tours
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• Up to 1 hour
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1. Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour

2. Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo

3. Tamarindo Snorkel and Sunset Cruise with Lunch

4. Volcano Hike, Waterfall Swim & Hot Springs Combo on Rincon de la Vieja

5. Hiking Tour of La Leona Waterfall with Lunch

6. Costa Rica Monkey Jungle Zipline from Tamarindo

7. ATV or Buggy Private Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal

8. Private Tour Rio Celeste+Park+Tenorio Volcano+Sloths

9. Sunset Sailing Catamaran Tour from Tamarindo

10. Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari

11. Marlin del Rey Catamaran Snorkel Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco

12. 5-Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour in Tamarindo Costa Rica

13. Public Blue Dolphin Sailing Adventure

14. Turtle watching night tours with Expert Naturalist

15. Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - If you don’t stand up you get your money back!

16. Sensoria Land of Senses: Rainforest Walking and Thermals Tour

17. ATV and UTV Beach Tour from Tamarindo, Flamingo and Conchal Beach

18. Nicaragua Full Day Tour from Costa Rica

19. Palo Verde Boat Safari

20. Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

21. Private Transfer from Liberia/Tamarindo Guanacaste Airport

22. Zip Line and ATV Adventure

23. Private Charter Sunset Snorkeling Fishing Good Food Open Bar

24. Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

25. Private Transfer-Liberia airport

26. Whitewater Rafting Class III and IV

27. Tamarindo Birdwatching Crocodiles and Monkey Tour

28. Rain Forest Hike: Rio Celeste Waterfall, Sloth & Butterfly Farm

29. La Leona Waterfall Tour with Lunch From Tamarindo

30. Traditional Cooking Class In Tamarindo

What travellers are saying.

• Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
• Guachipelin Adventure Volcano Zipline Horseback River Tubing Combo
• Tamarindo Estuary Boat Safari
• Tamarindo Snorkel and Sunset Cruise with Lunch
• Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - If you don’t stand up you get your money back!
• La Muda Surf School CR
• Surf lessons Tamarindo
• Iguana Surf
• Salty Sols Surf School
• SALT Surf As Life Therapy
• Learn Improve Surf Company
• Snapper Surf School
• Tamarindo Surf Experience
• Kelly's Surf Shop
• Matos Surf Shop
• Costa Rica SUP Stand Up Paddle Adventures
• Arenas Adventures
• Avellanas Surf School
• Blue Coast CR
• Get Lost In Costa Rica

Maryola Tours

Boat tour operator, Tamarindo

Maryola Tours is a small family-run boat tour operator in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, specialising in aquatic tours. As owners of one boat in the ocean aswell as partnering with several other tour operators we can offer a great variety of tours. All of our guides speak both spanish and english. On some tours we can also provide swedish-spoken guide as the owners are from Sweden and Costa Rica. 

Your saftey is very important to us. All our boats are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and comunication radio.

The boat in the ocean is a 27ft Liston with a 90hp Yamaha, 2022. It is equipped with a highly tecnological Humminbird GPS. We have all required permits and insurance. 

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour

• Jenn and Matt

Walking the busy streets of Tamarindo, you’d never guess that just a short walk away is an estuary brimming with wildlife. From the river mouth at the northern end of town, a large wetland stretches inland. This rich ecosystem is home to tropical birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and other cool creatures. In this post, we’ll share what it’s like to take a Tamarindo estuary boat tour and what you might see. 

The Tamarindo estuary is part of Las Baulas National Marine Park ( Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas ). This important conservation area helps protect sea turtle nesting beaches, reefs, rivers, and mangroves in the highly developed areas of Tamarindo and Playa Grande .

The estuary attracts a lot of wildlife because it is an important source of water and food. This is especially true in the dry season when water is scarce.

Tour Location

Boat tours of the Tamarindo estuary start near the river mouth. If you take the road out of town (toward Villareal), you will see some restaurants and shops on your left ( e.g. , Pangas Restaurant).

Just after these, there is a dirt pull-off, parking area, and small information building. This is where you will find the various guides/locals that offer the Tamarindo estuary tour.

We previously arranged a tour through one of the guides we found online. When we arrived, we just mentioned his name and another guide helped us find him.

Compared to other tours in Costa Rica, this one is very informal and a bit rustic. There are larger tour companies that offer it, but if you go through one of the local guides, you’ll likely be on a simple boat and the guide’s English may not be perfect. We still really enjoyed the tour, though.

Boarding the Boat

After traversing some steps down to the riverbank, we were greeted by our guide, William. He was just pulling up his small boat onto the sandy shoreline.

The skinny fiberglass boat had about ten seats and was covered with a canopy for shade.

A handful of other visitors got on with us, then William’s helper pushed us off into deeper water. William fired up the small outboard motor and we were off.

The Wide River

From the launching point, the river was very wide and a bit choppy from the wind and ocean nearby. But William steered toward a calmer spot along the edge. As we continued upstream, the river narrowed, and he started pointing out some interesting things.

First, it was a large clump of brown wood on a nearby tree branch. William told us that this was a nest of arboreal termites. They live high in the tree for protection.

Next, we started to spot some birds. We saw several species of heron, including a Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, and Yellow-crowned Night Heron.

As we continued, the river became narrower. Thick mangrove roots and tree branches were all around us.

Deep Into the Mangroves

William carefully steered us through some narrower channels until we reached a fork.

To the right, we learned, was the Santa Rosa River, and to the left was the Matapalo River. He told us he was looking for a big crocodile he had seen earlier. When we arrived at the spot, the sandy bank was, unfortunately, empty.

Determined, our trusty guide motored onward. We could feel that the air was now much cooler because of the shady trees all around us.

William told us that there were five different species of mangrove in this area: black mangrove, red mangrove, white mangrove, piñuela mangrove, and button mangrove.

Along the impressive mangrove root structures, we could see lots of colorful crabs.

