The currents here can be strong so watch the posted advisories when swimming, but much of Tamarindo Beach is perfect for those just learning how to surf. That being said, we will go through how to get here from each airport to clear things up a bit. The full-day tour to Nicaragua sets off early from Tamarindo and takes you across the border where youll get to visit the active Masaya Volcano. This is a gathering of artisans, cooks, craftsman and a few brewers to simply gain exposure. The tour also takes you to an off-the-beaten-path waterfall and a wildlife sanctuary where you can see sloths and other native wildlife. Surrounded by the ocean at all times, you cant help but feel a personal connection to the deep blue when traveling to a beach destination. } This 2-hour ATV tour takes you through a rugged circuit to Flamingo beach where youll be able to take a dip in the sea if you wish. With outdoor eco-adventures, snorkeling, sport fishing, sailing, hiking, yoga, tennis, golf, and nightlife, Tamarindo offers lots of opportunities for a fun-filled adventure. Playa Langosta. Tamarindo's warm waters and friendly surf instructors will have you riding the waves in no time no matter your age or ability. Have a little more time for one of Costa Ricas top natural adventures? Things To Do in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List With all units built on the beachfront, rise to the sounds of the waves and then spot a plethora of wildlife whilst drinking your morning coffee from your garden. The only way to enter the caves is with a guide, which costs $25. It is the perfect place to camp up for the day and enjoy some good food. If youre a major player, both golf courses are located at resorts, so you can stay and play endlessly. Playa Conchal is famous for its pink sands, which come courtesy of crushed seashells. The two beautiful large swimming pools at The Occidental provide relaxing places where people can enjoy taking headers into the water up past their necks, there are also plenty more activities available near, and tamarindo is 5 minutes away. If the thought of scuba diving doesnt set your heart aflutter, then wed like to introduce you to the joys of snuba: part scuba, part snorkeling . Embrace it, enjoy it and learn to love it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Before you embark on the relaxing water cruise, a mandatory briefing is included, demonstrating how to pilot the kayak and paddles. No wonder it makes our short list of what to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica! They typically bring you to the back roads leading to the most impressive views. Things To Do In Guanacaste Costa Rica - The Barefoot Nomad For a deep insight into what Tamarindo is going to taste like, I list my favourite restaurants In Tamarindo here. These commence in the evening from 6 PM and using infrared lights, hike along the beach to the scene of the leatherbacks. Its common to see manta rays, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, octopus and lots more wildlife. Tamarindo offers families an enjoyable place but its also where you can find parties on most nights. Even if youve never stood up on your board before, Tamarindos waves will welcome you. Things to do in Tamarindo Tamarindo Tours Tamarindo Beach Are you interested in? There are natural thermal baths near the Arenal Volcano, for example, or visit the springs inside Rincon de La Vieja National Park. There are many cooking schools in Guanacaste that offer classes for all levels, from beginner to expert. Its an outdoor park filled with 5 magnificent falls, natural pools, volcanic waste, fumaroles and craters thats just a two-hour drive away. Canopy Vista Tamarindo. Aplenty! Henrys Left and Henrys Right surf spots are suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers. Go zip lining for two hours in a dry forest in the Guanacaste province or spend half the day (usually around four hours) zipping from one elevated platform to the next. Your email address will not be published. On the foodie front, shop for homemade treats and snacks like coconut caramel squares, homebrewed kombucha or cold brew coffee, ground herbs and spices (from raw cocoa to special blends) and so much more! This has become a really popular activity to do in Tamarindo. It holds the title of Top 100 Courses Outside the United States.. Also fun for the kids. and just love to help you with anything that they can. Naturally, surfing is the word on everybodys lips, and the local markets, eateries, beach bars and boho-inspired oceanic stays are designed to suit the atmosphere. From Las Pailas, make the summit the top of the 1,916-meter-high active Rincn de la Vieja volcano which last spat out lava in 1991 but has remained asleep ever since. Remember the guy I recommended for surfing lessons there? The beach has consistent waves so you can catch a wave every day. Funky tunes accompany you the entire time, whether youre cruising around in the magic bus or mingling with other travelers at each party stop destination. Indulge in a couples massage, body wraps, scrubs, facials and more in the stylish tropical setting. Youll float down the river with your guide, weaving through the intertwining branches that create tunnels made of trees. .av_font_icon.av-av_font_icon-9d21e92c1ebc67882306866aaf03cb43 .av-icon-char{ Costa Rica is known for its adventure tours, wildlife tours, and surf camps. After theory lessons and practical experience in the swimming pool, board a boat and then set sail for your diving locale. Just remember to relax, enjoy the amazing food, and soak up all the beautiful sights. 