5 BEST Ziplining Tours in Tamarindo: Which One to Book
This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
If ziplining above the canopy of this jungle paradise is on your bucket list, we’ll help you find the best zipline tour in Tamarindo!
Since living in Costa Rica, we’ve done our fair share of ziplining, but the ones in Tamarindo take the cake. There’s so much natural beauty here and soaring through the jungle is amazing!
But, you don’t want to risk booking an experience that doesn’t live up to your expectations. So, we’ve narrowed it down to the best zipline tours in Tamarindo that are really worth the time and money.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our FAVORITE ziplining experience is this Monkey Jungle Zipline tour. The course is epic as you soar over the jungle and you’ll even spot monkeys and other wildlife as you go!
Check out the 150+ 5-star reviews from other travelers and book this tour here!
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Best Ziplining Tours in Tamarindo
- When is the best time to go ziplining in Tamarindo?
- Do you need to book a ziplining tour in advance?
- Is ziplining in Tamarindo worth it?
- Other Must-do Activities While You're in Tamarindo
- Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Ziplining Tours in Tamarindo
1. Monkey Jungle Zipline – Our Top Pick!
This Monkey Jungle Zipline tour takes you into the heart of the jungle, where you’ll be hanging like a monkey in the treetops while also doing a bit of wildlife spotting as you zoom by!
Located on the outskirts of Tamarindo, the Monkey Jungle Reserve is home to so many creatures! We saw multiple monkeys, including a pack of howler monkeys. I have to give a shoutout to the local guides too. They have a keen eye for all the sneaky animals hiding in the trees that I always seem to miss.
You’ll spend about an hour zipping along seven different ziplines, ranging in length and speed. This is a small group tour which we think is essential for zipline tours. If there are too many people, you end up waiting in line for the majority of your tour.
This tour is also a great option for kids. While it’s still an adrenaline rush, this isn’t the most extreme ziplining course I’ve done, so it’s suitable for younger ones or anyone who hasn’t been ziplining before.
This tour includes your safety equipment, guides, and a fresh fruit snack at the end. You can reserve your spot for $65 USD, which I recommend as this is a popular tour that often sells out. It also comes with FREE cancellation, so it’s essentially risk-free!
Reserve the Monkey Jungle Zipline Tour here!
2. Canopy Tour with Free Transport from Tamarindo
This Canopy Tour in Tamarindo is a great half-day activity, leaving the rest of the day to relax on the beach or take off on another exciting tour. This tour is unique because you can decide between an “easy” or “adventure” canopy tour to fit your group’s skill level, so it’s a good fit for any traveler!
Throughout your 3 hours, you’ll explore 11 different ziplines. I love having a variety of ziplines like this because you get longer ziplines that let you enjoy the ride as well as a few that make your stomach drop – they go so fast!
This zipline tour even gets a little wild and shows you how to safely hang upside down while ziplining! I definitely took advantage of this and it was a little scary at first, but so fun! How many times do you get to fly through the jungle upside down in your life?! It’s a fun story to tell when you get home.
Of course, you can also expect to see wildlife, dense jungle, and stunning mountain views in this area (probably when you’re not hanging upside down!). Luckily there are 13 platforms spread out between the cables, so this is when you can really enjoy the view. We spotted a few monkeys and iguanas!
Roundtrip transport from your Tamarindo hotel is included in the $85 USD cost.
Reserve this tour here now and you can choose to pay later!
3. PRIVATE Combo Tour with 8 Activities including Ziplining
Time to switch on adventure mode because this Mega-Combo Tour hits eight activities in one day! Get ready to zipline, cross hanging bridges, horseback ride, slide down a huge water slide, ride a tractor, hike to a waterfall, bathe in volcanic mud and natural hot springs, and check out the most active volcano in Costa Rica.
Whew – that sounds like a Costa Rica bucket list if I’ve ever heard one! This day packed full of adventure starts with pick up in Tamarindo as you head to the base of Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
The adventure park is at the base of the volcano and I like this kind of park because all the activities are close together, so there’s no wasted time driving from one to the next.
