Top Things to Do in Tamarindo – Your Ultimate Costa Rica Getaway

Hola amigos! I’m your local guide, and today I’ll take you through one of the most exciting and lively destinations in all of Costa Rica — Tamarindo. Situated on the northwestern coast in the province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo has evolved from a sleepy fishing village into a vibrant beach town famous for world-class surf, epic sunsets, and a thriving ecotourism scene.
 

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a honeymooning couple, a digital nomad, or a family seeking sand and adventure, Tamarindo offers something for everyone.

📍 Where is Tamarindo?

Province: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Region: Nicoya Peninsula (Pacific Coast)

Closest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia (~1 hr drive)

Coordinates: 10.2992° N, 85.8371° W

🌞 Why Visit Tamarindo?

Tamarindo is not just a beach town—it’s a lifestyle destination. Here's what makes it so special:

🌊 Consistent surf all year round

🌅 Iconic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean

🏝️ Gorgeous beaches and marine biodiversity

🧘 Wellness retreats and yoga studios

🦎 Abundant wildlife and national parks nearby

🍹 Lively nightlife and dining options

🧳 Great base for exploring Guanacaste

🏄 Top Things to Do in Tamarindo

As a tour guide, these are my go-to recommendations for any traveler visiting Tamarindo:

1. Surfing in Tamarindo Bay

Tamarindo is a surfing mecca, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Best beginner beach: Tamarindo Main Beach

Advanced surfers: Try Playa Langosta or take a boat to Playa Avellanas

Surf schools: Iguana Surf, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Kelly’s Surf Shop

Board rentals: ~$10–$15 per day

2. Sunset Sailing Tours

Hop on a catamaran cruise and enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and open-bar fun at sea.

Departure: Typically 1:00–2:00 PM

Return: After sunset (~6:00 PM)

Includes: Drinks, snacks, snorkel gear

Popular operators: Marlin del Rey, Blue Dolphin Sailing

3. Explore Las Baulas National Marine Park

Right next to Tamarindo, this protected nesting site is vital for endangered leatherback sea turtles.

Turtle nesting season: Oct to Mar

Guided night tours available

Kayak into the estuary for birdwatching and crocodile sightings

4. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Enjoy a sunset gallop on Playa Tamarindo or Playa Conchal, accompanied by a local cowboy (sabanero).

Duration: 1–2 hours

Price: ~$40–$60

Family-friendly and romantic

5. Ziplining & ATV Adventures

Head into the surrounding hills for thrilling ziplines and off-road ATV rides through jungle trails.

Zipline parks: Monkey Jungle, Canopy Vista Tamarindo

ATV rentals with guided tours starting at $75

6. Yoga & Wellness Retreats

Balance your beach life with some soul-soothing yoga or a holistic wellness day.

Studios: Revive Wellness Center, Ser Om Shanti

Services: Daily classes, massages, reiki, detox programs

7. Eco-Tours & Wildlife Watching

Take a guided estuary boat ride into the mangroves of the Tamarindo Estuary.

Spot: Howler monkeys, iguanas, herons, and even crocodiles

Duration: ~2 hours

Great for families and nature photographers

🍽️ Best Restaurants in Tamarindo

After a long day of exploring, you’ll want to indulge in some of Tamarindo’s delicious and diverse cuisine.

Top picks from a local guide:

Dragonfly Bar & Grill – Upscale local fusion

La Bodega – Healthy and organic brunch

Pangas Beach Club – Dining with ocean views

Green Papaya Taco Bar – Budget-friendly and fun

NOI Bistro – Great wine and international dishes

Patagonia Argentinian Grill – Best steak in town

🌴 Best Beaches Near Tamarindo

While Playa Tamarindo is the main beach, there are several gorgeous options nearby.

🏖️ Playa Langosta

Quieter and great for sunset strolls

Advanced surf spot

🏖️ Playa Grande

Just across the estuary

Turtle nesting site & surf-friendly waves

🏖️ Playa Avellanas

Surfer's paradise, less crowded

Lola’s beachfront restaurant is a must-visit

🏖️ Playa Conchal

White crushed-shell beach, clear waters

Excellent for snorkeling

🏨 Where to Stay in Tamarindo

Budget:

Selina Tamarindo – Co-working & social hostel

Blue Trailz Hostel – Right next to the beach

Mid-Range:

Hotel Pasatiempo – Peaceful garden setting

The Coast Beachfront Hotel – Great location with kitchenette

Luxury:

Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel – Adults-only elegance

Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Eco-luxury near Langosta

🧳 Travel Tips from a Tour Guide

🌦️ Best Time to Visit:

Dry Season: Dec to April (sunny & ideal for beach days)

Green Season: May to November (lush landscapes, fewer tourists)

🏧 Money & Costs:

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC) but USD widely accepted

ATMs available in town

Credit cards accepted almost everywhere

🛻 Getting Around:

Walking is easy within town

Rent a bike, golf cart, or ATV for exploring

Shuttles to/from Liberia Airport are common

🧴 What to Bring:

Reef-safe sunscreen

Bug spray

Flip-flops & water shoes

Waterproof phone case

Reusable water bottle

🦥 Day Trips from Tamarindo

You’re in the perfect spot for day trips to Costa Rica’s natural wonders.

1. Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Hike past waterfalls, mud pots, and boiling springs

Try canyoning or hot spring bathing

2. Hacienda Guachipelín

Full-day adventure park with tubing, ziplining & horseback riding

3. Playa Flamingo

Pristine beach just 45 minutes away, popular for diving and snorkeling

4. Rio Celeste

A magical turquoise river & waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park

🧘 Digital Nomad & Remote Work Scene

Tamarindo has quickly become a favorite among digital nomads.

Reliable Wi-Fi

Coworking spaces like Sand & Surf, Selina

Plenty of cafés for laptop warriors

Yoga & surf breaks between meetings!

🎉 Nightlife in Tamarindo

When the sun goes down, Tamarindo lights up.

Best Spots:

Pacifico Bar – DJs, dancing, and shots

Sharky’s Sports Bar – Pub vibes, karaoke nights

Crazy Monkey Bar – Best on Friday nights

El Be! Club – Beachfront dancing by moonlight

🌱 Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

As a guide, I always encourage responsible travel:

Support local businesses

Avoid single-use plastics

Choose eco-certified tours and hotels

Respect wildlife and turtle nesting areas

🧭 Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Tamarindo

Day 1

Morning surf lesson

Lunch at Green Papaya

Estuary boat tour

Dinner at Pangas

Sunset cocktails on the beach

Day 2

Catamaran sailing/snorkeling tour

Yoga session

Dinner at Dragonfly

Live music or dancing at Crazy Monkey Bar

Day 3

Half-day trip to Playa Avellanas

Horseback riding at sunset

Fresh seafood dinner at Nogui’s

📸 Photography Spots

Tamarindo Beach at sunset

Langosta tide pools

Estuary mangroves

Drone shots over Playa Avellanas

Leatherback turtle nesting (with a guide only!)

✅ Final Thoughts: Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?

Yes, 100%. Tamarindo combines laid-back beach vibes with adventure, nature, and modern comforts. It’s the perfect Costa Rican base whether you want to ride waves, sip coconut water on the beach, explore estuaries, or dance the night away.

Tamarindo embodies “Pura Vida”—Costa Rica’s philosophy of pure, simple life. Come once, and like many travelers I’ve guided, you just might never want to leave.

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