Top Tamarindo Natural Attractions

Just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo, Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway. This tour takes you through the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip. As you float down the river, your guide points out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds that you might not see on your own.

Experience Tamarindo’s perfect breaks with a 2-hour surf lesson at a legendary beachside shop. Get in the water for the first time and practice paddling, popping up and riding in a forgiving beach break. More experienced surfers can hone their skills by surfing alongside an expert instructor, learning to read the breaking surf while improving technique and form. Riders of all skill levels can soak up the sun on the Pacific Coast and enjoy the security of an experienced surf school that places the emphasis on safety and fun. 

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Exchange the sun and surf for for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course featuring a gravity-defying Superman cable and a Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the tree tops along a series of hanging bridges. In between adventures, replenish your energy with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Go underground in Costa Rica on a caving adventure at Barra Honda National Park. Using special spelunking equipment, descend deep into a pair of caves formed 60 million years ago and filled with fascinating rock formations. Back in the light of day, look for wildlife including capuchin monkeys as you hike through the forest, and recharge with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Kayak over to Isla Capitan to reach an excellent snorkeling spot on this half-day tour from Playa Tamarindo. Start with a brief kayak lesson, then set off with your guide for the paddle to Captain Island. There you can go snorkeling where you might spot marine life such as colorful fish, stingrays, and octopus. Choose to ride in a single or double kayak with use of snorkeling gear included.

Explore the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja National Park on an adventurous full-day tour from Tamarindo that combines horseback riding, ziplining and steaming thermal hot springs into the ultimate jungle experience. Ride scenic trails to a series of ten ziplines, strap in and soar above a river and through the forest canopy. Enjoy lunch on site, launch down a 1,706-foot (520-meter) waterslide, then finish your day by rolling in mineral-rich volcanic mud and soaking in a Vandara’s hot springs.

Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary with this private tour. You'll start at Tenorio Volcano, where you'll take a five-mile hike through the rainforest, passing by volcanic vents and the beautiful waters of Rio Celeste along the way. You'll then visit a sloth sanctuary, where you'll see two types of sloth in their natural habitat before wrapping your tour up with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

Experience scuba diving without a certification while in Costa Rica. This excursion includes a theory session, practice time with an instructor, and two dives at the Catalina Islands, known as some of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica. Choose between a 1- or 2-day option where you’ll be able to practice in a pool the day before heading out on the boat.

An eco-friendly way to get around Tamarindo is this electric golf cart with either 4 or 6 seats! The rental office is centrally located, or the operators are happy to come and collect you or deliver the cart to you. The carts have long extension cords so they are easy to charge anywhere, and they are fully equipped with all the gear you need for maintenance.