Tamarindo Beach Travel Guide

Tamarindo Beach used to be a small fishing village on the north pacific coast of Costa Rica. It has since evolved into a bustling vacation hot spot for American and European tourists alike. Tamarindo Beach is a three and a half kilometer stretch of white sand and warm blue water. You will find the town is well developed offering a big choice of hotels, shops, art galleries and restaurants. Nature is also abundant with howler monkeys, migrant birds and all kinds of exotic wildlife living in Tamarindo's surroundings. The leatherback turtles lay their eggs in the northern part of the bay.

Things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica

Turtle Nestling
Olive Ridley and Green Pacific sea turtles lay their eggs at a series of secluded beaches near Tamarindo Beach. Turtles can be seen all year around, but October to April is the peak season for turtle nesting.

Surfing
Tamarindo Beach is one of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Tamarindo surf is best known for the easy and consistent waves. Next to Playa Tamarindo, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta are top choices as well for surfing.

Golf
Three of the nation’s best golf courses are located in Guanacaste. A 20-minute drive south of Tamarindo is Hacienda Pinilla, created by acclaimed architect Mike Young. This par 72 course, which can play up to 7,200 yards, was designed to enhance the natural landscape of Hacienda Pinilla.

Tamarindo Horseback Riding
You will go horseback riding among creeks and wild jungle all the way up to the mountains. Horses are trained to be friendly and accommodating throughout the two-hour trip.

Tamarindo Catamaran Cruise
Cruise on a custom built 40-foot sailing catamaran specifically designed to be the ultimate in day charters. Snorkel gear and kayaks are available.

Tamarindo Zipline Tour
This adventure offers a view of the pacific jungle from the tree’s canopy among howler monkeys, iguanas, exotic birds, large prehistoric trees and pristine tropical nature.

Tamarindo tours to other destinations nearby

Rincón de la Vieja National Park
At just over 2 hours you will find the flora, fauna and natural wonders of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. A moderate 2-hour hike takes you to see wildlife and volcanic activity and swim at the Oropendola Waterfall. Hot springs and a volcanic mud bath are part of this experience.

Palo Verde Boat Tour
View a vast array of wildlife on the Tempisque River. You can see many animals such as iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, and many species of birds. This excursion can be combined with a visit to the Guaitil Pottery village that is famous throughout Costa Rica and the rest of Central America for its pre-Columbian Chorotega style.

Scuba Diving Catalinas Islands
Divers flock to this world famous location where you will go on an underwater adventure looking for sharks, manta rays, octopus and a huge variety of marine fish we have living in our waters. In the right season you can even sometimes hear humpbacks singing.