In the canopy overhead, there were many more birds too. Several Ringed Kingfishers swooped down near the top to the water, fishing. We then saw a Common Black Hawk, hunting from a high branch. There were also some big green parrots, squawking loudly as they flew around in the branches.

At one point, William turned off the motor and told us to listen. We could hear distant snapping sounds coming from all different directions.

William took out two shells and clanged them together, mimicking the sound exactly. These were a type of mangrove clam, he said. They snap their shells like that at low tide. William told us that locals use these clams in ceviche and soups.

Other Wildlife Sightings

Our tour through the mangrove continued for about two hours in total. In that time, we saw some other interesting wildlife.

One highlight was a mother racoon and her four or five tiny babies. William tried to get us closer, but the mother quickly scurried her little ones through the thick roots to somewhere safe.   

On the way back, William pulled the boat onto shore and got out. He told us to wait. Apparently, there was usually a family of howler monkeys in this area, but not today.

We did spot an impressive Osprey high up in a tree, though. These birds of prey have a wide range all the way up to North America but are still a treat to see in Costa Rica.

There was also a beautiful Snowy Egret, some White Ibis, and a Tri-colored Heron that posed for us. This tour would definitely be a good one for birders visiting Guanacaste!

As William motored back toward the starting point, he suddenly turned the boat and pointed.

There on the riverbank was a small crocodile. Everyone was excited and we could tell William felt a bit relieved. A few of the people on the boat had really wanted to see a croc and he had struck out until now.

As we all took pictures from a safe distance, the young crocodile got a little nervous and decided to take a swim. Just to show us that he wasn’t retreating too easily, he showed his teeth in the water for another great photo opportunity.

Booking a Tour

We booked our tour through Tamarindo Estuary Tours , using WhatsApp to contact the owner. If you are more comfortable booking online, some good options are available on TripAdvisor and Viator .

Around $45 USD per adult and discounts for children are typical, depending on the company you choose. Includes fruit and water.

Start times vary depending on the tide. The river and mangrove system are tidal and best visited during higher tides when there is more water. 

2 hours  

Accessibility

From the parking area, you have to go down a rustic stairway and then over some big rocks to reach the boats. The steps are steep and a little large but there is a railing to help.

There is no dock. You board the boat by wading into the shallow water (ankle to calf deep) and then have to take a big step up onto the boat. This could be challenging for people with limited mobility.

We have visited Tamarindo many times and had always wondered what it was like to take a boat tour of the Tamarindo estuary. We’re happy to report that it is an easy, short activity that will showcase some of Costa Rica’s impressive wildlife. It is especially great for people who would like to see birds and possibly crocodiles. Our entire family enjoyed it.  

Have a question about the Tamarindo estuary tour or want to share what you saw? Leave us a comment below.

Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we get a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps us keep providing information on this website for free. Thanks for your support!

Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these posts:

River Float Wildlife Tour in Guanacaste – This tour is a full day of adventure and will bring you by rubber raft down a swift river, full of different wildlife. There’s also a visit to an impressive waterfall.

Palo Verde National Park: A Wildlife Tour Through Guanacaste’s Wetlands – Another longer day trip for birds and wildlife from Guanacaste, this one brings you to an enormous wetland called Palo Verde. This tour is more accessible and ideal for all ages.

Costa Rica Wildlife Guides: Our Picks – If you’re interested in learning more about Costa Rica’s critters, pick up one of these guidebooks before your trip.

10 Best Beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica + MAP

Home | Travel | Central America | Costa Rica | 10 Best Beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica + MAP

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Without a doubt, the beaches of Tamarindo have a special charm. If you want to discover the Costa Rican “Pura Vida” philosophy, here you will find a tempting combination of crystal clear waters, long stretches of sand, and spectacular sunsets overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, these beaches have warm waters all year round, so you won’t have to worry about the weather in Costa Rica . There is a reason why Tamarindo is the main beach destination in the province of Guanacaste , and in all of Costa Rica in general.

Known for its prevalent surfing culture and beautiful natural environment , this town also has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and some of the best hotels in Costa Rica . I fell in love with this place, especially the beaches of Tamarindo , which is why I consider it one of the top attractions in Costa Rica .

Now, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, there are other nearby beaches worth visiting. Some of the best national parks in Costa Rica are in the surrounding area, offering gorgeous coastlines, so they’re a great alternative if you need a day to disconnect and escape the crowds.

Depending on your travel style, you may prefer one over the other, so this guide will introduce you to the 10 best beaches in the Tamarindo area .

1. Playa Tamarindo, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica

As I mentioned before, Tamarindo has been a surfing mecca in Costa Rica since the country’s first surf school opened here. Playa Tamarindo is the town’s main beach, and although it’s quite touristy, it is unmistakably stunning.

If you like long walks along the coast, here you’ll find 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) of golden sand surrounded by spectacular mountains. In addition, it has all kinds of services, so you can spend a comfortable day resting on the beach, reading your favorite book, or taking a refreshing swim.

Now, if you prefer to stay active, this is one of the best beaches in Tamarindo . You can sign up for a surf class or practice your skills on the gentle waves. I also highly recommend exploring its seabed, which is home to a beautiful reef full of colorful fish. This catamaran ride , for example, includes a snorkeling session, and you’ll be able to watch the sunset on the way back to shore.

Just remember to save some energy for after dark, as Playa Tamarindo has a vibrant nightlife. Check out one of the beach bars or nightclubs in the area and party the night away at one of the most visited beaches in Costa Rica .

2. Playa Avellana, one of the beaches in Tamarindo for experienced surfers

On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter environment, you can head to Playa Avellana , which is 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) south of the town center. The road has quite a few curves and passes through different Tico towns, so it will take you around 30 minutes to get there. The landscape changes quite a bit, and this beach in Tamarindo features 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of golden sand and an extensive area of mangroves that are accessible via wooden bridges.

