Do you know there’s a place that makes you feel you’re connected with the ocean? That’s what Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is all about. This little slice of paradise isn’t just another tropical getaway for a winter escape – it’s a place to experience marine adventures and for once in a lifetime events you won’t find anywhere else.
Fun fact: this coastal town is located right next to Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is one of the biggest leatherback turtle hatching grounds in the world. Watching these giant turtles under a sky full of stars slowly come ashore was one of the most humbling moments of my life.
When I visited Tamarindo, I thought it would just be a relaxing coastal escape. I didn’t expect to spend my mornings learning how to catch mahi-mahi using techniques taught by locals over generations or to kayak through the twisting estuaries surrounded by crocodiles and colourful birds.
And did you know Tamarindo’s waters are home to one of the healthiest populations of manta rays in the Pacific? Spotting them while snorkelling off the Las Catalinas islands felt like swimming through a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
Now, this isn’t another generic “top things to do in Tamarindo.” article. It’s about the unique adventures you’ll only be able to experience here. So, if you love sunsets and the ocean like me, keep reading. I’ll be unboxing all the things you can’t miss to make the most of this ocean lover’s paradise.
Table of Contents
Taramindo Costa Rica
1. Surf’s Up: The Best Waves in Tamarindo
Whether you’re a professional or a complete beginner, Tamarindo’s consistent waves and welcoming environment make it the perfect place to surf.
Playa Tamarindo, the main beach here, is ideal for people who want to learn to surf, thanks to its gentle breaks.
When I signed up for a lesson, I didn’t expect much else except to just learn the basics, but lo and behold, I was standing on my board and riding my first wave in no time. The instructors helped me a lot in tailoring the lessons to your skill level.
For more experienced surfers, I suggest you head to Playa Grande, located just across the Tamarindo estuary. This beach is well-known for its bigger and stronger waves, and as it’s a part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Surfing here will also give you a view of the pristine nature.
Another local favourite is Playa Avellanas, also known as “Little Hawaii,” which has many top-notch surf breaks and a laid-back atmosphere
2. Beneath The Ocean: Snorkelling and Diving at Las Catalinas
If you love exploring what’s beneath the ocean as much as I do, you should give the Las Catalinas Islands a go. With just a short boat ride from Tamarindo, this area is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. I went there snorkelling and spotted many unique fishes, manta rays, and even curious white-tip reef sharks I’ve never seen before.
For professional divers, the underwater rock formations and caves are perfect to spot eels, turtles, and various types of corals.
If you’re not into diving, there are many snorkelling spots closer to shore, such as Playa Conchal, where the beach is made entirely of crushed shells, and the water is so clear you can see fish swimming around your ankles.
3. Kayaking Through the Estuaries
One of the unique adventures you have to do in Tamarindo is to go to Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge and explore its mangrove estuaries.
I actually went on an amazing kayaking tour which I still think of till this day. I spent a morning paddling through winding waterways surrounded by towering mangroves. Along the way, we also saw crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks, herons wading in the shallows, and even a group of howler monkeys swinging from the trees above us.
This activity is great for anyone who enjoys nature, especially for the ones who want to take a break from the beach while still exploring Tamarindo. The estuaries act as a fish nursery and protect the coastline from erosion, which are important to preserve the local ecology here.
4. Witness Turtle Nesting at Playa Grande
If you’re visiting between October and March, consider yourself lucky as you’re in for a rare treat.
Playa Grande, which is a part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, is one of the world’s most important leatherback turtles nesting sites.
You should try the guided night tours, which allow you to watch these giant turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. I’ll never forget the moment where I witnessed a 1,000-pound turtle slowly digging a nest in the sand under the moonlight.
5. Day Trips You Can’t Miss: Playa Conchal and Playa Avellanas
While Tamarindo is a great destination for a tropical vacation, trust me when I say just going to nearby beaches like Playa Conchal and Playa Avellanas makes all the difference.
Playa Conchal’s crystal-clear waters and unique shell beach make it the perfect place for snorkelling and chilling by the ocean. I spent a whole lazy afternoon in this place, wading in the calm water and constantly gazing at how surreal the sand looked glistened under the sun.
I discovered Lola’s at Playa Avellanas, which is a beachfront restaurant known for its delicious ceviche and its cute resident pig, who freely roams the sand. It was definitely a unique experience I would add to my list the next time I’m here. The waves here are also perfect for surfers, no matter what level of skill you’re at.
You can easily book a customised tour like I did, and they’ll take you wherever you want to go. As local tour operators, they can probably suggest some off-the-beaten locations too!
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your vacation to Tamarindo now – fair warning, you might just find yourself coming back again and again.
Author: Full-time travel blogger and SEO coach roaming the world at whim, Isabel draws energy from being outdoors. An explorer at heart, the world is her playground. With a focus on outdoor adventures and local flavours, she exposes millennial travellers to experiences beyond their imaginations on Bel Around The World.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.
Pin it for later
