Tamarindo is one of the most popular beach towns in Guanacaste, Costa Rica's sunniest province along the Pacific coast. It has a tourist-first vibe, and is full of options when it comes to activities, tours, and things to do. It's a place balances laid-back beach days with enough adventure to keep active travelers happy.
This guide covers the best things to do in Tamarindo, including standout experiences, popular tours, and a few things you're better off skipping. We'll even get into things to do at night, or if you're looking to save a little money.
Jump to:
- 1. Learn to Surf
- 2. Take an Estuary Boat Tour
- 3. Watch the Sunset
- 4. White Water Rafting
- 5. Go on an ATV Tour
- 6. Take a Catamaran Sunset Cruise
- 7. Go Horseback Riding
- 8. Try Sport Fishing
- 9. Take a Day Trip to Rio Celeste
- 10. Take a Day Trip and Zip-line in Rincón de la Vieja
- 11. Take a Day Trip to La Leona Waterfall
- 12. Try a Yoga or Wellness Class
- 13. Explore Tamarindo's Food Scene
- Best Tamarindo Tours Worth Booking
- Free Things to Do in Tamarindo
- Things to Do Near Tamarindo
- What to Skip (or rethink)
- Things to Do in Tamarindo at Night
- My Favorite Things to Do in Tamarindo
- Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?
- How Many Days Do You Need in Tamarindo?
- Final Thoughts
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If you're planning your trip, our full Tamarindo travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
1. Learn to Surf
Tamarindo has become one of the best-known beach towns in Central America for beginner surfers.
- Warm water year-round
- Sandy bottom (so wipeouts are forgiving)
- Long, gentle waves
Even first-timers often manage to stand up within a lesson or two.
Is it worth it?
Yes-this is easily one of the highest-value experiences in Tamarindo.
Tips:
- Check the tide schedule (this is what determines when/if lessons will take place)
- Book a morning lesson (better conditions, less wind)
- Go small group or private if you can-it makes a big difference
For more quick tips and honest advice, check out our Tamarindo Travel Tips post.
2. Take an Estuary Boat Tour
Want to see wildlife without hiking through thick jungle in the heat? The Estuary Boat Tour is your shortcut.
The Tamarindo estuary is home to:
- Crocodiles
- Howler monkeys
- Iguanas
- Dozens of bird species
And the best part? You're mostly sitting in a boat while everything unfolds around you. Alternatively, if you're feeling more active, you can kayak through parts of the estuary as well.
Is it worth it?
Yes-especially for first-time visitors to Costa Rica. The estuary is one of the easiest places in Guanacaste to spot Costa Rica's flora and fauna without spending hours hiking through dense jungle.
Warning
Remember that wildlife is, in fact, wild. There is no guarantee you will see all or any animals on your trip (something we've personally experienced!). If you do see wildlife, remember not to get too close. Safety is paramount.
Tips:
- Go early morning or late afternoon
- Avoid overcrowded tours
3. Watch the Sunset
Sunset in Tamarindo isn't optional.
Every evening, the beach fills with people:
- Walking along the shoreline
- Surfing into the last light
- Sitting with drinks in hand
And somehow, it never gets old.
Best Spots
- Tamarindo Beach (main area)
- Playa Langosta (quieter, more relaxed)
- Wyndham Tamarindo Hotel is more elevated than the beaches and provides a different beautiful view
Is it worth it?
It's free-and it's one of the best things you'll do here.
4. White Water Rafting
Tenorio River White Water rafting is a fun day trip from Tamarindo. Not only do you get to experience the thrills of Level III & IV rapids, but you're surrounded by wildlife and beautifully green landscapes.
The guides tell you everything you need to know and also provide all the equipment. Don't forget to pack some spare clothes (you will get completely wet), your GoPro or a waterproof case for your phones!
Is it worth it?
Getting to the rafting location from Tamarindo can be a bit more of a pain than expected. Even if you have a designated driver, you'll have to change vehicles at least once (some of the roads are too bumpy for regular cars!)...but once you get there, yes. It's absolutely worth it.
5. Go on an ATV Tour
ATV tours are everywhere here-and they can be great.
They'll take you:
- Into the hills
- To hidden beaches
- Through rugged backroads
The catch: Not all tours are equal. Some are just long drives with little payoff.
Is it worth it?
Yes-but choose carefully. Look for tours that include multiple stops (viewpoints, beaches) rather than just riding.
6. Take a Catamaran Sunset Cruise
If your idea of a good afternoon includes:
- Ocean breeze
- Drinks
- Music
- A swim stop
Then a catamaran ride is an easy win.