While swimming is discouraged here, the beach has a relaxed atmosphere, so it’s perfect for lying in the sun or resting in the shade of its abundant vegetation. Also, if you get hungry, you can go to Lola’s , one of the legendary restaurants in Costa Rica . It’s just a few steps from the shore and has wooden tables and chairs so you can eat under the palm trees.

If you’re a fan of surfing, you’re in luck, as this is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste , where you can enjoy big waves all year round. In fact, this is where you’ll find the famous “Little Hawaii”, a challenging break that can reach up to 5.5 meters (18 ft) .

Beyond that, there are 8 different surf spots suitable for beginners and pros, so you have no excuses not to hit the waves. If you want to sign up for a class, you’ll have a great selection to choose from since there are several surf schools.

3. Playa Brasilito, one of the most beautiful beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Brasilito Beach is the main beach of the small town of Brasilito, half an hour north of Tamarindo. Here, you’ll find a predominant fishing culture, free from large hotel chains and tourist crowds.

The town has a rural atmosphere, but there are plenty of beach bars and local restaurants where you can try some typical Costa Rican dishes . Also, if you’re looking to travel cheaply and still deciding where to stay in Costa Rica , keep in mind that this place has much cheaper hotel options. In addition, it’s home to one of the most popular beaches near Tamarindo for national tourism, so you can learn more about local life in Costa Rica.

As for the beach, it has nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of fine sand and gentle waves, so you can sunbathe and swim in total relaxation.

Now, if you’re looking for something to do, I recommend signing up for a horseback ride along the coast . Not only will it allow you to admire the beach from another perspective, but it’s also one of the best excursions in Costa Rica for couples.

4. Playa Conchal, one of the most spectacular beaches in Tamarindo

Playa Conchal is right next to Playa Brasilito and has become one of the most popular beaches in Tamarindo for those seeking a wilder, more rugged environment . Here, you’ll find fewer services than in Brasilito, so I recommend bringing everything you’ll need for a day by the sea.

As its name suggests, this beach is covered in millions of small shells ( conchas ) and crushed rocks, giving it a characteristic bright white color. While it’s one of the busier beaches, it extends for 2 kilometers , so there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to admiring the scenery, one of the best things to do on this Tamarindo beach is diving or snorkeling . The turquoise waters have incredible visibility, especially in the rocky area further east, bordering Playa Brasilito, so bring your goggles or rent some. We saw all kinds of fish and colorful corals. Another super fun activity is jet skiing , which will add some adrenaline to your visit.

On the other hand, if water sports aren’t your thing, you can sign up for this horseback riding excursion along the beach or go to the Reserva Conchal Golf Course , one of the best in Central America, just a few meters from the beach.

5. Playa Flamingo, one of the most famous beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Flamingo Beach is a tropical paradise, featuring turquoise waters and white sand. It’s one of the best beaches near Tamarindo for a family vacation, offering convenient amenities like umbrella and beach chair rentals, restaurants, and shops. Plus, the calmer waves ensure you won’t have to worry about the little ones.

This town also has some of the best hotels in Costa Rica , so many visitors decide to stay here and use it as a base to explore the rest of Tamarindo’s beaches . To give you an idea, it’s 35 minutes north of Tamarindo and only 10 minutes from Brasilito and Conchal. This makes the area pretty crowded, but there’s usually enough space to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea.

While there are activities for all interests, one of the most popular is exploring the depths of the ocean . As I mentioned before, the water doesn’t have strong currents, so it’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you don’t want to go it alone, this catamaran tour is perfect. After a snorkeling session, sip on a refreshing drink while watching the sunset from the boat.

On the other hand, if you’re a certified diver, don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for this dive in the Catalina Islands , one of the best diving spots in Costa Rica , located right off the coast.

6. Playa Grande, another beach near Tamarindo that I recommend

Playa Grande is a quiet Tamarindo beach with a main street dotted with a few restaurants, small markets, surf shops, and eco-lodges. It’s separated from  Tamarindo Beach by an estuary that measures just 30 meters (98 ft) wide at low tide. Even so, I don’t recommend trying to swim across it since there are crocodiles, and it wouldn’t be the first accident in the area. Instead, you can drive about 30-40 minutes from Tamarindo or take a boat for $1 that will take you across the estuary .

Either way, this beach is worth visiting, as it lies within Las Baulas National Marine Park , one of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica . This area is especially important since it’s the nesting spot for leatherback turtles , one of the species of sea turtles in Costa Rica .

Of course, to promote the conservation of this species, visitors are only permitted here until 6:00 p.m. The turtles lay their eggs at night, so any disturbance can cause them to return to the sea prematurely and lose their eggs.

On the other hand, this beach is also a popular surfing spot. The currents here are quite strong, so if you want to go swimming, it’s better to head to one of the other beaches in Tamarindo .

7. Playa Ventanas, another beach in Tamarindo you should visit

Playa Ventanas is another one of the best beaches in Tamarindo , and its name is a reference to the “windows” ( ventanas ) that form in the rock walls at either end of the beach. As one of the virgin paradises of Las Baulas National Marine Park , visitors are only allowed during the day, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

If you’re looking for a more private and secluded environment, this Tamarindo beach is the perfect spot. While it’s free of surf schools and crowds, there are usually local fishermen on the coast, a nod to the area’s traditional culture.

If you choose to get here by car, leave your vehicle at the entrance parking lot. Alternatively, you can hop on the boat in Playa Grande to cross the estuary. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for some of the common animals of Costa Rica .

8. Playa Carbón, another lovely beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Playa Carbón is a fairly isolated beach in Tamarindo , right next to Playa Ventanas in Las Baulas National Marine Park. If you like hiking, I recommend coming here first and crossing the jungle path to Playa Carbón. This place is a bit more difficult to access than other beaches in Tamarindo , so you won’t find many tourists, if any.

At first glance, you may think this is a black sand beach. However, Playa Carbón is made up of several layers, and you’ll notice that, in some areas, the bright white color of the lower layer is visible. This is due to the strong sea currents in the area, which deposit high concentrations of magnetite and magnetic iron oxide on the coast. The minerals come from volcanic rocks that have been eroded by the sea and traveled hundreds of kilometers to end up on the beach.

