Tamarindo, a vibrant coastal town in the heart of Costa Rica, is a must-visit for everyone, but especially for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its clear waters, lush green landscapes, and diverse wildlife, it offers visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re a couple wanting a romantic retreat in Costa Rica or a family looking forward to an adventurous trip, Tamarindo caters to everyone alike!
5 Must-Do Activities In Tamarindo
Here are 5 must-do activities to help you make the most of your campervan trip!
Surf the waves
While Tamarindo has many visiting destinations, it’s particularly renowned for its surfing spots, making it a must-visit destination for surfing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the cool, pristine waters of Tamarindo welcome you with arms wide open so you may have an unforgettable surfing experience.
Beginner-Friendly Surfing Spots
For beginners, Playa Tamarindo offers a perfect surfing spot. Its water is cool, calm, and consistent, making it perfect for newbies. The cherry on top is the availability of surf schools along the beach, which offer surfing lessons and assistance to make your surfing experience super smooth. These schools also rent out surfing essentials like boards and gear, so that’s also a plus!
Surfing Spots For Experts
For experienced surfers, nearby beaches like Playa Grande and Playa Langosta are perfect spots since they have more challenging waves that really bring out the surfing pro in you!
Tip: If you’re going with your family, opt for the family packages offered by surf schools. Riding the waves together will be an experience you’ll cherish for life!
Discover Diverse Wildlife
If you visit Tamarindo and don’t go to Marino Las Baulas National Park, you’ll miss out big time! This park is a little distance from Tamarindo and is home to diverse wildlife. You must do the following if you visit this park:
Turtle Watching
The park is pretty famous for its cute, homely leatherback turtles. These turtles nest from October to March (their nesting period), so it’d be great if you visit during these months. Watching these magnificent creatures lay eggs will be an amazing experience. You can also opt for guided night tours to see the turtles up close while learning about their conservation.
Bird Watching
The Marino Las Baulas National Park is also a paradise for bird lovers, as it has a variety of bird species along with other wildlife. The park has trails that visitors particularly enjoy exploring, giving them a chance to spot beautiful birds and enjoy hiking at the same time.
Tip: If you go on a night tour, we provide a free portable torch in our campervan (as part of our vanlife essentials) which you can take along to observe the turtles from up close. You can also buy a headlamp for only $1 to have a clearer view of the turtles.
Exploring The Coastline
Tamarindo’s coastline has an unmatched beauty due to its presence on the magnificent Pacific Ocean. This provides a perfect opportunity to visitors for the following activities:
Sailing Tours
Sailing is an excellent activity for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as for families looking to enjoy the scenic waterview together. Going on a sailing tour offers a great way to relax and appreciate the beautiful Pacific coastline. Many tours include snorkeling, offering you a chance to explore the vibrant marine life and magnificent coral reefs. Some tours also offer dinner and entertainment, ensuring you have a memorable evening on the water.
Sunset Cruises
If possible, get on a sunset cruise to catch the breathtaking view of Tamarindo sunset. Imagine gazing at the exquisite sunset in the middle of the pristine waters while you sip on a tropical drink. Sounds like a deal, no?
Tip: For snorkeling, you can make use of the diving pack that we provide for 2$ only.
Explore Tamarindo Estuary
Tamarindo Estuary is a part of the Marino Las Baulas National Park and is another great place to explore Tamarindo. While the entire place is worth visiting, here are two fun activities that you must do there:
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The estuary is basically a waterway situated in the middle of the dense mangroves of the National Park, so you can’t enjoy the place on foot. Therefore, you’ll have to rent kayaks and paddleboards to navigate and enjoy the waterway to the fullest. This won’t only allow you to experience the joy of kayaking and paddleboarding but also doubles up your joy by complementing the experience with views of wildlife (such as crocodiles, monkeys, and birds). It’s a simple, eco-friendly adventure perfect for nature lovers, especially those who wish to immerse in the tranquil surroundings of the national park, away from the hustle and bustle of towns.
Adventure Tours
Tamarindo is not only about serene beaches and parks – it’s also a haven for adventure freaks seeking an adrenaline rush. It offers several adventure tours, including:
Zip-lining & Canopy Tours
Tamarindo is a great place for zip-lining and canopy tours, and there are many operators that provide these adventure services there, with full safety and reliability. What could be better than flying through the lush treetops of Tamarindo, giving you an opportunity to capture aesthetic shots of scenic landscapes and oceans? You don’t want to miss out on this one!
ATV Tours
Off-road ATV tours are another fun way of exploring the hidden treasures of Tamarindo, including dry forests, river crossings and secluded beaches. The unmatched thrill you get by an off-road ATV ride as you learn to manoeuvre the vehicle and appreciate the tropical surroundings simultaneously, is worth experiencing!
Tip: For a safe and smooth experience, always read customer reviews of tour providers before booking them
Conclusion
Tamarindo offers a variety of activities for visitors, promising a balance of relaxation and adventure. Traveling to Tamarindo in a campervan would add to the quality of your experience by giving you the flexibility to explore the town at your own pace, letting you discover its beautiful hidden gems. Pack your bags, hit the road, and be ready for an unforgettable van life and Costa Rica adventure with our 4×4 campervan service!