Most cruises include:
- Open bar
- Snacks (or a meal)
- Snorkelling/swimming stop (conditions vary)
- Sunset views
Is it worth it?
Yes-just know it can lean toward a social/party vibe depending on the group. This will largely be determined by the size of boat, and number of people attending - if you want something more low key, opt for a smaller catamaran.
7. Go Horseback Riding
Yes, it's a bit cliché.
But riding along the beach at sunset still works.
What to expect
- Slow, beginner-friendly rides
- Beach + light trails
- Sunset timing options
Is it worth it?
- Yes, if you've never done it
- Maybe, if you have-it's not wildly unique
8. Try Sport Fishing
Tamarindo is known for offshore fishing.
You can catch:
- Sailfish
- Marlin
- Tuna
- Mahi-mahi
What to know
- It's expensive
- It's a full-day commitment
- Nothing is guaranteed
Is it worth it?
Only if you're genuinely interested in fishing.
9. Take a Day Trip to Rio Celeste
This is one of Costa Rica's most famous sights-a bright blue river inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. Rio Celeste is best done as a full-day tour from Tamarindo.
What to expect
- ~3+ hours each way
- A light hike
- A striking blue waterfall (that you can't swim in)
Is it worth it?
- Yes, if you're okay with a long day
- No, if you prefer a slower pace (and don't want to spend at least half the day driving)
10. Take a Day Trip and Zip-line in Rincón de la Vieja
Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcanic complex about two hours from Tamarindo, and it delivers a completely different side of Costa Rica than anything you'll find on the coast.
What you'll see:
- Boiling mud pools (Las Pailas) that bubble and hiss at the surface
- Hot springs and steaming vents
- Waterfalls, including the striking La Cangreja waterfall with its turquoise pool
- Dry tropical forest with howler monkeys, coatis, and birds
- The volcano itself, though the summit isn't always accessible depending on activity levels
What you can do:
- Zip-line through the forest canopy
- Horseback ride through the trails
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Hike to waterfalls
The landscape is almost alien compared to Guanacaste's beaches-steam venting from the ground, the smell of sulfur in the air, and forest trails that feel genuinely remote. Most operators offer tiered packages, but if you're going to make the drive, the Adventure package is the one worth booking. It combines zip-lining, mud masks, hot springs, and lunch into a full but exciting day that covers most of what the park has to offer.
Is it worth it?
Yes-arguably more so than Rio Celeste, if you want variety of experiences rather than just one iconic photo stop. Rincón de la Vieja gives you volcanic geology, wildlife, waterfalls, and adventure activities all in one place. It's a full day, but a full day with a lot of range.
Tips:
- Go with a guided tour rather than independently; trails can be poorly marked and conditions change
- Wear proper hiking shoes and bring a rain layer-weather inside the park is unpredictable
- If you're choosing between here and Rio Celeste: Rio Celeste delivers one stunning visual moment; Rincón de la Vieja gives you more across the entire day
11. Take a Day Trip to La Leona Waterfall
La Leona isn't the most famous waterfall near Tamarindo, but that's part of its appeal. It sits in Curabande, a more remote stretch of Guanacaste, reached via a scenic drive and a manageable hike through tropical dry forest.
What to expect:
- A moderate hike to reach the falls (terrain and length vary by access point and operator)
- A natural swimming hole at the base-one of the better ones in the region
- Significantly fewer crowds than Rio Celeste or other more marketed waterfall tours
- Local wildlife along the trail
Is it worth it?
Yes-especially if you want a waterfall experience without the tour-bus crowds. It's not as visually iconic as Rio Celeste's blue water, but the swim at the base is excellent, the hike is fun (without being overly challenging), and the overall experience feels more like actual exploration than a managed attraction. Don't forget to pack some dry clothes, your GoPro, and a waterproof case for your phone!
12. Try a Yoga or Wellness Class
Tamarindo has quietly built up a legitimate wellness scene alongside its surf culture-and the two fit together more naturally than you'd expect.
You'll find:
- Drop-in yoga classes (beachfront and studio-based)
- Sound healing and meditation sessions
- Surf + yoga retreat packages
- Massage and bodywork studios scattered throughout town
Is it worth it?
Yes-especially mid-trip. After a few days of sun, saltwater, and activities, a morning yoga class or an afternoon massage resets the body in a way that makes the rest of your trip better. The beachfront classes in particular are hard to replicate anywhere else.
Tips:
- Check social media and local notice boards for pop-up classes-some of the best ones aren't formally listed anywhere
- Sunset yoga sessions book up fast; reserve ahead if that's on your list
- Even if wellness isn't normally your thing, a single drop-in class here tends to convert people
13. Explore Tamarindo's Food Scene
Tamarindo isn't a top-tier food destination-but you'll still eat well.
