Things To Do In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (2025 Guide)

Discover the best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. From surfing and sailing to wildlife tours and nightlife, this is your complete guide to this Pacific beach paradise.

Located on Costa Rica’s sun-drenched Pacific coast, just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Tamarindo is the country’s ultimate beach destination. Famous for its consistent surf breaks, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back atmosphere, this coastal gem blends the best of adventure and relaxation.

Once a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has evolved into a modern, international hub where families and young travelers mingle in cafés, surf schools, and beach clubs. Whether you’re catching your first wave, sailing at sunset, or exploring nearby national parks, Tamarindo offers a dynamic mix of ocean adventures, cultural immersion, and tropical leisure, all framed by unforgettable Pacific sunsets.

Planning Your Tamarindo Adventure

Best Time to Visit Tamarindo

Dry Season (Dec–Apr):
- Ideal weather and surf conditions.
- Peak tourist season with vibrant nightlife.
- Expect higher prices and busier beaches.
Green Season (May–Nov):
- Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower rates.
- Afternoon showers refresh the scenery.
Special Notes:
- March–April = driest months.
- September–October = rainiest.
- Whale Watching: August–October & December–March.

How Many Days in Tamarindo

🏖️ Quick Escape (2–3 days): Surf lesson, sunset sailing, and local cuisine.
🌅 Full Stay (4–7 days): Combine with relaxation, day trips, and adventure.
🚗 Travel Base: Excellent hub for exploring Guanacaste beaches and volcanoes.

Tamarindo’s Beautiful Beaches

Tamarindo Beach (Main Beach)

The town’s centerpiece — perfect for walking, surfing, or watching life unfold.

Gentle, consistent waves ideal for beginners.
Beachfront bars, restaurants, and surf shops.
Best swimming at the southern end.
Spectacular sunsets every evening.

Playa Grande

A short boat ride ($2 USD) across the estuary leads to this quiet gem.

Bigger waves for experienced surfers.
Long, soft-sand beach ideal for walks.
Gateway to secluded beaches like Ventanas & Carbón.
Less crowded and surrounded by nature.

Langosta Beach

Boutique and romantic, just south of town.

More exclusive and peaceful vibe.
Tide pools and volcanic rock formations.
Upscale dining and boutique hotels nearby.

Water Sports & Ocean Adventures

Surfing Lessons and Surf Culture

Tamarindo is Costa Rica’s surfing capital for beginners.

Smooth, forgiving waves and warm waters.
Certified surf schools (e.g., Iguana Surf, Witch’s Rock).
Lessons: ~$55 USD (group), rentals ~$20 USD/day.
Advanced spot: Witch’s Rock, Santa Rosa National Park (boat access).
💡 Tip: Many schools offer “learn or refund” guarantees.

Catamaran Tours & Sunset Sailing

A must-do for breathtaking ocean views.

Morning tours: snorkeling & swimming.
Sunset sails: open bar, BBQ, dolphins & whales in season.
Top operators: Ocean Life, Marlin del Rey, Planet Dolphin.
Price: $75–95 USD pp. (Best to book ahead in high season)

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Depart from Flamingo Marina to the Catalina Islands.

Marine life: manta rays, sharks, eels, tropical fish.
PADI certification & beginner courses offered.
Best months: Feb–Mar & Jul–Sep.

Sportfishing

Tamarindo is world-renowned for big-game fishing.

Target species: marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo.
Half-day (inshore) & full-day (offshore) trips available.
Sailfish season: Apr–Aug.
Many operators will cook your fresh catch!

Nature & Wildlife Experiences

Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tours

Explore the Las Baulas National Marine Park mangroves.

Wildlife: crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, tropical birds.
Options: kayak or motorboat tours.
Great for families; tours last ~2 hours.

APAMI Wildlife Rescue Center

A must for animal lovers.

Rescues monkeys, cats, birds & reptiles.
Educational guided tours (~$36 USD).
Ideal for families and conservation enthusiasts.

Turtle Watching (Seasonal)

Main Season: May–Dec.
Playa Grande: occasional leatherbacks.
Ostional Refuge: mass turtle arrivals (2 hrs away).
Night tours with certified guides required.

