Exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast: Must-Do Activities in Tamarindo

Been wanting to go on a beach vacation where you can balance adventure and relaxing with activities like surfing in the morning, kayaking in the afternoon, and sipping a cold beer while watching the sunset? Well, you’re in luck! Because this is what Tamarindo is all about.

The first time I visited, I thought it would just be another beach town. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Tamarindo is alive with morning golden waves rolling in, perfect for surfing, even if you’re a total amateur.  I’ll never forget my first surf lesson – I wiped out a lot, but catching that first wave? Unbelievable. And when I wasn’t in the water, the opportunity to get up close and personal with Tamarindo’s marine life is what makes these tours unique, like kayaking through Las Baulas National Marine Park’s mangroves, where I spotted monkeys swinging from trees above us and crocodiles basking in the sun (from a safe distance, thankfully).

What’s more, Tamarindo is the perfect destination for families. Surfing lessons at Playa Grande are great for active teens, while relaxing mangrove tours and sunset cruises are perfect for multigenerational outings. Oh, and let’s not forget about the food! Whether you’re trying out fresh ceviches at Nogui’s or strolling through El Mercadito’s outdoor stalls, you’re in for a treat. It’s the kind of place where every meal like discovering something new and unique.

In this guide, I want to convey my personal opinion on why it’s one of the greatest places on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, taking you on a virtual tour of the must-do activities that made me fall in love with this place.

Without further ado, let’s explore Tamarindo’s top things to do.

4 Things You Can’t Miss In Tamarindo, Costa Rica

1. Surfing: Tamarindo’s Claim to Fame

Tamarindo is a hotspot for surfers of all levels. Playa Tamarindo, the main beach here, is ideal for people who want to learn to surf, thanks to its gentle breaks. When I signed up for a lesson, I didn’t expect much else to just learn the basics, but within an hour, I was standing on my board and riding my first wave. Standing up on the board for the first time – after countless falls – was a thrill I still think about. The instructors helped me a lot in adjusting the lessons to your skill level.

For those more experienced, Playa Grande offers more challenging waves and fewer crowds, located just north of the estuary. This beach is well-known for its bigger and stronger waves, and as it’s a part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Surfing here will also give you a view of the pristine nature.

2. Exploring Las Baulas National Marine Park

Las Baulas National Marine Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Especially iIf you’re visiting between October and March. This park is one of the most important nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles, the largest turtles in the world.

You should try the night tours, which allow you to watch these giant turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. I’ll never forget the moment where I witnessed a 1,000-pound turtle slowly digging a nest in the sand under the moonlight.

The park’s mangrove estuaries are another must-see. I opted for a guided kayak tour and paddled through tall mangroves and narrow river streams, coming across howler monkeys yelling from above, herons perched on branches, and crocodiles in the shallows. It’s a unique and relaxing experience to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can only hear the rustle of leaves and the splash of water.

3. Snorkeling and Diving Around Tamarindo

The waters off Tamarindo are teeming with marine life, making them ideal for snorkelling and diving. If you love exploring what’s beneath the ocean as much as I do, you should give the Las Catalinas Islands a go, which is only a 45-minute boat ride away.  I swam with rays, a variety of vibrant fish I had never seen before, and even a few harmless reef sharks, which made the experience unlike anything I had ever had.

For certified divers, go deeper and see underwater rock formations and caves that are ideal for spotting eels, turtles, and different kinds of corals, as well as larger species like manta rays and, in some seasons, whale sharks. The water has great visibility, especially during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

4. Day Trips from Tamarindo

While Tamarindo is a great destination for a tropical vacation, trust me when I say this coastal town is a great opportunity to explore the Guanacaste region.

• Playa Conchal: A 30-minute drive away, this beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and unique crushed-shell shoreline. It’s perfect for a day of swimming and snorkelling.
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park: About two hours from Tamarindo, this park offers volcanic hikes, natural hot springs, and waterfalls. I spent a day trekking through the park’s trails, soaking in hot springs, and marvelling at the bubbling mud pots—a true showcase of Costa Rica’s volcanic activity.
• Santa Cruz: Known for its traditional Costa Rican culture, this town is worth a visit for its local markets and colourful fiestas.

What are you waiting for, then? Now is the time to plan your vacation to Tamarindo now – fair warning, you might just find yourself coming back again and again.

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About The Author:  Author: Full-time travel blogger and SEO coach roaming the world at whim, Isabel draws energy from being outdoors. An explorer at heart, the world is her playground. With a focus on outdoor adventures and local flavours, she exposes millennial travellers to experiences beyond their imaginations on Bel Around The World.