While swimming isn’t recommended here, when the tide goes out you can find pools of water that form between the rocks. It’s worth exploring this natural environment and its peculiar appearance, but keep in mind that there aren’t any services here, so bring all the necessities. I suggest packing an umbrella, plenty of water, and sunscreen since the black sand gets hot quickly, and the heat can be overwhelming.

9. Playa Langosta, one of the best beaches in Tamarindo for families

Playa Langosta is another beach near Tamarindo , just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of the town center. It has a quiet environment where you can rest, relax, and savor a slower pace of life.

Unlike Tamarindo, Playa Langosta has a laid-back vibe. It’s mostly surrounded by small hotels and houses, but there are also some nice hiking spots nearby. You can also have a nice picnic here and spend the day with friends and family while waiting for the sunset.

If you’re looking for a place to go swimming, I suggest opting for one of the other Tamarindo beaches on this list. The ocean currents here can be quite intense, which is why it’s usually frequented by expert surfers.

It’s also worth noting that this beach is within Las Baulas National Marine Park , so you can only stay here until 6:00 p.m.

10. Playa Minas, another beach in Tamarindo where you can see turtles

Finally, Playa Minas is a beach in Tamarindo with an almost virgin environment, boasting huge mountains and bright white sand. Thanks to its gentle waves, swimming is allowed, so you can snorkel and enjoy its crystal-clear waters.

However, remember that the most important sea turtle nesting points in Costa Rica are located here , so your chances of spotting this phenomenon are quite high.

While the beach isn’t in Las Baulas National Marine Park, it borders the park’s northern edge. Interestingly, more turtles come to nest here than on other beaches within the park, so, if you’re interested in observing this phenomenon (respectfully!), I recommend this night-sighting tour .

Map of the best beaches in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Below, you will find a map with the best beaches near Tamarindo that I recommend:

I also suggest consulting our map of Costa Rica when planning your trip. It contains all the most important attractions, making it a super useful resource.

Of course, if you have any questions or want to suggest any other beaches in Tamarindo , please leave a comment. I’d love to hear what you think!

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The 10 Best Airbnbs In Costa Rica

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, julia eskins , contributor, forbes vetted.

C osta Rica has become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with its pristine beaches, wildlife-rich jungles and nature-loving pura vida atmosphere. While the Central American nation’s glowing reputation as an ecotourism and adventure hub has led to a spate of award-winning resorts , the best Airbnbs in Costa Rica cater to families, couples and groups looking for a more intimate experience away from the crowds.

From modern treehouses perched above the rainforest canopy to luxurious oceanfront villas, the best Airbnbs in Costa Rica grant travelers unfettered access to the country’s wildest reaches. From a beachfront villa in Santa Teresa to a romantic yurt in Dominical that’s steps from a waterfall, our selections are all either guest favorites, run by Superhosts or rated 4.9 or higher. Below, the best Airbnbs in Costa Rica in 2024.

Best Treehouse Airbnb In Costa Rica: Modern Tree-House With Beautiful Mountain Views

Best airbnb in costa rica for groups: villa melody, best luxury airbnb in costa rica: villa mila, best airbnb in costa rica for romance: oceanfront luxury yurt, best airbnb in costa rica for families: plumeria guest house, best airbnb on costa rica’s caribbean coast: casa corazon del mar, best beachfront airbnb in costa rica: casa luna del mar, best rainforest airbnb in costa rica: the fusion home, best value airbnb in costa rica: casa mar, best airbnb in costa rica on the osa peninsula: gatehouse cabin at southern drake lodge.

Unlike other treehouses, this one features modern touches like air conditioning and a well-equipped kitchen for cooking meals in-house.

Modern Tree-House With Beautiful Mountain Views

Accommodations: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Who Will Love It: Solitude seekers; nature lovers; honeymooners

All-Star Amenities: Large terrace with panoramic valley views; plunge pool; outdoor shower

What Not To Miss: The wine fridge with an excellent selection of organic vino

Location: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

If you’re craving a treetop escape with all the comforts of a regular home, look no further than this elevated abode conveniently located between the beaches of Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo. This modern treehouse offers a panoramic deck equipped with a hammock, grill and plunge pool that’s ideal for cooling off in the heat or stargazing at night. Unlike many other treehouses in Costa Rica, this one features a few modern touches like air conditioning and a small but well-equipped kitchen for cooking some meals in-house. The loft-style bedroom with a king-size bed and leafy views is ideal for couples, but the living room also features two sofa beds for those traveling with kids. While the bustling beach town of Tamarindo is just a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find several quieter beaches in the immediate area, including Playa Piratas and Playa Zapotilla, as well as supermarkets, restaurants and shops (a car is recommended for getting around easily). The open-air setup means you’ll be waking up to the sound of the birds and howler monkeys—which is all the more reason to pour a coffee and catch the sunrise on the deck.

The star attraction is the massive outdoor space, where groups can swim in the pool and relax on sun beds or in a pillowed lounge area.

Villa Melody

Accommodations: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Groups of friends or families looking for a spacious beachside villa

All-Star Amenities: Pool; outdoor shower; deep-soaking standalone bathtubs; daily housekeeping and laundry; concierge service

What Not To Miss: The bioluminescence boat tour to Isla Tortuga

Location: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Located in the heart of the laid-back beach town of Santa Teresa, Villa Melody is perfect for groups of couples who want to travel together but still enjoy some privacy. Each of the four bedrooms comes with its own bathroom, air conditioning, ultra-comfortable king-size bed and window with jungle views. The common area is inviting, with its soaring post-and-beam-style ceilings, spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a large dining table. The star attraction, however, is the villa’s massive outdoor space, where groups can swim in the pool and relax on sun beds or in a pillowed lounge area. In addition to housekeeping, the villa includes a concierge that can assist with helping guests arrange transportation down to the Nicoya Peninsula (which is easily accessible via a 30-minute flight from Liberia) and nearby activities, ranging from surf lessons to ATV tours to snorkeling excursions. The Airbnb is steps away from Santa Teresa’s beaches, surf shops, yoga studios and restaurants, making it easy to pop out for drinks, dinner or adventures.

