Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and for good reason. With endless activities vying for your attention and vacation budget, it can be hard to know what’s worth it. Rather than overwhelm you with every option, we’re highlighting the best experiences – things that are unique to Tamarindo or you just can’t miss. We’ll also share which activities you might want to skip since they are better done elsewhere in Costa Rica.
We have lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years and have traveled to Tamarindo countless times. Our goal is to help you make the most of your vacation, so we’re sharing only the experiences we’ve personally loved and recommend.
Map of Things to Do in Tamarindo
Our interactive map with the main beaches and things to do in Tamarindo.
Tamarindo Overview
Tamarindo is located on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste Province.
The closest international airport is Liberia (LIR), about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. From San Jose Airport (SJO), the drive is about 4.5-5 hours.
Tamarindo’s central location in Guanacaste makes it a great home base for exploring the region’s stunning beaches and other attractions. For more comprehensive information about the town, check out our full Tamarindo destination guide. Also see the Tamarindo Travel Information section, below.
Best Things to Do in Tamarindo
1. Beaches
Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo is best known for its main beach, Playa Tamarindo, which stretches from the river mouth to the north to a point on the southern end near Playa Langosta. It has beautiful light tan sand and is very popular with sunbathers and surfers alike.
The main area of Tamarindo Beach is a busy, fun spot and great for people-watching.
Backing the beach are many restaurants, hotels, and shops. This means that if you’re staying near the main area of town, the beach will be just a short walk away.
Tamarindo Beach is very popular at sunset. You’ll find people gathering on the sand or taking in the view from a beach bar.
Playa Grande
For more peace and quiet, check out Playa Grande to the north.
A quick boat ride (around $2) will take you across the river to the other side. Playa Grande is known for bigger waves, making it perfect for more experienced surfers.
This small community has some higher-end vacation rentals and homes spread out in different areas. The beach has beautiful fluffy sand, and you can walk for miles to the north to more secluded beaches like Playa Ventanas and the black sand Playa Carbon.
Like Tamarindo, sunset at Playa Grande can be amazing! One year, our family walked from Grande to Playa Ventanas and watched one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta is another smaller beach community just south of Playa Tamarindo with its own hotels and restaurants.
Langosta Beach has many rocky outcroppings (best visited at lower tides) and less sand, so it’s harder to find a spot to sit and relax, but it can be fun to explore the coves and tidepools.
2. Catamaran Tours
Overview
Probably the most popular thing to do in Tamarindo is a catamaran tour.
These are a great way to take in the scenic Guanacaste coastline. They stop in a calm, secluded bay for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll even have the chance to spot dolphins and whales, depending on the season. We have done several catamaran tours in Guanacaste and have gotten to see humpback whales in September and January.
A few boats leave right from Tamarindo. More options depart from Marina Flamingo about 30 minutes north. Some tours have a party atmosphere, while others are more low key. Below are three of our favorites.
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Marlin del Rey
Marlin del Rey has a large comfortable boat with a lot of shade and covered area. It departs from Tamarindo Beach. They serve snacks, include a great meal, and have an open bar.
Panache Sailing
Panache sets sail from Flamingo Marina. It’s a more upscale option that’s still family friendly. This was our family’s favorite of the three catamaran tours we’ve done in this area so far. They have a delicious lunch and open bar with cocktails, beer, and wine.
Planet Dolphin
Planet Dolphin has a large catamaran that leaves from Flamingo Marina. It’s a good option with kids since it’s fully enclosed or if you get seasick because the boat is wide and sturdy. The tour offers a good lunch and serves premixed drinks (more limited than other options). The afternoon/sunset tour has a party atmosphere.
3. Surf Lessons in Tamarindo
Surfing is another top reason why people visit Tamarindo.
Tamarindo Beach is great for experienced surfers but also if you have never done it before. It has smaller waves that are just the right size for learning to surf, which makes it an ideal spot for first-timers and families.
Our kids recently did lessons and our five-year-old was up on the board almost right away!
Check out this video of our son’s first time surfing!
The surf company we used has wonderful instructors, especially for people new to surfing. They’re very safety conscious, patient, and can get most people up riding waves by the end of the lesson.
Book a surf lesson through the shop we used using the link below.
4. Mangrove & Estuary Boat Tour in Tamarindo
Just steps from the busy main area of town is the Tamarindo Estuary, part of Las Baulas National Marine Park.
