10 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Looking for the best things to do in Tamarindo? You’ve come to the right place!
After living in Costa Rica, Tamarindo quickly became one of our favorite places to come back to again and again. But I was overwhelmed when I first visited because there was just that much to do and see.
This is exactly why I’ve written this blog! I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best things to do in and around Tamarindo that made us fall in love with the place and hopefully will give you insider knowledge to make the most of your time here!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Tamarindo was this boat safari through the mangroves! We spotted howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and more. Plus, our boat was covered so it wasn’t too hot and the tour starts right at the rivermouth in Tamarindo!
Tamarindo Mangrove Safari
- Our Top Choice
- Top Things to do in Tamarindo
- Tickets for this boat safari can be booked here!
- Check availability for this fun day tour here!
- Book this sunset cruise in advance and get FREE cancellation!
- Check availability for this 5-star surf lesson in Tamarindo here!
- Check availability for this top-rated zipline tour here!
- Check availability for the best ATV tour in Tamarindo here!
- Book a half-day snorkeling adventure to the Catalina Islands here!
- Book this exciting rafting tour here!
- Find this hidden waterfall on this affordable tour here!
- Book a top-rated inshore fishing charter here and get FREE cancellation!
- Where to Stay in Tamarindo
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Top Things to do in Tamarindo
1. Boat Safari to spot wildlife in the mangroves
Tour Details
Las Baulas National Park is an often-overlooked spot north of Tamarindo that feels like a different planet! So if you’re looking for a unique experience that doesn’t require traveling outside Tamarindo, this is it.
This tour through the mangroves gets you up close to some of the creatures that call this area home – if you want to see large crocodiles, this is where to go! The boat safari tour lasts about 2 hours and while we usually try to go for the earliest tour possible (wildlife is more active in the morning and it isn’t as hot), the boat is covered, so there’s shade if you do want a later start time.
Ivan was a great guide and boat captain as we navigated through the mangroves. He even brought fresh pineapple from his backyard for us to snack on! It’s a good tour for families or anyone who doesn’t want to travel too far as it starts right at the river mouth in Tamarindo (although hotel pickup is included!).
This boat tour costs $49 USD and often books up in advance because it’s so popular. So do yourself a favor and grab tickets as soon as you can!
2. All-day Guachipelin Adventure Tour (the most popular combo tour in Tamarindo!)
Tour Details
In Tamarindo, you’ll notice many tour companies selling full-day combo tours that involve multiple activities. These are a great way to experience all the best things around Tamarindo in one convenient package, but you need to choose the right tour!
None of the tours are as highly rated as this Guachipelin Adventure Combo Tour. This epic full-day adventure includes ziplining, river tubing, horseback riding, a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a buffet lunch. It’s so popular because, with all those activities, the tour only costs $135 USD for the self-drive option (what we did) or $161 USD for the included transport.
The tour takes place north of Tamarindo in Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja. It’s seriously a day to remember and everyone on our tour had a blast – from kids to adults. You can read some of the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
3. Sunset sail/catamaran cruise
Tour Details
Nothing says vacation like getting out on the ocean to enjoy the views with a drink in hand. This specific sunset cruise is the most popular in Tamarindo because it takes place aboard a 40-foot catamaran in the beautiful Tamarindo Bay.
I’m all for a sunset cruise and we were looking for something that was well-rated and would be a fun experience. Luckily, this cruise delivered and the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews were super encouraging when we booked!
The cruise starts at 1 pm with the journey to a sheltered cove where we could hop off the boat to swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. Then when we got back on board it was time for a delicious meal with chicken fajitas, fruit and veggies, and some seriously good homemade banana bread.
The cruise lasts for 5 hours in total finishing with the grand finale of a dramatic sunset over Tamarindo. It includes an open bar, water activities in the cove, and a delicious meal for only $90 USD. The best part is that the boat is capped at 36 people – unlike other cruises that have 50!