Try:
- Casado (traditional Costa Rican meal)
- Fresh seafood
- Brunch spots and smoothie bowls
Reality check:
- Prices are higher than expected
- Some places are more about vibe than food
Best Tamarindo Tours Worth Booking
If you prefer having things organized-or just don't want to deal with logistics-these are the Tamarindo tours actually worth considering:
- Surf lessons → best for beginners
- Estuary boat tour → easiest wildlife experience
- Catamaran cruise → relaxed, social
- Rincón de la Vieja adventure tour → long but memorable
- White water rafting at Tenorio River → light thrills with beautiful views
If you're only booking one tour, go with the estuary or surf lesson-they offer the best return for your time and money as neither takes very long and both are located very close to the main part of Tamarindo.
If you're looking for the best way to organize your Tamarindo trip, check out our 5-day Tamarindo itinerary.
Free Things to Do in Tamarindo
Not everything here has to cost lots of money. Some of the best moments are free:
- Watching the sunset
- Walking along Tamarindo Beach
- Walking around Tamarindo and window shopping
- Spotting wildlife near the estuary
Things to Do Near Tamarindo
If you want to explore beyond town:
- Playa Conchal (clearer water, lighter sand)
- Las Baulas National Park (wildlife + conservation area) - Las Baulas National Park is especially known for leatherback sea turtles during nesting season.
- Playa Grande (almost no crowds, located across from the estuary and accessible by water taxi)
What to Skip (or rethink)
Snorkelling Tours
Tamarindo is not a good snorkelling destination.
- Poor visibility
- Limited marine life
- Inconsistent conditions
If snorkelling is high on your list, you'll have many opportunities for it. But if you're an experienced snorkeler, or more discerning about what you'll see while snorkelling, go elsewhere.
Scuba Diving
While scuba diving exists in parts of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is not considered one of the country's best diving destinations.
What to do instead
If you're staying in Tamarindo, and want to dive or snorkel, you may be better served with a day trip to Catalina Islands. You likely won't get the type of underwater experience that you see in the Caribbean, but it'll be much better than what's available closer to Tamarindo.
Things to Do in Tamarindo at Night
Tamarindo doesn't exactly turn into Ibiza after dark-but it also doesn't go to sleep once the sun sets. It has a limited but lively party scene that starts up at around 10pm during peak seasons.
If you don't want to hit the clubs, you can look at:
- Beach bars with live music
- Sunset dinners stretching late into the evening
- Relaxing at your hotel pool (many of them stay open relatively late)
Watch the Sunset First
This sounds obvious, but in Tamarindo, sunset is basically the opening act for the evening.
A lot of people head straight from the beach to:
- Beachfront restaurants
- Cocktail bars
- Live music spots
My Favorite Things to Do in Tamarindo
If you've been through the bigger list of things to do above, and you're just interested in knowing my 3 personal favourites, here they are:
- White water rafting
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise (or generally just chasing Tamarindo sunset spots)
- Relaxing at Langosta Beach Club
Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?
Yes-but it depends on what you're looking for.
It's great for:
- Surfing
- Easy, relaxed travel
- Sunset culture
- First-time Costa Rica visits
It's not ideal for:
- Snorkelling
- Quiet, untouched beaches
- Budget travel
If you go in with the right expectations, Tamarindo delivers. If you're still in the beginning stages of planning your trip, our indepth Tamarindo travel guide covers any questions you might have.
How Many Days Do You Need in Tamarindo?
Ideal: 3-5 days
- Day 1: Beach + sunset
- Day 2: Surfing
- Day 3: Estuary or ATV
- Day 4+: Optional day trip
Travelers combining Tamarindo with La Fortuna often use Tamarindo as the relaxing beach portion of their Costa Rica itinerary. In this case, you may need to reduce your Tamarindo itinerary to account for your time in other parts of Costa Rica.
Final Thoughts
Compared to quieter corners of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is undeniably developed and tourist-focused. If you're chasing an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, you won't find it here.
But that's not really the point of Tamarindo. It's not like the other small towns of Costa Rica. It's built around a few main beaches, relaxed tourism, and lots of fun activities to do.
It's easy, warm, a little messy - and surprisingly addictive. There are so many things to do here that it's the kind of place where you plan to stay two days and start looking at flights to extend to five. Where the sunset is somehow worth watching every single evening even though it's technically the same sunset.
You don't come here for a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment. You come here to try new things, slow down, and really get the meaning behind pura vida.
And honestly? That's more than enough.
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