A tour of this estuary is a great way to experience some of Guanacaste’s nature, which can be harder to find in this developed area.
On this boat tour, you’ll explore the peaceful estuary that divides Tamarindo and Playa Grande. The rich mangrove system is home to many different types of birds and animals. It’s one of the largest mangrove forests on the Guanacaste Coast.
On a tour, you can see wildlife like crocodiles, lizards, iguanas, and a variety of birds. We didn’t see howler monkeys when we did the tour, but the guide said it’s often possible. These tours have a very local feel because they are done with small operators.
For more information, read our post, Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour. You can book an estuary tour though Viator.
5. Apami Wildlife Center
Apami is a wonderful wildlife center just outside Tamarindo that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, orphaned in the wild, or held as pets. On a tour, you’ll learn more about their resident animals and have the chance to see them close up.
Some of the animals you may see are monkeys, big cats, a giant crocodile, tamarins, and birds like owls, Scarlet Macaws, and toucans. You’ll learn how each one arrived and how they are being helped.
Our whole family really enjoyed the tour, especially because of our guide who was engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate about wildlife conservation.
Book a tour at Apami Wildlife Center using our link below.
Day Trips from Tamarindo
Here are a few options for day trips from Tamarindo that are worth the drive.
6. Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
Llanos de Cortez is a beautiful waterfall about two hours from Tamarindo.
This is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Costa Rica. The waterfall is wide and wispy and has a nice pool at the base that’s perfect for swimming. There’s also a sandy “beach” area to hang out and take pictures.
If you’re traveling to Tamarindo with kids, Llanos de Cortez is an especially good option. It’s easy to access (just a five-minute walk down some stairs) and the waterfall pool has shallow spots. Our kids love exploring the natural river as well. Learn more with our blog post.
If you’re making a day of it, you could pair the Llanos de Cortez with a stop at Las Pumas Rescue Center, a well-known wildlife rehabilitation center in the same area.
7. Day Trips to Nearby Beaches
Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is an easy day trip north of Tamarindo (about 30 minutes).
Conchal is a gorgeous beach with sand made of tiny crushed shells. The water is a pretty turquoise color and the swimming is usually good.
You can snorkel along the rocks at the very northern end if conditions are right. Some vendors sell snacks and souvenirs on the beach, and you can rent a chair, umbrella, and snorkel/mask if you don’t have your own. Read our Playa Conchal post for important information about access.
Playa Avellanas
This is a more off-the-beaten path beach with a really laid-back vibe. It’s also popular with surfers because it’s less busy. You’ll have to drive on dirt roads through small towns to get there so it’s kind of an adventure (but road conditions are fine).
Avellanas is a nice spot because it is uncrowded and has a chill restaurant/bar right on the sand called Lola’s that has good food, drinks, and atmosphere. Learn more with our blog post on Playa Avellanas.
8. Palo Verde National Park
For nature lovers, we highly recommend this two-hour boat tour along the pristine wetlands of the Tempisque River.
Along with a knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guide, you will explore the ecosystem of this river and wetland system. A lot of wildlife is typically spotted, especially monkeys, as well as crocodiles, iguanas, and many types of birds. Bird species that have been spotted include Jabiru, osprey, white ibis, tiger herons, and scarlet macaw parrots.
The tour is on a comfortable covered boat, good for all ages. We did it when one of our kids was a baby.
After the boat tour, you will go to a farm in the country for a traditional lunch cooked over a wood stove. Learn more with our blog post.
Book a Palo Verde tour through the tour company we used with the link below.
9. River Float Tour to See Wildlife
This is another great opportunity to see wildlife by boat. On an inflatable raft, you will explore the tropical dry forest of the lower Tenorio or Corobici River.
As you float along the calm water, your nature guide will point out birds and animals. During our float trip, we saw monkeys, crocodiles, bats, a river otter, and many types of birds. You’ll also learn about the interesting plants and trees along the riverbanks.
The river is mostly flat and calm but there’s a bit of adventure when you pass a couple of fun Class I or II rapids.
On the way back to your hotel, you’ll also stop at the gorgeous Llanos de Cortez Waterfall (see above).
Book a river float tour through our link below.
Tamarindo Activities: What to Skip and Why
Is zip lining in Tamarindo worth it?
Unless you’re only going to Tamarindo on your trip, save the zip lining for another destination like La Fortuna, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio, where the zip lines are much more elaborate and have better views (e.g., volcano, cloud forest, rainforest). The Guanacaste region just doesn’t have the same dramatic canopy experiences as these other destinations.