This tour is great because all the equipment is provided and we thought it had a good balance of exciting, high-energy activities (like hiking and ziplining) with chill and relaxed activities (like soaking in a natural hot spring and taking a leisurely horse ride). They also provide a buffet lunch, snacks, and water so you’re well-fed and can continue exploring!
I loved that this was a private tour so we felt we could move at our own pace. I’d recommend this tour for anyone short on time who wants to have the ultimate Costa Rica experience!
You have to have a minimum of four people in your group to book this tour, but it’s cheaper for larger groups. It starts at $195 USD per person.
Reserve this epic combo tour in advance!
4. Combo Tour with Ziplining, Horseback Riding, and Hot Springs
This full-day tour combines a few of the activities Costa Rica is most known for: ziplining, horseback riding, and hot springs. I love that this tour is a combination of exhilarating and relaxing activities, which honestly matches the vibe of Costa Rica exactly!
You’ll start out with the high-flying adventure by ziplining down 10 different cables. This part is thrilling, of course, but also a great viewpoint of the canopy from above.
After a few hours of ziplining, you’ll have a traditional Costa Rican lunch, then a horseback ride (or tractor ride) to the hot springs! With so many amazing hot springs in Costa Rica, your trip isn’t complete unless you’ve soaked in at least one. This one also has a sauna and mud baths – you’d have to drag me away from this experience!
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from Tamarindo, lunch, and all activities. It’s scheduled to last about 10 hours, so you get plenty of time to have fun and relax.
This tour is available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting at $210 USD.
Read recent reviews and book this tour here!
5. ATV and Zipline Tour
This half-day tour makes a point of getting you off the beaten path both by soaring over the jungle and exploring the back roads that are only accessible by ATV. In a place that has gotten as touristy as Tamarindo, a tour that escapes the normal sightseeing locations is hard to come by!
You can choose to drive the ATV yourself or ride as a passenger (this is usually what I do as Daniel drives!) as you wind through the forest roads spotting howler monkeys, coatis, and maybe even a sloth.
A big advantage for us is that this tour is just minutes from downtown Tamarindo, so the bulk of your time can be spent adventuring instead of traveling!
To get to the zipline course, it’s a short drive aboard an ATV, so even the journey there is fun! Once you reach the zipline course, you’ll zip around seven cables, catching incredible views from the top of the canopy and having a great time the entire way. Then it’s time to ride the ATV back down the mountain and drive back to Tamarindo with the entire other half of the day to relax on the beach!
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop off from Tamarindo. You must be at least 16 to drive the ATV, but children as young as 5 can ride as passengers.
This is one of the best tours to maximize your time in Tamarindo, and great for those looking for a high-adrenaline experience. You can reserve this tour for $145 USD as a single rider or for $190 USD as a driver with a passenger.
Be sure to reserve this tour in advance HERE!
When is the best time to go ziplining in Tamarindo?
The great thing about ziplining in Tamarindo is that you can do it all year round! Rain or shine, there will be a zipline tour running.
When you’re deciding what time of year to visit Costa Rica, the dry season (December to March) is when you’ll find the best weather. This is when you’re most likely to have a nice sunny day as you zoom over the canopy. But the jungle will be a bit more brown as you can see from our photos.
As far as the time of day, I highly recommend going in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. We did not book our tour enough in advance and could only do an afternoon tour, and let me tell you it was toasty! I’d recommend scheduling your tour early so you can choose the best time for you.
Do you need to book a ziplining tour in advance?
Yes, I highly recommend booking a zipline tour in advance. If you are visiting between December and March, booking well ahead of your travel dates is essential as this is Tamarindo’s busy season.
Don’t be like us and wait until a day or two before, because then you’re not as likely to get the time you want. Plus, the most popular tours can be completely filled up by then!
