Activities

There are truly a plethora of world-class activities to experience in the Tamarindo area. These include surfing, deep-sea fishing, golfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, swimming, horseback riding, canopy tours, turtle watching, whale-watching, kayaking, white-water rafting, mountain biking, and day trips to countless locations, including Costa Rica's famous national parks and preserves. There is also a great beach for some 'R & R', and a happening nightlife after the sun goes down, including live music, dancing and a couple of casinos. There is a large choice of great restaurants (over 40), all in close proximity, as well as great shopping.

Surfing

Tamarindo has long been known as a surfing destination, with countless breaks (both left and right), all close by. Right on Tamarindo's main beach, there is a year-long beach break (over shallow, soft sand), suitable for any level. There is also a famous rivermouth break at the north end of the beach. Across this small river (walkable at low tide) is Playa Grande, another world famous beach break, said to be the most consistent in Costa Rica. At the south end of Playa Tamarindo is Playa Langosta, with its more-challenging point and rivermouth breaks. Nearby are Playa Avellano and Playa Negra (amongst others), also very well known. There are also a number of boat access offshore reef breaks, accessible from Tamarindo. Regular trips also leave from Tamarindo to Witches Rock, yet another world famous surf spot. Inexpensive gear rental is available, just steps from the condo, as well as several surf camps and schools, ideal for families and individuals. There is no better a place than Tamarindo to learn this fun and exciting sport.

Deep-Sea Fishing

There may be no better spot on earth, that gives the angler such a great chance of catching big-game such as sailfish, marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi. Just 5 miles off the Tamarindo coast, these species are all startling prolific, year-round. While there are no guarantees, this is about as close as it gets, as far as landing a sailfish or marlin. Boats almost never return without having landed 1 or more. Typically, on a full-day trip, you will see numerous sailfish (with several strikes), as well as other fish, and plentiful dolphin and sea turtles. For a nominal fee, a local restaurant will prepare and serve your fresh catch, for the meal of your life! Trips can be booked through the internet, or easily on the spot once you've arrived.

National Parks and Preserves

Eco-tourism has long been the mainstay of the Costa Rica tourist trade, with its world famous array of national parks and preserves (see the map on the MAPS page). Many of them are in close proximity to Tamarindo, including Santa Rosa N.P., Palo Verde N.P., Las Baulas (and Playa Grande) N.P., Rincon de la Vieja N.P., Cabo Blanco Preserve and others. Most of the others, including Monteverde Preserve, Manuel Antonio N.P. and Arenal Volcano N.P. can be reached easily by bus, rental car, or by organized day-trips.

Turtle-Watching

The Tamarindo area has long been THE premier destination, for observing sea turtle nesting. Playa Grande is the prime nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles (1000 pounds and more!). Night tours to watch this amazing spectacle are easily arranged, during the months of October through February, when several of these giants come ashore per night, especially around the new moon. During the months of July through November, tours can be arranged to Playa Ostional, where olive ridley sea turtles nest in huge numbers (sometimes up to 6000 nesting females on one night!).

Golfing

The area is quickly becoming a golf destination. There are 2 championship golf courses within 20 minutes of Tamarindo, and a third under renovation. There is an immaculate Robert Trent Jones designed course in Playa Conchal, as well as the more modestly priced Hacienda Pinilla. Both offer full service, including carts and club rentals. And, with iguanas on the fairways, and monkeys in the trees, it can be a golf 'experience', as much as a golf round.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

This area of Costa Rica is its prime diving location. Snorkeling and diving trips are easily arranged to the Catalina and Bat Islands, as well as many other sites. Many types of rays, including mantas, as well as prolific fish and moray eels are seen. For the more serious diver, there is opportunity to see several types of sharks, including white-tips, bulls, and the largest fish in the world - the 40 foot whale shark.

Beach-Combing and Swimming

Playa Tamarindo is considered one of Costa Rica's best - a huge expanse of soft white sand. It slopes gently into the sea, and it's possible to wade out a long way on a smooth, soft bottom. The water is a warm 26-28 degrees Celcius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), all year. This makes it perfect for swimming, body-surfing, boogie-boarding, and more. Or, you can just lay on the beach and work on your tan. People-watching is great fun, as you can observe the tanned bodies of surfer girls and boys from all over the world stroll by.

Sunset Watching

While this may not sound like much of an 'activity', it is pretty much a ritual in Tamarindo, where people congregate on the beach to watch, and photograph, this daily spectacle. Tamarindo is famous for its beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and chances are, day after day, you won't be disappointed.

Canopy Tours

Costa Rica is the place where this activity began, and numerous options for canopy tours are available in the area. The thrill of launching oneself off a platform in a majestic guanacaste tree, into the wild green yonder, can't be beat.

Horseback Riding

This is a very popular activity in the area, and tours can be arranged, whether it be riding in the forest, through farmlands or on the beach.

Estuary Tours

Boat or raft tours are an inexpensive and popular way to view some of the local flora and fauna, including crocodiles, caimans, iguanas and monkeys. These tours begin at the 'river' mouth, just a few minutes walk from the condo. The estuary itself is protected as a national park.

Cycling

Mountain biking is a popular way to see Tamarindo and the surrounding areas. Hourly, weekly and daily rentals are available. Scooters are also available.

Casinos

There is a casino located just a couple of minutes walk from the condo, and another in nearby Playa Langosta.

Other Activities

Sunset sailing tours, a tennis club, ATV-Quad tours, whale-watching, kayaking, a day spa, yoga, pottery tours, an art gallery and arts and crafts stores are just some of the other options available in the area.