Adventure Tours & Day Trips

Zipline & Canopy Adventures

Black Stallion Estates: Zipline and horseback riding close to town.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Ocean-view Superman zipline (1 hr).
Hacienda Guachipelín: Combo adventure and hot springs.
Choose easy, family-friendly, or extreme experiences.

ATV & Horseback Riding

Off-road tours to mountains and viewpoints.
Horseback rides through scenic ranches or beaches.
Combine with ziplines or beach picnics.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

2.5 hrs from Tamarindo.
Trails, waterfalls, and volcanic fumaroles.
Combine with hot springs & mud baths.
Perfect for hikers and families alike.

Palo Verde National Park

Wetland river safari (2 hrs drive).
Wildlife galore: crocodiles, monkeys, tropical birds.
Includes local lunch & bilingual guides.
Cost: ~$126 USD.

Cultural Experiences & Relaxation

Local Beach Hopping

Playa Conchal: crushed-shell sand & turquoise water.
Playa Avellanas: laid-back surf vibe, visit Lola’s Beach Bar.
Junquillal: quiet, undeveloped, ideal for solitude.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Hotspots: Pacifico Bar, Crazy Monkey, Sharky’s.
Happy hours: Nogui’s, El Be, The Roof.
Backpacker events: Sunday Funday Beach Crawl.
Casino Diria for late-night fun.
💡 Stay safe: walk in groups at night; Tamarindo is friendly but lively.

Spa & Wellness

Coco Beauty Spa, Revive Wellness Center: in-town relaxation.
Los Altos de Eros: 5-star spa retreat (30 min away).
Enjoy beach yoga, massage, and couples’ treatments.

Day Trips from Tamarindo

Llanos de Cortés Waterfall

2 hrs away; short, easy walk.
Wide cascade + natural swimming pool.
Ideal for families.
Combine with Las Pumas Rescue Center.

Gulf of Papagayo Beach Hopping

From Playas del Coco (1 hr).
Snorkel hidden bays or enjoy private beach tours.
Pristine, white-sand beaches accessible only by boat.

Practical Tamarindo Guide

Where to Stay

Downtown: walk everywhere, lively vibe.
Langosta: quieter, luxury hotels, romantic stays.
Beachfront: all-inclusive resorts with direct sea access.
Condos: great for families or long stays.
💰 Options from hostels ($30 USD) to luxury resorts ($400+).

Getting Around

Walkable center, use car rentals or guided tours for day trips.
Taxis & golf carts for short distances.
Limited Uber; bikes for exploring locally.

Dining Scene

Beachfront: Nogui’s, Pangas, El Be.
Local sodas: cheap, authentic Costa Rican food.
El Mercadito: open-air food court for all budgets.
Upscale: Dragonfly, Seasons, Antichi Sapori.
💡 Book sunset dinners early!

Sample Tamarindo Itineraries

3 Days: Beach & Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, surf lesson, sunset on the beach.
Day 2: Morning catamaran + snorkeling, afternoon leisure.
Day 3: Estuary boat tour, spa session, evening drinks.

5–7 Days: Complete Experience

Add Rincon de la Vieja, Río Celeste, or beach hopping.
Mix adventure (ATV, canopy) with wellness days.
Perfect balance of activity and downtime.

What to Skip in Tamarindo

Ziplining: better in Monteverde or La Fortuna.
Turtle Watching: Ostional or Tortuguero offer more action.
Cloud Forests: visit Monteverde instead.

Budget Guide for Tamarindo

Free: swimming, sunsets, beach walks.
Budget tours: $35–60 USD (surf lessons, estuary tours).
Premium tours: $75–150 USD (catamarans, diving).
Food: $6–10 USD local sodas • $15–30 USD restaurants.
Stay: hostels ($25) • mid-range ($100–200) • luxury ($400+).
💡 Save by eating local, traveling during green season, and booking combo tours.

Plan Your Tamarindo Escape with CR Nomads

Dreaming of surfing at sunrise and dancing at sunset? At CR Nomads, we help you design tailor-made Tamarindo travel experiences — blending adventure, wellness, and authentic culture for every traveler type: families, couples, or solo explorers.

🌴 Let us handle the planning — you enjoy paradise.

👉 Explore more: Guanacaste Coworking Spaces | The 7 Best Resorts In Tamarindo