Interiors are clean, bright and spacious, with high ceilings, warm wood accents and modern appliances.

Accommodations: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers looking for a plush penthouse with resort amenities

All-Star Amenities: Panoramic terraces; gas barbecue, infinity pools, fitness center; daily housekeeping

What Not To Miss: Sunset cocktails at the beach club

Location: Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

If your dream vacation includes relaxing by infinity pools, sipping craft cocktails on pristine beaches or teeing off at an Arnold Palmer golf course, you’ll be in paradise at Villa Mila. This sleek penthouse condo is located in Peninsula Papagayo’s exclusive residential community near the Four Seasons Resort, allowing guests to access the members-only Prieta Beach Club as well as uncrowded white-sand beaches like Playa Nacascolo. Dine at the peninsula's top restaurants, work on your serve at the tennis center or splurge on a resort pass to the Four Seasons or Andaz to enjoy access to even more beaches and pools. The condo itself feels like an extension of the area’s five-star resorts—the interiors are clean, bright and spacious, with high ceilings, warm wood accents and modern appliances. Each of the three bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom and terrace, making it easy to soak in those Pacific Ocean and jungle views. Two golf carts are available to rent for the duration of your stay, which is recommended for zipping around the peninsula like a true resident.

This well-appointed yurt comes with one of the dreamiest views in Costa Rica—and an outdoor tub for two.

Oceanfront Luxury Yurt

Who Will Love It: Couples looking for an off-the-beaten-path hideaway

All-Star Amenities: Outdoor bathtub with panoramic views; outdoor shower; plush robes

What Not To Miss: The “secret trail” that leads to a practically private beach

Location: Dominical, Costa Rica

Perched on the cliffs of Costa Ballena, this well-appointed yurt comes with one of the dreamiest views in Costa Rica—and an outdoor tub for two. The property is just off the main Central Pacific Coast highway between Dominical and Uvita, making it a perfect fit for nature lovers keen to visit nearby highlights like Manuel Antonio National Park and the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Even the most intrepid explorers will want to take a day or two to soak up the charms on site, including a path that leads to a semi-private beach and waterfall. Curl up on the tree swing while watching howler monkeys play in the trees, shower while listening to tropical birds, or take a bath (or two) while admiring the endless Pacific views. Inside, the yurt feels like a cozy cocoon and is equipped with a full kitchen that’s ideal for cooking a romantic meal. The king-size bed is positioned to offer a view of Uvita’s whale tail sandbar, making slow mornings in bed even more satisfying.

The home is sparkling clean, spacious and full of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and socialize, including a pool and garden.

Plumeria Guest House

Who Will Love It: Families seeking a comfortable respite with easy access to a private beach

All-Star Amenities: Pool; washer and dryer; cribs; access to a beach club with a restaurant, bar, gym, pool, spa and playground

What Not To Miss: An in-house dinner prepared by a private local chef

Location: Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

With its lush gardens, pool and direct access to a picturesque beach, this family-friendly Airbnb near Tamarindo is ideal for a serene getaway. The property is located within the gated community of Hacienda Pinilla, just steps from a white-sand beach fringed by native trees. The home is sparkling clean, spacious and full of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and socialize, including a pool and garden that’s regularly frequented by monkeys and macaws. When you need a change of scenery, head to Lola’s, a beachfront restaurant where you can grab lunch, watch surfers and catch epic sunsets. For more resort amenities, there’s a beach club with another pool, playground, restaurant, bar, gym and spa just a 10-minute walk away. The host lives next door and is available if you need any local recommendations, surfboards or help arranging excursions. One of the best add-ons is booking a private chef to come by the property to cook the catch of the day (or other local specialties) to enjoy on your private outdoor deck.

The curved structure features stone-tiled flooring, circular window nooks and an enchanting external staircase.

Casa Corazon Del Mar

Who Will Love It: Free-spirited explorers looking for a whimsical, nature-immersive retreat

All-Star Amenities: Private pool; spa-like bathroom

What Not To Miss: The family of sloths that hang out in the trees surrounding the property

Location: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

While often overlooked, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a paradise for nature lovers. The beaches are postcard-perfect: think powdery white sand and crystal-clear water framed by swaying palm trees. And when you need a break from the sand, there are countless wildlife-rich national parks to explore. For a truly memorable stay between the jungle and sea, head to Casa Corazon del Mar, an adobe-style bungalow in the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo. The curved structure is a work of art, with stone-tiled flooring, circular window nooks and an enchanting external staircase that leads to an observation deck. The open-air style of the space means you’ll be surrounded by jungle residents, including frogs, fireflies, sloths, monkeys and toucans—making this spot a fit for those looking to be one with nature. It’s a five-minute walk to the beach and a 30-minute walk into the heart of town (cabs and bike rentals are also available), where you’ll find an array of restaurants, bars and shops.

This renovated beach house offers access to a private beach, a pool surrounded by lounge areas and spacious bedrooms.

Casa Luna Del Mar

Accommodations: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Who Will Love It: Families seeking a private oceanfront oasis away from the crowds

All-Star Amenities: Pool; outdoor shower; books, toys, boogie boards, and other family-friendly amenities

What Not To Miss: Fishing off the beach or arranging a fishing charter with a local guide

Location: Playa Zancudo, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

This renovated 1970s traditional beach house offers all the trappings of the perfect coastal escape: direct access to a pristine and almost private beach, a pool surrounded by lounge areas and hammocks, and modern, spacious bedrooms for one or two families to share. But what makes it truly special is its location. Situated in Playa Zancudo, a quiet village near the Golfo Dulce, the area is famed for its nine-mile black sand beach and abundant wildlife. The backyard and surrounding area are frequented by sloths, scarlet macaws, capuchins, iguanas and hummingbirds. Families will especially enjoy the beach’s soft sandy bottom and calm waters that are perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. And while you’ll ideally spend most of your time outside, the casa has been completely modernized with air conditioning, a Smart TV with Netflix, a Bluetooth sound system with Alexa, Spotify and Amazon Music, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. The best way to reach this strand of paradise is to fly from SJO to Golfito and then take a 35-minute boat taxi to the house. Once you’re here, you’ll be rewarded with near-empty beaches, national parks and waterfalls best explored by hiking or on horseback.

