Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Image of Tamarindo Sunset by Nathan Farrish on Unsplash

As one of the safest and most beautiful destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a highly sought-after vacation spot. The area of Tamarindo is breathtaking: with lush forests and golden beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. If you’re looking for some things to do in Tamarindo, be assured that there is no shortage of activities for the adventurous vacationer. Many vacation packages even come bundled so you can get the most out of your trip in the short time you are here. We are touching on some fantastic activities here, but you can find even more ideas here and here. 

Sailing and Snorkeling

If “Come Sail Away” is a song that resonates with you on a deep level, then you’ve got to try sailing in Tamarindo. There are several options ranging from the high $60 range to the high $90 range, and many of them offer free 24-hr cancellation if the weather conditions aren’t desirable for sailing. The average length is between 4-5 hours, and some include snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, an open bar and meals. If you’d rather not go sailing in the heat of the day, sunset tours may be more to your liking. There are even more environmentally friendly options that offer snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.

Snorkeling is another fun activity that vacationers can enjoy in Tamarindo, and some places offer free underwater photography and videos with their scuba diving experience. Be sure to find a scuba diving company with certified divers that will ensure you know everything you need to know before diving underwater. The briefing process is important since you can’t exactly ask questions once you’re underwater! Scuba diving sessions take approximately 5 hours as well. Tamadive is a reputable scuba diving company with 5 stars on Tripadvisor, but be positive about going before you book them – they have a 100% cancellation fee. 

Hiking and Admiring the Wildlife

Image of monkey in a tree by Zachary Shea on Unsplash

One of the loveliest parts of Costa Rica is the gorgeous landscape: from waterfalls to volcanoes and everything in between. Hiking trips can range from 6 hour hikes to 12 hours, so make sure you choose the duration you’re most comfortable with. The 12-hr hike of Tenorio Volcano National Park will bring you to gorgeous turquoise waters where rivers meet, a waterfall and a wildlife sanctuary that houses sloths and other native wildlife. If 12 hours seems too long for you, try the 6 hour hike at the national park trail. There are many activities that can be added onto this tour for a fee, including ziplining over the canopy, visiting hot springs and mud baths, and checking out a frog and butterfly garden. 

If you’d rather see wildlife than hike, there are options for you too. Start with a four-hour Tamarindo turtle nesting tour and take a short 30-minute walk to a protected beach. From there you’ll have a chance to see Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles laying their eggs at a series of secluded beaches. Due to the sensitive nature of this naturalist tour, the use of flashlights or camera flashes is prohibited. November to April is the peak season for nesting, although they can be seen year-round. There are also short (2 hour) hikes at a sloth sanctuary and 5-hour bird watching tours. There’s also a wildlife exploration tour, along with many national parks (such as Palo Verde and Tenorio Nature Reserve). 

Ziplining

There is a 3 hour, 30 minute ziplining tour from Tamarindo to Flamingo. This tour includes ATVs and a five-star crew, funny crew that explain every step of the process. At one point in the tour, you will get a 360-degree view of lovely Tamarindo and an option to go climbing as well if desired. It’s recommended that you bring closed-toed shoes (as there is quite a bit of walking involved), protect yourself with sunscreen, and go in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Many ziplining options in Tamarindo come as packages, bundled with other activities such as horseback riding, waterslide, and hot springs, so that may appeal to the vacationer who wants to get the most out of their time.  

Surfing

Image of a woman surfing by Have Fun Do Good on Unsplash

By far, the most popular activity anyone can do in Tamarindo is to surf! If you haven’t already checked out our Tamarindo surfing guide, there are a number of amazing beaches for surfers to take advantage of. For newcomers to the sport, we recommend Capitan Suizo beach, whereas Playa Grande is best for very experienced surfers. Palm Beach is well-suited to all levels of expertise, although beginners should be careful to exercise caution since the waves are more powerful than the ones you’d find at Capitan Suizo. For brand new beginners looking for surfing lessons, Tamarindo has several options, including Iguana Surf Camp and Surf Shop, Tamarindo Surf Academy and Neptuno Surf Shop and Deli.

What will it be – basking in nature on a hike to a remote part volcano? Sailing and snorkeling to see the vibrant sea life Costa Rica has to offer? Or would you rather zipline with the sound of howler monkeys in the background? Whether you want to admire wildlife or go surfing, you’re sure to find adventure in idyllic Tamarindo, Costa Rica.