4. Learn to surf!
Tour Details
Tamarindo is arguably the best place to learn how to surf! The calm waters of Tamarindo Beach have soft waves perfect if you’ve never tried surfing before. In fact, your chances of standing up are greatly increased because of this!
This two-hour surf lesson in Tamarindo is top-rated with 2,000 five-star reviews! Although I didn’t do this lesson (I am well past that stage), the reviews and mentions of the instructors speak for themselves. Don’t get stuck with a grumpy instructor (very common on afternoon lessons) who will make you feel less confident.
Surf lessons are available any day of the week and the one we recommend is 2 hours long and only $56 USD for a group lesson or $90 USD for a private lesson. If you have no experience, I don’t recommend just renting a board and giving it a go on your own. There are rocks hidden beneath the water and the local instructors know where to go to avoid them.
5. Go ziplining
Tour Details
While there are lots of places to zipline across Costa Rica, going in Tamarindo is fun because you fly above the canopy of trees with wide-open views.
I took this ziplining tour that’s on a private reserve just outside of Tamarindo. There were 7 ziplines that our group took on. I’d rate the course as probably a 3/10 for difficulty, but closer to a 9/10 for the spectacular views!
While I’ve been ziplining before, there were lots of first-timers on this tour – including kids! The guides were good at helping anyone who was nervous and even rode tandem with a couple of the younger kids. It costs $65 USD and is available daily including next-day bookings if you want to get in last minute! Plus it only lasts 1-2 hours, so you can easily fit it into a busy vacation schedule.
Related Read: For even more zipline adventures, check out our top zipline tours in Tamarindo here!
6. ATV tour
Tour Details
I might be a bit of an ATV tour junkie after taking 5 (and counting!) ATV tours in Costa Rica. I love how it gives you a unique way to literally get off the beaten path!
This specific ATV tour in Tamarindo is one of the cheapest and best-rated. It lasts for 2 hours and see if you can spot wildlife as you have fun driving an ATV through the jungles and on beaches. We stopped at Pirates’ Bay Beach and Puerto Viejo Beach, and sometimes there’s a stop at a third beach if there’s time!
The highlight for us was splashing through rivers and getting a little muddy! While I’ve driven an ATV before, most people on the tour were newbies. There’s instruction before you head out and it’s really simple once you get the hang of it.
The tour starts at $95 USD, but there are lots of different add-ons for other activities.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
7. Snorkeling around the Catalina Islands
Tour Details
Some of the best spots to snorkel in all of Costa Rica are just off the coast of Tamarindo.
Snorkeling tours like this half-day one head out to the Catalina Islands to snorkel some of the shallow reefs in the area. You’re guaranteed to see lots of fish, including snapper and pufferfish, as well as sea turtles and maybe even reef sharks if you’re lucky. Our group even spotted dolphins!
We’ve heard other groups have been lucky enough to see whales during whale-watching season, too!
There’s snorkeling at two different spots (the second was our favorite) and overall it’s a great experience that lasts for 5 hours and includes fresh fruit on the boat and all the equipment for only $95 USD.
8. Whitewater rafting
Tour Details
The thrill of whitewater rafting has to be experienced at least once in your life. It’s a great way to see the countryside as well as get the heart racing.
In Tamarindo, you can take this thrilling tour down the Tenorio River, paddling down Class III and IV rapids. It is one of the top-rated whitewater rafting tours in Costa Rica!
There are the rapids to navigate, but there are also calmer sections where you can spot wildlife and then it ends with a 12-foot (3.6-meter) drop over Cascabel Falls! All in, it’s about 2.5 hours on the river, but the tour is a full-day option with a traditional Costa Rican meal and transport included.
9. La Leona waterfall
Tour Details
Next up on this epic list of things to do in Tamarindo is another one of Costa Rica’s most popular and stunning waterfalls. La Leona Waterfall is located near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park in the town of Curubandé – about 20 minutes from Liberia.