The panoramic balconies offer outstanding views of the Osa Peninsula, and binoculars are provided for birdwatching.

The Fusion Home

Who Will Love It: Intrepid nature lovers seeking an off-grid treehouse sanctuary

All-Star Amenities: Balconies with panoramic rainforest views; rainwater plunge pool; organic gardens and fruit trees; binoculars and bird guidebook

What Not To Miss: Watching the sunset from the upper "SkyLounge" balcony

Location: Piedras Blancas de Osa, Costa Rica

Getting to The Fusion home is an adventure in itself. A drive down a bumpy road in a four-wheel drive vehicle, a river crossing and an uphill hike through the jungle make you feel like you’ve truly arrived somewhere special. Nestled in the Finca Bellavista Community in Costa Rica’s rugged Southern Zone, this treetop home is a great base for travelers who want to go off-grid and spend their days hiking through national parks, swimming in the river and spotting rare wildlife. The treehouse’s eco-friendly, rustic style isn’t for everyone—there’s no air conditioning and the remote location is hike-in, hike-out. But for those who appreciate back-to-nature experiences, it’s a real gem. The property has two bedrooms with queen-sized memory foam mattresses and modern conveniences like a fully equipped kitchen. The panoramic balconies offer outstanding views of the Osa Peninsula and Piedras Blancas National Park, and binoculars are provided for birdwatching. Nearby, the Finca Bellavista Community Base Camp offers complimentary yoga classes, a dining hall with farm-to-table meals and a “rancho” with a nightly happy hour, where you can meet other guests. You can also book excursions here, from zip-lining and e-biking adventures to guided tours of Corcovado National Park.

The large windows in the kitchen offer ample viewing opportunities as you sip your coffee.

Who Will Love It: Surfers seeking an affordable and tranquil stay

All-Star Amenities: Balcony with a jungle view; boardgames

What Not To Miss: The view of the howler monkeys and hummingbirds from the kitchen window

Location: Nosara, Costa Rica

It’s always refreshing to find a smartly designed and affordable Airbnb in Costa Rica—especially in the buzzy beach town of Nosara. Casa Mar is situated just a five-minute drive from everything this pocket of paradise has to offer, from the world-famous surf break at Playa Guiones to the yoga studios and fantastic restaurants in and around town. Ideal for couples and young families, this Airbnb is a cozy and peaceful base to enjoy between adventures (speedy internet and air conditioning included). The real magic happens in the morning, when the surrounding trees are filled with families of howler monkeys, coatis and other wildlife. The large windows in the kitchen offer ample viewing opportunities as you sip your coffee, and a charming balcony allows you to bask in the greenery between surf sessions. Nosara is easily accessible via a three-hour drive or 30-minute flight from Liberia. Once you get here, it’s a good idea to rent an ATV, as not all of the roads are pedestrian-friendly and you’ll likely want to explore other nearby beaches and waterfalls.

After your adventures in the humidity, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning, outdoor shower and pool.

Gatehouse Cabin At Southern Drake Lodge

Who Will Love It: Wildlife enthusiasts looking for a luxury lodge experience

All-Star Amenities: Fresh water swimming pool; communal fire pit and pool bar; housekeeping and laundry service

What Not To Miss: Hiking the Drake Bay Trail from the lodge to San Josecito Beach

Location: Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Heralded as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the Osa Peninsula is a dream destination for most wildlife enthusiasts. For those looking to blend jungle explorations with a touch of luxury, there’s no better place to stay than Southern Darke Lodge. Located in Drake Bay—accessible from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) via a one-hour flight, drive or thrilling riverboat ride—the property is off the beaten path while still being relatively accessible. The Gatehouse Cabin is set apart from the lodge’s main building, allowing guests to enjoy tranquility and privacy while still being able to access the property’s six lush acres and amenities. The cabin has a kitchen, but breakfast is also served on the lodge’s covered “ranch” platform. By day, tour nearby highlights like Corcovado National Park or take a boat trip to snorkel sites around Cano Island. After your adventures in the humidity, you’ll appreciate the air conditioning, outdoor shower and pool. Grab a cocktail by the fire pit if you’re feeling social or chill out in the hammock on your front porch while keeping an eye out for the furry and feathered friends that frequent the property.

About Julia Eskins, Your Costa Rica Airbnb Guide

I have been writing and editing travel and lifestyle content for over a decade, with a focus on luxury hotels, innovative sustainability initiatives, and immersive cultural and wellness experiences. Along the way, I have explored over 50 countries, lived in five (Canada, Portugal, Finland, Germany and Mexico), and stayed at hundreds of hotels and resorts, including several in Costa Rica. No matter where I go, I'll always track down the best cup of coffee, sunset viewpoint, and local vegetarian restaurants. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my travel guides, reviews, and feature stories have also appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Vogue, Bloomberg Pursuits, Lonely Planet, Time, The Globe and Mail, Afar, Elle Canada, BBC Travel, Architectural Digest and more.

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15 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica

C osta Rica is a land of diversity. There are adventures for almost every kind of outdoor and nature enthusiast. Did you know that US News ranks Costa Rica #10 as one of the best countries for adventure?

What if you are looking for relaxation ? Discover some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Before you go, learn some of the interesting facts about Costa Rica that you may not already know along with Costa Rica highlights and tips for traveling in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Highlights and Tours

Map of the guanacaste region of costa rica.