Can you see turtles nesting in Tamarindo?
Even though some websites make it sound like you can go turtle watching at Playa Grande, not very many leatherback turtles nest here anymore. Unfortunately, they are endangered and have few numbers.
If you want to go turtle watching, the best place is Playa Ostional for arribadas (mass nesting events that happen occasionally). Playa Ostional is in Guanacaste (like Tamarindo) but about two hours away, so it’s better to stay nearby in Nosara to access it.
Another option if it makes sense for your itinerary is Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. Tortuguero Beach is a renowned ecotourism destination and is especially known for sea turtles. We did a night tour there and got to see a green sea turtle mother make her way to the shore to lay eggs.
Keep in mind that the best time for turtle watching in Costa Rica is during the rainy season (May through November).
Conclusion
The main draw of Tamarindo is definitely its gorgeous beach so it should be no surprise that the most popular things to do focus on the ocean. Surfing the waves, sailing the coastline, or just relaxing on the sand is what draws so many visitors to this popular beach town. By focusing on these experiences, you’ll make the most of what this beach town does best. For those with more time, you can sprinkle in some other nature-based activities or day trips. We hope this guide helped narrow your search!
Tamarindo Travel Information
Below is some general info about traveling to Tamarindo. For more details about accommodations, restaurants, and other travel essentials, check out our full Tamarindo destination guide.
Best Time to Visit
Tamarindo is a great destination year-round.
For weather, the dry season (December through April) is typically hot and sunny, but it’s also the most crowded and expensive time of year.
For those considering travel in March or April, keep in mind that these months are usually very dry. The landscape turns brown due to a lack of rain and there can even be forest fires.
The rainy season (May through November) has more rain (mostly in the afternoon/evening), but the forest is lush, green, and beautiful. You’ll also find fewer tourists and lower prices.
September and October are typically the rainiest, though we have traveled to Tamarindo in September and had great weather.
Booking Tours
During high season (December through April), we recommend booking tours at least two weeks in advance. Popular tours, like catamarans, often sell out, especially over the holidays.
In rainy season, last-minute bookings are usually possible, but we still suggest reserving at least a week before to ensure availability.
If you book through our website, we’ll handle all the arrangements for you and can answer any questions you have.
Where to Stay
Tamarindo offers accommodations for all budgets and preferences, from luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to affordable hostels and vacation rentals.
If you’re traveling without a car, we recommend staying near the main area of town for easy access to restaurants and amenities. Couples might prefer to stay in quieter Playa Langosta. For families, there are lots of options for family-friendly hotels or condos with multiple bedrooms.
You can find specific hotel recommendations in our Tamarindo destination guide.
Getting Around
Tamarindo’s main area is walkable, but a rental car is good to have if you’re not staying right in town. It’s also nice for exploring nearby beaches and attractions. Be sure to check out our Rental Car Discount through one of Costa Rica’s most reliable companies to save 10% and get free extras.
Taxis are readily available if you’re not renting a car, and many tour operators provide transportation for excursions. Golf carts also can be rented to get around locally.
Dining
Tamarindo has one of the most vibrant dining scenes in Costa Rica.
From casual beach bars to upscale restaurants, it offers a bit of everything. You’ll find lots of fresh seafood, traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and international fare.
Keep in mind that restaurant prices are some of the highest in the country. If you’re on a budget, there are a few local sodas (traditional Costa Rican restaurants) and more affordable cuisine at El Mercadito (outdoor food court).
Many restaurants are located right on the beach. Be sure to make a reservation for sunset.
Get our recommendations for the best places to eat in our full Tamarindo guide.
Money
Most businesses in Tamarindo accept credit cards, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller vendors and tips. Both colones and US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available in town. Check out our Money Matters post for more information.
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Have a question about things to do in Tamarindo? Ask us below!
Looking for more information on visiting Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Playa Grande: A Peaceful Sun and Surf Destination – Just across the estuary from Tamarindo is the chill surf community of Playa Grande, another great beach town in Guanacaste.
Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town: Looking for a smaller beach town? Check out Samara, which is less developed but still has a good amount of amenities. It’s one of our favorites!
La Fortuna: What to Expect – For rainforest and lots of adventure activities, check out La Fortuna/Arenal. This popular destination pairs well with Tamarindo.