All of the tours we listed have an awesome cancellation policy. So if your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour and get a full refund. We’ve personally canceled tours with Viator because of weather or a change in our itinerary and Viator is totally legit and refunded our money with no issues.
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:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Is ziplining in Tamarindo worth it?
Absolutely yes! Costa Rica is known all over the world for its amazing ziplines. It is such a unique way to experience the lush jungle, see wildlife, and get outside for an epic day of adventure.
Many of these tours offer other fun activities, like ATVing or soaking in a natural hot spring, so it’s a great way to experience multiple excursions while on vacation.
The local guides here were fantastic, so full of energy and knowledge that they really took our tour to the next level. We were impressed!
Book our favorite ziplining tour in Tamarindo here!
Other Must-do Activities While You’re in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a town filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re planning your trip here, make sure to check out a few more of our other favorite activities:
- Visit Rio Celeste – One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica is within reach of Tamarindo. Rio Celeste Waterfall is a natural phenomenon where two rivers meet and cause the water to literally turn blue. Since it’s 2.5 hours away, unless you have your own vehicle, you’re going to need to join a tour. This specific tour includes everything from hiking to a swim in the turquoise waters and even a visit to a wildlife sanctuary to see sloths!
- Sunset cruise – One of the best relaxing activities you can do in Tamarindo is a cruise through Tamarindo Bay. Aboard this Sunset Catamaran Cruise, you’ll sail out into the ocean in search of magnificent views, wildlife, and of course, an epic sunset. It includes an open bar, water activities, and a meal!
- Learn to surf – Although you won’t find Tamarindo on any list of the top places to surf in Costa Rica, it’s arguably the best place for beginners. You can do surf lessons any day of the week, and there are tons of surf schools in town. This two-hour surf lesson is top-rated and has over 1,600 five-star reviews.
- See turtles – Getting a chance to see turtles in Costa Rica is pretty amazing. Luckily there are some secluded beaches around Tamarindo where turtles come to lay eggs on the beach from November to April. This turtle nesting tour is an evening experience (that’s when turtles come ashore) and if you’re really lucky you’ll even see baby turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean.
- Check out a local market – On Saturdays, the Tama Market is the place to be in Tamarindo! From 8 am to 2 pm, the market is bustling with stalls where you can do some shopping, pick up fresh fruit or veggies, or even grab lunch. We tried some excellent cold brew coffee here and I found a sunscreen I love made with natural products!
Where to Stay in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
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 wants. To help you narrow it down, these are our favorites:
Selina Tamarindo – $
The Selina is a good option for budget travelers, and I have personally stayed here. It’s an upper-market hostel with a great atmosphere and pool. The location is also right near the beach, and the dorm rooms and privates all have AC.
Rates for a private room start at $139 USD per night, and a bed in the dorm rooms starts at $71 USD per night. You can book Selina Tamarindo on HostelWorld or Booking.com.
Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel – $$
If you’d prefer a little more luxury, the Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel comes with gorgeous rooms, a large pool, and a very modern and sleek design. However, the location is slightly back from the beach, and it’s not for families.
The hotel’s terrace overlooks the property’s tropical gardens, and breakfast is served outside here from November 1 to April 30. Rates for a one-night stay begin at $160 USD. Reserve a room at Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel on Booking.com.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – $$$
Those with a luxury budget should check out Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Tamarindo, and it’s not only located on the beach, but they also have a pool with 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.
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.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
I’m so excited you’re considering a ziplining tour in Tamarindo! We had a blast zipping over the treetops (sometimes upside down!). A tour helps take care of all the details and some even have fun extras like ATVing or hot springs. I love when I can just show up and have a great time and these tours do that!
To learn more about what a trip to this country can look like, have a look at our blog all about Costa Rica or leave us a question below.
4 BEST Sunset Cruises in Tamarindo +What to KNOW Before You Book
10 Best Tamarindo Tours and Excursions You NEED to Check Out!