Guanacaste Region - Costa Rica Map courtesy of Google

Chris and I recently traveled to Costa Rica. It was our first time in the country as well as in Central America. Did you know that Central America is made up of 7 countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama ?

These are some of the interesting facts about Costa Rica that we learned from our research. Hopefully they will help you in your planning and to have a fun and safe adventure.

1. Tap Water is Generally Safe to Drink

If you have traveled to many Latin American countries, you know that the water quality may be somewhat iffy.

Costa Rica is a country that thrives on tourism. The Costa Rican government works hard to provide clean drinking water in almost every part of the country. I F YOU ARE CONCERNED, you may want to stick with drinking bottled water.

As Chris and I returned happy and healthy from our trip to Costa Rica after drinking the tap water, using ice cubes in the restaurants, and enjoying smoothies, we are now happy to share our experience.

We drank water both from the tap at our vacation rental as well as from a filtered water pitcher. Both were fine, though the filtered water tasted just a bit better in my opinion.

At the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, we drank water from the tap as well as the bottled water provided for free in our rooms each day.

Check Out My Travel Gear Recommendations on Amazon

2. Mosquitos Are Aplenty

One thing you don’t always think about is the need for  bug spray in paradise . It is a must for your tropical vacation packing list and one of the very handy tips for traveling in Costa Rica.

I am a magnet for bites at home while my husband rarely gets bitten. After reading the recommendations from other travelers to bring bug spray, I did a little research and found the  BUGGINS Original Gnat & Mosquito Insect Repellent  with a light vanilla, mint and rose scent. I didn’t mind the smell at all.

Some  tropical locations  have mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Having been bitten by both, I prefer not to give those nasty bugs a chance.

I forgot to spray on bug spray for my last night in Costa Rica. After arriving home I began to notice small bites on my arms and legs.

3. You May Need a Rain Jacket

Although Chris and I traveled to Costa Rica at the beginning of the rainy season, we didn't see a drop of rain during our week-long stay. In fact, the weather was hotter than normal.

The rainy season is from May to November, and we traveled during the first week in May.

I would recommend tucking in a packable rain jacket just in case. Along with that, I would also suggest a waterproof cover for your backpack, especially if you carry expensive photography gear.

While Chris and I didn't experience any drastic changes in the weather, from what I could gather from my research, flash rainstorms are quite common.

We did take a day trip from the coast to a tropical rainforest and were sure to bring our rain jackets (just in case). The temperature was at least 15° cooler, but still pleasant. That takes me back to the previous tip however: be sure to wear bug spray!

4.Things to Know About Costa Rica if You Rent a Car

With our experience in choosing things to do in Guanacaste Costa Rica with excursions to Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, Plaga Langosta, Playa Hermosa, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and the Papagayo Peninsula, I would definitely recommend renting a car.

If you choose to rent a car in Costa Rica, you will surely encounter Rental Car Insurance . Some agencies include the additional insurance in the quote when you rent online, and others will simply surprise you with it.

YOU ARE REQUIRED BY COSTA RICAN LAW TO ACCEPT THE MINIMUM RENTAL CAR COMPANY'S COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER AND THIRD-PARTY INSURANCE .

This is regardless of the coverage you receive through your own credit card. You may, however, be given the option of different levels of coverage.

Chris and I opted for the minimum coverage . We had our rental car for one week, and the extra insurance added on approximately $150 to the total cost. If you aren't expecting this cost and haven't budgeted for it, you will definitely be surprised.

Manual-transmission vehicles are the standard . An automatic may be available, but you will need to request one in advance and they will most likely cost more to rent.

Is a 4x4 rental in Costa Rica a good thing? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Chris and I did not have a 4x4 and found that even getting up the hill to our vacation rental was a challenge in our low end car. Going back for another visit, we would definitely get a 4x4.

We also traveled over some very bumpy and questionable "roads". A 4x4 would have been so much nicer. There are limited options for local transport if you choose not to rent a car.

Additional Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica:

• Be a defensive driver and drive with caution
• Mountain roads are often winding and narrow
• You will find nicely paved roads as well as dirt roads that are bumpy and filled with potholes
• The assistants at the gas stations fill your gas tank for you
• Some roads are toll roads which require cash
• Police have been known to conduct routine stops to check documentation. You will need to show them your license and passport (to prove that you are driving within the time limit of your visa—30 days for tourists).

5. Carry Some Cash with You

Many of the places you stay, pre-booked attractions, and some restaurants will accept credit cards. It is a good idea, however, to exchange money for colones to be able to pay for those extras, some tips, and the local eateries that don't take credit cards.

6. Tipping is Not Mandatory in Costa Rica

Tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica. You will find that many establishments already include a 10% tip or service charge. If you feel as though your guide, driver, hotel maid service, server, or excursion host has given you super service, tips are always appreciated.

The standard amount to tip in Costa Rica is 10% and you can give either Costa Rican colones or US dollars.

7. Costa Rica’s National Currency is the Colón

The national currency in Costa Rica is colones ₡.  You may be able to pay for accommodation and tours in USD as well as with your credit card, but having local currency on hand to pay at local eateries and such may be required.

1 USD is approximately = 600 colones

Chris and I booked a couples massage while in Costa Rica. When booking, they requested that we have the necessary amount in local currency to pay in colones. If you are unsure, ask.

8. Sales Tax and Service Fees

In Costa Rica, it is required by law that restaurants include a 10% service fee that translates as a tip. Sales tax for restaurants, retails stores, and tourism services is currently 13%.

9. Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica: There is No Daylight Saving Time

One of the important things to know about Costa Rica is that it does not follow Daylight Saving Time . Costa Rica is located roughly  10 degrees north of the equator .

From March to November, the current time in Costa Rica is the same as Mountain Daylight Time in the United States. For Chris and I, there was no time change at all . Yay for no jetlag! From mid-March to mid-November, the current time in Costa Rica would be the same as Central Time in the United States.

