Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: A Local's Guide

You can spend a week in Tamarindo and never repeat a day. That's part of why so many visitors end up looking at property here: the place doesn't run out of things to do, which is a good sign for anyone weighing up a second home or a rental investment.

Here's how residents and repeat visitors actually spend their time, from the water to the hills.

Learn to Surf, or Chase a Better Wave

Tamarindo is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn to surf. The main beach has a forgiving sandy bottom and gentle sections ideal for beginners, and there are more surf schools per block than almost anywhere in the country. When you want more, Playa Grande across the estuary and Playa Avellanas to the south deliver stronger, more consistent waves that keep experienced surfers busy year-round.

Surfer riding a clean wave in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, one of the best things to do in Tamarindo for beginners and experienced surfers visiting Guanacaste.

Get Out on the Water

Beyond surfing, the estuary and coastline open up a lot. Sunset catamaran cruises are a Tamarindo institution, sport-fishing charters head out for sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna, and stand-up paddleboarding on the calm estuary at high tide is an easy morning. Snorkelling and diving trips run to nearby reefs and the Catalina Islands.

Angler holding a freshly caught yellowfin tuna during a deep sea fishing charter off Tamarindo, Costa Rica, one of the top outdoor activities in Guanacaste for sport fishing enthusiasts.

See the Wildlife

The Tamarindo estuary and the mangroves of the Las Baulas National Marine Park are rich with birds, howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas. A guided boat tour through the mangroves is one of the most rewarding half-days here. In nesting season, Playa Grande is a protected site for giant leatherback turtles, viewed only on guided night tours to protect the animals.

Native bird perched in the tropical forest near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, showcasing the rich wildlife and birdwatching opportunities found throughout Guanacaste's natural landscapes.

Take a Day Trip

Tamarindo makes a good base for Guanacaste's bigger adventures. Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with its volcanic mud pots, hot springs and waterfalls, is a popular day out. Zip-lining, horseback riding and river tubing are all within reach, and the colonial city of Liberia is close enough for a change of pace and practical errands.

Boats anchored in the Tamarindo Estuary surrounded by lush mangrove forests, a popular destination for wildlife tours, kayaking, and nature excursions in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Eat and Drink Well

For a town its size, Tamarindo eats far above its weight. Beachfront seafood, wood-fired pizza, farm-to-table dinners, taco stands and proper coffee are all here, and the sunset spots along the beach fill up for good reason. The dining scene is one of the quiet reasons the town holds its value as a place to live, not just visit.

Wood-fired pizza served at a popular local restaurant in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, highlighting the town's vibrant dining scene and diverse culinary experiences for visitors.

Why This Matters if You're Thinking About Property

Everything above is also what fills rental calendars and keeps resale demand strong. A property in a town with genuine year-round appeal is easier to rent and easier to sell than one in a place with a single short season. If you're starting to picture your own base here, browse homes for sale and condos in Tamarindo, or read the full Tamarindo area guide.

Thinking about buying somewhere you'll actually use? Call Coldwell Banker Tamarindo on 1-877-272-3747 (US toll-free) or +011-506-2653-1919 (Tamarindo direct).

Luxury tropical home with a private swimming pool and lush gardens near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, showcasing the upscale lifestyle and real estate opportunities in Guanacaste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Top Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?

The headline activities are surfing and surf lessons on the main beach, sunset catamaran cruises, sport fishing, mangrove and estuary wildlife tours, and turtle-nesting tours at nearby Playa Grande in season. Off the water, day trips to Rincon de la Vieja for hot springs and waterfalls, zip-lining and horseback riding are popular. The town's beachfront dining scene is an attraction in itself.

Is Tamarindo Good for Families?

Yes. The main beach is gentle enough for children and beginner surfers, wildlife tours are a hit with all ages, and the town is walkable with plenty of casual dining. Many resident families use nearby international schools. As with any beach, supervise children around the rivermouth where currents are stronger.

What Can You Do in Tamarindo When It Rains?

The green season brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, so mornings usually stay clear for activities. Rainy afternoons suit indoor options like a cooking class, a spa visit, or lingering over lunch. The landscape is at its greenest and most dramatic in these months, which many visitors prefer.

How Many Days Do You Need in Tamarindo?

Three to four days covers the essentials of beach time, a surf lesson and one water tour. A week lets you add a day trip inland and settle into the pace, which is exactly why so many week-long visitors start looking at longer stays and property.

Sport fishing yacht off the coast of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offering deep sea fishing charters and unforgettable ocean adventures in Guanacaste.

Make It More Than a Holiday

Tamarindo rewards repeat visits, and that's usually when the idea of owning here takes hold. When you're ready to look, the Coldwell Banker Tamarindo team can match you to the right neighbourhood. Call 1-877-272-3747 or +011-506-2653-1919, or see current Tamarindo listings.

Get in touch with us today

We are- UNHAPPILY- home safe. Would much rather be back in Tamarindo. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING you did to make our stay a joy ! We look very much forward to seeing you on our next trip to Costa Rica. PURA VIDA !

Steve Perry, Costa Rica

We had so much fun at Buena Vista. Thanks for arranging that with Memo.
I also want to say many thanks for all that you have done. We have enjoyed Costa Rica and I have found you so helpful with everything and a pleasure to deal with that it was a very stress free vacation. When I do come back here hopefully you will still be doing what what you do.
Our last couple of days will be spent enjoying the sunshine and eating at great restaurants. Sincerely,

Tara, Kevin and Roy., Costa Rica

While my computer is still running here, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for your help during our stay.
When we first came to your office, we were in dire straights and in desperate need of assistance. Andrea was extremely compassionate, spoke with candor, and had a "can do attitude" that was of immense help.
In addition, Andrea has put us in contact with Steve, with whom we are working, preparing to view a little property that might be just what we are looking for at this particular time.
In addition, having gotten to know Andrea personally as well as professionally has been our great pleasure. I wanted to let you know what a tremendous asset she is to your company. She is a great treasure -- a one in a million.

Tina Parker, Costa Rica

Laurel and Tony,
The both of you were fantastic with us throughout the property search and purchase process. As we had mentioned, two other attempts to find thorough, attentive, responsive agents to work with in Tamarindo were failures. I expect that we are more work to deal with than many others as we asked a lot of thorough and analytical questions and expected responses to all of them. You two never failed to deliver. The organization and execution of our condo shopping trip in January was excellent and the fact that you two devoted 2 full days to us, around our schedule, to get this deal done was key to our success. The selection of properties that Laurel planned out, including a few places above and below our target zone helped us to refine our interests. We truly appreciated your interest in our success. This could easily have been very stressful for us, and yet, it wasn’t. Thank you very much.
As a side note, when we walked into the Coldwell Banker office randomly with no appointment in November had we not found your office staff patient and accommodating from the start we would have simply walked on to the next agency. Your staff deserves special mention for getting us interested in the agency to begin with.
We will give you some advance notice before we make our first trip down so that we can plan to get together for lunch or dinner. We are tentatively planning on somewhere in the last 2 weeks of May, as soon as our son gets out of school for the summer.

Dan Batliner, Costa Rica

Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: A Local's Guide