Tamarindo Activities
Surfing is the main draw and attraction in Tamarindo with many surfing beaches just a short way away; in addition to Playa Tamarindo, surfers can find strong and consistent waves in Playa Langosta, Playa Grande, Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas. There are dozens of surf shops in town and most have a surf specialist or two who can give good advice and information on current surfing conditions.
For new surfers or those who have been away from the sport for a while, there is no shortage of surf schools and surfing instructors in Tamarindo who know where and when to look for smaller waves and easier conditions for beginners. The year-round warm waters on this coast eliminates the need for wet suits, which is one of the reasons why Guanacaste is so popular as a surfing destination and venue of choice for regularly held tournaments.
Tamarindo also serves as an excellent base for other recreational activities like sailing, scuba diving, sports fishing, golf and boating tours. A Costa Rica vacation in Tamarindo typically includes a snorkeling excursion, a sunset cruise on a catamaran and a kayaking trip to the mangrove forest.
Scuba diving is reputedly best around the Catalina Islands which involve a day trip out of Flamingo. Padi certification classes are offered in Tamarindo and in most cases students can complete a course in a week. On a good day it is possible to spot turtles, sharks, manta rays and dolphins all in one dive. For snorkeling, Playa Grande has some protected coves that offer good opportunities to see a variety of reef fish.
The rivers in Guanacaste receive plenty of rainfall and offer some challenging sections for white water rafting and kayaking enthusiasts; first timers will be in good hands under the guidance of an experienced rafting operator when they join a tour.
Kayaking on the river is often combined with wildlife sighting and bird watching around the mangrove estuaries, where the paddling is slow and easy. Alternatively kayakers can enjoy a paddling trip on open waters along the coast.
In Tamarindo all kinds of boats can be chartered. For a relaxing ride, join a sunset cruise which is a daily event and a great way for new friends to gather over a few drinks.
Jet Ski is an easy sport to take up and a guided half day trip includes visits to several beaches. Participants are given a short course in safety related aspects and life vests are provided.
Playa Grande and Playa Langosta are both protected nesting sites for giant leatherback turtles. From around November turtle sighting tours are led by official guides who will share his knowledge about this unique natural habitat and the preservation polices being adopted to ensure the longevity of these breeding grounds for the turtles.
World class golf is played in two high quality golf courses nearby, namely Hacienda Pinilla, a few kilometers south of Tamarindo, and the resort of Reserva Conchal, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, about 20 minutes drive south.
The waters around Tamarindo are famous for sports fishing; there are fishing charters in Tamarindo with very talented and conservation minded crews who specialize in half and full day Pacific Ocean excursions. Generally the crew will travel up and down the coast to find the best fishing depending on the time of year. Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi, Tuna, Rooster Fish and other smaller species are all present but it is the abundance of billfish and sailfish and marlin which makes this area famous. The Papagayo winds start up in December and last through to March and the best fishing at this time of year is for Marlin in larger boats.