Sunset occurs around 6:00 pm each evening and the sky start to get light in the morning around 5:00 am.

10. Pay Attention to the Seasons When Booking

Interesting facts about Costa Rica to know before you go? It has two tropical season: dry season and green season .

Dry season (also known as high season ) is from December to April . During these months, many tourists arrive in Costa Rica to enjoy the tropical weather. Green season aka the rainy season is from May to November .

Chris and I visited at the beginning of the rainy season. We did not experience any rain; in fact, the weather was unseasonably hot. Many of the locals that we talked with were anxious for some cooler weather and rain.

We did not experience heavy rain nor mud, but if you travel to Costa Rica during the rainy season months, you will want to be prepared for the weather and driving conditions. It is always a good idea to bring your rain gear with you, even if the skies start out blue in the morning.

As far as the best time to go to Costa Rica? I would say, "Whenever you can get away!" I would think the shoulder season would be ideal: April to May and November and December.

11. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

Wherever you travel in this great big world, it is a good idea to have a few LOCAL words and phrases ready to go when you visit. The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. As one of the best tips for traveling in Costa Rica, do yourself a favor and learn a few of these basics words and phrases:

• Hello - Hola
• Goodbye - Adiós
• Please - Por favor
• Thanks - Gracias
• You're welcome - Con Mucho Gusto
• Good morning - Buenos días
• Good evening - Buenas noches
• How are you? - Cómo estás?
• Pure Life - Pura Vida

One of the fun facts about Costa Rica? You will hear "Pura Vida" often as it r epresents Costa Ricans' relaxed attitude towards life . It can be used to say "hello", "goodbye", "everything is okay", and to brush off negativity. It is a way of life and an attitude.

12. Wildlife

Costa Rica is full of a diverse population of animals and wildlife.

As Chris and I followed our guide in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park and tropical forest, we were surprised when he showed us snakes, butterflies, a toucan, and insects.

We would have never known they were there.

We visited the Diamante Animal Sanctuary as well where we saw monkeys, butterflies, sloths, jaguars and more. Again, if you are hiking in the forest, you may never spot them on your own.

We did, however, see plenty of monkeys at Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. They were abundant in the trees around the resort. The first morning we saw them, we said, "Oh, how cute."

Turns out that some were howler monkeys! Important things to know about Costa Rica and monkeys: if they happen to be in the trees outside your hotel room as the sun goes down, you are in for a noisy night. The sounds coming out of these cute little monkeys is not so cute!

The most common creature that we saw while snorkeling was the sea urchin. While the water was not nearly so clear as the water in Moorea, Tahiti , there was still plenty to see in Costa Rica.

13. Fun Facts About Costa Rica: A "Soda"Isn't What You Think it Is!

One of things to know about Costa Rica is that a soda is a small eatery, much like a mom and pop restaurant. Sodas typically offer open-air seating, traditional Costa Rican food, and a relaxed vibe.

One of the best Costa Rica travel tips is to eat at a soda; it is an awesome way to immerse yourself in the culture while also saving a little money!

14. A Tour Guide is Worth the Investment

One of the benefits to a guided tour is having a guide who is accustomed to spotting the wildlife in nature that you would typically walk past without seeing.

Chris and I enjoyed a guided tour through the rainforest with Joaquin of Sensoria as one of our Costa Rica highlights. Our tour included a hike, waterfalls, time to relax in the thermal pools, climbing to the top of the viewing tower to see the volcano in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and lunch.

Joaquin, our guide, shared his expert knowledge of the rainforest, a few snake sightings ("Don't worry", he said. "Pit vipers aren't easily excited!" Yikes!), and was happy to take pictures for us.

15. Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica: WiFi is Available

As a forward-thinking country that relies on the tourism industry, Costa Rica is no stranger to technology. One of the important things to know about Costa Rica is that many populated areas have access to either cable or DSL high-speed Internet. WiFi is available free of charge in certain locations throughout the country.

Chris and I enjoyed great service at our vacation rental in Playa Hermosa as well as at the Andaz resort on the Papagayo Peninsula.

Travel and Photography Gear

Travel photographer in Norway

If you are hoping to “UP” your travel skills beyond using your camera phone (though I still keep mine handy), you will definitely need some upgraded camera gear.

• Canon Powershot G1 X Mark III  – A point and shoot with Manual mode options
• Canon t8i  plus a lens kit – Perfect for beginners
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS  My favorite lens for the Canon t8i
• Canon 6d Mark II DSLR  – An upgraded camera for intermediate photographers
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens  for the Canon 6d Mark II

You can see more of my photography gear recommendations on my  Amazon Storefront .

Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Know About Costa Rica

Should i be concerned about my valuables.

Don’t flash expensive jewelry, electronics, purses, or clothing. You'll want to do your best to blend in. Be mindful of handing over your phone to a stranger to take pictures for you. Really, if you have valuables that you are concerned about, just leave them home.

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is famous for its incredible natural wonders, aromatic coffee, chocolate, Pura Vida lifestyle, beautiful beaches, wildlife, rainforest, volcanoes, mountains, delicious food, and progressive government.

What is the population of Costa Rica?

Approximately 5 million people.

Does Costa Rica have a military?

No. They do maintain small forces capable of law enforcement, but Costa Rica has no permanent standing army.

Are there volcanoes in Costa Rica?

Yes. There are over 200 volcanic formations. Of those, approximately 100 actually show signs of activity and only five are classified as active.

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Final thoughts on 15 interesting facts about costa rica.

Clearly, these are not ALL the things to know about Costa Rica before you go. Be sure to check out my additional posts about Costa Rica highlights: the Guanacaste Region, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, and things to do at Playa Hermosa.

You may also enjoy these posts...

• Costa Rica Travel Tips: 10 Easy Answers to Your FAQ’s
• 20 Brilliant Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation
• Need Vitamin Sea? Top 10 Reasons for a Couple’s Beachside Getaway

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