Tamarindo
Costa Rica: A Quick Guide to Surf, Sun & Adventure
Febuary 14, 2025
Why Tamarindo?
Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is a top destination for surfing, nightlife, and outdoor adventure. Just an hour from Liberia International Airport (LIR), it’s easy to access and offers a mix of beaches, estuaries, and vibrant local culture.
Tamarindo Today
Once a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has evolved into a bustling town with hotels, restaurants, surf shops, and eco-tourism. It’s a lively, tourist-friendly hub that retains its natural beauty while offering modern amenities.
Why is Tamarindo So Popular?
✔ World-Class Surfing – Ideal for beginners & pros alike.
✔ Exciting Nightlife – Bars, clubs, and live music nightly.
✔ Diverse Dining Scene – From local sodas to international cuisine.
✔ Adventure & Wildlife – Nearby national parks, estuaries, and turtle nesting sites.
✔ Easy Access & Walkability – A compact town where you can walk or bike anywhere.
Things to Do in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is an adventure lover’s paradise, offering world-class surf, wildlife encounters, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or cultural experiences, this lively beach town has something for everyone.
🌊 Surfing – Ride the Waves in a Top Surf Destination
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s best surfing spots, with consistent waves year-round, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
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Playa Tamarindo: A long sandy beach with gentle, rolling waves—perfect for first-timers.
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Playa Grande: A short boat ride across the estuary, known for more challenging waves and fewer crowds.
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Playa Avellanas & Playa Langosta: Just outside Tamarindo, these beaches offer bigger, faster waves for intermediate to advanced surfers.
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Surf Schools: Dozens of surf shops and instructors are available to teach lessons and rent boards. Popular options include Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Kelly’s Surf Shop, and Iguana Surf.
🌿 Mangrove & Estuary Tours – Explore Costa Rica’s Hidden Waterways
Tamarindo borders the Tamarindo Estuary, part of the Las Baulas National Park, where you can experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife up close.
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Boat or Kayak Tours: Glide through mangrove tunnels and observe crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.
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Eco-Friendly Experience: The estuary provides a vital habitat for marine life and is a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
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Best Time to Go: Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best chance to spot wildlife and avoid the midday heat.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Tours – Witness a Once-in-a-Lifetime Natural Event
From September to March, you can experience one of nature’s most magical moments—sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
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Las Baulas National Park: One of the most important nesting sites for the endangered leatherback sea turtles.
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Nighttime Tours: Guided tours take you to the beaches under strict conservation regulations to minimize human impact.
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Hatchling Release: If you visit between December and March, you might witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean!
⛵ Catamaran & Snorkeling Trips – Sail the Pacific & Enjoy Sunset Views
A catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to experience Tamarindo’s stunning coastline.
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Half-Day & Sunset Tours: Many boats offer morning snorkeling trips or afternoon sails that end with a breathtaking sunset.
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Snorkeling & Marine Life: Spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins while exploring underwater reefs.
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Best Tour Operators: Popular options include Manta Ray Sailing, Marlin del Rey, Blue Dolphin Sailing, and Lazy Lizard Catamaran.
🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking – A Relaxing Way to Explore the Coast
For a low-key but scenic adventure, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking.
Best Spots for SUP:
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Tamarindo Bay – Calm waters in the morning make it ideal for beginners.
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Playa Langosta & Playa Avellanas – More challenging waves for experienced paddlers.
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Kayaking in the Estuary: Paddle through the mangroves for a chance to see wildlife up close.
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Sunset & Nighttime Tours: Some companies offer bioluminescence kayaking tours where you can see the water glow at night.
🎢 Ziplining & Adventure Parks – Soar Through the Jungle
If you’re craving adrenaline, Tamarindo has several ziplining courses that offer breathtaking views of the jungle and coastline.
Best Zipline Tours:
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The Congo Trail – A family-friendly canopy tour just 30 minutes from Tamarindo.
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Pura Aventura – A thrilling course with long ziplines, Tarzan swings, and mountain views.
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Hacienda Guachipelin – Combines ziplining, canyoning, and tubing near Rincón de la Vieja.