2. Stick to the beach and enjoy a slightly tamer, yet still completely exciting ride boogie boarding, courtesy of local board rentals ($10-$15 per day). Depending on the duration of your flight, some of the beaches to fly over include Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Playa Grande, Potrero and Playas del Coco. } This will be definitely faster than the bus and taxi and similar in price to a taxi. Boasting the most idyllic, clear-blue waters in the Santa Cruz region, the underwater opportunities in Tamarindo are incomparable. For example, boarding a 40-foot luxe catamaran (aptly named the Blue Dolphin), set sail north of Tamarindo for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Birdwatchers in the house! Theres so much nature and tropical gardens surrounding the hotel that you forget about the outside world. Its kilometres of golden sand beaches, incredible surf and abundance of bars and restaurants encourage people to flock there every year. Come enjoy fresh products and other local products such as fresh fish, eggs, dairy products, honey, bread, jams, art, jewelry, and handcraft. Both La Fortuna and Jaco take 3.5 hours to reach by car but are located in different parts of the country. A closer location to Rincon National Park is Liberia where the international airport is. 2022 2. ), crystals and precious stones, stunning hand-woven bags in Aztec prints, woven trinkets and handfuls of other artisanal goods. If you have ever thought about surfing before, Tamarindo is the place to do it. If thats you, then you should join the Dream Chaser Catamaran Tour. This way, you dont have to plan around public transport, everything is sorted for you. Need help planning your trip? There are plenty more in the surrounding areas. Itll leave you conveniently in Tamarindo town centre. Costa Ricas Catalinas Islands are one of the worlds top sights to spot giant manta rays. Bali or Santa Cruz? Look no further than mangrove kayaking , which begins in the estuary near the river mouth, and takes you paddling into the wilds of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge . can be observed at night as they visit the beach. Fun facts: More than 50% of the park comprises wetlands and the biggest group of waterfowl and wading bird species in Central America call the area home. Also, Tamarindo offers the perfect way to discover Guanacaste Region which sometimes tends to be overshadowed by the more known Costa Rica tourist attractions. They have a relatively new and spacious catamaran with plenty of onboard activities such as stand-up paddleboarding when you go on a tour with them, not to mention an in-house chef! font-size:24px; Even the littlest travelers (as young as 5) can explore the underwater debts, when you book a snuba tour. Start mastering Tamarindos waves in a private or Group Surfing Lesson from $50. To see this in real life, you first need to embark on a six-kilometer-long round trip inside the national park, and the hike takes roughly three hours there and back. The ticket costs UDS 10 and there are seat reservations available online here, or you can just buy it at the terminal upon arrival in San Jose but theres a chance it might be full. Or if plants have the key to your botanists heart, discover over 750 different kinds such as palo verde and Spanish cedar. Oeste de Automercado, Getting Around Tamarindo & Surrounding Areas. Tamarindo may be known for many things, but we'd argue that spectacular surf is probably our greatest claim to fame. Locally known as just Tama Market, the shopping destination only opens Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Or, there is even a Chocolate Boot Camp for the serious sweet teeth! Try something new on this 2-hour Horse Riding Tour for $60. Related Article: Best Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Where To Go When. Zip-lining can be fun for the whole family. Tamarindo is known for its nightlife and my favorite night of the week is Karaoke Night at Sharkys. Megan has lived in Costa Rica, Mexico, and France and has sailed around the Caribbean. Stop in a tranquil bay, drop anchor, and enjoy a swim. The Buena Vista Lodge and Adventure Center is located in the beautiful rainforest with amazing scenery and exciting outdoor activities to enjoy. 1. Tamarindo estuary separates Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande. More than 50 percent of Costa Rica is made up of rainforests, and so, no matter where you are, youre fortunate enough to experience bountiful amounts of wildlife scenery! Without a doubt, theres one thing that seems to have the greatest draw for this boomtown surfing. The Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica - Atlys Were talking oceans that practically teem with black, striped and blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, roosterfish, jacks, wahoo, sailfish, and other prize specimens. 