Things to Do in Tamarindo

If you are looking for a destination that has the perfect mix of touristy things to do and beautiful Costa Rican beaches, then Tamarindo is where you need to be. The area has become pretty developed over the years, but not so much that it is overrun with large hotels and chain restaurants. The Tamarindo area is nice because it really has something for every budget. Anyone from honeymooners to backpackers can come here and enjoy their stay. It is this reason we added Tamarindo to our top 10 cities in Costa Rica list.

Here are a few things you can do in the Tamarindo area:

Snorkeling

Tamarindo is also well known for its underwater masterpieces. Snorkeling is highly popular and widely recommended. Beneath the water’s surface lies a universe of color and wonder. Sea creatures of all kinds abound. Various types of coral as well as underwater volcanic formations may be viewed. Tours may be booked ahead of time and and vary from local short range snorkeling to longer range boat trips. Many tours are family friendly and encourage all ages participation. Peak season runs from December through April.

Learn to Surf

Do you want vacation photos to make everyone back home jealous? Looking for an out of the ordinary experience away from mundane days at the beach? Does dropping in and hanging ten sound like a great way to spend your time in Tamarindo? Have you ever considered surfing? Surfing, an exotic and aerobic pastime, is at its prime in Tamarindo. Burn calories while you learn to burn waves! The unique coastline of Tamarindo offers varying wave intensities perfect for the beginner through advanced surfers. Breaks all along Tamarindo are available to choose your own difficulty level. If you have never surfed before, lessons are available at the beaches. For advanced wave riders who know how to take off, peak surfing season is November through December, with waves at certain locales reaching up to twelve feet.

Go Turtle Watching

For those looking for a thrilling educational experience, witness the mating rituals of the Leatherback Turtle. Female Leatherback Turtles, the largest living of all sea turtles, come to Tamarindo each year between November and April to dig their nests and lay their eggs. The female turtle will dig a nest up to one meter deep, lay her eggs and then back fill the nest to prevent predators from uncovering her offspring. Two to three months later, the baby turtles emerge, dashing to the shore and hoping to evade predators. The Leatherback Turtle is an endangered species, with individual females mating only every two to three years. Sadly, many of her offspring will die off before they can reach adulthood. You can be witness to this beautiful nighttime ritual that takes place in so few parts of the world right from the beaches of Tamarindo.

Horseback Riding

If you want to get away from the sand and surf for the day think about trading in the snorkel and surfboard for reigns and a saddle. A wide variety of horseback tours are available for that needed change of pace. You can choose length and destination of your ride. Trail rides through the nearby Rincon de La Vieja National Park are available. Or, if you prefer, ride the sandy beaches while watching the sun set over the Pacific. There is nothing more romantic than experiencing first hand the wonders of Costa Rica on horseback with the one you love. The guided tours allow you to truly experience Tamarindo. From the saddle, you can see local dormant volcanoes, explore the jungle and view Costa Rica’s native flora and fauna.

Nightlife in Tamarindo

Nearly every night of the week there is a band playing at one of the many night clubs that Tamarindo has to offer. Live local entertainment brings the spirit of the South Pacific to life each night as nearly the entire town descends to party. The four most popular clubs in town are the Babylon, Mambo, Monkey and Pasatiempo. During peak season, these clubs are notorious for bringing in high quality entertainment along with droves of people ready to burn up the dance floor. If you are looking for a disco-style club there is the two-story air conditioned dance club Aqua, equipped with a 30 foot water fall. There are also two casinos in town for those interested in playing their luck. No matter what you are looking for, Tamarindo has it!

Deep Sea Fishing

Tamarindo, Costa Rica is world famous for big game fishing. Fishing may be done from the shore during peak season from December through April. Anglers from around the world flock to the sandy beaches of Tamarindo for big game fish like Blue Marlin, Wahoo or Sailfish. Off shore deep sea fishing charters are also available for those who want to spend time out on the open sea. Other smaller fish plentiful for reeling in include Grouper, Snapper, Sea Bass and Roosterfish. There are many choices of charter companies, with prices dependent on length of tour, reputation of the charter company and included amenities.