How many days in Tamarindo?

The headline things to do in Tamarindo

From the Tamarindo guide — these are the items that anchor a 2-day visit. For the full breakdown, read the Tamarindo travel guide.

1. Playa Tamarindo (the main beach) — Central Tamarindo

   A long crescent of light-blonde sand running roughly 1.5 km from the Tamarindo estuary at the north end to a rocky point at the south. The reliable beach break is the country's best learn-to-surf wave — gentle peaks rolling in from January through October, surf schools every 50m offering $50 group lessons. Sunset draws everyone to the sand for cocktails from beachfront bars (Sharky's, Pangas, El Vaquero); the long flat beach is also ideal for sunset walks and SUP at low tide.

2. Playa Grande & Las Baulas National Marine Park — Across the estuary (north)

   4 km of wild, undeveloped beach across the estuary north of Tamarindo — the protected nesting site of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea, the world's largest sea turtle, females up to 700 kg). Nesting tours run nightly October through February with rangers leading small groups silently to active nests; daytime the beach is empty, the surf is powerful, and the water is dramatically cleaner than central Tamarindo. Park entry $12 plus mandatory guide for night tours $35–$50.

3. Surf Lessons at Iguana Surf or Witch's Rock Surf Camp — Central Tamarindo

   Tamarindo invented the modern Costa Rica surf-school industry. Iguana Surf (since 1994) and Witch's Rock (since 2001) are the two long-running operators — 2-hour group lessons $50–$60 including board and rashguard, private lessons $80–$100, week-long surf camps with accommodation $600–$1,400. Beginners stand up on day one in the gentle Tamarindo break; both schools also run advanced trips to Playa Grande and the famous Witch's Rock break inside Santa Rosa National Park.

4. Tamarindo Estuary Mangrove Boat Tour — Tamarindo Estuary

   A 2-hour boat or kayak tour through the Las Baulas mangroves separating Tamarindo from Playa Grande — howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, river crocodiles (5+ metre adults), boa constrictors in the trees, and 80+ bird species. Best at high tide and at sunrise/sunset. Tour Op operators include Iguana Surf and KaYakeo; $35–$50 per person for the boat tour, $25 for guided kayak.

5. Playa Avellanas (Lola's) — Avellanas (18 km south)

   A mostly-empty surf beach 18 km south of Tamarindo, famous in Costa Rica for two reasons: (1) the beach break "Little Hawaii" is a fast hollow wave loved by intermediate surfers; (2) the beach restaurant Lola's — named after the owner's pet pig Lola who used to wander the sand — serves the best beachfront lunches in the region. Drive over rough dirt roads in dry season; impassable some weeks in heavy rain.

6. Playa Conchal — Brasilito (25 km northwest)

   A famous beach 25 km northwest of Tamarindo where the "sand" is actually crushed white seashells — the result of an offshore reef and centuries of wave action. Brilliant turquoise water, calm protected swimming, and excellent snorkelling around the headland. Reach via Playa Brasilito (free public access from there, walk 15 minutes south along the shore).

7. Diamante Eco Adventure Park — Matapalo (30 km north)

   A combined wildlife sanctuary, ziplines, and beach access about 30 km north of Tamarindo — sloths, monkeys, jaguars (rescued, not wild), crocodiles, and the country's longest dual zipline at 1 km. Half-day or full-day combo tours $90–$160; includes lunch and round-trip transport. Family-friendly alternative to harder ziplines further inland.

8. Sailing Catamaran Sunset Cruise — Tamarindo Estuary departure

   Half-day catamaran cruises depart Tamarindo around 13:00 — sailing north along the coast, anchoring at Playa Conchal or the offshore reef for snorkelling, then returning at sunset with open bar and dinner. Marlin del Rey, Blue Dolphin, and Antares are the main operators; $80–$110 per person. Dolphin sightings frequent; humpback whales occasional July–November.

Frequently asked