31 Best Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica Rincon is accessible to all types of travellers. A tour often guarantees a chance of spotting them at night as guides know where to look along the beach. You can enter the national park for $10 per person, but this wont give you access to the caves. If you have not been to a karaoke night before sharkys will not disappoint you. Mountain biking tours and mountain bike rentals are both available. Stopping off for activities like snorkeling and swimming, the captain steers you in the right direction at points where dolphins are known to roam. Massive waves break off and in front of the boulder in the middle of the ocean. Website design by Hello Pomelo. Its not as funny as these karaoke videos, but it will keep you entertained. Zip Lining Zip lining is one of the most fun and exhilarating things you can do during your stay in Tamarindo. Group lessons are USD 50 for 2 hours. Set up in an outdoor plaza space every Thursday evening, technically the Tamarindo Night Market is the only true night market vibe and is a spectacular showcasing of local talent, foodies and horticulturists. Turtle nesting is a very popular thing to do while you are in Costa Rica and I highly recommend it, but you have to come at the right time. Reading a book whilst sunbathing or taking a refreshing swim. The tour lasts for around 3-4 hours and also includes a fair amount of hiking to get to the caves. Lunch is included, and some tours have an open bar, whilst others serve complimentary drinks like rum punch just in time for the main event sunset! Tamarindo, Costa Rica, the one-stop place in Costa Rica where you can do it all. Bottlenose dolphin jumping out of the waters of Catalina Islands, Gorgona Guitarfish can be found at Catalina Islands, Waterfall at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, La Cangreja waterfall in Rincon National Park, Boiling mud pot in Rincon National Park in Guanacaste province, White-headed Capuchin monkey enjoying a fruit. This is a do-whatever kind of place, so whether you want to bring a picnic to the beach or dine at an oceanfront restaurant, crack open a soda from the cooler or order up a beachfront cocktail, Tamarindo is happy to accommodate. Walking through garden trails, look out for two and three-toed sloths scrambling up tree trunks or catching a chill in the treetops. As an overall travel tip, I recommend keeping close tabs everywhere throughout your journey no matter how trustworthy people look on first impression. There is nothing more exhilarating than soaring through the air above the tree line and seeing the blue ocean. Guanacaste is also known to be windy from time to time. Before any ziplining happens, undergo a briefing and safety instructions, and all protective gear like helmets is provided. As one of the most beautiful sites in the area, hiking tours in Tamarindo often choose this waterfall as a main destination to trek to. Whilst Llanos de Cortes Waterfall is easy to reach, the hike to Rio Celeste is totally worth it once you gain sight of this mesmerizing natural shower plus, the myths and legend surrounding it make it all the more magical! So, youre wondering what to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica? Best Tamarindo Tours and Things to do in Tamarindo No matter what you decide to do or not do on your vacation, you are bound to have a good time. There are tons of happy hour spots on the beach with live music or a Dj. La Oveja Surf House 290 reviews Open Now Bar, Cafe Menu . There are three more waterfalls you can visit on your way to the park, situated just outside the entrance. New to Tamarindo? I feel like a canopy zipline is a quintessential Costa Rican experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About Me Over 13 years ago I decided to leave my high-paying job behind to pursue a life full of adventure and travel.Over this time I have lived in Costa Rica, Mexico, and France, just to name a few.I have sailed the seven seas working for the rich and famous on Superyachts, exploring the best tropical places around the World.Which I want to share with you! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Tamarindo - 2023 (with Photos) All Rights Reserved. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You cant beat it! My favorite spot to watch the sun go down and hopefully see the green flash has to be Chiringuitos. Best Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica | Ultimate Guide (2023) Depending on your lung capacity/breathing strength, descend the depths of the sea up to five meters down. Pininos Adventures offers two-hour excursions, crossing Playa Real and Playa Conchal, into the rainforests, past rivers and over streams. Unassuming from the exteriors, let your senses lead the way inside as the smell of rich cacao fills the air. After long salty beach days, or when the kids are preoccupied, add extra moments of relaxation to your coastal holiday with a visit to the best spas in Tamarindo. Its easy to get caught up in the surf vibe of Tamarindo and forget about the wildlife Costa Rica has to offer. There are many ranches in Guanacaste that offer horseback riding. Find these natural thermal baths around Tamarindo, and there are multiple hot springs around the volcanic-dotted landscapes. Complimentary welcome cocktails are served upon arrival at El Be! An oasis of luscious rainforests itself, Costa Rica is an ideal growing ground for the fruit tree. See all 68 activities Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Hot Springs on Rincon de la Vieja 6h+ 4.8/5 (38) Free cancellation available $128 per adult Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Llanos de Cortez Waterfall Tour 8h+ 4.4/5 (24) Free cancellation