As we found out on our visit, the only way to see the waterfall is on a guided tour. The waterfall is located in a canyon, so special safety gear and a guide are needed to get you there. Luckily, tours are very cheap, so this is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget!
This guided La Leona Waterfall hike is only $50 USD! We had to drive ourselves to the meeting point in Curubandé, but then everything was taken care of. We jumped in a 4WD to get to the start of the trail. The 3.7-mile (6-km) hike is moderate, but expect to be climbing over rocks, hanging onto ropes, and doing some swimming to reach the waterfall!
La Leona Waterfall is more beautiful in person and it’s in the running for one of the highlights of Costa Rica for us. Our guide even showed us a natural waterslide which was so much fun! Then the tour finishes with fresh fruit and ice cream. The tour only had room for 10 people, so it’s best to book ahead of time.
10. Sports fishing
Tour Details
Fishing charters are popular in Costa Rica for destinations right on the coast. I took a charter in Santa Teresa and loved it! We caught so much tuna that we threw a lot back. But Tamarindo is another good spot.
In Tamarindo, there are inshore and offshore charters. Inshore charters only go a few miles off the coast and tend to fish for small tuna, snapper, wahoo, and dorado. Inshore tours are typically only half days (4 hours). This specific tour costs $600 USD for three people.
On an offshore charter, the tour lasts for 7-9 hours and you can fish for sailfish and marlin. Of course, the tour can also go inshore, so you can mix it up depending on what’s working.
Although there is no “season” for fishing in Tamarindo, there are better times of the month depending on ocean currents, availability of baitfish, and water temperature. However, you can catch fish all year round! Please be aware that you need a fishing license in Costa Rica. This costs $17 USD for 8 days – however, it’s not policed heavily. In fact, when I did my tour, I had no idea about the license.
Where to Stay in Tamarindo
You have so many choices when it comes to places to stay in Tamarindo! There are over 100 hotels and hostels in the downtown area, catering to all needs and budgets. These are a few of our favorites:
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – $$$
Those with a luxury budget should check out Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Tamarindo, which is not only located on the beach, but also has a pool with stunning ocean views.
All of the rooms have a seating area and a mini-bar. Prices for a room start at $224 USD per night. You can book Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort here on Booking.com.
Perla de la Playa – $$
Perla de la Playa is a hidden gem right on the beach in Tamarindo North. It’s quiet, cozy, and just steps from the sand—close enough to walk to restaurants and bars, but far enough to feel like a peaceful retreat. Rooms are bright, comfy, and air-conditioned (which we really appreciated), and as a bonus, you get access to the bigger pool and buffet breakfast at the Diria next door!
Rooms are usually between $100 and $230 USD, which is a great value for this beachfront stay. Check prices and availability for your travel dates here!
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel – $
Ten North Tamarindo Beach Hotel is a top budget pick that feels way more upscale than the price suggests. Just a few minutes from the beach and right in the center of town, it’s perfectly located yet surprisingly quiet. Rooms are clean, comfy, and thoughtfully designed, with options ranging from standard doubles to full apartments. Plus, there’s even a small outdoor pool to cool off in!
Rooms can start as low as $75 USD per night here, making it a fantastic choice if you want comfort, style, and a great location—without overspending. Reserve your room here on Booking.com.
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Tamarindo, check out my Where to Stay guide here!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
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Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this list has been helpful as you plan a visit to Tamarindo! Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first time, there’s certainly no shortage of awesome things to do in Tamarindo. Despite being a beach town, the surrounding landscape provides the perfect playground for a fantastic holiday.
If you need more travel inspiration or tips for your trip to Costa Rica, have a look at our other blogs about Costa Rica. Or I picked out a few that you might like below!
15 BEST Things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica
Thank you this was so helpful. I worry about scams when booking excursions in advance.
Thank you for your informative and enjoyable read!
@Glenda, your information seems very helpful. We hope to plan a trip to costa rica very soon.