🐠 Fishing & Diving – Explore Costa Rica’s Rich Marine Life
Tamarindo is a top fishing and diving destination with some of the best spots in the Pacific.
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Sportfishing: Catch marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and roosterfish with an expert local guide.
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Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Head to the Catalina Islands, just offshore, to see rays, sharks, turtles, and tropical fish.
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Best Dive Shops: TamaDive Tamarindo and Scuba Dive Costa Rica, Agua Rica Diving Center offer excursions for all experience levels.
🏇 Horseback Riding on the Beach – A Sunset Ride Like No Other
Experience Tamarindo’s coastline from the saddle with a guided horseback ride along the beach.
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Best Time to Go: Sunset rides offer unforgettable ocean views with golden-hour lighting.
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Where to Ride: Explore the scenic beaches of Langosta, Conchal, and Avellanas.
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Combine with Other Activities: Some tours include waterfall visits or wildlife spotting along the way.
Why choose Costa Rica for your vacation?
is that even a question?
Beach Days
Relax and Unwind on Costa Rica’s Stunning Beaches
Spend quality family time on Costa Rica’s pristine beaches, where soft sands and crystal-clear waters await. Whether you're building sandcastles with the kids, taking a dip in the ocean, or enjoying a peaceful sunset, our beach days offer the perfect blend of relaxation and fun for everyone.
Adventure
Thrilling Family Adventures in Costa Rica’s Great Outdoors
Get ready for excitement with Costa Rica’s endless outdoor adventures! From ziplining through lush rainforests to riding ATVs along rugged trails, our family-friendly adventures are designed to thrill and delight all ages. With safety as a top priority, everyone in your family can enjoy a day full of adrenaline and unforgettable memories.
Wildlife
Discover Costa Rica’s Rich Wildlife on Guided Tours
Explore Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity on guided wildlife tours tailored for families. Watch your kids’ faces light up as they encounter exotic animals, from colorful birds to playful monkeys. Our expert guides ensure an educational and immersive experience, providing your family with a deep connection to nature.
Discover Unmatched Luxury, Adventure, and Stress-Free Planning with Moscoa VIP Tours
At Moscoa VIP Tours, we combine the best of luxury, adventure, and effortless planning to create the ultimate experience in Costa Rica. Whether you’re here to celebrate, explore, or relax, we make sure that every detail is handled with precision, allowing you to focus entirely on having a great time without any worries. From thrilling excursions to luxurious private events, our stress-free approach ensures that your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
What’s Included in Our Family Vacation Packages
Adventure for All Ages:
Costa Rica offers endless activities for families, from ATV rides and ziplining to guided nature walks and wildlife tours. We ensure each adventure is safe, fun, and suitable for children and adults alike.
Beach Days & Water Activities:
Spend relaxing days on Jaco’s beautiful beaches or dive into exciting water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or boat tours along the stunning Pacific coastline.
Wildlife & Nature Tours:
Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica with family-friendly excursions. Visit national parks, see exotic wildlife up close, and explore lush rainforests, all guided by local experts.
Custom Itineraries:
Every family is unique, so we customize each vacation to match your family’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for adventure-filled days or more laid-back activities, we’ll design the perfect itinerary for your family.
Comfortable Family Accommodations:
Stay in top-rated, family-friendly hotels, beachfront villas, or resorts that offer all the amenities you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
What to expect from your Moscoa VIP experience
At Moscoa VIP Tours, we specialize in creating stress-free family vacations that cater to your unique needs and preferences. Our expert planning and local insight ensure that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones, worry-free.
Effortless Planning:
Every aspect of your family vacation is handled by us. From seamless transportation to tailored activities, we ensure a stress-free experience where both kids and parents can fully enjoy the trip.
Local Knowledge:
With our deep understanding of Jaco and the surrounding areas, we’ll introduce you to the best family-friendly activities and hidden treasures, making your vacation both exciting and hassle-free.
Safety and Peace of Mind:
Your family’s safety is our top priority. All our tours, accommodations, and services meet the highest standards, ensuring a smooth, safe, and worry-free adventure for everyone.