available $125 per adult Volcano Adventure Combo Zipline Tubing Horseback Hot Springs 7h 30m+ 4.9/5 Visitors can enjoy miles of soft, golden sand and crystal-clear waters, helping to give the region its reputation as a tropical . We cant emphasise that enough, and thats why its considered one of the best national parks in Costa Rica. There are a number of beaches nearby that give lessons and offer surfing holidays. The catamaran trip takes place on a luxury yacht, something that most of us dream of being able to sail on, and lasts for around 5 hours. Tamarindo is a popular beach town and holiday-makers destination on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Completely different from the rest, fishing is a major sport here. Thats why Ive put together the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica. 10 Best Things to Do at Tamarindo Beach. It is a great place to meet up and meet new people. Website designed by. The rooms boast a rustic and bright vibe that feels very homely. Rincon de la Vieja National Park has so much to see. The calmest water for swimming can be found on the southern end of the beach while the water just off the busiest part of town is best for surfing. The half-day tour is generally best for inshore fishing, where anglers might reel in Roosterfish, Snapper, and Amberjack. Scuba diving isnt the only way to deep dive, and without the constraints of tanks and PADI certifications, freediving is an awesome opportunity to sightsee an underwater world. Suiting its beachfront locale, this drinking joint is laid-back and fuss-free. 12 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is a Famous Vacation Spot - Travel Youll love a trip to Palo Verde National Park , a birding haven located on the banks of the Ro Tempisque, one of the most important migratory bird sites of the Mesoamerican Pacific and one of the best birdwatching sites in Costa Rica , if not all of the Americas. Blessed with a string of coastal bays, here are some of the best beaches. font-size:24px; Things To Do In Tamarindo Costa Rica | Authentic Local Experts 10 Stars!! If wildcats pumas, jaguars, and jaguarundis are high on your list of things to see in Costa Rica, then Las Pumas Rescue Center should be high on your list of what to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.This wildlife rescue center, which nurtures the sick, the injured, and the orphaned, offers a front-row seat to animal rehabilitation and quite a few jaw-dropping animal sightings, to boot! font-size:24px; No problem; there are plenty of calmer sites around town, including the tranquil waters in front of Hotel Capitn Suizo. Check out that turquoise water! Shell soon be testing life as a digital nomad. You think you have decent balance, but have you ever really tested yourself? There are rooms with options of garden patios or balconies with ocean views, and if available, the one-bedroom presidential suite is the one to snag! .av_font_icon.av-av_font_icon-350f12778644edb6780b7e9362410dfd .av-icon-char{ Whilst there are many things to do in Tamarindo, ventures centered around nature and animals are a top priority! Smell, taste and savor the fruits of her labor during an expedition to the Tamarindo Farmers Market. At low tide, waves are smaller, and a bit more manageable for the little ones, if you keep an eye on them. At high tide, the waves are way too big and powerful for little kids and weak swimmers. There are also two main trails that lead to two hidden waterfalls, perfect for swimming in after your hot hike! Best Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Where To Go When, 10 Best Costa Rica Diving and Snorkeling Spots, Best Places for Sportfishing in Costa Rica, Westin Playa Conchal All Inclusive Resort and Spa, Top 4 Costa Rica Cloud Forest Destinations. Nothing beats going out on the open water, having a couple of drinks, and enjoying the beautiful scenery, especially in Costa Rica. Celebrate Tamarindos history with local beers at Volcano Brewing Company. 10 Fun Things to Do in Tamarindo July 2023 | Expedia Why Costa Rica Is the Perfect Wellness Destination Hot . 1. Does river rafting sound a bit too adrenaline-pumping for your liking? Reading a book whilst sunbathing or taking a refreshing swim. Guests find it hard trying to leave Cala Luna Boutique Hotel. The Good. The crew is fully familiar with the waters, and they are professional at helping you discover the best places for an enjoyable trip. Tama Market (Tamarindo) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor By LydiaH655. 1. Its not uncommon to spot turtles around Tamarindo, but you wont find them at every beach locale. Theres a big river mouth filled with mangroves full of life. Then, its time to get your hands dirty and join a chocolate workshop! Our best advice, though, is to book some surf lessons, either private or group. Costa Rica offers a plethora of destinations and activities for any traveler. Rent out a board and oar and find one of the beaches in Tamarindo that boasts relatively calm waters, or pick a bay to SUP at low tide. The park has a special breeding program to encourage the continuation of certain animal species, and once grown and ready, they release the animals into the wild. Tamarindo has some of the best sunsets Ive ever seen. Visiting Tamarindo is easy because its adapted to be the perfect tourist destination. Yeah, were that good. The best part about this