Top Tourism Activities in Tamarindo Costa Rica
Renowned as the hub of tourist activity in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, Tamarindo is that relaxed yet thrilling beach side paradise you dream of when you think of a tropical vacation. Arguably the first region to hit tourism superstardom in the country, Tamarindo straddles Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coastline and is often considered its surfing and socialising mecca. With good infrastructure and plenty of accommodation and dining options – not to mention plethora of exciting outdoor pursuits and impressive nightlife – Tamarindo is an all-encompassing destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into surfing, zip lining, hiking, indulging in gastronomic delights or simply soaking up the rays on a stretch of idyllic beach, you’ll certainly find a corner of this region with your name all over it.
Top Tourism Activities in Tamarindo:
Surfing
Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is brimming with excellent surfing beaches yet if you’re a beginner then Tamarindo is where you’ll want to head. Here, you’ll find a collection of reputable surfing schools and camps that offer lessons for absolute beginners as well as intermediate surfers.
The long stretch of beach at Tamarindo offers waves to suit all skill sets but what makes them ideal (for anyone) is the fact that they are reliably consistent. Surfers head here from every corner of the globe because they know they can head out to catch waves every day of their vacation. From week-long surf camps to private hourly lessons or simple hourly rentals of boards, there’s a surfing plan on offer in Tamarindo to suit everyone.
Ziplining
Ziplining would have to be the most iconic of all Costa Rican adventures and in Tamarindo you need not travel far to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping fun. As you swing and fly through the treetops you’ll get breathtaking views of the pristine wilderness and spot howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas and a vast array of exotic animals. Zip lining options in Tamarindo abound and many include add-on adventures such as horse-riding, repelling, waterfall hiking and visits to natural hot thermal pools. While it may sound ‘too exciting’ for some, zip lining in Costa Rica is actually a very safe sport and there are tours suitable for children as well. Everyone who partakes in a tour claims it is an absolute must-do when in Costa Rica…and we couldn’t agree more!
Day Trips to National Parks
The Tamarindo area is blessed with some of the most magnificent national parks in the whole country, each offering a particular highlight. The revered Las Baulas National Marine Park is home to leatherback turtles during nesting season, whilst Barra Honda offers a collection of underground caves you can explore on tour. Avid hikers can head to Rincon de la Vieja, where nine volcanic craters and host of striking waterfalls can be explored on foot, or set off on a day trip to Palo Verde or Diria National Park for wildlife viewing.
Catamaran Sailing
The sheer collection of stunning beaches and beautiful snorkeling spots makes catamaran sailing in Tamarindo an incredibly rewarding experience. You can choose from morning or sunset sails (the latter ideal for honeymooners) and if traveling at the right time of year you may even spot migrating whales along the way. The two best companies in Tamarindo are Marlin del Rey and Sailing Hibiscus, and both offer exceptional catamaran tours which include fantastic snorkeling spots and delicious refreshments.
Beachcombing
If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough is to always make sure you leave a couple of days in your itinerary to simply enjoy Tamarindo’s many beaches. Many first-time visitors make the mistake of overbooking themselves (not that we can blame them, with all the exciting things to see and do here!) yet there’s something to be said for actually pencilling in some down-time to do absolutely nothing. Well…except beachcombing, perhaps. In Tamarindo, you’ll find a beach to suit all tastes and desires: there’s breathtaking Conchal with its crystalline water, Avellanas with its social and chilled-out vibe, Langosta with its beautifully relaxing shore and, of course, Tamarindo with all of the above combined.
Not only are the tourism activities in Tamarindo a stellar destination for your next Costa Rica vacation, but it’s also an immensely convenient place to reach, being merely an hour’s drive from the Liberia Airport. Want a hand planning an unforgettable adventure vacation in this pristine part of the world? We can help! We offer Costa Rica adventure tours and bespoke itineraries to this and all other regions of the country, so contact us for more info and we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime to the most astonishing country in the world!