waterfall is not just its striking beauty and power, but its super easy to reach and theres no real trekking involved. Just one two-hour lesson, andyou could be up on your board, catching your very first wave . From San Jose, youll have to grab an Uber or taxi for 25 minutes to the bus terminal, before catching your 6-hour bus ride. Enjoy drinks (and yummy food) right on the sands, and its also very pretty here come dusk. And, as far as what to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica goes, it tops our list of nature activities since were just a short drive toOstional Wildlife Refuge and its famous nesting site. Its ideal for a day-trip, or any overnight endeavor. One of the most magical ways to witness many of the native animals, as well as plants, florals and trees, is during an estuary boat safari tour through the mangroves. Did you know that turtles lay their eggs and nest along the beaches in Costa Rica for nearly six months out of a year? Cue all the laid-back vibes that any typical surfing beach town exudes; Tamarindo is a small Costa Rican oasis situated in the Guanacaste Province, offering a reprieve for travelers wanting to escape the Santa Cruz crowds. The different beaches in the area offer a variety of activities for those who want to spend their time in the sand and the sun. Most of them are all-inclusive, meaning both food and drink are included. Youll find out how long to stay in Tamarindo, where to eat, how to get around and more. Favored for its oceanic adventures, sail the Pacific Ocean and spot dolphins, pretend to be a mermaid and go snorkeling or dive deeper with scuba diving, cruise the seas at sunset, or kayak to deserted islands. In the province of Guanacaste, there are 3 nearby volcanoes From Tamarindo that are very prominent. Im not huge into deep-sea fishing, but from all the places I have been, I can say that Costa Rica has some of the best deep-sea fishing around. And because of the abundance of forestry, there are plenty of ziplining adventures out there. Our instructors have years of experience, great attitudes, and a desire to teach. You can look right into the crater and actually see the lava moving around below. Book a private tour or join a group fleet. Your email address will not be published. What is Tamarindo Known For? All whilst being surrounded by nature. Located inland in the central north, hunt down waterfalls, canyons, natural pools and volcanoes! Surfing Tamarindo is one of the premiere surfing beaches in Costa Rica, particularly for beginners. Take a look at mangrove kayaking tours which starts at Tamarindo near the estuary and then goes on into the mangroves. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Over a two-hour lesson, well take you to one of our favorite (and calmest) beaches, so you can get up, get steady, and then start to paddle your way around the Pacific. Our region is so diverse, so lovely, so incredibly varied that we definitely cant fit everything into just 23 things-to-do. There are a couple of fishing tours with a focus on offering world-class sport-fishing activities in Tamarindo and taking you to the best fishing spots. Many zip-lining ventures combine other thrilling activities, for example, enjoy ziplining inside the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park (boasting a whopping 18 platforms), and the obstacle course also includes Tarzan swings, hanging bridges to cross and a cable rappel. An eden of wildlife, and an oasis of oceanic beauty, the things to do in Tamarindo leave travelers with a full heart and cup overflowing. First, decide whether a private charter suits you or youd prefer to join a tour group (often the more affordable option). Canopy Vista Tamarindo is part of Black Stallion Ranch, which hosts everything from horseback riding to canopy tours to. The best time to go turtle-watching in Tamarindo is from October through to late March/early April. 12. Many tours can include snorkeling opportunities or a kayaking stint with your ATV adventure! They are incredibly friendly. The horse riding tour in Tamarindo takes you along trails in a private jungle ranch. 11 Fabulous Experiences In Beautiful Tamarindo, Costa Rica It can get a little out of hand with the open bar, but it is always a good time. These giants (they can get to be 8 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds!) font-size:24px; I personally didnt get to experience it myself because my friend who lives there and stays constantly let me know how great his place is! If you just want to hire a surfboard for the day, this will cost you between $15-20. Nature lovers who are traveling to Costa Rica do not want to miss Monteverde. So saddle up and explore the beautiful countryside! During peak season though, driving in this town becomes hard with congestion happening often. SeaBreeze Aviation also offers tours all around the Tamarindo landscapes for the perfect birds eye view of the natural habitats. Youll also stop at Masaya Artisan Market and Catarina Volcano before visiting the colourful colonial town that is Granada. The tiny town of La Fortuna is situated at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano National Park and Jaco is a coastal town where surfing is a top priority. During this time, youll get to go snorkelling, kayaking, and paddle boarding or you can simply relax on the deck and soak up the sun! 10 Best Things To Do In Tamarindo - Locals Guide